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'Busy' kids dance their way to talent show victory

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By Danielle Wilson, Staff Reporter 9:43 PM Friday, June 12, 2009

Proud parents and friends turned out Friday, June 12 to support local youth in the “Middletown’s Got Talent” showcase at Middletown YMCA.

About 40 people attended the event featuring children and teens from local schools, said Mira Smith, an organizer.

“I like to keep my kids busy,” said Stacy Bellard, whose three daughters danced in the contest. She said the event was the perfect way for her girls to stay active and do something they love.

Her daughter, Aubriana, won $100 as the sixth- through ninth-grade category winner. The life-long praise dancer said she focuses on moving her audience in each performance.

Stone-faced judges Jamil Prier, Erica Lattimore and Terry Sherrer examined the creativity and skill of each contestant.

Community supporters clapped and screamed after a tap-dancing trio gave an award-winning performance.

Abbie Birchwell, 17, Sydnee Ford, 18, and Erica Pyle, 18, have danced together for six years. They practiced their routine for nine months.

As students at A Step Ahead Dance Studio, the trio learned about the competition last week when Abbie showed her comrades a Journal article announcing the event.

“Then, we just decided to do it!” Erica said.

The girls won the $100 prize for the ninth- through 12th-grade category.

“We really were excited to come here and dance,” Abbie said, still fanning herself after a break in the hot gym.

Charis Herndon took the crown for the kindergarten through fifth-grade group.

The talent show is new this year as part of this weekend’s Multicultural Arts Festival, which continues today, June 13, at Douglass Park.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2511 or dwilson@coxohio.com

MiddletownJournal.com

»Check out more photos from Friday’s performances and share your own online at Middletown Journal.com/photos

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