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PAGE TWO

Second Day - Spotlight Competition at Hot Springs Convention Center

On Sunday, JDC began competition with the older dancers.  First to dance were the Lyrical Two dancers who performed a beautiful number to "Let It Be." This performance, taught by Ms. Lois, earned a Ruby Award.  Dancers in this performance were Amanda Cross, Allyson Ferren, Jessica Holeman, Briyana Isaac, Joi Smith, Tori Spears and Madison Winstead.

The dancers were so impressive in their white shirts with black tank and shorts under the shirt.  Shown here are Briyana, Madison, Allyson, Joi, Tori, Jessica and Amanda.

Dancing lyrical next to "Miss Invisible" were Kaitlynn Coleman, Jessica Gardner, Katy Gorden, Laurel Hill, Jessica Holeman, Madison Winstead and Rachel Wyrick.  The dancers, taught by Ms. Lindsey, earned an Emerald Award.

Others were changing, but I was able to catch Rachel and Katy to show off their beautiful lyrical costume.

Performing jazz to "I Gotcha" were the Jazz Two dancers Amanda Cross, Bailea Jones, Joi Smith, Kaitlin Soderlund, Tori Spears, Carol Walters and Madison Winstead.  The dancers, taught by Ms. Sara, earned a Ruby Award. 

While others were making quick changes, Carol, Bailea and Kaitlin posed for me in their jazz costume.

JDC showed off the tap skills of the older dancers in three absolutely fantastic tap numbers.

Performing a hiphop-type tap to "Boom, Boom, Pow" were Kira Jinkins, Hannah Moler, Bailey Jo Rhodes, Kassie Shepard, Kaitlin Soderlund and Tori Spears.   Ms. Emily teaches this tap and it won a Ruby Award. 

Shown here before their fast and furious tap number are Kira, Tori, Kaitlin, Kassie, Bailey Jo and Hannah.

Then, performing another fast and furious character tap number to "Five Guys Named Moe" were Jessica Holeman, Bailey Jo Rhodes, Kassie Shepard, Kaitlin Soderlund and Tori Spears.  This dance was taught by Ms. Sara and it won a Ruby Award.

The "Five Guys Named Moe" tappers are shown here - Kassie, Jessica, Bailey Jo, Kaitlin and Tori.  No, Jessica does not ordinarily wear her "dork"glasses - only for her part in the dance.

The next tap performance was performed by Tap Three Class to "Hoodie."   The dance, taught by Ms. Sara, was performed by Alexandria Adams, Jessica Holeman, Briyana Isaac, Hannah Moler, Bailey Jo Rhodes, Kassie Shepard, Kaitlin Soderlund and Tori Spears.  The performers earned a Ruby Award and a Category Cup for their Division.

There was no way to get a picture of the "Hoodie" dancers - there was just no time, but four danced as dorks and four danced as divas - they wore colored or zebra-striped hoodies and dorky or sun glasses and it was very well done.

Next performance for JDC,  "Boom," was performed by the Hiphop Four Dancers and taught by Ms. Lois.  The performance was a fantastic dance with lots of energy and great choreography, and won a Diamond Award!!!  They also won a Category Cup.  The dancers could barely breathe when the number was over - they had put their all into the performance.  The dancers in this performance are Mackenzie Blanchard, Amanda Cross, Maitland Hurley, Bailea Jones, Niki Rodgers, Joi Smith, Kaitlin Soderlund, Tori Spears, Kayla Vasquez, Carol Walters and Rachel Wyrick. 

It was quite a performance but unfortunately, I was unable to get a photo of the entire group (next competition!!!) but I did grab up two to pose (they had already discarded their outer garment) - shown here are Mackenzie and Rachel.  Thanks, girls, for taking the time for me.

The last performance for JDC was the Line (number of dancers) Hiphop Performance to "Fresh Prince of Bel Air."  It was such a great number and the audience members joined into the fun and just encouraged the group more and more.  We all loved it and really loved winning a Diamond Award and additionally, a Sponsor's Special Award for "Outstanding Entertainment."  The hiphop performance was choreographed and taught by Ms. Lois and Ms. Sara.  The dancers in the performance, who range in age from five to seventeen are:  Regan Campbell, Abbye Cody, Madison Coffer, Kaitlynn Coleman, Keyerra Collins, Amanda Cross, Chandler Dean, Maitland Hurley, Bailea Jones, Micah Perry, Alex Pettus, Niki Rodgers, B. J. Smith, Joi Smith, Emily Snell, Madi Spears, Hannah Taylor, Mattie Taylor, Neely Taylor, Katie Turner, Kayla Vasquez and Rachel Wyrick.

Performing in "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" were Abbye, Kaitlynn, Chandler, Neely, Micah and Mattie.  Second row are Katie, Madison, Madi, Hannah, Regan, Keyerra, Emily and Maitland.  Back row are Niki, Bailea, Kayla, Amanda, B. J., Joi, Rachel and Alex.

Every one was fantastic in the performance, but several performers sort of stole the show - B.J. as Fresh Prince, Amanda as Mother, and the two youngest members of the Company - Neely and Chandler.

Competitions are tough - on moms trying to get the false eyelashes on, helping to get the costumes changed, dancers getting back stage in time for the performance, etc. etc. etc. catching one's breath after the performance, etc.,  but they are also so much fun for the dancers and especially fun for the parents and other audience members.   We are so proud of all of our dancers and groups and teachers!!!!

Our next performance will be the Showstoppers Competition in West Memphis.  We will post the schedule as soon as it arrives.

Thank you parents for your support and enthusiasm for our performers.

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