Here, memories are made. THIS IS MORE THAN DANCE. Here, memories are made.
Welcome TO THE 8TH ANNUAL TWD NATIONALS!
Dear Parents, Dancers, and Friends,
We are excited to host the 29th year of Just For Kix competitions. We are thrilled to see the growth in our events! Just For Kix was started in April of 1981.
TOGETHER WE DANCE COMPETITIONS were created to provide our participants with a venue to perform in front of a huge crowd. Many of our dancers from small towns never get to hear the ROAR of a crowd. It is so fun to watch them in these exciting moments. Remember, it is important to cheer for all teams when watching. Everyone is someone’s child! Celebrate the successes of all children.
FUN FACT: The first JFK Competition only lasted an hour.
We thank you for your involvement today. We know you had to travel and make sacrifices in your regular life to be here with us. We hope that you enjoy the journey here! It is not just about the 3 minutes on the floor, but the road trip, the hotel stays, the friends made, and the memories shared.
As GRANDPARENTS , we have the vantage point of looking back and thinking where did the days go, when we were sitting in the stands watching our kids. It goes faster than you think!!! The days are LONG but the years are short! Life is made up of moments, make sure to enjoy the journey. Thanks for participating!
We invite you to do more with Just For Kix. We have high school and youth camps in the summer and the Annual Collegiate Bowl Game Tour to Florida in the winter! Even if your director does not go, YOU can go as a family. Check out these events online at justforkix.com.
THANKS TO OUR EVENT STAFF
Our staff is the greatest. These weekend gigs are TIRING and our staff also work during the week. We always say we are going to take time off, but there is too much to do. We all jokingly say we have TWD hangovers on Monday. They are a real thing, LOL. If you see one of our STAFF please give them a WHOOP WHOOP and thank them for their great service. It is hard to get trusted people to work weekends and who care as much as they do for our patrons. We appreciate them so much.
THANKS TO OUR TALENTED DIRECTORS AND ASSISTANTS
Coaching youth can be challenging. Many times they are bombarded with criticism and only hear the negative. Remember to be a positive force as a parent! Our kids model what they hear. Say thanks to your director for spending these days with your children.
Still Kickin’,
SHOP TOGETHER WE DANCE
Want to create your own Just For Kix merchandise? Stop by the Custom Store located by the South Store in between the Arena and Presentation Hall!
Forever In Our Hearts...
They moved with grace, they loved with heart forever part of our dance family.
Dorian Sjogren
was the Director for our Cambridge/Braham and Princeton Just For Kix Programs. She also was the Director of our Pierz program for several years. This year was her 25th season with Just For Kix. Dorian fought a courageous 11-month cancer battle and is deeply missed. She had an enormous impact on many dancers and colleagues, where she taught them to believe in themselves and instilled strength through all phases of life. What a joy and honor it was for us to see Dorian’s Just For Kix career blossom through the years.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass... it’s learning to dance in the rain.”
Claire Jeske
was a dancer at our New Ulm Program. She danced with JFK for 8 years, and was on their Junior Kix team, Junior Hip Hop team, and Senior Jazz/Lyrical teams. You couldn’t miss Claire’s facials and energy on the dance floor; she had sass and attitude, and not to mention her funny personality. Claire deeply valued the friendships and experiences dance gave to her.
From Molly Rinehart, New Ulm Director
“For eight years, we had the privilege of watching her grow — not only as a dancer, but as a person. She will forever be part of our dance family. She danced into heaven and became a beautiful angel. Forever our dancer. Forever in our hearts.”
Shimia Nord
was a dancer at our Duluth Program. She had a deep passion in her heart for dance and lived some of her best moments with her dance family on the Duluth East Dance Team and Just For Kix Studio. Shimia always considered her teammates and coaches as her second family and greatly appreciated their continued love and support.
From Alli Mackner, Duluth Director
“Our beloved angel, Shimia. Your fight is over, and now you can finally rest in peace. We will never forget the laughter, smiles and the light Shimia brought to every class. Her spirit will live on forever in our hearts.”
