Two GCPS Dance Teams win big at the 2026 GHSA Dance State Championships

     Dance teams at North Gwinnett and Mill Creek high schools have been named 2026 Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Dance State Champions. The GHSA crowns champions by dance style and classification in jazz, high kick, hip hop, and pom.  

     The North Gwinnett High School Dance Team earned the 2026 GHSA 6A Pom Division State Championship. It is the team’s first state championship since the program was founded in 2020. Coach Reyna O'Leary is proud of the student-athletes.

     “Our team this year is one of the hardest-working groups of girls I’ve had the honor to coach. They showed up every day, no matter what, with the work ethic, determination, and motivation to succeed,” O'Leary says. “Whether it was at practice or a performance, they gave their best effort and represented what true teamwork looks like.”

     When O’Leary started the dance team at North Gwinnett High five years ago, she says her combined role as director, teacher, and choreographer required a complete shift in focus, drive, and execution. O’Leary adds that the team supported one another, offered encouragement during difficult moments, and celebrated each other’s successes. She credits their positive attitudes and willingness to push through challenges, noting these qualities made them stronger both individually and as a team.

     This season, the team entered with the motto “One Team, One Dream.” O’Leary says that even though they never said that dream out loud, they all felt it. The team maintained a modest, humble attitude toward winning but worked incredibly hard every day to make that dream a reality. O’Leary shares that “One Team, One Dream” was never just a motto; it was a promise to each other to trust fully, work relentlessly, and be there for one another.

     “Being named the best of the best validates everything we’ve worked for and proves that dance team is a sport that can no longer be overlooked,” says 11th-grader Madison Robinson.

      “It shows that the countless hours of hard work we’ve put in have truly paid off. That recognition makes every bit of the effort worthwhile,” adds 11th-grader Corinne Kennedy.

     The Mill Creek High School Dance Team earned the 2026 GHSA 6A Jazz Division State Championship. This is the team’s third state championship in the last five years.

     Head coach Suzanne Muck says the team is proud to hold dance state titles in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2026, as well as “Game Day” titles in 2022 and 2023. She attributes the team’s consistent success to what happens every day in practice.

“Mill Creek Dance has consistently performed at a high level because we focus on the process and on what it means to truly be a team. We emphasize growth by focusing on the day-to-day work, ensuring we leave every practice better than when we walk in,” Muck adds. “Hard work, passion, and determination are at the core of everything we do. Our journey is about trusting the process, staying positive through challenges, and honoring the sport with integrity and heart.”

Muck also credits Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) with producing talented dance teams because of its strong coaching, high standards, and supportive culture. GCPS programs emphasize discipline, teamwork, and fundamentals, while also pushing students to excel through healthy competition. With resources and a community that values the arts, dancers can grow both technically and as leaders. Muck says her team takes pride in demonstrating strong sportsmanship, leading with kindness, and lifting those around them while representing the school and community with grace.

“Something that fuels the entire team the most is knowing that we have the same goal. We all share the goal of trying to leave better than we came in. Everyone is constantly pushing themselves, and we are all trying to improve together,” says Mill Creek High 12th-grader Madi Redmon. “What really fueled us this season wasn't focusing on getting the trophy but doing it for each other. Our bond as a team this year was so strong, and we were just constantly reminding ourselves to enjoy the process with one another!”