For the first time in Grace Christian Academy’s history, the GCA Dance Team stepped onto the national stage. What began as a season of transition quickly became a journey marked by discipline, unity, and spiritual growth.

When Coach Addison Peterson took over the program in May 2025, she was stepping into the unknown. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she shared. What she quickly discovered over the summer was a team full of passion, drive, and a genuine desire to grow. By September, Nationals was no longer a distant dream. The team was performing at a high level at football games, training intensely, and preparing for state competition with a focus that felt different.

The team introduced new uniforms, learned new routines and sidelines, and embraced a new name: the GCA Dance Team. “The mindset of this team was the biggest difference,” Peterson said. “When practice got tough, they encouraged one another and came back hungry for more.”

What many don’t realize is that dance is a year-round commitment. From summer conditioning and choreography to football season performances, state and regional competitions, basketball season, and nationals’ preparation, these athletes invest countless hours into refining every detail. Junior Allyson Miracle explained, “Our job is to make it look easy, but it’s not. We spend hours cleaning just seconds of choreography.” The sacrifices were real, long practices, missed activities, and personal time given up, but so was the reward.

About a week before nationals, pressure began to build. Practices were long, and doubt crept in. Then came a turning point. During one Wednesday night rehearsal, everything clicked. What had once felt like individuals performing side by side became a unified, powerful routine. Their motto for nationals was “As One, For One,” inspired by Colossians 3:23. Sophomore Zoe Helton shared, “Our ultimate goal is dancing for One, one audience, one judge, one Father.” That shift in focus changed everything. They were no longer dancing for applause, but as an act of worship.

For the seniors, the moment carried special meaning. Lily Walsh reflected, “Being part of this team for four years has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. It’s family.” Senior Anna Morrison described standing together before walking on stage at nationals: “We were all crying, locking in on how much we love each other and what we do.” The senior leaders poured into the team all season, calling routines, mentoring younger dancers, and even writing personal letters to each teammate and coach on the morning of nationals.

Beyond skill and performance, the greatest growth was spiritual. “These girls have grown in boldness in their faith,” Peterson shared. “They see dance as an act of worship, not just performance. That means more than any trophy.” Throughout this journey, the team didn’t just elevate their performance; they deepened friendships, strengthened leadership, and matured in their walk with the Lord.

Now, this milestone becomes a foundation. “This gives us something to aim for,” Peterson said. “We want to keep building, keep pushing, and praise God through it all.” With momentum on their side, the future of GCA Dance is just getting started.

Grace Christian Academy offers an academically challenging and distinctly Christian education for students in PreK-12th grade, featuring a diverse range of arts and athletics programs for each season.

Haylee Jordan is the Executive Director of Development at Grace Christian Academy. She can be reached at haylee.jordan@gcarams.org.

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