A small dancer named Kinley Cunningham knows a thing or two about releasing her inner-diva. Well, at least in a competition anyways!
In early 2019, the eight-year-old wowed the audience and judges with her jazz solo to the song, “Hold The Drama” during the Rainbow National Dance Competition. Kinley impressed the panel so much that she even went home with a first-place prize.
Get ready for awesome dance moves, lots of sparkles, and one gigantic bow to top it all off!
The world is mesmerized by shows like, Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, which feature adult participants. But what’s even more mind-blowing is how much young talent is out there too!
Kinley is one of those kids who’s very passionate about the art of dance. In fact, she’s achieved some pretty amazing skills over the years and has earned numerous awards at competitions.
The video below was filmed in Austin, Texas when Kinley was competing for “Petite Dancer of the Year.”
She came skipping onto the stage full of energy and dressed in every color of the rainbow. As soon as the tune, “Hold The Drama” blasted through the speakers she jumped into action.
It’s a lively performance full of sugar – but with a lot more spice!
Kinley whips her ponytail around as she dances around the stage, using facial expressions galore. She also sprinkles acro-type moves into the routine that show off just how talented she really is.
The girl shakes her hips and leaps across the floor to the music, playing a character with a lot of sass. Her moves are on fire with the song in the background that exclaims:
“I just wanna dance
I just wanna dance
Hold the drama”
Now, if Kinley reminds you of a certain person, but you can’t really put your finger on it…here’s what it is.
The song, “Hold The Drama,” comes from teen-celebrity, JoJo Siwa, who’s known for her long blonde ponytail and huge signature bow. She was a youngster on Lifetime’s Dance Moms, and kids today know her as a pop-singer, dancer, and YouTube sensation.
So really, Kinley nails it when it comes to costume, dance moves, and of course – her fun attitude.
Kinley dazzled everyone with her routine that had the crowd cheering at the end. Even if the style of dance isn’t for everyone, you gotta admit, she’s extremely skilled for her age.
At the end of the competition, Kinley ended up being awarded 1st Overall and Petite Dancer of the Year! At the time, she was with Rise Dance Company and the routine was choreographed by Quinton Weathers.
Kinley wrote on social media:
“I had the best time ever performing my Jazz solo, Hold the Drama this season. The stage is my happy place and I’m so thankful I get to do what I love! Can’t wait to keep learning and growing this season at my new studio!”
In order to advance in dance, participants must put in a great deal of time, effort, and dedication. However, the benefits can be rewarding.
At just eight-years-old, it seems like Kinley is going to continue to make great achievements in the field. Just watching her dance it seems apparent that she was meant for the spotlight!
Press play below to watch Kinley’s award-winning performance to “Hold The Drama.”
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