Two teams from Woodbury Dance Center win at national competition

• Rubies

The “Rubies,” a dance team, ages 7-9, from Woodbury Dance Center, won first place in their category in the Showbiz National Talent Competition, in Branson, Mo., with their tab routine to “Supercalafragalisticexpialadoshus.”
• Pearls

The “Pearls,” a dance team, age 6, from Woodbury Dance Center, won first place in their category in the Showbiz National Talent Competition, in Branson, Mo., with their tap routine to “Don’t Hang Up.”

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Woodbury Dance Center’s “Rubies” showed just how bright they can shine last month when they took first place with their tap routine in the Showbiz National Talent Competition in Branson, Mo.

The “Rubies,” which comprises 16 girls ages 7-9, weren’t the only ones who sparkled during the competition; the “Pearls,” comprised of girls 6 years old, also took first place with their tap routine in the competition in their age group.

“We just brought our ‘A’ game and it paid off,” said Erin Hinck, an instructor at Woodbury Dance Center. “They have really good showmanship, so they’re entertaining, but they also have the tap technique to go along with it – they can get the competition from all angles.

“That combination is what makes them stand out at such a young age.”

The “Rubies” performed to “Supercalafragalisticexpialadoshus” from “Mary Poppins” and the “Pearls” performed to “Don’t Hang Up” by the Orlons.

Dancing at nationals

Both the Pearls and the Rubies had been preparing for the Showbiz National Talent Competition since back in the spring, when the teams competed in regional competitions.

“We have a really strong younger dancer competitive program,” Hinck said. “We teach our kids at a young age things they can do, so they’re dancing the whole time.

“It’s really impressive to the judges because they’re not just bopping around the stage looking cute – they’re actually dancing.”

The Rubies and Pearls practiced their routines about three to four hours per week.

Hinck said there are always nerves when going into a national competition.

“I was confident in them, but going out of state you don’t know who they’re up against,” she said. “It’s a mystery.”

Bailey Elementary fourth grader Abby Johnson, who is part of the Rubies, said she was extra nervous for the Showbiz National Talent Competition because it was all new to her.

“This was my first year in competition so when I went out on stage for the first time it was really scary,” she said.

St. Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic School fifth grader Maggie Sperle said she had a similar feeling.

“I was a little nervous before we went on stage, like I always am,” she said. “Most of my body was feeling pretty confident, but it’s always good to be a little nervous.

“But, we just try to do our best.”

During the Showbiz National Talent Competition, held July 18-22, teams and individuals competed in three different dances.

Five teams were chosen to move onto the finals at the end of the week

“(The Rubies) actually won first place during the week and then during the finals they won first place as well,” Hinck said. “They were rock stars.”

When it was announced that the Rubies took first place in their category it was excitement all around.

“I was screaming for joy,” Sperle said.

Hinck said she wasn’t entirely surprised by the Rubies and the Pearls excelling at the Showbiz National Talent Competition.

“They have been a strong group all year,” she said. “They work really hard and listen really well – they kind of just have it in them to be champions.”

Hinck said seeing the Rubies and Pearls both win first place was a rewarding experiencing – and hopefully something that future dance teams can repeat.

“It’s just really rewarding for us to watch them shine on stage,” she said. “There’s really nothing better than seeing them so proud of themselves for accomplishing something.”

Tags: news, entertainment