Jazzy Cats acquire several honors at dance camp

The Louisburg High School Jazzy Cats dance team recently brought home several awards from the ADTS camp June 9 in Olathe. Members of the Jazzy Cats (front row, from left) are Melia Rice, Bree Christy, Quincy Rice, Katie JoRay, Shae Murphy; (back row) Avery Graham, Brooklyn Mitchell, Teagan Myers, Kira Payton and Lauren Cain.

The Louisburg High School Jazzy Cats dance team put in hours of hard work prior to attending prior to attending the American Dance/Drill Team (ADTS) camp in Olathe.

All the hard work came to fruition when the camp ended on June 9.

The Jazzy Cats were recognized with several awards as they were chosen as the Gussie Nell Davis Team of the Camp. The Louisburg dancers were also chosen as an All-American team of the third day and were one of three teams recognized for a home routine award.

“The girls put in a lot of hard work into the routine, all starting with this new team’s seniors who spent a lot of time outside of practice helping to choreograph and structure the routine,” Jazzy Cats instructor Kassy Miller said. “The team started learning and rehearsing the dance after tryouts at several April early-morning practices, and also spent time in May and June to work on the dance technique and team performance.”

Louisburg also earned several individual honors as well.

Senior Quincy Rice was chosen as an Outstanding Leader and Performer in dance. Avery Graham, Katie JoRay and Rice were also named as Miss High Kick Finalists.

Bree Christy and Teagan Myers were recognized as All-American honorable mentions. Melia Rice, JoRay and Rice were named Overall All-American Teammates.

It was quite the showing for the Jazzy Cats, who competed against several other schools from across the Kansas City area.

“This was the first time the Jazzy Cats attended this came, and I think they represented themselves, their school and community very well,” Miller said.

Members of the 2016-17 Jazzy Cats are Quincy Rice, Teagan Myers, Avery Graham, Katie JoRay, Melia Rice, Bree Christy, Lauren Cain, Shae Murphy, Brooklyn Mitchell and Kira Payton.