Divisions Explained Placements Explained Nationals Rank System
Divisions are made up from the following steps:
• The level the director registered the team for (classic, select, or elite)
Classic: Recreational classes, class average of 0-1.5 hours of class per week or entry level at your program
Select: B-Level classes, class average of 1.6-3.5 hours of class per week or middle level at your program Elite: A-Level classes, class average of 3.6 hours of class per week or top level at your program
• The average grade of the dancers registered for the class. We do not adjust divisions based upon those in a class that can attend an event, rather the average grade of the entire class.
Wee: 2-3.5
Mini: 3.51-5.5
Middle: 5.51-7.5
Junior: 7.51-9.5
Senior: 9.51-12
In the event of low participation, divisions may be combined to allow for adequately sized divisons.
We want to award as many teams as possible, while leaving no less than two teams on the floor without an awarded placement. Point level ribbons will be given to all dancers entered in the competition even if they do not place. Teams that place in the top 2 of each category will receive a plaque.
Award Guidelines
(team with the highest point total in the division wins)
# of Teams in Divison
# of Awards Given
2 teams Award 1st-2nd place
3 teams Award 1st-3rd place
4 teams Award 1st-2nd place
5 teams Award 1st-3rd place
6 teams Award 1st-4th place
7+ teams Award 1st-5th place
PLACEMENT RIBBONS — FIRST PLACE, SECOND PLACE, THIRD PLACE, FOURTH PLACE, FIFTH PLACE
At Nationals, there will be 5 judges per division. When using 5 judges, we will use a ranking system. We work very hard to bring in more judges for Nationals since it is the biggest competition of the year and it adds more eyes on the routines. When we have 5 judges we like to use a rank system as there are more points on the table.
To learn more about judging and the Nationals specific rank system, scan the QR code:
WHAT DOES DOUBLE PLATINUM — SILVER MEAN?
Our scale of Silver through Double Platinum rankings in addition to placement rankings recognize all dancers, their efforts and points earned. Because of this, we are able to acknowledge each team’s level of excellence regardless of final placement rankings at each award ceremony.
*At Nationals, the total number of points is the sum after the highest and lowest score from two of five judges is taken out.
Double Platinum 250-300 Total Points (Outstanding/Superior)
Platinum 200-249 Total Points (Very Good/Excellent)
High Gold 150-199 Total Points (Above Average/Good)
Gold 100-149 Total Points (Below Average/Average)
Silver 0-99 Total Points (Marginal)
SCORE SHEET BREAKDOWN
Technique = 30 Points
Execution/Timing = 30 Points
Difficulty = 30 Points
Overall Effect = 10 Points
Total of 100 Points from Each Judge
POINT LEVEL RIBBONS — SILVER, GOLD, HIGH GOLD, PLATINUM, DOUBLE PLATINUM
SENIOR SHOWCASE EXPLANATION
Three Categories: Pom, Hip Hop, and Kick
Pom Subcategories: A (Small Student Count) , AA (Select Teams & Large Student Count) and AAA (Elite Teams) A: Top 10 Advance, AA: Top 10 Advance, AAA: Top 6 Advance
Hip Hop
Subcategories: A (Small Student Count), AA (Large Student Count), AAA (Select Teams) and AAAA (Elite Teams)
A: Top 10 Advance, AA: Top 10 Advance, AAA: Top 6 Advance, AAAA: Top 6 Advance
Kick Subcategories: A (Small Student Count), AA (Large Student Count), AAA (Select Teams) and AAAA (Elite Teams)
A: Top 10 Advance, AA: Top 10 Advance, AAA: Top 7 Advance, AAAA: Top 7 Advance
at Just For Kix CAREERS SENIORS
Heading off to college in a different community? Consider applying to be an assistant or head instructor! We have over 200 programs in areas all over the country. Our directors are looking for outgoing and talented head instructors and assistants. Apply at support@justforkix.com . Down the road, consider applying to become a DIRECTOR!
