Several dancers and their families were able to explore the sites and enjoy some fun in the sun on Monday, July 11. Some lounged poolside and slid down water slides at Water Waters and others went shopping. Some had car problems, but as far as we know everyone is here and ready to dance!
TUESDAY
The competition began on Tuesday, July 12. Our petite took the stage in the power solo competition in the 8 & under division. Maddie Kerr, age 7, performed a lovely lyrical routine titled Amazing Grace. She earned 4 3/4 stars. She received a special award called "Little Dancing Angel" as selected by the panel of judges. This routine placed 5th overall in the petite power solo competition.
Next, Brie Bowes, age 8, performed a moving lyrical routine titled Miss Invisible. She earned 4 3/4 stars.
She also performed a toe tapping tap routine titled Feet Down Fail Me Now. This routine earned 4 3/4 stars and a First Place Trophy for her division. This routine placed 7th overall in the petite power solo competition.
Both dancers competed for a chance to participate in the Little Miss Petite Showdown. Only three dancers were selected from the entire petite power solo participants. Our petite dancers did a great job dancing with heart and soul!
In the afternoon, Abbey Baker, age 11 began her competition by competing in the junior power solo dvision ages 9-11. She earned 4 1/2 stars with a graceful routine called Dream On.
The MDC Booster Club is very proud of our soloist performances.
Tomorrow.... petite small groups.... "Here We Go!"
WEDNESDAY
Company I and Company II reported to the convention center at 10:45 for warm up and final preparations to hair and make up!
Company II performed a musical theatre routine in a Bushel and a Peck. The facial expressions were priceless! Dancers included Brie Bowes, Cora Tyler, Lauren Bennett, Maddie Kerr, Sophia LaSala and Stella Genge. The routine was choreographed by Mrs. Mindy Kerr. The routine was awarded 4 3/4 stars. Earned a First Place Award within its division AND an overall placement of 7th in the petite small group division at the World Championship.
Next, Company I took the stage to perform a jazz routine called Bird Mix. They shook those tail feathers to the delight of the audience. Dancers include Alex Maupin, Avery Arnold, Bailey Birchfield, Larissa Mikle, Lydia Cooney and Paige Dernier. The was routine was choreographed by Mrs. Mindy Kerr. The routine was awarded 4 1/2 stars.
After a quick costume change, Company I performed a lovely lyrical routine called Here Comes the Sun. They earned a special recognition award from the judges called "Brighter Than Sunshine." Dancers include Alex Maupin, Avery Arnold, Lydia Cooney, Paige Dernier and Sophia LaSala. The routine was choreographed by Mrs. Chelsie Klein. It earned 4 1/4 stars.
Company II took the stage again to rock it out in their tap shoes to Boogie Bumper. Dancers include Brie Bowes, Cora Tyler, Lauren Bennett, Maddie Kerr and Stella Genge. This routine scored 4 3/4 stars and placed 8th Overall in the petite small group division.
Ending the afternoon, Company II performed one last time in an emotional lyrical performance called Reach. Dancers include Brie Bowes, Cora Tyler, Lauren Bennett and Maddie Kerr. This routine scored 4 3/4 stars and placed 3rd Overall in the petite small group division. It earned $125 SD. This routine was also selected to compete in the Battle of the Stars on Saturday, July 16th.
It was a great day for the petite dancers in Company I and II. We are VERY excited for tomorrow and the fantastic performances of our Company III, Company IV, ALL Company and duo performers!
Pictures will be added as soon as they are available!
THURSDAY
Company III arrived at the convention center at 7:30 am. They performed a jazz routine called Fever. Dancers include Jaimie Pearce, Maddie Duncan, Mia Tebbe and Taylor Egerstrom. This routine was choreographed by Mrs. Mindy Kerr. It earned 4 1/2 stars.
The remaining company arrived at 10:45 to prepare for the all company line production called Latin Mix. Dancers include Abbey Baker, Alex Maupin, Ashley Breck, Avery Arnold, Bailey Birchfield, Bailey Hamilton, Brie Bowes, Cora Tyler, Emily Breck, Emma Costello, Jaimie pearce, Larissa Mikle, Lauren Bennett, Lydia Cooney, Maddie Duncan, Maddie Kerr, Meg Cunningham, Mia Tebbe, Paige Dernier, Sophia LaSala, Sophia Passantino, Stella Genge and Taylor Egerstrom. This routine was choreographed by Mrs. Mindy Kerr, Miss Lauren Bobbit and Mrs. Chelsie Klein. It earned 4 3/4 stars and a First Place in its Division. It was also selected to perform in the Battle of the Stars. It placed 2nd Overall in Line Productions ages 9-11 years old. It earned $300 SD. Latin Mix was also recognized by the judges with a special Choreography Award for ages 11 and under. Congratulations to the dancers and instructors.
