Hull crowned Junior Mister Dance

Caylon Hull, 11, son of Rob and Tessa Hull of Creston, will represent Midwest Dance Masters Chapter No. 47 in the national Dance Masters of America Solo Title Contest in Atlanta, Georgia, June 27 through July 6. Hull was crowned Junior Mister Dance 2019 at a regional solo title dance contest held at Staplin Performing Arts Center in West Des Moines in late January, making him eligible to participate at the national level.

Hull started his preparations for the contest in May 2018 with a tap dance solo, “Sing!” Throughout the summer and fall, Hull participated in various talent contests and variety shows to enhance his performance quality. He performed locally in exhibition at nursing homes, fundraising events and community festivals. Hull also participated in other regional dance competitions to help prepare for the DMA solo title contest. After his crowning, audiences enjoyed Hull’s solo performance on local stages, such as The Spotlight spring dance recital and The Spotlight spring charity concert.

The Midwest Dance Master Solo Title Contest is sponsored by Dance Masters of America, Chapter No. 47, an elite organization of certified dance schools. The competition is divided into four age divisions, and separated by gender. Hull participated in the Junior Mister division for dancers 10-12 years in age.

To contest for the title, Hull presented his application, complete with resume, portfolio and written essay weeks before the competition date. The weekend of the contest opened with judge’s interviews; Hull received second place honors in the interview category.

On the eve of the contest, Hull participated in four audition classes: ballet, tap, jazz and acrobatics. The judges of the event directed the audition classes, and the marks received from these classes accounted for 35% of Hull’s overall score. Hull was well reviewed in his jazz and acrobatic auditions.

Immediately following the audition classes, all contestants learned choreography to present together as the Parade of Gowns for the awards presentation of the contest. Hull shared the stage with nearly a dozen dancers, performing to the song, “Both Sides Now.”

During the competition, Hull performed his tap dance solo, presented the traditional Parade of Gowns and participated in the celebratory awards ceremony. His solo performance score accounted for 50% of his overall tally. His solo presentation ranked first in the male division.

Caylon Hull takes the national stage on Monday night, July 1, in Atlanta, Georgia, proudly representing the Midwest. Local fans may enjoy his nationally recognized tap routine in the Crestonian Fourth of July talent show on July 4 in McKinley Park.

Hull is a student at The Spotlight School of Dance: Corning Creston and Winterset which is directed by Adonica Struhar. His winning tap solo was choreographed by Struhar.