April 22, 2023

By Jim Dietz

This past weekend J31 dance center in Lees Summit participated in the Symposium Regional held at Center High School. In total 13 dance studios competed with 283 Numbers over the two day event. With back to back competitions, J31 only performed 25 of their numbers with most of those being solos.

Symposium ‘strive’s to promote age appropriate music selections, costumes and choreography’. Based in Belton, Symposium has been hosting events throughout the Midwest for 40 years. During the awards ceremony the judges complimented all dancers, parents and teachers on the politeness of all the dancers. Symposium Director Tyler Haydon, who also serves as announcer and emcee, commented on how the level of competition in Kansas City ‘raises the bar’ of all the Regionals held so far this year.

At each Regional, dances are scored by three judges who either work in the industry as a dancer, teacher or studio owner. Adjudication is Diamond 180-177 points, High Gold, Gold and Silver. J31 had 20 routines that earned Diamond level for awards. This also ranked 13 numbers as 1st place in their category and 5 first place overall finishes. Dancers that receive a Diamond score at any of the Regionals have the opportunity to participate in a video and photo shoot and perform for others at one of the two Symposium National competitions held in Minneapolis and Branson.

Other notable awards:

Ambassador Nomination: Lila Araujo, Jenna Richards, Gracie Ryan

Star Artist which includes a ½ fall scholarship: Madi Anderson, Nevaeh Bush, Tirahji Culbertson, Maycie Dietz, Bristol Nance

Best in Show: Ay Caramba featuring J31 Pre-Company

Studio of Excellence and Sportsmanship Award

Title Winners: Lili Araujo, Brooklyn Anderson, Madi Anderson, Bristol Nance

Be sure to check out J31DanceCenter.com for information on dance classes, summer camps, cheer classes and summer intensives.