Statuesque: 3'N Motion's trophy haul

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

The 3’N Motion dance team recently participated in the Starbound National Talent Competition, where the studio’s small group dance Jet Set finished fourth place overall in the Junior Showcase.

Eleven numbers qualified for this honor, the highest award of the competition, out of 1,000 entries. The dance also took first place in the division and won a special judges’ award for beautiful battements.

The studio also placed in the Top 10 overall in the Junior Petite and Junior Soloist categories. In addition, both the Junior Duos and Trios placed in the Top 5, and the Teen Small Group placed ninth overall.

The studio also entered a production piece consisting of 21 dancers, which was awarded the Most Entertaining judges’ award.

“The really cool thing about the production is that 80% of the dancers were 11 years old or younger,” said Aurie Barton, co-owner of the studio.

But trophies and medals weren’t the only things won at the competition. Six dances were also awarded scholarships for their high scores to participate in future workshops or competitions.

This year, the competition team consisted of 19 girls and three boys. They took a total of 13 solos and six group numbers to the national competition. They also participated in four different regional competitions before attending nationals.

“It really wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for their hard work,” Barton said.

The studio held auditions for next season’s competition team shortly after returning from the competition.

Thirty-five dancers were selected and a new assistant, Shawna Hilley, was hired to aid the competition team director, Liza Kirwan. The dancers are currently in a three-week intensive training camp and have plans to train with the Orlando Ballet in the near future.

“We love our competition team. It’s great that these girls are dedicating themselves to do this,” Barton said. “But we don’t just focus on them. Whether they’re taking one hour or 10 hours, each dancer is treated and given the same amount of attention. We have a little bit of everything for everybody here.”