By: Kristen Wharton ’25
Ursuline’s very own Rangerette’s traveled over 5,600 miles to Rome, Italy, over the new year to dance in the Piazza del Popolo Annual New Years Day Parade. Schools from all over the United States and Europe traveled to Rome for the parade. The Rangerettes departed the United States on 26 December and returned on January 2nd.
Venturing beyond Rome, their first adventure was a bus tour the day after their arrival, where they toured the city of Rome, seeing important monuments like The Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain.
Then, the team toured the world-renowned Colosseum, the oldest amphitheater ever, built in 80 A.D. The amphitheater, at its peak in history, held 50,000 spectators, and hosted gladiatorial contests, public shows, animal hunts, and executions.
“Walking through the Colosseum felt surreal: The magnitude of history I got to learn with some of my closest friends was extraordinary and an experience I will never forget,” said Natalie Cerone, junior Rangerette.
Prior to their performance in the parade, they also took a short-day trip to Florence, Italy, where they toured iconic and historical places like the San Lorenzo Market, founded in 1865 and the original Capital of the Kingdom of Italy, the Duomo Cathedral, a historically gothic church, and the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, which was built in 1355.
The Rangerettes also toured the underground catacombs of Rome, a burial ground for Jewish, Pagan, and Christian citizens of Rome, from the second century to the fifteenth century.
After their tour of these underground catacombs, they took another tour, this one of the Vatican City, a walled in city within Rome where the Pope resides. There, they had the opportunity to see the Sistine Chapel, with its famous frescos painted by Michelangelo, and the grave of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica.
“I had the best time in Rome, I will never forget that experience, and I wish I could go back,” said Ana Torres, sophomore Rangerette.
Their last adventure prior to the parade was a trip to Pompeii, the iconic city covered in ash by Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Then, they attended a New Years eve party for the whole Rangerette team back at their hotel.
“Exploring the Vatican, Catacombs, Florence, Pompeii, and the Colosseum was so cool, and learning about Rome’ rich history was amazing.” said Reese Walsh, ’25.
And finally, for their New Years Celebration, the Rangerettes joined in a festive celebration, culminating in their eagerly awaited performance in the Piazza del Popolo parade on January 1st, 2024.
Marching down the historic street of “il tridente” or the trident, and the Via Del Corso, one of the most popular shopping destinations in Rome, the Rangerettes quickly became part of the spectacle that blended American high school spirit with the rich culture of Italy.
THE BEAR FACTS 