This past weekend, from March 6 to 8, the Dance Lakewood Competition teams lit up the stage at Nexstar National Dance Competition. The dancers on the Ember, Ignite and Radiance teams brought 26 dances to the stage.
The dancers showcased their skills in upbeat musical theater, sassy jazz, and heartfelt contemporary. Each performance reflected months of hard work, dedication, and long hours of training and rehearsing in the studio.
“It’s a lot of emotional back and forth, with remembering choreography, making sure that you’re in the right spot, and making sure you’re showing up for your team members and yourself in the best way possible,” said Sara Barile, manager for the Ember and Radiance teams.
Barile works alongside Ignite team manager Alexa Tama and all-team manager Taylor Carmack. Together, the trio choreographs dances, selects costumes, and plans extensively behind the scenes to ensure a smooth competition for the dancers and their families.
However, ensuring this smoothness comes at a high cost for the studio. With the season running from August to June, the team has nearly a year-long commitment. During the summer months, team members attend classes to strengthen their technique before shifting into a demanding school-year schedule.
“I think dance can sometimes be seen as not a sport, but we have just as long practices, if not longer,” Barile said. “You have to take more people into account in your space. If you have a routine of 16 people, you really have to take in all that spatial awareness, and I don’t think people really realize that.”
As the season continues, competition starts to creep around the corner. For dancers, this means additional hours and work in the studio. Along with their regular technique classes in acro, jazz, contemporary and ballet, weekend rehearsals are crucial for cleaning choreography. These extended rehearsals allow the teams to focus on the details and build stamina, ensuring each dance is ready to hit the stage.
“Rehearsals have shown that we’re really resilient, and we always work so hard to make sure we’re supporting each other and ourselves 100% of the way,” said Dylan Klassen, a sophomore on the Radiance team.
The Nexstar weekend was huge for everyone at Dance Lakewood. Many of the dancers spent the entire competition weekend rushing between quick costume changes and running back-to-back dances for their next performance. These dances included solos, duets, trios, and both small and large group dances.
“I’ve learned not just from this season, but from dance in general, that if you compare yourself to others, it will just bring you down,” said Emily Chilcote, a junior on the Radiance team. “It’s best to think about yourself, think about your movements, and worry about how you can improve to get better.”
During the competition weekend, the amount of encouragement given is overwhelmingly strong. After each dance — soloist or group — all teams gather for celebratory hugs. These moments of support are small but mighty. The meaningful tradition allows each dancer to feel appreciated and supported, no matter what team they’re on. Although it’s a brief moment, it’s what makes Dance Lakewood so special.
“The team as a whole never gives up,” Barile said. “There is this sense of such a solid, strong foundation between the team, and friendship, and love, and support. You see it every time we’re running dances, when we’re trying something new, and cheering each other on. I think that’s so important, because it’s really what keeps us going day to day.”
While Dance Lakewood placed in several categories at Nexstar, the team focuses on the memories made throughout the season. The teams will next travel to Akron, Ohio, for the Applause Talent competition, held April 17 to 19.
