LHSAA returns cheer, dance championships to 2026 schedule

Several Shreveport-Bossier area high school cheerleading and dance groups will be headed to Lake Charles later this year to compete in the 2026 Louisiana High School Cheer & Dance Championships after a recent announcement by the LHSAA that it is adding those sports to its championship calendar after more than a decade of silence.

“It’s a fantastic idea,” Northwood cheer sponsor Rebecca Galambos said. “I’m glad to see cheer and dance recognized as a sport.”

The state championships will be held Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at the Lake Charles Event Center featuring cheer and dance across multiple styles. The contending squads will compete in two rounds on the first day with the third round on Day 2. The LHSAA brought back the championships due to concerted efforts of the Louisiana cheer and dance community through a steering committee led by Louisiana High School Coaches Association director Jessica Barber.

“I am very excited for it. I think it’s the perfect chance for Louisiana teams to showcase our talent in a state championship,” said North DeSoto cheer sponsor Emilie Parker, who plans to take her team to the competition. “I know many Louisiana teams hold a national championship title through UCA and NCA, so it only makes sense to see everyone come together.”

Here’s 35 Shreveport area high school tackles to watch in 2026

North DeSoto loss puts a wrap on the KK, Cole Cory campaign in Griffin football program

Loyola coach Andy Cline also plans to take his squad south with the intent of bringing home some hardware.

“A lot of our athletes in cheer spend hours each week perfecting their craft,” Cline said. “Providing an opportunity for them to compete for a state championship is very rewarding and allows them a chance to showcase their skillset and athleticism at the state level.”

Cheer and dance will remain a non-sanctioned activity of the LHSAA and will not operate under the same eligibility requirements, scheduling regulations, competition guidelines or other rules that apply to LHSAA-sanctioned sports. The championship event also does not carry the same official classification as an LHSAA-sanctioned state championship.

“We listened to our schools and the spirit community, and we believe this championship provides an opportunity to recognize the tremendous work and dedication of these student-athletes” LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine said. “We are grateful to everyone who helped make this return possible.”

Visit Lake Charles has landed the 2026 and 2027 championships after the city previously hosted such events in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Northwood’s cheer group, one of the top in the state, will not compete in Lake Charles this season.

“I don’t like it when it is so close to football season. That’s the main reason we’re not competing,” Galambos said. “I’m planning to go watch it to help plan for next year. But we compete nationally, and we’re hoping for a successful football season, so we chose not to compete this year.”

The championships are expected to attract more than 100 cheer and dance teams from across the state.

“We are excited to bring this event back and grateful to the schools, coaches, spirit community, steering committee and our partners who helped make it possible,” Bonine said. “We look forward to celebrating the athletes and teams who will compete this year.”

Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: LHSAA returns cheer, dance championships to 2026 schedule