More than 160 students from nine Montgomery County high schools showcased their impressive dance skills at the 2024-2025 Annual Latin Dance Junior Division Competition, according to MCPS.
The competition, a tradition since 1999, was held at Seneca Valley High School and featured students performing in seven categories: Cha-Cha, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Parent/Student, Jack and Jill, and Best in Show/Group. This event celebrated dance, culture and student leadership, bringing together a diverse community for an evening of spirited performances.
The event is sponsored by After School Dance Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides artistic, technical and financial support for the establishment of after-school Latin Dance programs.
“This event is so important in fostering community and celebrating student achievement,” said Seneca Valley Principal Ricardo Hernandez, who welcomed the crowd. Several Montgomery County Board of Education members attended the event, including President Julie Yang, Vice President Grace Rivera-Oven, Student Member Praneel Suvarna and newly elected member Laura Stewart.
Schools were divided into two groups to compete. The Group A winners included:
– Cha-cha: First Place – Damascus High School, Second Place – Rockville High School, Third Place – Walter Johnson School
– Merengue: First Place – Rockville High School, Second Place – Walter Johnson High School, Third Place – Damascus High School
– Bachata: First Place – Walter Johnson High School, Second Place – Damascus High School, Third Place – Col. Zadok Magruder High School
– Salsa: First Place – Damascus High School, Second Place – Rockville High School, Third Place – Walter Johnson High School
– Parent/Student: First Place – Col. Zadok Magruder High School, Second Place – Rockville High School, Third Place – Damascus High School
– Best in Show/Group: First Place – Rockville High School, Second Place – Col. Zadok Magruder High School, Third Place – Walter Johnson High School
The Group B winners included:
– Cha-cha: First Place – Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Second Place – Wheaton High School
– Merengue: First Place – Winston Churchill High School, Second Place – Wheaton High School, Third Place – Sherwood High School
– Bachata: First Place – Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Second Place – Wheaton High School, Third Place – Winston Churchill High School
– Salsa: First Place – Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Second Place – Sherwood High School, Third Place – Wheaton High School
– Parent/Student: First Place – Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Second Place – Winston Churchill High School, Third Place – Sherwood High School
– Best in Show/Group: First Place – Wheaton, Second Place – Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Third Place – Sherwood High School
The Jack and Jill competition winners were Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Damascus. In dance competitions, Jack and Jill is a format where competitors are randomly paired with a partner before performing.
This annual event showcases the immense talent and dedication of Montgomery County’s high school students, celebrating their skills in Latin dance and their leadership in the community.