STUDENTS AT BALLET ROYALE EARN NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Twenty-eight dancers from Ballet Royale Midwest recently brought home top honors from the Showstoppers National Competition held in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Thirty-five states plus Canada were represented with over 2,000 acts competing during the week-long showcase.

Receiving first place in the senior lyrical division was an act called "True Love," which included Emily Bolton, Tara Heisserer, Jennifer Jones, Laine Lindley, Leigh Lindley, Jennifer Peters, Kara Vogelsang and Christy Wong.

Another first place was awarded to Leigh Lindley in the senior lyrical solo division for "Shattered Emotions." She also received a second place in the senior tap solo division for "White Heat."

"Tears in Heaven," a senior pointe number, and a junior ballet called "Almost Paradise" both received third place. Jennifer Jones was awarded fourth place for her senior pointe solo called "Memories."

Picking up fifth place in their divisions were acts "Girls With Attitudes," a senior jazz number; "Think About It," a junior jazz number; and "Give It All U Got," also a junior jazz number.

Other dances receiving high scores and honorable mentions were "Feel the Rhythm," "The Bubble Gum Gang," and Christy Wong dancing to "Hands to Heaven."

Other Royale Dancers who participated were Carter Adams, Jun Jun Allego, Michael Boyd, Kimberly Crader, Heather Connell, Davique Dumars, Jessie Fluegge, Erin Prince, Brianna Wommick, Marisa Uzoaru, Sara Ladrieter, Lauren Stephens, Tia Meyer, Moran Miller, Mandy Boyd, Sara Stephens, Allison Brune, Sally Dickson, Samantha Kladiva, and Heather Banks.