Consider applying to be a part of our HOME OFFICE TEAM in Brainerd, MN. Graphics, production, catalog, marketing, dance rep and more! Email support@justforkix.com for more information.
Interested in adjuducating? Apply to be a TWD JUDGE and work weekends at TWD’s. Must have experience to apply.
WE ARE KNOWN FOR:
• First Rate Choreography
• Affordability & Incomparable Value
• Bowl Game Exclusive Designed Costume
• Superb Organization
• Perfect Balance of Dance & Fun
• Team Bonding & Making New Friends
• Supportive & Approachable Staff
• A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity!
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
• Disney World / Universal Studios
• Clearwater Beach
• Dinner Cruise
• New Year’s Eve Party
• Bowl Game Performance
• Awards Ceremony
MASTER CLASSES
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take master classes from Just For Kix Staff Members, right here at 2026 TWD Nationals! Scan the QR code below to learn more and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @OFFICIALJUSTFORKIX to stay up to date on class offerings and locations. What are you waiting for?!
REACHING HIGHER
In 2013, Just For Kix held the first ever Senior Showcase Competition. The event is held to enhance the competitive experience for our Senior Kix, Hip Hop, and Pom dancers. The competition is designed to allow dancers to reach higher and strive for greater excellence.
WHEN & WHERE:
April 30th & May 1st, 2026 at the Mayo Civic Center Arena in Rochester, MN
WHO :
Just For Kix Dance Programs’ Senior Kix, Hip Hop, and Pom dance teams who have been registered by their director.
• All teams compete together in the preliminary category, the top scoring teams will compete in finals.
• Top teams will be announced and awarded.
• Just For Kix programs are not required to participate.
KICK SENIOR SHOWCASE HISTORY:
This will be our 13th year offering this event.
2021 we had 39 teams compete:
A 1. Elk River, MN
2. Marshall, MN
3. Stewartville, MN
4. North Fargo, ND AA
1. Brainerd, MN
2. West Fargo, ND
3. Minnetonka, MN
4. Thief River Falls, MN
2022 we had 47 teams compete:
1. Elk River, MN 2. Fridley, MN
Marshall, MN
1. Minnetonka, MN 2. Thief River Falls, MN 3. North Fargo, ND
1. Brainerd, MN 2. Medina, MN 3. West Fargo, ND
HIP
2023 we had 60 teams compete:
1. Marshall, MN
2. New London-Spicer, MN 3. Shelton, NE
1. St. Francis, MN
2. Holdingford, MN 3. Elk River, MN
1. Minnetonka, MN
2. Thief River Falls, MN 3. North Fargo, ND
1. Brainerd, MN 2. Medina, MN 3. West Fargo, ND
HOP SENIOR SHOWCASE HISTORY:
This will be our 8th year offering this event.
2021 we had 27 teams compete: A 1. Crookston, MN
2. STMA, MN
3. Shelton, NE
4. Elk River
1. Brainerd, MN
2. Thief River Falls, MN 3. St. Cloud, MN 4. Richfield/Bloomington, MN
2022 we had 37 teams compete. A 1. Grand Island, NE 2. Minnetonka, MN 3. Belle Plaine, MN
Brainerd, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Thief River Falls, MN
POM SENIOR SHOWCASE HISTORY:
This will be our 4th year offering this event.
