Chickasaw Nation Dance Studio takes "Best of Show" at Kansas City competition

Four 13-year-old Ada girls teamed up to earn Best of Show at the Adrenaline Dance Competition and Convention in December in Kansas City, Mo.

Ashlynn Rolen, Teron Casey, Emery Rutherford and Madison Hoover competed in the junior age division, small group category, after training together for the past year at the Chickasaw Nation Dance Studio. Competition was tough as the girls competed with teams from across the country.

They are the first to represent the Chickasaw Nation at the nationally competitive Adrenaline Dance Competitions.

Based upon their performance, the girls secured an invitation to the organization's National Dance Honors competition in either Las Vegas or Orlando.

At the Kansas City competition, the girls were judged on dance technique, execution, showmanship and choreography. They performed contemporary dance techniques. While officially receiving a Gold score from the judges, the team was selected as one of four Best of Show favorites to perform an encore performance for other dancers in the competition, judges and general audience.

Hoover's performance was one of the most notable of all the dancers in attendance. Hoover was selected to receive a scholarship from Adrenaline Dance. She received an individual invitation to perform at an Adrenaline Dance Competition and Convention during the 2019 season, with fees and expenses paid.

About the Chickasaw Nation's Dance Studio

Chickasaw Nation dance classes are open the public. Participants have the opportunity to dance for enjoyment, exercise or to learn new skills. Classes range in all ages and experience levels. Class divisions include pre-dance, ages 0-3 and 4-5, while dance instruction divisions are ages 5-8, 9-12, 13-18, and 19 and up.

Corey King, Director of Performing Arts for the Chickasaw Nation, explains that the studio covers dance styles ranging from classical ballet to hip-hop. During the semester-long classes, participants learn essential dance techniques and develop the ability to perform routines together.

The four girls representing the Chickasaw Nation Dance Studio at the Adrenaline Dance Competition and Convention are currently on the Teen Team for the studio. Segmented into age groups, three other performance teams include the Junior Team, Mini-Team and Apprentice Team. They will represent the studio at various competitions scheduled in the spring.

For more information on classes, or to register, contact the Chickasaw Nation Performing Arts Department at (580) 272-5520 or email Performance@Chickasaw.net.