Copperas Cove celebrates National Dance Day

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press 

Saturday, people across America joined together to share their love of dance and to participate in National Dance Day. Millions of participants from more 35 states across America came together to learn and perform a relatively simple choreography for the song “Electricity” by Silk City and Dua Lipa.
Copperas Cove’s Camp Caylor and GymKix got in on the action holding a combined National Dance Day/National Gymnastics Day. Their event began at 5 p.m. at Camp Caylor and featured a variety of entertainment. They had a bounce house, yard games, marshmallow roasting, various vendors, a food truck, and more. They also had mats out where they taught participants how to do a cartwheel.
American Dance Movement started National Dance Day in 2010 with the goal of celebrating dance in all its forms. They believe that dancing promotes health and well-being, connects the mind and body, and connects people together. 
“It’s great. I’m excited about it,” said Shannon Caylor, owner of Camp Caylor. She said that hosting events like the one Saturday brings exposure to both groups and was more than happy to let GymKix use their facilities.
GymKix also had performances by several students including performances by their competitive dance team and their Diva Dog Cheerleaders.
“Basically, we’re just celebrating dance for National Dance Day,” said Ashley Coombs, Dance Director for GymKix. “We’ve been doing this nine years, and every year it gets a little bit bigger and a little bit better.”
Coombs said that she was very proud of everyone that performed especially considering how hot it was.
Shaun Smith, General Manager for Cove’s Raising Cane’s, was on hand at the event handing out free lemonade, tea, and water. He said that he wanted to do his part in helping to keep everyone out there hydrated.
“GymKix does so much with all of our different kids. It’s just a way for us to give back,” said Smith. He added that he was very impressed by the kids’ performances.
“They’re absolutely amazing,” said Smith. “I can’t do that stuff.”
In addition to helping at Saturday’s event, Raising Cane’s also supports GymKix in various other ways. For example, Raising Cane’s gives a “Way to Go” award for a free meal to kids who learn new skills.
After the performances, the audience was invited to learn and perform the official National Dance Day Dance. More than 300 people attended GymKix’s event with several dozen participating in performing the National Dance Day Dance. Coombs was excited to be the one teaching the choreography. 
“I love teaching beginners,” said Coombs. “They feel like they can’t dance and then they come out and they realize that ‘Ok, I may not have any rhythm, but I can do this.’ It’s something that literally anybody can do.”
Justin Higgins was excited to learn the National Dance Day Dance alongside his daughter, Anna Brewer (8). He said that with him being in the military, he tries to attend and support all of his children’s events when he is able to.
“It’s awesome to see her thrive. She loves this. She’s been with the company for three years,” said Higgins. “They’re a great company.”
Anna Brewer said that she was really happy that her father got to dance with her. She said that she liked being able to be with her friends and getting to show off how hard she worked to learn her dance moves.
“Miss Ashley’s the best,” said Brewer about her dance instructor.