The Black Diamond All Star Cheer and Hip Hop teams made a triumphant return to the JAMZ 2010 National Championships in Las Vegas in February. The young ladies hit the jackpot, earning two second-place trophies and impressive performances by all. The Tiny and Youth Cheer teams both placed second – the youth squad edging out its arch-nemesis by a nose in a real horse race. The Mini cheer team finished in the middle of the pack in a crowded field of 15 thoroughbreds. The crowd’s reaction to the Hip Hop teams’ performances echoed the din emanating from the nearby craps tables.

The national competition spotlighted more than 600 teams who came from far and wide to claim their share of the winnings. Rumor has it that some of the girls’ parents joined in the winning ways while in Las Vegas. Despite the spirited competition, the camaraderie exhibited by all permeated the event. The Diamonds relished the opportunity to meet and compete with other girls from throughout the region who share a common love of cheer and dance.

All are excited about the upcoming season’s placement clinics, which run during the month of April. Placement tryouts are held the week of April 19. The teams forming are for Cheer and Hip Hop boys and girls ages 3½ and older. To sign up for clinics and register for the 2010-11 season, call the gym at 925-516-6619, Nicole Younger at 925-550-6647 or e-mail nicole@bdgym.com.