Dance Worlds 2019

As many of you know I have been a dancer since I was a little girl. Last month I had the opportunity to represent the United States, as part of a dance team from Strut Performing Arts, who competed at the Dance Worlds 2019. I competed in 3 divisions Open Coed Pom, Open Coed Hip Hop and Open Coed Jazz. 35 Teams from around the globe competed in this competition.

The road to Worlds starts in August when we begin to train for the season ahead. National competitions begin in January. We traveled to locations such as Bakersfield, Palm Springs, Las Vegas and Anaheim. Each competition is an opportunity to win a bid or invitation to attend the Dance Worlds. Only a few are chosen at each competition. Bids are usually given to the dances with the highest scores regardless of genres. In all, my studio earned 6 Worlds bids 3 in the Senior Division (18 years and under) and 3 in my division, Open (15 years and older).
Even after earning a bid we still work hard reworking our routines to make sure they are the best they can be. We know when we get to Orlando, FL for the world competition we will be up against the best of the best.

Some may ask why do I put so much time into dancing especially now that I am in college. Dance has always been a part of who I am. I enjoy being on the stage especially when I am representing my country and community. To be able to go to Worlds and meet people from other countries who love dance as much as I do is truly an amazing experience. The time and dedication we all bring to the dance floor is like no other. We cheer each other on and celebrate each other’s victories. We are in awe at what we each uniquely bring to the floor. The experience is like no other.

The fun part of going to Worlds is to be able to visit Disney World. I am also a Disney freak so this really is a plus! We have a couple of days to be with our family and a team before the big weekend.

After months of preparation the day arrives that we get our opportunity to share with the world our routines. You only get one try to get into the semi-finals. Out of all the USA teams only 3 in each division can move on to finals. The remaining 7 must be international. The moment arrives and with butterflies in my stomach and holding my teammate’s hand we take the stage. We smile at the judges and get into formation. Our families are cheering and the music starts. Immediately you are transported by the music and the moves you have been perfecting all year are sharper and cleaner. With everything you have you push even harder then you ever have before. When the music stops you take a breath hoping it was enough.

Then the moment of truth after hours of dances they begin to announce who will be moving forward. My team and I huddle together praying the will say our name. As other names are called your heart sinks thinking maybe yours won’t then they announce,” Strut Performing Arts!” We moved on to finals!

For the next 2 days we battled on the dance floor working even harder with each routine. In the end we earned 2 Bronze Medals and a 4th place in my routines. My studio had never made it to finals in Open Hip Hop and we were taking home a bronze medal! In all every routine my studio brought to worlds had a top 10 placement and we earned 3 Bronze Globes. Each dancer went home with at least one medal.

I want to thank the congregation for all their support over the years. Many of you have helped me with fundraisers, bought tickets to my shows and have held me in your prayers as we traveled. I feel your love and I appreciate each and every one of you!

Megan