Lakes Region Dance Team shines at Elite Performance Challenge Nationals

MEREDITH — The Lakes Region Dance Competition Team recently represented the region at the 2025 Elite Performance Challenge National Dance Finals, held at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. 

A total of 56 dancers from Lakes Region Dance performed 97 routines throughout the weeklong event. Dancers competed in solos, duos/trios, small group and large group routines across a variety of genres, showcasing their versatility, performance quality, and technical skill. 

These dancers — representing more than a dozen towns across the Lakes Region and Capital Area of New Hampshire — earned high scores, special judges’ awards, and national recognition for their creativity and excellence on stage. 

Ten group routines were selected to perform in the highly competitive Grand Championship Showcase, a spotlight reserved for the most exceptional pieces of the week. Among them, two routines earned top honors: 

• Teen Large Group Tap, “Bounce” was named a 2025 National Grand Champion Petite

• Small Group Jazz, “Sinkin’ Soon” also earned the title of National Grand Champion

Both winning routines were choreographed by Sue Harrington, whose imaginative choreography and attention to detail earned widespread praise from judges and audiences alike. 

In addition, three Lakes Region Dance routines were named runners-up in the Grand Championship Showcase: 

• Mini Jazz Small Group, “Then He Kissed Me” — choreographed by Jenness

• Nordstrom Junior Small Group Acro, “Believer” — choreographed by Paige Halsey 

• Teen Small Group Jazz, “Piano Man” — choreographed by Sue Harrington 

“We worked so hard to be noticed in the regional events for the many years we have competed. This season, it was incredible to see our small-town studio prove ourselves on the national stage,” said Studio Owner and Director Lea King.

For more information, visit lakesregiondance.com.