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ORLANDO — Students from Kelli’s Kreative Dance studio in Destrehan recently attended the StarQuest World Finals held at Disney Springs in Orlando and returned with top honors including the Apogee Award for overall high score, two Dance-Off Championships, three national first place wins, two Odyssey awards, four National Judge’s Awards, and four National Costume Awards, along with a studio level award for Superb Stage Presence and many national placements.

“After missing out on our entire competition season last year, it was so great to see our kids return to the stage this year doing what they love. This was a tough competition, and I am beyond proud of our dancers and teachers for rising to the challenge,” said studio owner and director Kelli Manville. “Our students work so hard throughout the year, and as a teacher it is amazing and humbling to watch them grow as performers and as people.”

After five days of competition, four of Kelli’s routines were invited to dance in the Final Dance-Offs for the last two days of the competition.

At the Classic Dance-Off, Scoutin’, a hip-hop dance choreographed by Karleen Bouza, was named Petite/Junior Mega Line dance-off champion and also won the Apogee Award for being the highest scoring petite or junior dance of the entire dance-off. Before the dance-off, Scoutin’ also took home first place for junior mega lines, a platinum adjudication, and a costume award during the regular competition.

Also taking home first place at the Classic Dance-Off was the jazz dance Oh La La choreographed by Karleen Bouza. Oh La La was named the Junior Large Group dance-off champion. During the week, Oh La La was also awarded a platinum adjudication and first place for junior large groups.

Water from the Moon, a lyrical dance choreographed by Kelli Manville, placed third in Teen Large Groups in the Classic Dance-Off. They had originally placed ninth in the teen large groups.

Smash, a jazz dance choreographed by Karleen Bouza, was invited to compete in the Quest for the Best Dance-Off where they received second place overall in Teen Lines. During the week, they placed fifth in teen large groups with a platinum adjudication.

Many of their other routines placed and took home honors during the competition, including the following:

Jazz- What’s Cookin’, choreographed by Kelli Manville, was named the champion, taking home first place overall in Petite Nova Lines and also won the Petite Odyssey Award, a platinum adjudication and a judge’s award for entertainment.

Tap- Wild Child, choreographed by Kelli Manville, was awarded second place overall in Petite Nova Large Groups and a platinum adjudication. Stupid Cupid, choreographed by Micque Voges, was awarded sixth place overall in Petite Nova Large Groups. All Dolled Up, choreographed by Karleen Bouza, placed fourth overall in Petite Nova Small Groups and earned a platinum adjudication. Boogie Fever, choreographed by Micque Voges, placed sixth overall in Junior Classic Large Groups. Footloose, choreographed by Micque Voges, placed seventh overall in Junior Classic Large Groups.

Lyrical – Dream, a lyrical dance choreographed by Kelli Manville, placed third overall in Junior Classic Large Groups.

Contemporary- Open Hands, a contemporary dance choreographed by Karleen Bouza, placed 14^th overall in Senior Select Small Groups and also received a Senior Odyssey Award, a judge’s award for teamwork and a platinum adjudication.

Soloists- Lexi Clause placed third overall in Petite Classic Solos with a platinum adjudication, while Lexi Ford placed ninth overall in Junior Select Solos and received a judge’s award for beauty and grace. Madison Victory placed fifth overall in Junior Classic Solos and received a judge’s award for sharpness. She also won first overall for Junior Classic/Nova costumes. Claire Johnston placed 10^th overall in Junior Classic Solos and received third place for Junior Classic/Nova costumes. Abby Hebbler placed 14^th overall in Teen Classic Solos. Chloe Nunenmacher won third overall for Teen Select Costumes.

Duos- Lexi Ford and Miladi Benedict placed eighth overall in Teen Select Duos and Trios.

Kelli’s Kreative Dance has locations in Destrehan, Kenner and Mandeville. They are currently enrolling for fall classes. Learn more about Kelli’s Kreative Dance at kelliskreativedance.com.