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The Butler Kickline and Vantasia dance teams competed at the Showcase America Unlimited State/National Championships in April. Both teams earned the Grand Champion Award, the weekend’s highest honor.
The Vantasia dance team’s six-member themed routine placed first in the National officer line championship.
The Butler Kickline’s six-member contemporary routine also placed first and received the gold medal, and they became five-time reigning champions. Completing a Vandalia gold medal sweep, the Tiny and Mini Expressions also won gold in the Primary and Elementary divisions.
On April 10, both Vantasia and Butler Kickline competed for state titles and the opportunity to qualify for the national competition. The Vantasia dance team received Showcase Star ratings for all three routines. The team placed second in pom, second in hip-hop and were named state champions in the jazz category.
The Butler Kickline received Showcase Star ratings for four routines and placed fourth in hip-hop, third in pom, second in kick and were named state champions in jazz.
The Kickline organization also was recognized, receiving the booster spirit award. Another highlight to Saturday was both Vantasia captain Margo Shininger and Kickline captain Lauren Daidone being named National Leadership Champions.
On April 11, the final round was held, and both teams competed for national titles and overall team medals. Vantasia placed fourth in pom, second in hip-hop and were named national champions in jazz. Kickline placed fourth in pom, third in hip-hop and were named national champions in both the jazz and kick categories. Vantasia was awarded team silver in the AAA division for their hip-hop routine and Kickline bronze in the AAA division for their Kick routine.
Both teams also were awarded with high point trophies: Vantasia for hip hop and Kickline for kick. Vantasia was named the junior grand champion and Butler Kickline was named the senior grand champion.
Vantasia Dance Team is led by director Lori Hoagland, coach/choreographer Sarah Ingram and pom choreographer Tiffany Dykstra. Butler Kickline is led by director Pam Drewry, coach/choreographer Lori Downey and pom choreographer Samantha Romano.
To see more on results, pictures and routine and awards video, visit the team websites www.butlerkickline.com and www.vantasiadancer.com.
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