The dance squad at Central Cheer, Dance and Twirl in Clanton is on the brink of reaching instructor Brittany Thomas’ five-year goal after another memorable season.

Since she opened the studio four years ago she has been working on a process of getting the program from beginner level to intermediate status after five years.

That goal is now more realistic than ever and the success is there to prove it.

The dance program is comprised of 23 girls between the ages of 4 and13 that are divided into three different age groups.

“It’s a nice age range to do different things,” Thomas said.

Included in this year’s schedule of performances was a pair of national competitions at Showstopper at Opryland Theme Park in Nashville and the Inspire National Dance Competition in Niceville, Fla.

“All of my girls in the studio or at school are some of the best girls,” Thomas said. “I have great parents as well.”

According to Thomas, she is always looking for new ways and various routines to challenge her dancers. They have continued to receive and embrace each challenge with open arms.

The results of that continued dedication was on displayed by receiving several awards.

Dancers competed in a solo act or in a trio. The events typically lasted Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The top trio group represented from the studio was the combination of Paisley Bice, Olivia Epperson and Maggi Beth Harrison, who performed a “Talk of the Town” routine.

The group brought home a first place finish in division and second overall at Showstopper, a gold at Platinum Dance Competition in Montgomery and second overall, as well as recipient of the Judges Choice Award for precision at Inspire National Dance Competition.

“These girls are only 7 years old and competed with the class and showmanship of much more experienced dancers,” Thomas said. “These little ladies are going to do big things.”

Blaire Adams, Alanna Clackler and Clarissa Mullins were some of the most consistent individual performers throughout the season and did so at a varying degree of ages.

Adams competed solo for the first time this year as a 6 year old. She chose “Get Your Sparkle On” as her song and was awarded gold and second overall in Nashville and first overall at the Inspire National Dance Competition, as well as many other events.

“She wowed the judges every time she stepped foot on the stage,” Thomas said. “We are all so proud of this rockstar.”

A “sassy” jazz number was chosen by Cleckler, 9, for this year’s competitions. The decision worked out nicely.

Cleckler brought home a gold in division and 9th overall at Showstopper, a gold at Platinum Dance Competition and platinum in Florida.

“Alanna has impressed everyone all year with her maturity and drive to always improve,” Thomas said.

Mullins competed in the teen acro/open category as a 13 year old. She was awarded a platinum first place and a first place overall at Showstopper in Nashville where she competed against over 20 different dancers.

She finished out the season by earning a high gold at the Elite Dance Cup compeititon.

“Clarissa’s work ethic is unlike any I have seen for a 13 year old,” Thomas said. “She is such a role model to our younger dancers and strives to be better with every practice.”