Talent show contestants deal with nerves, excitement

For the group of 11- and 12-year-old girls who placed first in Group A of Saturday's Homecomers talent show, the event was a long time coming.

"We've been practicing since last September," said Lacie Robinson, 11, of Jackson right after the group left the stage. They had just finished a dance number to the song "5-6-7-8." "I don't know if we won or not, but we did really well. You can tell by our faces we're happy with it."

In fact, the group was selected first by the panel of judges and did win. They beat out eight other groups and performers to win the grand prize of a $100 savings bond.

But the group, dressed in matching red shimmering sequins and top hats, said they almost missed their cue.

"It was really nerve-racking because some of the girls were taking a little longer than they were supposed to getting ready," said Molly Morris, 12, of Jackson. "I was nervous, they called our name and we weren't quite ready so we delayed the show a little bit. But it turned out well."

The other two members of the group are Morgan Shepard, 12, and Chelsea Hastings, 11.

Most of the dance numbers at the event were taught and choreographed by Jackie Robertson of Dance Extensions of Jackson. She said most of the girls she teaches perform in recitals or other competitions, but this one was special.

"It's different for them because all their friends are here watching," she said. "But they're doing really well. Any time kids this age get to perform in front of a crowd this size it's a great experience."

And the experience is what 8-year-old Sidney Robertson of Orchard Elementary enjoyed. "I don't know if this was my best, one time at a recital everyone told me I did really well, but I don't know what I did," she said of her acrobatic and enthusiastic performance to the song "One Small Adventure."

And what would she do if she won the money? "Probably save it," she said. "We're going to Six Flags next Friday, so that's enough for me."

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245