Spotlight 2022 @ The Convention Center

Another Spotlight is in the books and we are so happy to be back! This past weekend 55 dancers and their families spent the weekend at the Convention Center. It was as close to a “normal” dance competition weekend (minus wearing masks until they danced on stage) that we have had since March 2020. We had over 40 dances competing that featured dancers as young as 5 and up to 18. Some of our dancers also competed in a solo or duo for their first time.

What is notable about CVDA at competitions that makes me particularly proud and feel all of the warm and fuzzies is the true family feel of our culture. Dancers with solos from both Newberg and McMinnville studios cheered each other on, younger dancers watched the livestream from home to cheer on their teammates, groups worked together to be prepared to take the stage, and parents went out of their way to congratulate other dancers.

When debriefing with the dancers this week, they were asked what was their favorite moment/thing from the weekend and what do they want to change or improve for the next competition. Here are some of their answers:

“I loved hanging out with the other dancers during solos on Sunday night. We were all so delusionally tired but had so much fun.”

“I loved leaving it all on the stage – it felt so good – and I’ve like never really done that.”

“I loved being back on stage and seeing the other studios and feeling normal.”

“I just loved being on the stage again.”

“I loved being backstage and getting warmed up and practicing together. It was like old times.”

“I loved how supportive everyone was and being able to watch everybody’s dances.”

“I think that I need to work on getting more sleep the night before.”

“I think that I need to prepare better like stretching more and feeling ready in my body.”

“I need to make a backup snack plan because everything was closed and I was HANGRY.”

“I think that I need to get better sleep.”

“I think that I need to be more mentally prepared vs stressing out in the last 5 minutes before going on stage.”

Many of the dancers also participated in the Dance Down where they learn a quick dance combo and go through an audition process. They have to think quickly and perform and SO MANY of our younger dancers participated and killed it. They are brave and amazing and we are so proud of them! Anyone who does dance down is a boss. We are all so proud!

Another special moment from the weekend was Stella Stoller competing in her first title competition. She had to speak on stage introducing herself, answering a question and then perform a combo. Those scores combined with her solo scores earned her the Petite Miss Spotlight 2022 for Portland, OR and means she is invited to compete for the National Title in July. She is proud of her hard work and bravery and looks forward to improving throughout the season.

Congrats to the Newberg Elites and Miss Lillie for their first overall award! Check the full results below to see how our dancers faired at their first competition of the season. We can’t wait till next year!

RESULTS