The dance dynasty of the Starr’s Mill Pantherettes continues. On February 22, the Pantherettes bested the competition in the Class 4A/5A division to win their 8th consecutive state title and 6th-straight official GHSA championship.
The Pantherettes won with their Jazz performance, a coronation for their routine that went undefeated all season long. They finished 1st consistently at the dance invitationals held throughout the season in both the Jazz and Pom categories.
The champion Pantherettes are Wells Almand, Vivian Anderson, Naza Beuno-Perez, Leyla Bilgen, Tessa Brown, Zariyah Dogan, Molly Fish, Kayla Foppe, Ashley Kate Gagliano, Emilee Grodi, Madison Hand, Madeline Heick, Carina Jimenez, Ella Long, Emma Newell, Emily Purcer, Laney Purcer, Addison Ransom, and Lily Ridgeway.
They are led by head coach Mandy Ridgeway and Todd Saye, with choreographer Nichole Martin.
Captains Ella Long and Emily Purcer set the tone. The duo have led the team for the past 3 years, and they were competing for their 4th-straight state title.
“There was something so extra special about this team,” said Ridgeway. “The whole team wanted this for them. During and immediately after their performance, the entire team felt as though nothing else mattered. Being able to execute flawlessly and portray the amazing choreography was their reward; an exclamation point for the season and for our seniors. Another state title was the cherry on top!
At the state competition, McIntosh finished 2nd place to Starr’s Mill in the Class 4A/5A division, and Whitewater and Fayette County finished 10th and 16th respectively in Class 2A/3A.
“Fayette County was well represented, and I am so proud to be a part of this community,” said Ridgeway. “I am most proud of the way our Fayette County schools supported each other at state and throughout the season. These girls train and compete together at The Peachtree City School of Dance and have been friends for years. They push and support each other to be their very best every single day.”
Posted 2/28/2025
