After winning Nationals for two consecutive years, Diamond Bar High School’s Song team has taken another step toward keeping their title. On Dec. 5, DBHS’ varsity Song team won first place in Advanced Jazz at the USA SoCal Classic Competition held at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Facing Mater Dei, Yorba Linda, Rosary, and Ayala High School, DBHS’ Song team placed first in Advanced Jazz and second in Advanced Pom, which qualified them for Nationals.

“We did pretty well for our first competition,” sophomore Annie Yen said. “We’ve worked really hard to be where we are now.”

The team had been preparing for the competition since September. It was their first time competing in Jazz, and taking first in the category was surprising.

Jazz and Pom are the two styles of dance; Pom involves energetic and precise moves with an upbeat feel, while Jazz is more artistic and flowing. This year’s theme for Jazz was Black Magic, and the Song team performed eye catching moves, including a solo by junior Song member, Brandy Baker.

“I think what makes us stand out is that we focus a lot on the feeling and the energy that we should give,” junior Jenny Wong said.