Dance competitions offer novice and seasoned dancers a chance to show their stuff. And while it’s usually a fun and friendly atmosphere, the competitive vibe is still alive and well.
Every year since 1995, the USA Grand National Dance Championship has been held over Memorial Day weekend, with individuals and couples aiming to take the top place in more than a dozen divisions. Among them is the Rising Star division, set aside for those who are new to West Coast swing routine dancing… but you’d never know it after watching these two:
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Bryn Anderson took her first west coast swing class when she was just five years old and has been working on her moves since then, incorporating everything from ballet and jazz to contemporary and Latin into a style that’s all her own.
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Meanwhile, Ken Rutland grew up dancing solo hip hop before switching to partner dancing about seven years ago. But he also samples swingout, salsa, zydeco, and other dance styles in his swing routines.
The two only teamed up a year before the competition, and their dazzling routine– set to “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry– is a testament to all their hard work.
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And that hard work paid off: With this routine, Bryn and Ken beat out eight other teams to be named the top Rising Stars!
Check out their 1st place routine in the clip below, and share to spread amazement!
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