Pacific Ballroom Dance delivered second- and third-place performances at the United States National Amateur DanceSport Championships in Provo, Utah. The March 13-15 competition attracted several of the best ballroom formation teams and youth couples in the nation.

Pacific Ballroom Dance is comprised of local teenagers from the Puget Sound area, including Auburn.

PBD's youth premier team finished second against 12 other squads with the new standard medley titled "Afrika." The team narrowly dethroned Brigham Young University’s heralded youth ballroom program for top honors.

“The kids demonstrated artistry, sportsmanship and outstanding character throughout their events," said Katie Mecham, youth premier co-director. "In the last 10 years, no team has come so close to dethroning a youth ballroom dynasty.”

PBD's Latin team, with its "Feelin' Good" medley, also performed well, placing third among 16 teams

"This year's nationals provided many opportunities for our students to excel," said Brent Mecham, youth premier co-director. "We are very proud of their efforts and their incredible representation of Pacific Ballroom Dance."

Individual competitors also took many top spots in various events. In fact, PBD youth dominated the finals in the high school syllabus standard (waltz/auickstep) competition, taking four wins out of the six final youth couples. They were: Adam Lee and Madison Lund (first place); John Lane and Jody Baughman (third); William McQueary and Ericka Malmstrom (fourth); and Brandon and Ashley Hudson (fifth).

In the high School Latin syllabus (samba/rumba) division, John Lane and Jody Baughman were third. Gordon Sabin and Kayla Smith were third in the junior high standard syllabus (waltz/auickstep) division.

Most of the events attracted more than 100 couples competing for the final six spots and three winning trophies.

In addition, PBD's Adam Lee and John Lane received scholarship money for incoming freshman college students based on their dance talent.

The team will hold a spring concert May 29-30 at the Auburn Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are on sale now at www.pacificballroom.org.

PBD is a non-profit organization, founded about a decade ago. For more information, visit their Web site or drop in at their new studio located across the SuperMall at 1604 15th St. SW, Suite 109.

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