A local all native-dance cheer team is heading to the World Dance Competition this summer. "When we go to these competitions, we actually realize that we are the only native dance group and that they are stepping out of their normal genre of native dance and getting to see ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap," said Teresa Martinez, the head coach. Martinez said in 2022 the Native American Community Academy got a grant to fund the program. Through the years the Kids Love to Dance team has earned first overall at multiple competitions, golden tickets from receiving top routine scores and have been invited to Nationals and World Dance competition. The team consists of 30 girls from as young a first grade to sophomores. "I went home and asked my mom if I can join, and, she signed me up, and I finally joined, and it was the best day of my life," said Sunzrae Kadayso, a fifth grader. "I just felt really happy because at the start, I was really left out, and I was bullied. After I joined Dance and Cheer, I felt like I fit in."The school they attend represents over 25 native tribes. Martinez said their team is one, if not the only, all native dance team in the country. "It definitely made all of us closer, even with some of the older girls. I may be older too, but I still look up to almost every older girl because I want to be like them and dance like them," said Virginia Weaselboy, a fourth grader. "It helped me boost my confidence. When I was little, I was very outgoing, but I was still a little shy."During their practice, they embrace their culture, including counting in different languages. "We think it's a good way to practice our languages and getting to learn each other's languages," said Andreya Sarracino, a sophomore. Martinez said this team has given the girls a lot more opportunities, including traveling to a competition in other states. "It was most of their first time on an airplane, and some of our parents' first time on an airplane. So, that alone is just it says it all right there. to me, it's just changing lives," said Martinez. The team is heading to California for Nationals and to New Jersey for the World Dance Championship this July. The grant that funds the program is expected to end this fall.