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HAMMOND — The American All-Star camp hosted at Southeastern Louisiana University earlier this month set the tone for the St. Charles Catholic Starsteppers dance team as preparations get underway for the 2023-24 school year.

The Starsteppers ended the three-day camp with a superior plus rating and first place overall. Coaches Lindsey Chauvin and Sarah Faucheux said the team received high marks for a home routine they practiced at school and brought to the camp, as well as an advanced pom routine that was choreographed in three days.

Several members of the team also received American All-Star designations during individual evaluations, where they were able to showcase the skills they learned at camp.

Led by Captain Dominique Johnson and Co-Captains Kate Brady and Madison Ford, this year’s squad is comprised of 37 girls in eighth through 12^th grade, representing St. John the Baptist, St. Charles and St. James parishes.  Team members are as follows, with asterisks representing American All-Star awards: Shelby Labat, Kate Brady *, Aubrey Matherne, Mikayla Charles, Hartley Faucheux*, Cora Caldwell*, Madison Ford*, Allison Duhe, Olivia Volion, Aliyah Manson*, Madelyn Hoffman, Avah Zelaya*, Caylee Drexel*, Karli Fisher, Bella Nuccio, Alayah Hymel, Maria Fernandez*, Emma Guzman*, Ryleigh Calongne, Lillian Drouin, Ali Luminais, Kylie Joseph*, Ava Vicknair*, Kenley Simon, Kate Leblanc*, Bryleigh Sutherland*, Braelyn Sutherland, Dominique Johnson*, Avery Smith, Lauren Laiche*, Julia Laiche*, Ava Berthelot, Sophie Champagne*, Riley Chauvin*, Brielle Cambias, Ava Klibert and Kenzie Hymel.

Taking on American All-Star has been one constant for the program over the past 20+ years, according to Chauvin. After seeing the energy the girls brought to the floor at camp, she is optimistic about the journey that lies ahead.

“We are trying to build our program, so we were super excited about how they performed at camp,” Chauvin said. “Their work ethic has been great. They bring it every single time, and they are happy to do it. They want it. They are motivated. I’m looking forward to watching them grow and continue to get better. They’ve come so far since we started practicing in April.”

Chauvin said the girls are focusing heavily on technique because it translates to every aspect of dance.

This week, the Starsteppers participated in a kiddie camp along with the St. Charles Catholic Cheerleaders. The girls are preparing to perform at football games and pep rallies this fall, leading up to a state competition that takes place annually in January.