LAWRENCE — Three girls with ties to Iola performed at the Dance Out Competition March 12-14 at the University of Kansas Lied Center in Lawrence. Representing Spotlight Dance Academy from Ottawa were Alivia Sharp, Gracie Snethen and Klaira Hayes.
The SDA studio is owned and directed by Mallory Melvin-Watkins. She choreographs many of the competition numbers for the troupe, as do her sisters, Marielle Melvin and Marah Melvin-McFadden, and her cousin, Molly Carroll.
The team garnered numerous awards and were named Dance Out Contour National Scholarship winners and were picked for National Showdown Elite Performers. Alivia was a Miss Teen Dance Out Finalist and Gracie won the Title Competition of Miss Teen Dance Out.
