Southern Sensations Dance Studio dancers accept their title as “National Dance Winners” at the Platinum Dance National Big Show in Panama City, Fla. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Young dancers from Southern Sensations Dance Studio earned an award of excellence at the Platinum Dance National Big Show in Panama City, Fla.

Southern Sensations presented their “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” dance during the competition in June. In a group of 16 final performing dances, the judges awarded ‘Boogie Woogie’ as “National Dance Winners,” studio owner Shannon Drake Clift said.

The winning dancers include Olivia Balch, Madeline Barnes, Sarah Bryan, Hannah Cleveland, Carsen Clift, Hayden Clift, Mary Caton Davidson, McKenzie Hendricks, Kaitie Horton, Sasha Keen, Maddie Moore, Sarah Neis, Nadia Nichols, Kate Parmley, Abbie Ryder, Victoria Warren and Ella Weaver.

Charla Weaver is their instructor.

Since 1994, Southern Sensations has offered tap, jazz, ballet, acrobatics and hip-hop dancing. “Thousands of young boys and girls have cycled through Southern Sensations, but only a small group of elite dancers are selected to tour with the competition team,” Clift said.

A Madison native, studio owner Shannon Clift attended grades 1-8 at then Madison Middle School and graduated from Bob Jones High School in 1986. Clift earned a bachelor’s degree in business at Auburn University and returned home to open her dance studio in 1994.

“Winning at regional and nationals level is an honor to Southern Sensations. However, these awards mean much more to Madison, Alabama,” parent Dee Horton said. “This recognition exemplifies a business that, much like the owner, was born and raised in Madison.”

Southern Sensations “has served the community by teaching young boys and girls the art of dance, while promoting positive values for our community,” Horton said.

Horton believes people too often “fail to consider our roots that bind our community. The success of Madison’s Southern Sensations Dance Studio symbolizes a business that deserves recognition and praise.”

The studio’s address is 7663 U.S. 72 W., Suite C. For more information, call 256-721-9221 or visit southernsensationsdance.com.