The MDDTTexas Story

MDDTTexas is one of Texas’ oldest dance/drill team competitions. Founded by the late Dr. Kay Teer-Crawford, MDDTTexas has provided numerous opportunities for dance/drill team members both nationally and internationally.

To honor her memory, Dr. Crawford’s family is continuing her legacy. This year celebrates 55 years since the beginning of MDDTUSA.

Oak Ridge High School has hosted this event for 27 years (since 1996). Kingwood Park High School was added as a second venue in 2009. In the last 5 years, Klein Cain High School, and Klein Forest High School have become part of the MDDTTexas family, with the newest venue of Stafford High School.

As a retired educator, celebrating 47 years in the public school system - 26 years as a dance/drill team director and 14 years as an administrator (associate principal and head principal of a 9th grade wing) and a school board member for 7 years, I feel very privileged to carry on Dr. Crawford’s beliefs.
~Cathy Arellano

The History of MDDT Texas
The first contests for MDDTTexas were in the early 1970's and were designed for only soloists to compete at the national competition. Dr. Crawford had two contests - one in Dallas and the other in Nederland. The winner of each area went to Calif. to compete. In 1976, Cathy took her first officer group from La Marque HS to the officer camp at UH where she met Dr. Crawford. Cathy's team was small and Cathy was a new director. Kay mentored her and help her through the bumps of learning how to teach drill team. Cathy's first contest with Kay was in 1980, when she brought the entire team to Nimitz for competition.  Cathy took La Marque to nationals in 1981and was hooked on going west! The girls had a great time and the contest was so different! Teams were able to compete in any division small, medium or large team. Directors strategized and competed in the division they felt best suited their team.

When Cathy became the director of the Klein Oak Strutters, she continued taking her team to compete in California. She and Dr. Crawford had become very close and she asked Cathy if she would like to take MDDTTexas over and establish it as a major contest for teams. She was redesigning MDDTUSA and wanted to concentrate on that and the challenge of having dance in the Olympics. Cathy was flattered and scared! A company with such a great mentor and roots deeper than any other company was a huge legacy to continue. Kay and Cathy revamped the competitions and when Kay passed away in 2001 at the age of 89. Two weeks before she died, she told Cathy that she had given MDDTTexas to her because she knew how much she loved dance/drill team (as much as she did)! She never wanted the love of dance/drill team to die and she was very sure that Cathy would hold on to her dream. 

“I promised Kay that I would keep her dream alive and was honored when I was asked to give her eulogy. I hope to continue to make her proud.” 

MDDT Philosophy 
Cathy's Philosophy… “I cherish the dance/drill team experiences. I'm of the opinion that my mentor, Dr. Kay Crawford, had a valuable perspective when it came to her passion for the Drill Team and fostering positive competition. This type of environment fosters a student's growth in terms of dignity and integrity. The focus isn't solely on the trophy; it's on the internal development that shapes one's character. I'm committed to carrying forward her vision, aiming to inspire students to cultivate self-esteem and take pride in their dedicated efforts. During my time as an administrator, I recognized the necessity for programs like the Dance Team, which provide students with a wholesome and authentic structure. MDDTTexas serves as a platform that imparts the values of hard work and good sportsmanship.”