“They danced their hearts out,” says coach Jamee Pitts, who also choreographs for the Island Dance Competition team of Langley.
Island Dance Studio in Langley is the training ground for the dancers of the Team, who competed at the Spotlight West Coast Nationals July 10-16 in Seaside, Ore.
Pitts says she was proud of the members of the team who made nationals, after competing in several regional competitions earlier in the year to get there.
Each year these young dancers compete at regional dance competitions, one of which is hosted by the Spotlight Dance Cup which represents about 27,000 dancers, who are all vying throughout the year to make their ultimate mark at the nationals.
Emmalynn Rochholz (15) took 9th overall with a “Diamond Trophy” in the future gem, senior division and won a judges choice award for showing skills that were "grounded and controlled." Clara Jacobson-Ross (13) and Maliya Thrasher (14) both hit their routines to make an impression on the judges and to each take home Ruby Awards at the meet. These young dancers will now go back into training for another round of competitions in the coming school year. Good luck, Island Dance Team!
Island Dance Studio offers a variety of classes for all ages following the South Whidbey School District calendar. The summer session continues with an upper-level Intensive Workshop August 1-15. To find out more about signing up for classes, the team or workshops, go to islanddancestudio.com or email islanddance@whidbey.com.
