As the competition season approaches, excitement is building as both the Lady Bellas drill team and the Brentwood Christian School cheer team work hard in preparation. Months of dedication have brought them to this point, and both teams say they are eager to take the floor with confidence and school spirit.

The Lady Bellas began preparing for competition season as early as June, setting the tone with technique camps, conditioning, and choreography workshops. Team members spent much time improving their technique, strength, and stamina while building the unity necessary for sharp, synchronized performances.

According to director Lisa Warner, the best is yet to come.

”I have such a great group of girls that want it, that want to win,” Lisa Warner said. “Between Miss Taylor (Warner) and I, we expect a lot, and if we set the bar high, the girls will step up and achieve that goal.”

One major focus for the Bellas has been consistently improving their technical skills. The coaching staff and mother-daughter duo of Lisa and Taylor Warner have added ballet-inspired classes, strength warmups, and flexibility sessions into every practice.

They also brought in guest choreographers to introduce new styles and push the dancers outside their comfort zones.

The result is a heavily prepared team ready for anything judges might throw at them.
Meanwhile, the BCS cheer team has been equally hard at work. Their preparation included mastering new stunts, improving tumbling passes, and ensuring that every cheer is delivered with power and precision.

Early in the year, the cheerleaders attended a specialized stunt camp, where they learned new builds and worked on timing, safety, and confidence. They have also been performing at football and basketball games, using those events as opportunities to sharpen their routines in front of a crowd.

This year, the cheer team planned to compete at the TAPPS state competition with a routine that featured more advanced pyramids, synchronized tumbling, and crowd-engaging chants designed to showcase both skill and school spirit.

For many cheerleaders, competition season is the highlight of the year. It’s a chance to show the results of countless hours of practice and bonding as a team under pressure.

State took place on Monday, Dec. 8, and the results were positive for cheer, with BCS being one of only two programs with no deductions from the judges. They received an excellent rating, and junior Liora Naidu and Margaret Banks were named to the all-state team.

“It was really fun,” Banks said. “?I feel like it definitely brought us closer as a team, because we really had to rely on and encourage each other.”

Both cheer and the Bellas say their goal is not just to win, but to represent BCS with school spirit, athleticism, and most importantly, with Christ-like hearts. Whether it’s the sharp routines by the Lady Bellas or the high-flying stunts of the cheer team, the community can expect amazing performances all season long.

The Bellas are gearing up for their TAPPS state event, Jan. 17 in Waco, followed by an Ascension dance competition in February.

With competition season fast approaching, the message from both teams is clear: they’re ready.