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June 26, 2004 - Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels May 1, 2004 They get a kick out of dance By Bill Choy Ashland Daily Tidings Seemingly connected to each other, the girls flowed as a cohesive unit, making acrobatic leaps and other motions in perfect stride as they tirelessly worked on their dance moves. Dance teacher Kristina Walker, owner and founder of the Studio K dance studio, watched intently, giving them pointers and words of encouragement. "I think it's better when you reach out your hands," she said. " So when you go 5, 6, 7, on 8, you put your arms out." For six Ashland teens, their love of dance can help them with their higher education goals. The Elite Dance Company troop is preparing for a competition featuring dancers from Denise Baratta | Ashland Daily Tidings Rosie Timmens (front) and Lara Kuny practice their jumps at Studio K for a national dance competition in Idaho in May. throughout the country in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on May 22 and 23. The Dance Magic competition offers cash prizes in several jazz and hip-hop categories for first, second and third finishes. First prize in each category is $800. The dance group will compete in another dance competition in August in Seaside to earn more money. Walker hopes the troop will earn enough money to help start college scholarships for the Elite Dance Company. "They have put a lot of time into their dance and have put a lot of passion into it," she said. "I wanted to give back to them, so if they want to go on to college and pursue dance they can." Selection into the company was quite competitive, Walker said. The group practices about eight hours a week, along with their normal dance classes. "They're probably doing close to 15 hours of dance a week," she said. "It will be great for them to have the opportunity to go out and compete and hopefully be rewarded for their dedication and passion for dance." Love of dance For 11 of her 16 years, Kerrie Feil has danced. "I can't describe how much I love dance," she said. "I believe it's why I'm here - to dance. If I couldn't dance, I don't know what I would do." For Feil, going to perform in Idaho is what life is all about - sharing her love of dance and being with her fellow dancers. "We are so close, which helps us work well together," she said. Molly Thivierge, 16, is stoked about going to Idaho to compete. "We're a small group and each person is really dedicated to dancing," she said. "I'm really excited ... and [Walker] is so passionate and enthusiastic about what she does. It rubs off on us." While it takes a lot of work to be a dancer, it's all worth it when you're able to display your love and passion for the craft to an audience, Thivierge said. "In front of an audience, there's just an amazing rush of energy," she said. "It's so much fun." Feil couldn't agree more. "It feels amazing, like electricity flowing through my body," she said. "I get goosebumps." Being able to have a scholarship to study dance in college is an exciting proposition, Thivierge said. "I think it's awesome, what [Walker] is trying to do," she said. "I might not major in dancing, but I will never stop dancing and this will give me a chance when I go to college." For more information on the studio, or to donate money to the scholarship, call Studio K at 488-9449. The studio's address 1090 Benson Way, No. 3. DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams