Published: March 17, 2009 12:12 pm            

Wayne Co. Dance Team successfully competed at KDCO state competition

Monticello — The Wayne County Dance Team ended their competitive season on a high note at the recent KDCO (Kentucky Dance Coaches Organization) State Dance Championship held at Bellarmine University in Louisville.

After a busy season of multiple dance performances at high school basketball games and competitions, the eight member team competed in the small varsity hip-hop and open divisions. Wayne County's team was delighted to place fourth in the small varsity open division. Small varsity consists of teams with 14 or fewer members, with teams of 15 or more dancers considered large varsity.

The open division consists of routines that do not fall into the pom, jazz, or hip-hop categories. This includes: kick, lyrical, or routines utilizing props.

The team entered their kick routine, choreographed to a mix of eighties music by former Western Kentucky University dancer Candace Tope, in this division.

"Of the 44 teams that competed at state, we were honored to have been one of the few teams recognized as placing in a division," noted Wayne County Dance Team Coach Brandy Shoemaker.

The Wayne County team includes: Senior Felicia Carter, Juniors Cally Phillips, Nicole McGinnis, Jessica Perkins, Chelsy LeMaster, Ashley McIntosh, and Sophomores Sarah Stinson and Shawnna Stalker.

Shoemaker continued, "Our goal at state, realizing the immense amount of talent present and sheer number of teams competing, was to make these two final performances of the season our best ones yet, regardless of whether we placed or not. We didn't necessarily anticipate placing this year, but we're extremely excited that we were recognized!"

Trophies were only awarded to first and second places of each division, but first through fifth places were announced during the awards ceremony.

This year marks the second year for KDCO (or Kay-Dee-Co, as it is

pronounced) to host the event, with this year being the first Œofficial'

year for the competition to be considered fully statewide. KDCO President Ginger Stovall recognized the special event where 13 of 16 regions were represented as "a great day for dance" for programs across the state.

Officials from KHSAA were invited to attend the competition.

Shoemaker is enthused about the future of KDCO and plans to become involved in organizational meetings this summer and contribute all she can to help KDCO reach their goal.

"I am very proud that our team took part in this huge step for dance in Kentucky," said Shoemaker. "I believe that KDCO is dedicated to giving the sport of dance the recognition it deserves."

Although the state competition marks the official end to the dance team's 2008-09 season, the local dance team is involved in various activities year-round.

For instance, they held practice the Monday after state in order to prepare for the dance clinic being held at Walker Elementary, followed by a two-week dance clinic at Bell Elementary.

"We'll take a few short weeks off, and then begin our next season with try-outs in late April/early May," said Shoemaker.

"The hard work and dedication of these girls to our sport is phenomenal," she added. "I'm proud to be working with these ladies!"

        

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