J & J Performing Arts’ competitive dance team recently dazzled at the Starbound National Talent Competition in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, bringing home an impressive array of awards and accolades. The Susanville-based studio made a significant impact, turning heads with their technique, power, and grace.
The week kicked off with an intensive training experience for Parker Foreman and Kissy Baesman, who participated in master classes led by renowned choreographers and dancers Rob Schultz, Devon Larcher, and Markus Shields.
Studio Owner Jessica Wade remarked, “These classes were intense and difficult, providing a great push and stretch for our dancers.” Baesman particularly impressed the faculty, earning the distinction of “Ignite Dance Live Dynamite,” a role that allowed her to perform on stage showcasing choreography and apprentice for the national program.
The competition saw stellar performances across various divisions. In the intermediate jazz category, teen soloist Joan Joyner ignited the stage with her solo “Lovin You,” earning an Elite Gold award – the highest adjudicated honor – and securing 4th Overall.
The advanced division witnessed equally remarkable talent. Kaycee Freitas and Lenna Wade captivated judges with their open duet “Halo,” receiving a “Pretty Pictures” judges award, Elite Gold, and 7th Overall. Lenna Wade’s contemporary solo “Claire de” also earned an Elite Gold and 7th Overall, while Kaycee Freitas’s solo “Cold Hearted” secured an Elite Gold and 10th Overall in a highly competitive field.
Senior dancers Kaylee Micone, Parker Foreman, and Kissy Baesman delivered a powerful and moving contemporary trio, “Carry Me Home.” Wade noted the performance “received 3rd Overall and Elite Gold and left the audience and judges stunned by its power, grace and soul.” Parker Foreman’s open solo “Birthday Cake” earned an Elite Gold and a judges award for “Power and Grace.” Kaylee Micone, recently crowned Miss Lassen County, and Zoey Nicholson both received High Gold awards for their solos, “Girl Like Me” and “Stand by Me,” respectively, amidst fierce competition.
Despite battling injured feet from a prior performance at the local county fair, Kissy Baesman showcased incredible resilience and talent. She earned Elite Gold for both of her elite-level solos, the open piece “People” and the contemporary “Lover.” Her open solo placed 10th Overall, and her contemporary solo garnered a “Leave it all on the Marley” judges award and 9th Overall in the highly competitive senior elite level.
Baesman’s extraordinary week culminated in her winning the Overall Winner title at the Starbound Nationals Improvisation contest and performing in the opening number, which featured dancers from across the nation.
“Again J&J is leading the competitive dance scene with technique, power and grace,” Wade proudly stated. “No one can believe it when we say we are from Susanville. It’s always a fun topic of conversation. We are hometown proud.”
