Performers from Pacific Ballroom Dance show some of the form that helped them win honors at the recent National Youth Standard Formation Dance Championship.
Pacific Ballroom Dance is now ranked among the top youth formation teams in the nation after placing fifth at the United States National Youth Standard Formation Dance Championship March 10 and 11.
The 2006 National Amateur Dancesport Championship was held in Provo, Utah, and marked the first time Pacific Ballroom's youth formation team has entered a competition. The Pacific Ballroom Dance competed against nine other ballroom teams from as far away as Florida.
"Coming in as an unknown team and making it to the final round of our event was a great accomplishment for this group," said Cherie Ponder, Competition Team Director. "We spent many hours preparing for this competition and the hard work has paid off."
Preparing for this event was a challenge because the 130-student organization has no permanent studio for holding rehearsals. Each rehearsal for this event was held at a different location. "We are looking forward to being able to raise enough money this year to hopefully provide the kids with a studio of their own and we appreciate the support that the Boys & Girls Club, the Federal Way School District, and the city of Pacific has given our program" said Lori Hudson, Executive Director. The team bounced back and forth among middle schools, high schools, community centers, and churches.
"Preparing for this event has been a challenge," said Tom Madden, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. "One of our top priorities moving forward will be finding sponsors and raising funds for a permanent dance studio home of our own."
Pacific Ballroom can be seen locally at its third annual Spring Concert, which will be held June 2 and 3 at the Auburn Performing Arts Center. For more information regarding local performances, dance lessons, or other dance opportunities, please visit www.pacificballroom.org.
About Pacific Ballroom
As a non-profit organization, Pacific Ballroom Dance (PBD) provides a positive environment for youth to build character while learning to dance. PBD is the only youth ballroom formation team in the Pacific Northwest. All youth between the ages of 12 and 21 are welcome to participate in the program.
