Over 50 local dancers had the opportunity to perform in front of professional dancer Chelsie Hightower at the Emery County Fair on Saturday.
Hightower was born in Las Vegas but moved to Orem, Utah when she was young. The professional dancer is well known for her performances on “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” Hightower even had an Emmy nominated performance with Mark Kanemur.
“Chelsie was one of the most inspiring and positive choreographers and teachers that I have ever been around,” said Lindsey Oman, the organizer of the dance competition. “Such a fun and amazing experience to be able to be around and learn from someone of her dance caliber.”
As part of the Emery County Fair, dancers from Emery and Carbon counties had the opportunity to participate in a dance camp and/or competition conducted by Hightower. Participants learned dance fundamentals at the camp and were judged by Hightower during the competition.
Several awards were given, including trophies, medals and dance scholarships to Showtime Dance and Hightower’s Dance Elevated Academy. The winners were awarded as follows:
4-6 year division
– 1st place Ashlyn Johansen
– 2nd place Evey Leonard
7-9 year division
– 1st place Hallie Frandsen
– 2nd place Hadlee Carlson
10-12 year division
– 1st Kelsey Norton
– 2nd BrinLee Hurdsman
13-15 Year division
– 1st Kaylie Basso
– 2nd Brooklyn Johansen
16-18 year division
– 1st Elijah Winn
– 2nd Lexi Gale
Additional Awards
4-9 year division
– Technique award and full scholarship to Showtime Dance Company – Kenlie Powell
– Judge’s Choice along with $50 – Ashlyn Johansen
– High Point Winner along with $100 – Hallie Frandsen
10-18 year division
– Technique award and full scholarship to ShowTime – Novalee Leroy
– Judge’s choice and 1/2 tuition to The Chelsie Hightower dance camp valued at $350 – Kaylie Basso
– Special Award for Excellence – Elijah Winn
– High Point winner and full tuition to the Chelsie Hightower dance camp-valued at $700 – Kelsey Norton
“We are so thankful to the Emery County Fair for letting us be a part and help with such an amazing event for our youth,” stated Oman.
