Local dancers Alexis Green and Josephine Auchterlonie both took several first-place honors at Michigan Dance Challenge, March 27, though neither is yet in high school.
‘It’s an exciting time ? more kids are coming in to dance,? said instructor Curtis Haremza of Clarkston, who owns Elegance in Motion Dance Studio in Orion with his wife, Sarah Haremza.
Television dance competitions inspire children and adults to take it up, Curtis said.
‘I saw the kids dancing on ‘Dancing with the Stars? and I thought it was really cool and something that I would like to try, so I did,? said Auchterlonie, 12, Sashabaw Middle School student. ‘I really love it!?
‘I like how elegant they are,? said Green, 14, Clarkston Junior High. ‘It just looked fun, so one day I decided I wanted to do it.?
The Michigan competition, at Hyatt Regency’s ballroom in Dearborn, was their first competition.
‘It was really fun,? Green said. ‘It was nice, once I got past my nerves.?
Eight students competed, of whom Auchterlonie was the youngest.
‘She started taking lessons with her brother, Keith, about a year ago and recently decided to pursue competitive dancing,? Sarah said. ‘Her enthusiasm shines through when she is on the dance floor.?
Josephine earned first-place honors in Cha Cha, Swing, and Hustle dances.
‘Josephine likes Latin dances,? Curtis said.
Green competed in Waltz, International Waltz, Peabody, and Quickstep.
‘Alexis prefers the faster, more difficult dances that most seasoned dancers won’t touch,? Curtis said. ‘Most students lack the stamina and control to perform the Quickstep and Peabody.?
She earned first place in all three.
‘I wasn’t really sure how I finished ? I knew I did good,? Green said. ‘I didn’t mess up much. It was amazing when I heard my name called.?
Dancing is a unique activity in that skills learned for competition are equally useful in social settings, Curtis said.
‘Students put skills to use at weddings, clubs, cruises, all social activities,? he said.
Students also perform in school showcases, he said.
‘Showcases are flashier, with lifts, aerials, and spins, while competition emphasizes precise techniques,? he said. ‘We use new music all the time, but we still have tradition ? Alexis wears a ball gown with these long gloves. It’s really a lot of fun.?
‘I think it’s great,? said Victor Farnum, Alexis? grandfather, who watched her compete. ‘It builds her self confidence, being able to get good at that. She has a lot of fun with it.?