Flashettes are ready to compete at Nationals next week

VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) — In just over a week, the St. Aloysius Flashette Dance Team will take the national stage once again as it travels to Orlando, Florida, to compete at Nationals. The team is scheduled to fly out Jan. 28, with competition running from Jan. 30 through Feb. 1.

The 2026 season marks the third consecutive year the Flashettes have qualified for the national competition, continuing a run of sustained success for the program.

“I’m very excited and hopeful for this year because we reinvented the wheel on this and everything that we do to come out on top this year,” captain Olivia Larsen said.

The Flashettes enter Nationals with confidence after finishing fourth in the nation last year. The team is led by head coach Chesley Lambiotte, who has guided the program to 11 straight state championships.

Leadership for this season comes from four senior captains: Larsen, Hayden Bell, Farrell Roberson and Elizabeth Bednar. All four captains have experienced Nationals at Disney three times during their high school careers.

“This is my third time going so it’s an exciting time and we’re ready to go,” Bell said.

Preparation for Nationals began in November, with the team committing to long practices and bringing in national kick choreographer Nick Clement for additional instruction.

“I can’t wait to show all the hard work we put in because we’ve had some long practices and our hearts are in it,” Roberson said.

As the trip approaches, the team’s chemistry continues to strengthen.

“We’ve been working so hard for so long so I’m ready to see how this hard work has paid off,” Bednar said. “I’m also ready to ride the rides at Disney.”

The Flashettes have earned much recognition in the recent year. In June, eight team members were named All-Americans: Raigen Smith, Farrell Roberson, Elizabeth Bednar, Olivia Larsen, Hayden Bell, Marley Gibellino, Megan Theriot and Caroline Ponder.

Flashette Dancers:

Elizabeth Bednar

Hayden Bell

Marley Gibellino

Luella Lambiotte

Olivia Larsen

Caroline Ponder

Farrell Roberson

Raigen Smith

Megan Theriot

Morgan Tzotzolas

Elaina Wilbanks