Brooklyn Ward (age 7), Kylie Lawrence (age 8), and Rory Frye (age 8) form the lyrical dance trio that won first place at the recent 24Seven Provo Dance Convention that was held January 16-18, 2020 in Provo, Utah. They performed in the “Sidekick” age division, which is typically comprised of children aged 5-7.
Ward, Lawrence, and Frye are lyrical dancers and the competition defines the category as “A combination of jazz and ballet techniques to slow music incorporating emotional and storytelling elements.” And their performance certainly fits the bill.
Their award-winning routine was choreographed by instructor Misti Ridge who teaches at the girls’ school, Center Stage Performing Arts Studio in Orem, Utah. The three young ladies performed to the song “King,” by English singer-songwriter Lauren Aquilina. It was on her 2012 self-released album Fools.
As the girls walk out onto the stage shrouded in darkness you can hear some encouragement from family and friends in the audience – it’s important to know your people are out there, even if you are getting ready to concentrate. Who couldn’t use a last-minute confidence boost?
As the lights, all three dancers have their heads bowed and the music begins to play.
Then, each girl strikes a pose, showing off grace, flexibility, and the storytelling aspect of the dance about to come.
While you might imagine it’s easier to tell a story with three people than just one, dancing as a trio can be tough, not just for the synchronicity it requires but because you have to depend on more advanced choreography to make sure each dancer has an active part to play at all times.
With one girl off on her own, the other two demonstrate some partner moves – and it’s hard to tell where to keep your eyes focused because each dancer has her own style and part of the story to tell.
Of course, dancing as a trio is ultimately group work, so while each girl takes a turn being in the spotlight, they are ultimately a team – and one that just “gels” judging by this beautiful performance.
At nearly a minute into the routine, their ballet skills really come out, along with a few more acrobatic moves.
This kind of dancing skill takes a tremendous amount of practice and no doubt they spent hours a day leading up to the performance getting it right – and that’s in addition to their schooling. Tiny dancers make serious sacrifices when it comes to putting their art above typical childhood activities.
There’s no better way to describe their movements other than “lyrical.” The flow, their gracefulness, and their ability to move across the floor almost as if they’re floating all add to an air of otherworldly beauty that’s only intensified by the haunting music in the background.
As the lyrics “put all your thoughts to bed” ring out, the girls lay down their heads on each other’s backs before ending on an elegant straight-from-the-ballet-barre note.
Their performance received a rousing round of applause not just from family but from the whole crowd as whistles ring out for the tiny trio of lyrical dancers that took away first place in their age range in the lyrical dance category just a few weeks ago.
Be sure to scroll down below to see the girls’ award-winning and mesmerizing performance.
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