On December 2nd, the Rex Putnam High School dance team, the Royal Crowns, qualified for Category Championships. Category Championships are the earned during the fall leading to the state championship in the spring. It’s when the teams get 1st or 2nd place and earn a qualifying score for the next round of qualifying. You have to get a score of 68 to qualify.” explained Captain Jordan Drog. The RC’s performed their qualifying routines at Tualatin High School. The team did not take home a trophy this time but have had a successful season.

On November 4th, The Royal Crowns, competed at their first competition at Gladstone High School. Competing in Hip Hop and Contemporary Divisions, they earned 2nd for Hip Hop and 3rd for Contemporary.  

On November 11th, The Royal Crowns competed at their second dance competition of the season hosted by the Clackamas High School dance team. The team competed in the Small Hip Hop Category, Small Contemporary category, and the Small Jazz Category.

The first routine performed was Contemporary. Dancing to “The Emotion” by Borns, the girls gave it their all with various different facial expressions switching from happy to sad throughout the dance. With grace and confidence they leaped their way to 4th place in the Small Contemporary category.

Up next was Hip Hop, a team favorite because of its upbeat music and fun, sassy dance moves. At one part of the dance the team even dropped into the splits with their fists raised high and the whole gym went wild screaming and shouting in amazement. Hip Hop is a favorite for freshman Jordan Christina Hicks because, “…I feel like I’m the best in Hip Hop and I like to be sassy.” Hip Hop won second place in the Small Hip Hop category.

The final routine the dancers performed was Jazz. A small group had been selected from the juniors and seniors to compete the beachy routine danced to the song “Malibu” by Miley Cyrus. Their blue floral rompers and huge smiles made you want to go dance with them on a beach in Malibu. “Everyone loved it, it was a crowd pleaser.” commented Captain Jordan Drog. Jazz won second place in the Small Jazz category, a surprise to the team considering it was their first time competing this routine.

The team is preparing for the state finals in March.