ABOVE: Students from Borchardt Dance Company (BDC) at a competition this season. There are nearly 40 students from the studio in competition dance, which is up from 24 in the first year. Submitted photo.

FAIRMONT– Students at Borchardt Dance Company (BDC) have had a busy but successful competition season that just wrapped up last weekend with some 1st place overall finishes at a competition in Chanhassen.

While the studio has been around for decades, it only just began to engage in competition dance four years ago.

Owner Nita Borchardt said that one of their instructors, Jordyn Meyer, was the driving force behind getting them started in competition dance.

“We were kind of hesitant to get into it but once we did we saw that there were a lot of benefits to it,” Borchardt said.

There are about 200 students ages 3 to 18, as well as some adults, who dance at BDC. They practice their dances weekly for about nine months each year in preparation for the annual Mother’s Day weekend recital.

Competition dance, however, is in addition to the annual recital. Borchardt said there is an audition process each year in May.

“We encourage kids to come try. Even if they don’t make competition it’s still a good learning experience,” she said.

In the first year they started competition there were 24 students and this last season ended with 39 students ages 7 up to 18. The students took part in five competitions this year in Des Moines, Sioux Falls, Rochester, Burnsville and Chanhassen.

One distinction between regular dance and competition dance is the intensity. There are more practices and likely more pressure, but those in it seem to enjoy the extra experiences it provides.

Mariah Moeller is a senior who’s been dancing with BDC for 15 years. She said she was interested in competition dance as she had some friends and family members from other studios who did it.

“I would go to competitions and watch my cousins and I think it opens the door to more opportunities and you get exposed to dancers from other studios,” Moeller said.

Finley Reichel is also a senior who’s been with BDC for nine years. She was a freshman when competition dance opened up and she jumped at the opportunity.

“I could spend more time dancing. We’ve all become closer friends, too and we’ve been exposed to different styles of dance,” Reichel said.

Borchardt said that following competitions, judges provide video critiques that the students can watch and take notes on so that they can make improvements.

“I like that there’s outside critiques,” Moeller said. “The teachers see it every week and we see it every week so hearing more is helpful.”

Alarie Crouch and Kelly Christianson, both have daughters, Cora and Kinley, who started dancing when they were three years old and this is the first year they both started competition dance, too.

“Kinley made the decision she wanted to try out for it after seeing the groups for the last few years,” said Christianson.

Crouch said it was similar for her daughter, too, and that she wanted every possible opportunity to dance.

While both moms agreed it’s a bigger time commitment, they recognize that the benefits outweigh it.

“For Cora, it’s been a confidence booster. She’s developed awesome friendships with the other dancers,” Crouch said.

Christianson added that it’s a very supportive environment all around and that every one cheers each other on.

“I think they’re learning about work ethic, too. There’s a lot of time and dedication they’re putting in,” Christianson said.

They believe that competition dance is something that their daughters will continue with.

While the competitions have wrapped up for the year, students are now preparing for the annual recital which will be here in just a few short weeks. For seniors Moeller and Reichel, it will be their last.

“It’s so bittersweet. I don’t know if I’m ready to close that chapter because it’s been with me for so long,” Moeller said.

“This is the one sport I’ve stuck out every year,” Reichel said. “The thought of not having dance is really sad.”

However Reichel said she’s thankful for especially competition dance as she was able to make more memories and connections with other dancers in recent years.

“I’ve become a better dancer overall,” Moeller added.

Anyone who wants more information can visit borchardtdance.com.