Thursday, April 31 New Ulm, Just for Kix senior hip-hop competed at nationals in Rochester, Minnesota.

This event is a five-day competition featuring teams from across the nation coming to Rochester, Minnesota, in a final show of the routines they have worked on all year.

New Ulm’s senior hip-hop team came in second in their division, earning a point ranking of double platinum. Double platinum is a point range of 250-300, the highest ranking you can receive.

“Nationals feels different because it’s way bigger and seems like more people are watching you,” said New Ulm junior Keria Kral. Nationals is the biggest Just for Kix event of the year, with around 10 teams in each division, whereas regular competitions have about 5.

The energy in the air is like nothing you’ve ever felt before. “One of my favorite moments is definitely when we would get first place, and everyone is jumping and excited!” Keria said.

Excitement isn’t the only thing in the air. There is also a lot of stress. Nationals is the biggest and most important point of the year for all the dancers. For the seniors, it means one final chance to dance with their team before they graduate. Everyone wants to do their best.

“Something that goes through my mind before the music starts is definitely don’t forget what you are doing, and to tell myself to calm down,” said Keria Kral.

Once the dance is done, it is like a wave of relief washes over you. Then you have to wait impatiently for the results.

Overall, New Ulm performed their best, and it showed. They are fun to watch and are always full of energy.