Local ballroom dancers take first in national competition

ByRobert Stevens
Two well dressed students strike a pose by their trophy.
Adam Choate of Spring City and Amren Breinholt of Mt. Pleasant took first place in the national foxtrot division at the Gem State National Championships in ballroom dance. They competed against 150 couples in a five-round event.

IDAHO FALLS—Ballroom dancers from Levare Studios, based in northern Sanpete County, returned from the Gem State National Championship this week with top honors, including a national title.

Adam Choate of Spring City and Amren Breinholt of Mt. Pleasant took first place in the foxtrot division, competing against 150 couples in a five-round event.

“I had a lot of fun,” Choate said. “I was really surprised to get first, but I am super grateful for it and for the help of my amazing coaches, Paxton and Maryn.

“I totally encourage other guys to try ballroom dancing, even if you’ve never considered it before. It’s a blast.”

Choate and Breinholt were among 33 dancers representing Levare Studios at the Idaho Falls competition. Dancers competed in individual, couple and team events across a range of ballroom styles including cha cha, waltz, samba and cabaret-lift solos.

Several couples earned high placements. In international waltz, Adam Choate and Malia Breinholt took second place, followed by Jencie Bean and Amren Breinholt in third, Garrison Bullard and Lia Brown in fourth, and Bryson Nelson and Eli Strong in fifth.

In the foxtrot category, David Choate and Malia Breinholt placed third, while Jarom Smith and Grace Nelson finished fifth.

In samba, David Choate and Ivy Watson placed second, while Bryson Nelson and Angelica Strange finished seventh.

For cha cha, Jenice Bean and Malia Breinholt took second place; Kinring Strong and Avynnlie Nelson placed seventh; and Adam Choate and Katrina Siebach placed ninth.

In the cabaret-lift solo division, Adam Choate and Katharine Crandall earned second place and a superior plus rating for a non-lyrical performance. Choate also earned a second-place finish in the lyrical division with partner Katrina Siebach. Jarom Smith and Savanah Brienholt finished third for their cabaret-lift solo.

Levare’s team performances also brought home honors. The 10–12-year-old team, Aspire, placed third, as did the 13–15-year-old team, Illusion. The 16–18-year-old team, Eminence, finished in fourth place. The Levare lift team also earned a third-place finish.

Coach Paxton Bean said he was proud of the team’s effort and results.

“We are super proud of our students,” Bean said. “They did phenomenally at nationals. The competition was fierce this year and the dancers did really well, taking home so many medals and trophies. We are super excited.”

The studio practices at the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Center. It plans to host a summer ballroom camp. For more information, contact coach Paxton Bean at levare.eminence@gmail.com.