Dancers from high schools across Oregon participated in the DDCA Solo, Duo, and Trio Championships, an event organized by the Dance & Drill Coaches Association of Oregon (DDCA) over the weekend. The competition took place at Parkrose High School’s auditorium, offering a stage setting with theatrical lighting that differed from typical gymnasium venues.
The event allowed individual dancers and small groups to compete in solo, duo, and trio categories. Since 2023, these categories have been included in DDCA competitions to encourage participation from smaller teams and provide more opportunities for individual recognition.
Participants represented several high school teams including Barlow, Gresham, Molalla, Parkrose, Putnam, Scappoose, Sheldon, South Albany, Sprague, Tigard, Tualatin, and West Albany. Middle school groups and club teams such as Albany Gems, Regeneration, and Identity also took part.
Winners in the solo category were determined by grade level. In the 10th grade group, Finely Jensen of Tualatin secured first place with a score of 92.00. Ava Duffy from Tigard was second with 90.50. Both received “Superior” ratings for scores above 90.
Avery Smith of Parkrose won first place in the 12th-grade 5A division with a score of 92.61—the highest of the day—while Nyah Kinney from West Albany placed second with 91.00. Smith said: “Competing at DDCA champs is always so magical and memorable. The love shared by each and every dancer is irreplaceable. I’m incredibly thankful to compete alongside the people I love while doing what I love.”
In the 11th grade soloist category, Mackenzie Maggi from Scappoose achieved first place with a score of 72.28; Athena Duffy of South Albany followed closely behind.
Scappoose dominated the top three placements in the 12th Grade 4A division: Cierra Arstill-Brown scored first (79.28), Alaire Marquis was second (78.72), and Marie Wooters finished third (73.89).
Cali Rutten from Tigard led the 12th grade 6A group with an “Superior” rating after scoring 88.61.
For duos and trios among high school competitors, Hayden Crocker and Kylie Jones from Barlow won first place in the 6A duet group with a score of 78.28.
The mixed-group category for duos/trios saw Cierra Arstill-Brown and Kenzie Claussen’s duet from Scappoose take first place (73.78). Zoe Inukai, Grace Lambert, and Avery Smith were recognized as the only trio among high school teams and finished third in this group. Inukai commented: “The best thing about dance isn’t the trophies you get, it’s about the friends and memories you make.”
Team events are set to resume at Gresham High School’s Mount Hood Winter Rhythm later this week as teams prepare for additional competitions leading up to March’s OSAA State Championships.