Company IV performed a sassy jazz routine called Standing There. Dancers include Abbey Baker, Ashley Breck, Bailey hamilton, Emily Breck, Emma Costello, Meg Cunningham and Sophia Passantino. This routine was choreographed by Mrs. Mindy Kerr. It earned 4 1/2 stars. It placed 2nd in its division. The first and second place was separated by fractions of a point! Great job dancers!
Company IV took the stage again and did a rocking tap routine called Black Betty. Dancers include Abbey Baker, Ashley Breck, Bailey Hamilton, Emily Breck, Meg Cunningham and Sophia Passantino. This routine was choreographed by Miss Lauren Bobbitt. This routine earned 4 1/2 stars and First Place in its Division.
Company IV took the stage again to perform a lyrical routine called Runaway. Dancers include Abbey Baker, Ashley Breck, Bailey Hamilton, Emily Breck and Emma Costello. This routine was choreographed by Mrs. Chelsie Klein. This routine earned 4 1/2 stars and First Place in its Division. This routine was also selected to perform in the Battle of the Stars on Saturday, July 16.
Company III did an expressive performance in a lyrical routine called Where You Are. Dancers include Jaimie Pearce, Meg Cunningham, Mia Tebbe, Sophia Passantino and Taylor Egerstrom. This routine was choreographed by Mrs. Chelsie Klein. This dance earned 4 1/2 stars.
Cora Tyler and Maddie Kerr, Company II finished the day with a jazz duo called My Boyfriend's Back. They were sassy and ready to perform their best. This routine was choreographed by Mrs. Mindy Kerr. These dancers earned 5 stars and earned a 2nd place overall placing within 3 tenths of a point from first place. It earned $300 SD.
Prior to awards, there was audience participation. Several children were picked from the audience for a scavenger hunt. Our very own Larissa Mikle and Lincoln Tyler were chosen. They had to find a nail file, a black sock, baby diaper, Mercedes or Porsche Key, red Nike, a $100 bill and an autograph from a Starpower Employee. Lincoln made it to the final round and was awarded a $25 gift certificate to spend in the Starpower star. He quickly spent his money on toys and candy. Later, he went up to the announcer while he was on stage to show his loot. Lincoln quickly became a part of the ongoing commentary during breaks and awards.
FRIDAY
Company I and II joined forces to perform in the petite large group division routine called Beach Babies. Dancers include AJ Maupin, Alex Maupin, Avery Arnold, Bailey Birchfield, Braden Cooney, Cora Tyler, Jack LaSala, Larissa Mikle, Lincoln Tyler, Lydia Cooney, Maddie Kerr, Paige Dernier, Sophia LaSala, Stell Genge and Tommy Kerr. This routine was choreographed by Mrs. Mindy Kerr, Miss Lauren Bobbitt and Mrs. Chelsie Klein. This routine earned 4 1/2 stars and a 4th place Overall in the Division. It earned a special judges award called Cowabunga Dudes and Dudettes. It was also selected to compete in the Battle of the Stars.
Abbey Baker competed in the Top Gun Category for 11 and under. She learned some tough choreography in less than 10 minutes. She continued to pass through to the semi-finales before being eliminated. She did an amazing job strutting her stuff! She shined on stage.
SATURDAY
Wow! What a day! You could feel the excitement and energy at the Convention Center as everyone was preparing to dance in the Battle of the Stars. Mindy's Dance Center was very excited to be chosen to perform four dances.... Reach, Latin Mix, Runaway and Beach Babies.
The show opened with a fantastic routine of all All Stars. The All Stars were selected by each studio with students ages 12 and up. Abbey Baker and Jaimie Pearce represented Mindy's Dance Center with a fabulous performance. They have spent every evening since Tuesday in rehearsals preparing for the opening act. Great job dancers!
Prior to the final number, Lincoln Tyler had the pleasure of assisting the announcers in the LIVE performance by discussing the week and explaining the "Victory Cup" category. Of course, Lincoln called it the Piston Cup!
Here are the results of the Battle of the Stars.....
Reach. 4th Place Overall in the 8 and under Small Group Category
Latin Mix. 2nd Place Overall in the 9-11 Line Production Category and $300 SD.
Runaway. 5th Place Overall in the 12-14 Small Group Category
Beach Babies. 2nd Place Overall in the 8 and under Large Group Category and $300 SD.
It was a long week, but a great one! Congratulations to the instructors and dancers of Mindy's Dance Center.
