Tyrone’s Dance Fusion Competition Team kicked off their competition season with a successful weekend at the Nexstar Competition in Lancaster.

The Nexstar Competition took place at the Marriott Hotel in the large ballroom on the first floor.  The competition had over 370 dance entries and had awards ranging from gold to diamond. Studios traveled from all over the east coast to compete.

Nexstar was a three-day competition that started on Friday evening and ended on Sunday evening. Dance Fusion chose to take all of their competition dances and competed in the intermediate category. Competiton dances included several large groups and small groups, as well as a production, several solos, duets, and a trio.

Senior soloists Paige Shultz, Emma Lillibridge, Thaydra Grazier, Reagan Wood, Natalie Berrena-Barr and CC Forshey competed Friday night. A combined amount of three high gold placements and three platinums placements were awarded to the girls that night. Emma Lillibridge, Reagan Wood, and Natalie Berrena-Barr took first in her divisions. Lillibridge then placed tenth place in the overalls with Rumberger taking second and Berrena-Barr taking first.

Natalie and Sage’s duet also earned a platinum, first place in the category, and third place overall.

“I’m really proud of how well our team did for our first competition,” said senior dancer Natalie Berrena Barr, “We all worked really hard and it paid off. I can’t wait to see our growth throughout the rest of the year.”

The competition continued on Saturday with junior team dances in the morning and senior team dances in the afternoon.

Jr modern received a high gold, first place in the category and seventh overall. It also received an excellency in choreography award. Jacro received a high gold, first place in the category and a cool concept award. Jr jazz received a high gold, first place in the category and second place overall. Finally, jr hip hop received a high gold, first place and fifth place overall.

Several duets that featured senior and junior members went Saturday evening. Between the four duets and one trio, there were four high golds and one platinum. Dances placed 6th, 5th and 4th place overall and the duet of Alivia Anderson and Addison Davis received the sparkle and elegance award.

The senior dances continued later that day. Production got a high gold, first place in the category, and first place line overall. It also got an excellence in entertainment award. Sr jazz got a sizzling style award, high gold and sixth place overall. Small group modern got a platinum, first place, and third overall. Contacro received a platinum, first place, and second overall. Large group modern received a platinum, first place in the category, first place overall, a golden ticket to nationals and was a regional champion. Contemporary got a platinum, first place in the category, first overall, a golden ticket to nationals and was also a regional champion. Seniors then finished out with lyripop which got a platinum first place and fourth place overall.

Dance Fusion also got the star studio award for their great sportsmanship backstage.

“I’m really proud of all the girls that competed,” said sophomore dancer Paige Shultz, “I can’t wait to see our scores improve for the competition coming up this weekend.”

After a very successful first competition, the team looks forward to a great season.