Jonah Duvall expressed his excitement for dance competition by going head over heels. A member of  the competitive team at Ignite Dance and Yoga studio in North Bend, Duvall showed off his budding breakdancing skills with handstands, headstands and the worm.

They may be young, and a lot of them may be new to the gig, but the studio’s competitors have amassed a big pile of trophies.

The dancers, ranging in age from 4 to 18, took part in their first event, the Rainbow Connection Dance Competition held January 22 at Highline Performing Arts Center. The Ignite team walked away with eight overall high scores.

Ignite’s youngest group, averaging age 4, received a special award for most entertaining act. Nikki Thompson, age 6, won first for Overall Solo in her age division. Celeste Jerome and Logan Nap won first overall in duo/trios, Nina Horn and Nikki Thompson won third overall in duo/trios. The studio’s Petite Tap, most age 6, won second overall for small group, and the Petite Jazz team, averaging age 6, won fourth overall for small group performance.

In the teen group, 17-year-old Emily Johnson won first for overall solo. The Teen Lyrical team, averaging age 15, won first overall for small group performance, and the Teen Tap team, averaging age 14, won fourth overall for small group performance.

“It’s the satisfaction that keeps me going,” teen Kira Jerome said. “It’s the accomplishment.” She’s inspired to seek better scores and improvement.

Instructor Katie Black “tells us to have control and just have fun,” said Horn.

Team members learn up to seven routines, and practice as often as five times a week.

“A lot of them are in their first year of high school,” Black said. “This year has been interesting, with them trying to balance different things. I’m impressed.”

Dance team members said they have become close friends.

“It’s exciting to go on stage,” Duvall said. “I want to dance until I’m really, really old.”

Ignite Dance and Yoga is located at 472 East North Bend Way. Call the studio at (425) 894-8998.