Creative Steps dancers win awards in national competition

FRANKLIN — Dancers from Creative Steps Dance Company, ranging in age from eight to 18,r ecently attended DanceXplosion's summer national dance competition in Lake George, New York.

Dancers performed as well as took classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop and the like for five days. During this time Creative Steps' dancers received many first place awards and scholarships for their technique and performance value.

Creative Steps dancers had the honor and privilege of be judged by and taking classes from well-known choreographers in the current dance industry, including one of Beyonce's choreographers. These young dancers were able to stand out among the many entries and fellow studios from across the country, winning the highest-scoring and most-coveted Xcaliber award for two of their tap routines, "When I Was Your Man" and "Chopstix". Owner and director of Creative Steps, Sue Harrington, said, "It was amazing to see the joy on these young dancer's faces when they realized they had won and all of their time, energy, and hard work paid off."

Karina Tomlinson, a recent graduate of Gilford High School, received an award for the highest-scoring solo in the senior division for her solo "Tap Talk." Harrington also received the choreography award for this solo as well as the group dance, "Strings."

"It is hard to believe it is over" Harrington said. The dancers started working on their dances a year ago. They will now start on their new choreography for the upcoming dance season.

Dancers from Creative Steps Dance Company recently won awards in national competition in Lake George, New York. From left, Cassidy Mazur, Amanda McDermott, Sue Harrington, Kylee Hanser, Katelyn McWhinnie, Madison Carter, Jade Groz and Eddie Hoyt. (Courtesy photo)