Almost Famous captures title at Nationals

The Almost Famous competition dance team earned the team national championship award, won individual national titles, and earned several other awards during the Midwest Starz National Competition June 11-6 at the Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. 

“It was an unbelievable experience,” said Almost Famous co-head coach Amanda Hackney. “Competing with amazing studios from across the Midwest, and seeing our little studio make the boards and take first in finals was just amazing. We couldn’t be more proud of our dancers. Their work ethic and passion for dance is what takes our studio to the top.” 

The team also turned in its trophies in order to make a donation of its choice, which resulted in a $400 donation to the Dawn Long family. 

Hackney and Melissa Ehrisman direct the team, with the assistance of Andrea Davis and Kaitlyn Hunt. 

Almost Famous results follow.

Grand final 

Senior Jazz, The Way You Make Me Feel, national champions. 

Production, Iowa Grown, national champions. 

Junior Lyrical, fourth overall. 

Senior Open, Help From Friends, fourth. 

Overall (1,500 routines), Senior Open, ninth. 

Seniors 

Intermediate Solos: Anisa Krouse Judges’ Choice Award, fifth overall. Sydney Freeze ninth. Allie Riches 12th. 

Elite Solos: Nicole Smith Judges’ Choice Award, 13th overall. Kirstyn Miller, 13th. Emma Brighton, 17th. Leah Krantz, 19th. 

Group: The Way You Make Me Feel, Judges’ Choice Award, second overall. Help From My Friends, Judges’ Choice Award (Diamond Elite adjudication), fourth. 

Teen 

Beginner Solos: Annie Schlarmann first in Hip-Hop, first in Improv Dance-Off. 

Intermediate Solos: Grace Harms eighth. Abigail Sharlow ninth. Addie Feldmann 12th. 

Elite Solos: Leah Smith seventh. 

Group: I Love Rock and Roll, Judges’ Choice Award and fifth overall. 

Junior 

Intermediate Solos: Sadie Erion sixth. Cameron Vargason eighth. Arrianna Jones ninth. 

Duet: Hurt Somebody, Judges’ Choice Award and fourth overall. I’ll Be There For You, ninth. 

Group: Angels, second overall. Wild Wild West, third. Praying, eighth. 

Production 

Iowa Grown, Judges’ Choice Award, third. 

Qualifiers to finals 

Junior Lyrical, Angels, fourth. 

Senior Jazz, The Way You Make Me Feel, third. 

Senior Open, Help From Friends, fourth. 

Production, Iowa Grown, third.