On April 28 and 29, the Albert Lea Just For Kix teams competed in the Together We Dance competition in Rochester at Mayo Civic Center, according to a press release.

Albert lea Just For Kix took 12 teams over the course of the two-day event. Over 200 teams were at the weekend event from eight states.

Fourth-grade, sixth-grade and seventh-grade high kick teams were awarded first; wee jazz, middle lyrical, mini jazz, fifth-grade high kick, junior kick and junior hip-hop placed second;  and middle jazz, junior jazz and elite jazz/contemporary placed fourth in their respective categories.

Albert Lea Just For Kix is in its 22nd year of performance and includes local area students ages 2 through 18. The Just For Kix local director is Holly Jackson. Head instructors and assistants are Shayla Heggestad, Mitzi Lehocky, Jena Inderlie, Presley Duenes and Lydia Fluth.

“I am very proud of all our dancers on a very successful season,” said Holly Jackson, program director. “We as coaches have witnessed the dancers shine on and off stage. All of the dancers are very well deserved of their awards and they should be very proud of their accomplishments this season.”

Just For Kix is a national leader in dance instruction and is committed to youth advancement through performance, according to the release. Based out of Brainerd, the organization has over 21,000 dancers in more than 200 locations nationwide. Annually, the company provides multiple Together We Dance competitive opportunities for affiliated dance team programs to compete in.

Coming together to compete provides an opportunity for teamwork and promotes excellence.

Albert lea Just For Kix had its spring show May 12 at Albert Lea High School.