Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Our weekend was spent at the Lakeland Center for the Nexstar National Talent Dance Competition. This was the first year the studio competed as a whole with a Competition Company ranging from ages 7-18. Kaylee has danced with Dance Fusion Studios for the past 3 years, and decided to try out for the Dance Fusion Competition Company in September 2014. She made the Company, and we couldn't have been more proud!

 

She's worked tremendously hard over the past six months; putting in 6 hours of practice time per week to 10 hours of practice time the month leading up to competition. That hard work and dedication paid off. It was totally worth it, and as a result she has improved so much as a dancer.

 

Both of Kaylee's group dances in the 7-9 year division earned 1st place, with one placing 3rd OVERALL and the second placing 4th OVERALL! These girls absolutely rocked the stage for their very first competition, hitting every move. It was such an incredible experience to partake in... albeit exhausting being 9 months pregnant and all.

 

The Mini's, 7-9 year old division, performed on Saturday between 8am and noon with awards following at 12:30pm. We didn't stay to watch the older girls perform on Saturday night and all day Sunday. Therefore, I only have photos of the Mini division. Some were taken with my iPhone, and others with my actual camera... this explains the quality of some.

 

Here are some of the girls backstage getting ready for their Musical Theater performance to Legally Blonde's "Omigod You Guys"

 

Here are a few shots from the actual performance on stage in front of the judges

 

I wasn't able to get any backstage "getting ready" photos for their Hip-Hop routine. The Mom's literally had like 2 minutes tops to do the costume change, and get the girls ready for their second routine. Things got really hectic then, and I was much too pregnant to be bending over and tying those converse... BUT I somehow made it happen without going in to labor. Ha! So, here are some pictures from their Hip-Hop performance to "Turn Down for What" / "Run The World (Girls)" combo

 

Last was the Awards Ceremony. After the very last performance finished, all performers competing took stage to accept any trophies or plaques. Dance Fusion Studios had 5 soloists place, and both group dances place. Kaylee represented the Musical Theater performance and walked up to receive the awards for the group. The judge interviewed each girl who accepted an award, and she was so cute on stage answering his questions.

The Dance Fusion Competition Company girls in the 7-9 year age group with all of the trophies and plaques they won! The talent these girls have at such a young age is astounding. They've worked hard, come a very long way, and deserved every award received. I'm so pleased to be part of the Dance Fusion family, and that Kaylee has each of these girls to grow up dancing with. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for this group!

 

Last night the Director had the entire Dance Fusion Competition Company meet at the studio for a group picture with most all of the awards won during the competition weekend... and here it is!

Without a doubt, the Studio Company members rocked their very first competition, and surprised the other dance teams in Lakeland. Here's to such a fabulous start to the studio entering the competition world. Congratulations girls and guys!!