A winning dance team stands proud
After months of preparation, the Dance Craze competition teams made their way north to the Excelsior Springs Performing Arts Center for the Dance Out Nationals Competition. For some, this competition proved to be a first, while others continued their journey in competitive dance. The talent and teamwork of 24 local dancers prevailed, as they came home with National titles, trophies, medals, ribbons and whole lot of pride. First year competitor Emma Thompson said, “I know we danced our best and we had so much fun!”
Three Dance Craze routines took home National titles: Mini trio division newcomers Emily Wheeler, Gracie Marks and Basia Bettels; Junior Division for Duos/Trios - Jaylee Welcher, Bailey McMillan and Sheldon Tallman and Teen lyrical group including Sheldon Tallman, Jaylee Welcher, Anna Walley and Bailey McMillan.
Top overall division winners were invited to compete in the Dance Out Show Down for the National Title. The eight Power Starz dancers took 1st Overall and the only Platinum in the Junior Division to qualify for the Show Down after their stunning performance to “Life is a Party.” Power Starz include: Brianna Greene, Myah Fink, Ashlee Burris, Taylor Edmiston, Anna Walley, Jaylee Welcher, Bailey McMillan, and Sheldon Tallman. Emma Thompson, Taia Thompson, Kaycee Thompson, Bethany Vandenburg and Jessika Blaser wowed the judges with their energetic routine to “Life is a Party. They earned a Platinum and a Show Down spot. Representing the Dance Craze soloists, Sheldon Tallman showed her “craze-y” side with “Born to be Wild.” Sheldon said, “I was really excited to get up on stage and do my solo one last time”.
Adding their own spice of flavor to the 2011 Nationals competition were the Craze-y Boys: Brantley Dennison, Trevor Newport, Dalton Newport, Jayke Welcher and Drew Burris. Their hip hop routines had the crowd cheering and the judges smiling. They earned the Judges Award for Most Entertaining. Trevor Newport enthusiastically said, “I loved being on stage and going to the awards!”
Solos, duos and trios and small group routines received high honors and Judges Choice Awards. Soloists included: Jaylee Welcher, Sheldon Tallman and Bailey McMillan. Ashlee and Drew Burris, were a brother/sister “Dancin’ Party” duo at Nationals. The Petite Division trio included Kenzi Essenpries, Zsofia Nemeth and Jordyn Bays. The Dance Craze Power Starz took three out of the top four places in the Junior Small Group awards.
From the hours, days and months of practice to various performances and competitions, to the National Championships, these dancers have persevered in many ways. Jaylee Welcher said, “Nationals was amazing this year. It started out as a rough year but thanks to Miss Melissa and my mom they helped us become a better team as well as a better dance family. We did awesome performing at the showdown and next year we will do even better!”
Dance Craze owner and choreographer Jenny Welcher was not at a loss for words about her dancers, her dance family. “It was a very rough year for me personally, however my assistant, Melissa Thompson, and my dancers continued to work hard and make me smile. I was so proud of how they came together at Nationals and worked as a team,” Jenny said. “I am always so proud when I see them support their teammates and show each other that kindness and love. This year’s Nationals was incredible! Not only did we do amazing but I saw the dancers come together and achieve great success!”
Looking toward the upcoming year, the Dance Craze has many exciting plans. Jenny said, “I am so excited to be working toward a new and fresh year and cannot wait to get started on another year!”
Pictured: National champions Emily Wheeler, Basia Bettels and Gracie Marks win big at their first ever dance competition.