Pueblo West youth dance company wins national championship

Even with a skeleton staff, 10 dancers from Pueblo West's Second Street Dance Company captured judges' hearts and took home a national title at the Kids Artistic Revue dance competition in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Second Street Dance Company was named national grand champions in the Elite Large Group category of the competition. Becky Thompson, owner and director of Second Street Dance Company, was awarded Choreographer of the Year in the same category.

The national competition took place from June 26 to July 2 and featured about 25 dance studios from throughout the United States. Competitors had to qualify at their respective regional competitions before attending nationals. Elite Large Group competitions consisted of advanced dancers aged 12 to 19, according to the Kids Artistic Revue website.

"I am more than elated for this win for our students and for our company," Thompson said. "Persistence, resilience, consistency and discipline have made it possible for each and every one of these kids."

"Throat," the performance that made Second Street Dance Company national grand champions, featured the song "Tomb" by Elephant music — an eerie instrumental that has been featured in teasers for films and television series like "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power."

Rylei Clawson, Erica Coble, Kyra Finnegan, Gage Hansen, Ashlin Mapes, Jordan Reding, Abigail Reeder, Carly Orf, Jennifer Orf, and Gianna Qualantone performed "Throat" at the national competition. Their performance can be viewed on the Kids Artistic Revue website.

Thompson started Second Street Dance Company following a professional career with the San Diego Ballet Company

Housed in the same shopping plaza as 3 Margaritas Pueblo West, the growing Second Street Dance Company teaches dancers ages 3 to 18 and has plans to offer adult classes this fall.

Originally from Southern California, Thompson toured the country as a professional dancer. She danced with the San Diego Ballet Company for six years before moving to Oklahoma City and meeting her husband, Eric. The couple moved to Westcliffe, where Thompson started Second Street Dance Company in 2012. The dance studio relocated to Pueblo West in 2016.

"I am grateful for the (Second Street Dance Company) staff for working together to offer the highest level of training in our area," Thompson said.

With each instructor having professional experience, Second Street Dance Company offers classes in ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap and Irish dancing. The studio also offers training in tumbling and acro dance. A circus program teaching students juggling and other circus-related skills is in the works.

More information about Second Street Dance Company can be found at secondstreetdancecompany.com.

Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo West Second Street Dance Company wins national championship