Kaua‘i’s first all-star dance team representing the Excel! Dance Studio captured second place in a national competition recently in Orlando, Fla. Competing in the All Star Junior Hip Hop category, the Kaua‘i all-star team finished second in a field of
Kaua‘i’s first all-star dance team representing the Excel! Dance Studio captured second place in a national competition recently in Orlando, Fla.
Competing in the All Star Junior Hip Hop category, the Kaua‘i all-star team finished second in a field of 13 teams in the 10-12 age bracket. First place honors went to a team from Ontario, Calif.
As a result of placing second in this competition, the Excel! Dance Studio was awarded an AmeriDance “Golden Ticket” for the event being called the “Final Destination” that will take place in Baltimore in May.
Getting Kaua‘i dancers to compete on a national level has always been a dream for Sherri Sanchez-Holcomb, founder and coach for the Excel! Dance Studio.
She expresses this vision at every opportunity, and since starting the school in 1997, made this dream of a national competition dance team become a reality by hosting the first Excel! Dance Studio Summer Dance Camp last July at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center in Lihu‘e.
Turnout was exceptional, and following the camp, all-star selections were made by the camp’s instructors and coaches.
Sanchez-Holcomb said Kaua‘i has always done well in Florida with its representations of cheer and dance squads from the Pop Warner program, but this is the first time a team competed at this level specifically in dance.
Several Pop Warner cheer members, including some who only recently returned from competing at the National Pop Warner Cheer and Dance competition, were on the squad.
Dance team members include Keani Henderson-Kauahi, Siarah Perreira, Kaysha Peahu, Jahna Alvarez, Lasie Eto, Marissa Hesapene, Kaelyn Aquino-Kamakele and Uakea Jose.
Sanchez-Holcomb is the head coach with Charlene Alcove, Stacy Perreira, Jennifer Masada-White, Jennifer Stiles and Barry Takekuma serving as assistant coaches.
For more information on Excel! Dance Studio call 639-8425, or visit the Web site www.exceldancestudio.com.
