by Neal MIyake (also published at StarBulletin.com)
Members of Nix Dance Studio strike a pose. More photos coming.
"A Chance to Dance," a dance competition hosted by Drill Team Hawaii, took place on Saturday, April 14,
2001 in front of a sold-out audience at the Leeward Community College Theatre. The
best in show were the Squirettes from La Marada, California.More than 150 girls and boys competed in eight divisions including: Solo, Hip-Hop, Pom, Lyrical, Jazz, Variety, Pointe, and Novelty.
Commented Drill Team Hawaii director, Penny Young, "There was so much impressive dance talent at this competition. But more important, this provided a fun and exciting venue for local groups to showcase their work."
Five local teams participated, along with the Squirettes. Drill Team Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University Dancers and University of Hawaii Rainbow Dancers performed exhibition dance routines.
"We've named this event "A Chance to Dance" so that we can dance for each other," said Young. "It lets us see what the girls (and boys) can do and lets you (dancers) see what others are doing so that we can grow closer together and appreciate each other."
Drill Team Hawaii, under the direction of Penny Young and her daughter Febray Kaopua, was founded in 1973 with 16 girls, and presently consists of 100 girls ranging in ages preschool to college. They will be having their annual Dance Showcase on June 27at the Hawaii Theatre and intend to make "A Chance to Dance" an annual event.
Dancers from Paradise Star accept an award.
The winners in each division are listed below (click for photo):
SOLO
3rd Grade: 1. Courtney Fridley, Iroquois Point (Good)
6th Grade: 1. Belia Becerra, Squirettes (Excellent)
8th Grade: 1. Stephanie Nix, Nix Dance Studio (Excellent)
9th Grade: 1. Jessica Patterson, Squirettes (Superior)
9th Grade: 2. Julie McInnis, Paradise Star (Superior)
10th Grade: 1. Jamie Tassel, Squirettes (Superior)
12th Grade: 1. Kristina
Lampino, Squirettes (Superior)
HIP-HOP
Mascot: 1. Paradise Star (Excellent)
Grades 1-3: 1. Paradise Star (Superior)
Grades 4-6: 1. Nix Dance Studio (Superior)
Grades 4-6: 2. Paradise Star (Superior)
Grades 9-12: 1. Nix Dance Studio (Superior)
POM
Mascot: 1. Iolani Power Dancers (Superior)
Grades 4-6: 1. Iolani Power Dancers (Superior)
LYRICAL
Grades 4-6: 1. Paradise Star (Excellent)
Grades 10-12: 1. Squirettes (Superior)
JAZZ
Mascot: 1. Iolani Power Dancers (Superior)
Grades 1-3: 1. Iolani Power Dancers (Excellent)
Grades 1-3: 2. Paradise Star (Excellent)
Grades 4-6: 1. Paradise Star (Superior)
Grades 10-12: 1. Iolani Power Dancers (Superior)
Grades 10-12: 2. Squirettes (Superior)
VARIETY
Upper Elem: 1. Paradise Star (Superior)
High School: 1. Nix Dance Studio (Excellent)
POINTE
Open: 1. Honolulu Dance (Superior)
NOVELTY
Mascot: 1. Paradise Star (Superior)
Open: 1. Iroquois Point (Excellent)
SPECIAL AWARDS
Cutest Smiles -- Paradise Star
Best Technique -- Squirettes
Outstanding Costume -- Nix Dance Studio
Most Energy/Enthusiasm -- Iroquois Point
Most Heartwarming Routine -- George of the Jungle, Paradise Star
Best Precision -- Iolani Power Dancers
Most Unique -- Honolulu Dance
Most Dynamic -- Who Let the Dogs Out, Paradise Star
Best Overall in Show -- Squirettes
EXHIBITION
Drill Team Hawaii
HPU Dancers
UH Rainbow Dancers