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.
The studio won the award for Overall Elite Outstanding Choreography. Unfortunately, their competition season was “one and done” until a possible much later date, due to all future competitions being canceled or postponed for the time being because of the nationwide pandemic.
Alivia Sharp is the daughter of Jessica Sharp of Ottawa, and the granddaughter of Don and Marilyn Sharp of Iola.
Gracie Snethen is the daughter of Scott and Beth Snethen, and the granddaughter of Chuck and Michelle Johnson and of Ron and Carolyn Snethen, all of Ottawa.
Klaira Hayes is the daughter of Jared and Mallory Melvin Watkins of Lawrence, and the granddaughter of Mick and Mona Melvin of Iola.
Mallory Melvin-Watkins, Marielle Melvin, Marah Melvin-McFadden, and Molly Carroll are the granddaughters of Jeanne Ann Masterson Percy, of Iola and the late Coach William Glenn “Curly” Percy. Gracie Snethen and Klaira Hayes are their great-granddaughters.
