From staff reports
The Dancer’s Studio Junior and Senior Competition Dance Team of Clarion won a number of awards at the Fierce National Dance Competition in Anaheim, California.
The competition last month was recorded by the Lifetime Network to air on the “Dance Moms” television show.
The team took home 19 platinum awards, six high gold awards and one gold award. Overall division awards included first place for two routines, second place for six routines and third place for two routines.
Kelly Peterson, a volunteer who coordinated the trip for the studio, said the girls competed against dancers from more than 25 studios.
“I was pleased with them. I feel like it was rewarding for them to be able to compete with the Dance Moms kids. Everyone puts them in such esteem, so for us to be able to compete with them is awesome,” studio owner A-Jo Gallagher said.
Dancers from the studio who attended the competition were Larissa Lauer, Angela Olson, Grace Matson, Sarah Lavin, Kelsey Wolf, Morgan Hartle, Gracie Dunkle, Summer Bish, Abbey Barron, Madilyn Simpson and Taylor Aites.
Peterson added that more long-haul trips were a possibility for the studio.
“These kids have a drive to succeed, and it’s strong,” said Gallagher.”
Gallagher received the entertainment award for “90’s Throwback” and won the choreography award for “Red Football.”
Some of the dancers competed for the title of Miss Fierce Anaheim, and titles were given in the mini, petite, junior, teen and senior divisions. Matson was awarded Teen Miss Fierce, and Miss Fierce went to Lauer.
Routines were choreographed by Gallagher, teachers Catherine Hayes Elser and Shannon Peterson, and guest choreographers Kate Harpootlian, Rory Freeman, Channing Cooke, AC Ciulla and Jason Marquette.
“Overall, it’s a growing experience and the more choreographers we can get the girls in front of the better,” said Gallagher.
