Island dancers compete at nationals

The dancers competed at the Spotlight West Coast Nationals in Oregon

Dancers from a Langley studio competed in a national competition this month.

“They danced their hearts out,” said coach Jamee Pitts, who also choreographs for the Island Dance Competition team of Langley.

Island Dance Studio in Langley is the training ground for the dancers, who competed at the Spotlight West Coast Nationals July 10-16 in Seaside, Oregon.

Pitts said she was proud of the members of the team who made nationals after competing in several regional competitions earlier in the year to get there.

Each year these young dancers compete at regional dance competitions, one of which is hosted by the Spotlight Dance Cup which represents about 27,000 dancers, who are all vying throughout the year to make their ultimate mark at the nationals.

Emmalynn Rochholz (age 15) took ninth overall with a “Diamond Trophy” in the future gem, senior division and won a judges choice award for showing skills that were “grounded and controlled.”

Clara Jacobson-Ross (age 13) and Maliya Thrasher (age 14) both hit their routines to make an impression on the judges and to each take home Ruby Awards at the meet. The young dancers will now go back into training for another round of competitions in the coming school year.

Island Dance Studio offers a variety of classes for all ages following the South Whidbey School District calendar. The summer session continues with an upper-level Intensive Workshop Aug. 1-15. To find out more about signing up for classes, the team or workshops, go to islanddancestudio.com or email islanddance@whidbey.com.