Almost Famous competes in Cedar Rapids, holds recital

     Almost Famous Competition Dance Team competed at Inferno Dance Competition in Cedar Rapids April 26-28 at the Paramount Theatre. They were truly “on fire” at their last regional dance competition.

     Almost Famous is under the direction of Amanda Hackney, Melissa Ehrisman, with the assistance of Andrea Davis & Kaitlyn Hunt.

     Results follow.

     Iowa Grown Production (Picture) 1st overall.

     Mini Team 3rd place overall in 6-8 age category.

     Junior Team placed 1st with Lyrical, 2nd with Jazz, and 3rd with Contemporary in the 9-11 age category.

     Junior Intermediate Solos: Morgan Ward 10^th, Seneca Freeze 9^th, Cameron Vargason 8^th, Myra Wilson 7^th, Tessa Intorf 3^rd.

     Junior Elite Solos: Sadie Erion 4^th, Kyla Ramler 2^nd, Hurt Somebody Duet 1^st.

     Teen Intermediate Large Group Team  placed 1st with Jazz, 3rd with Contemporary, 4th with Lyrical in the 12-14 age category.

     Teen Elite Small Group 2nd with Lyrical, 3rd with Jazz in the age 12-14 category.

     Teen Elite Large Group Musical Theatre took 1st in the 12-14 category.

     Teen Beginner Solo: Annie Schlarmann 1^st.

     Teen Intermediate Solo: Grace Harms 11^th, Addie Feldmann 8^th, Madison Ward 3^rd.

     Teen Elite Solos: Claire Tuetken 9^th, Leah Smith 6^th, Kendra Davis 5^th, Kelsey Adams 4^th.

     Another One Bites The Dues Duet 2nd overall.

     Senior Elite Large Group took 1st in the 15-18 age category with their lyrical routine.

     Senior Elite Small Group took 9th, and 5th with two jazz numbers, and 1st with open in the 15-18 age category.

     Senior Intermediate Solos: Haley Hansen 9^th, Allie Riches 6^th, Kaitlin Guyer 3^rd, Ally Bartachek 2^nd, Anisa Krouse 1^st.

     Senior Elite Solos: Jessica Smock 13^th, Megan Smith/Emma Brighton tied for 10^th, Brady Theisen 7^th, Kirstyn Miller 5^th, Sydney Freeze 4^th, Leah Krantz 2^nd, Nicole Smith 1^st.

     Rain Duet 2nd overall.

     Almost Famous received several Judge's Choice Awards.

     Almost Famous received two Choreography Awards, one for a solo, Leah Krantz, Always On My Mind; and a Junior Group Number to Praying. These two routines were choreographed by Amanda Hackney and Kaitlyn Hunt.

     The school also received the Studio On Fire Award – this award was to represent best artistry, most well-rounded students, and sportsmanship.

     “Almost Famous was the only studio recognized for this prestigous award. We’re so proud of all of our students,” Hackney said.

     Almost Famous is gearing up for Midwest Starz Nationals in June at Wisconsin Dells.

Almost Famous Recital

     Almost Famous also held its annual recital May 11 at Western Dubuque High School, where it honored senior Nicole Smith. She is the daughter of Rod and Debbie Smith, and Julie Smith & Tom Campbell. Nicole is a senior at Anamosa High School, and has competed with Almost Famous for the past nine years. Nicole will be continuing dance at the collegiate level this fall. She received a dance scholarship at Iowa Central. Smith will be dancing one last time with Almost Famous, at the Midwest Starz National Dance Competition in June.