National Champions: Zachary Belles dance team win large varsity hip-hop category

The Zachary High School dance team, The Belles, was named the winners of the large varsity hip-hop category at the Universal Dance Association National Competition in Orlando, Florida, the first weekend of February. This is the team’s first win in the hip-hop classification. The team was named UDA’s national Champions in the high kick category in 2023. The group is led by ZHS’s Melanie Anderson as well as assistants Jade Leblanc and Nicole Redmond. Denise Marie Dicharry is choreographer. The team includes: Seniors: Chloe Broussard, Leanna Broussard, Ella Brown, Mya Pabon, Julia Rettig and Emma Todd Juniors: Leila Alexander, Nyllah Allen, Armiyah Day, Lillie Derouen, Ja’Myrea Foreman and Abigail Thompson Sophomores: Nylah Craig, Jaila Matthews, Kaitlyn Peterson, Kiersten Popillion, Nevaeh Robertson and Aubri Scott Freshmen: Taylor Haynes, Maliah Wells and Emerson Stein Eighth graders: Annalise Anderson and Mary Clare Gautreaux