Dance Bright experienced their first dance nationals, July 5th-7th, in Wisconsin Dells.
Dance Bright returned home with three National Champion routines and many overalls, high point placements, and judges’ choice awards.
Prior to competing, dancers spent two intensive weeks in the studio rehearsing and cleaning their national routines. Director Brighton Meuret, was blown away by the determination and dedication her dancers put forth in order to compete at the national level. Their hard work shined and was evident on the national stage.
Routine "I Love Rock N Roll" is coming home as National Champions as well as receiving a million miler (highest rating), judges choice award (Take off to Touchdown) for precision, and the opportunity to perform during the "Turbulence Showdown." The "Turbulence Showdown" is given to three of the highest scoring routines in specific age and level categories. It is an opportunity to re-compete for additional awards and special prizes.
Clogging routine, "I Love Rock N Roll," consisted of 15 total dancers; Addie Hodson, Aleigha Ogden, Berkleigh Dvorak, Elley Engelhaupt, Emma Sauser, Camryn Cole, Karley Cole, Leah Wiese, Macie Darnall, Madeline Rentschler, Madison Nolan, Mattie Olson, Olivia Rentschler, Raelyn White, and Sophie Schindler.
Group routine, “Bingo,” also received the invitation to re-compete during the "Turbulence Showdown," earned a million miler rating, judges choice award (Nonstop Flight) for precision and energy, and 2nd overall placement.
"Bingo" includes nine dancers; Ella Nincehelser, Evynn Kumm, Haisley Dvorak, Karley Cole, Kirbee Doerr, Lola Clausen, Raegan Lambrecht, Raelyn White, and Sophie Schindler.
DanceBright owner Brighton Meuret said "what an honor it was to have both group routines recompete during the showdown. To have our whole dance family in the crowd cheering together, will be a memory she will cherish."
Not only did group performances earn great honors, but also Dance Bright soloists and duets. Soloist, Berkleigh Dvorak, is coming home a National Champion.
Her routine "Perm" received first overall and a million miller rating. Soloist, Leah Wiese, earned a million miler rating as well as a 5th overall placement.
Soloist, Evynn Kumm, and soloist, Madison Altwine, received a private charter rating and Madison also took home a judges choice award for energy, storytelling and stage presence (Angle of Attack), 1st in the lyrical category and received 12th overall. Dance Bright brought home another National Championship with routine "Watch My Feet," which includes dancers Karley Cole and Sophie Schindler. This routine received a million miler rating as well as judges recognition (Nonstop Flight award).
Last but not least, routine "We Go Together" received a million miler rating and 4th overall placement out of senior duos and trios. What made this routine so special is that the duet consisted of two sisters, Olivia and Madeline Rentschler.
“It was an amazing nationals experience in the Dells and we could not be more thankful for the opportunity to compete against such amazing talent,” said Meuret. She said she was proud of her dancers for their commitment to continue to grow and be challenged.
Dance Bright's 23-24 competitive team will begin choreography for the new season in August and Meuret said, "I could not be more excited to see what the 23-24 season will have in store for my dancers."