Dancers from Barlow and Gresham High Schools shined on the big stage as they took part in the return of a championship competition.

Both joined 32 other high schools in performing 62 routines during the Dance Drill Coaches Association of Oregon's Category Championships last week, hosted by Sherwood. This was the return of the annual competition after a one-year hiatus during the pandemic.

Barlow's Marley Seet took third in the Advanced Drill Down individual competition, and the Bruins team placed second in Large Contemporary and third in Novelty. Gresham's team finished fifth in Large Hip Hop.

Both of the Mt. Hood Conference Teams made it to the DDCA Category Championships by placing first or second, and earning a score of at least 13.6, at a local dance competition. Seet qualified for the Drill Down by placing in the Top 10 locally.

Dance teams across the state will return to competition in January.