Dancers win big at Showstoppers

Petite-Junior Solo – front row, Kailey Elbert, Annie Grace Nelson, Aubrey Nelson; back row, Sadie Wilson, Kaley Esbeck, Lexie Tolson.

Junior Duets – front row, Kailey Elbert, Aubrey Nelson; back row, Sydney Elbert, Kaley Esbeck, Katherine Meyers, Olivia Nelson.

Small Group Juniors – front row, Kailey Elbert, Aubrey Nelson; second row, Olivia Nelson, Maria Bickford, Sydney Earnt, Molly Ward, Chloe Simmons, Kaitlyn Hefley, Chandler Newman, Taylor Servaes; back row, Emily Michener, Sadie Wilson, Dawn Stark, Katherine Meyers, Kathryn Everly, Dennelle Rhoades, Ashley Burns, Kaley Esbeck, Maggie Ward, Sydney Elbert, Kara Kloepping.

Senior Solos – Emily Michener, Kara Kloepping, Dennelle Rhoades, Sydney Elbert.

Dance students of Dance Essentials and the Dance Company joined other Kansas and Missouri students for “Showstoppers” Regional Dance Competition in Kansas City March 13 and 14. The young ladies ranging in ages two through 15 years performed solo, duets and small group dances in categories of tap, jazz, clogging, pom-pon and open divisions.

The dancers competing in the recreational class were awarded platinums, golds and silvers. Platinum is the highest that a routine can be awarded throughout the regional competition.

The students were also awarded six overall trophies for achieving the highest points in the designated age and dance performances.

“Showstopper” is based out of South Carolina and is in its 26th year hosting competitions all through the United States. Competitive students with at least two years experience will now travel to Myrtle Beach, S.C., in July for the East Coast National.

The dancers are under the instruction of Heather Cole, Twilla Mann and Vera Nelson. Choreography and competition instructors are Paul Bruinsma and Jen Lee. Dance Essentials and The Dance Company are owned by Vera Nelson.

The girls will compete this weekend at Talent on Parade in Joplin.