WESTBROOK — Students at Rockport Dance Conservatory returned home with great results from the Dancers Inc Regional Dance Competition March 11-13. Nine RDC students competed over the weekend and were judged by the level of technique, style, and delivery of choreography and competed against other studios from all over New England.

Returning competition team members include Sydney Fields, Piper Pavelich, Paige Chester, Kelsey Guinn, Charlotte Hood, Ceci Tinch, Elise Mahar, and Kirsten Jones. This was the first competition for new team member Haileigh Luce. RDC director Kari Cameron and assistant director Sally Leighton Cameron accompanied the dancers.

The weekend kicked off Friday night with the Teen Duo/Trio competition. Dancers Kelsey Guinn and Sydney Fields received a High Gold for their Musical Theatre duo "Trolley Song" choreographed by Kari Cameron and Sally Leighton Cameron and placed first overall in the Teen Future Star Duo/Trio division.

Saturday morning started off with the Petite and Junior Soloists. Kirsten Jones performed a contemporary solo, "Someone's Waiting for You," choreographed by K. Cameron and received a High Gold. Elise Mahar received a Gold for her Musical Theatre solo "I Don't Want to Show Off," co-choreographed by Kari and Sally. Kelsey Guinn performed a Tap solo, "Feeling Groovy" choreographed by Sally Leighton Cameron and received a High Gold, First overall in the Junior Future Star Division and also received a special invitation to perform in the opening number at the Dancer's Inc. national competition in Cape Cod in July.

Saturday afternoon continued with the Junior Duo/Trio competition. Elise Mahar and Ceci Tinch received a Gold and first place overall in the Junior Future Star Duo/Trio division for their jazz routine "Boots," co-choreographed by Kari and Sally. Paige Chester and Charlotte Hood received a Gold for their Jazz duo, "Up & Away," also co-choreographed by Kari and Sally.

Saturday evening finished up with the Teen Groups. Hip-hop routine "Bubblegum Boy," choreographed by Kari received a High Gold. Dancers included Sydney Fields, Kelsey Guinn, Haileigh Luce, and Piper Pavlich.

Sunday morning began with the Junior Groups. Musical Theatre routine "Bathing Beauty" choreographed by Kari received a High Gold. Dancers included Elise Mahar, Kelsey Guinn, Paige Chester, Charlotte Hood, and Ceci Tinch.

The weekend's competition concluded with Senior Soloists. Sydney Fields performed her Contemporary solo, "I See Fire," choreographed by Kari and received a High Gold and placed 1st overall in the Senior Future Star Division.

There are many dance competitions throughout the USA. These competitions have similar formats each with their specific rules and special offerings. Competing numbers are entered into a category based on their age and experience range, and are judged on technique, style, showmanship, and precision. They are critiqued in comparison to other numbers in their age/level division. Students work hard to get choreography clean and performing style strong which means more hours in the studio. Team spirit is enhanced with a strong sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.

Rockport Dance Conservatory promotes dance numbers high in artistry and good technique rather than "tricks" and flash. Proper sportsmanship, group support, performance ability, and creative exploration are reinforced. Though everyone would like to have their dances win, it's more about the good attitude and the dancers' individual growth. Getting away from your home environment, especially a smaller community, allows dancers' to see what is out there in abilities, choreography, and styles.

For more information on Rockport Dance Conservatory and the Competition Team visit rockportdance.com.