2023 we had 18 teams compete:
West Fargo, ND
Farmington, MN
Windsor, CO 2024 we had 32 teams compete:
Thief River Falls, MN
Richfield/Bloomington, MN
Sidney, NE
West Fargo, ND
St. Cloud, MN
West Fargo, ND
Minnetonka, MN
2024 we had 64 teams compete: A 1. Gibbon, MN
Sidney, NE 3. New London-Spicer, MN
Becker, MN 2. Marshall, MN 3. Bemidji, MN
1. West Sioux Falls, SD 2. Owatonna, MN 3. Holdingford, MN AAAA 1. Brainerd, MN 2. West Fargo, ND 3. Medina, MN
2023 we had 48 teams compete: A 1. Crookston, MN
Elk River, MN
Marshall, MN
Thief River Falls, MN
Grand Island Senior, NE
Minnetonka, MN
Brainerd, MN
St. Cloud, MN
West Fargo, ND
2024 we had 49 teams compete:
Thief River Falls, MN
Gibbon, MN
Marshall, MN
Sioux City, IA
West Sioux Falls, SD
East Sioux Falls, SD
St. Cloud, MN
Brainerd, MN
West Fargo, ND
2025 we had 64 teams compete:
Sidney, NE
Crookston, MN
Winona, MN
Bemidji, MN
New Ulm, MN 3. Shelton, NE
1. West Sioux Falls, SD 2. Austin, MN 3. Owatonna, MN
1. Brainerd, MN 2. West Fargo, ND 3. Rochester, MN
2025 we had 49 teams compete: A 1. Gibbon, MN
Sidney, NE
Shelton, NE
West Sioux Falls, SD
East Sioux Falls, SD
St. Michael/Albertville, MN
Brainerd, MN
St. Cloud Area, MN
Rochester, MN
SIDNEY, NE | 2025 A CHAMPION
BEMIDJI, MN | 2025 AA CHAMPION
GIBBON, MN | 2025 A CHAMPION
WEST SIOUX FALLS, SD | 2025 AAA CHAMPION
WEST SIOUX FALLS, SD | 2025 AA CHAMPION
BRAINERD, MN | 2025 AAAA CHAMPION
CHAMPION
#1: DON’T COACH FROM THE SIDELINES.
The ride home shouldn’t feel like a post performance press conference. Your job isn’t to give them corrections. It isn’t to re-judge the competition.
Be their safe space.
#2: CARE LESS ABOUT THE RANKING. CARE MORE ABOUT THE HUMAN.
Stop worrying about being the best, making the A class, getting in the front row, winning every time. Start caring about kindness, work ethic, being a great teammate, and integrity. Trophies fade. Character lasts.
#3: ASK BETTER QUESTIONS.
Instead of “What were the judges looking at?” or “How did they beat you?”, try “How do you feel about how you did?”, “What are you proud of?” or “What did you learn?”.
Blame protects their ego. Ownership builds character.
#4: STOP WORRYING IF THEY WILL BE ON TOP.
If your first concern is whether they’ll reach the highest level... you’re missing the entire point. Dance is not just about getting to the top class. It’s about learning discipline, resilience, teamwork, and confidence.
If they’re learning those things, they aren’t wasting time.
#5: LET THEM STRUGGLE
Let them not get the part. Let them fall out of the turn. Let them lose. Resilience is built in moments that don’t go their way.
You don’t build strong kids by cushioning disappointment.
#6: DON’T TIE THEIR SELF WORTH TO RESULTS.
When parents obsess over their kids being THE BEST, kids start believing their value comes from winning. Their self-worth should come from effort, growth, character, heart, and kindness.
When winning defines them, losing will break them.
#7: THE CLASS THEY’RE IN IS NOT YOUR PARENTING REPORT CARD.
The way they handle loss, the way they treat others... IS.
To our beloved Class of 2026...
Watching you grow from young dancers into the strong, passionate individuals you are today has been one of the greatest honors of my life. You’ve spent countless hours in the studio — learning, failing, getting back up, and discovering not just how to dance, but who you are. As you step into this next chapter, know that you carry with you more than technique. You carry heart, resilience, and a piece of our Just For Kix family that will always be yours. I am endlessly proud of you, and while it’s hard to say goodbye, I know this isn’t the end. It’s just your next beautiful beginning! Keep dancing through life with the same courage and joy you have shown at your program. With love, Cindy Clough
Just For Kix Class of 2025
Your dancer earned it!
Collect exclusive 2026 Nationals medals for memorabilia! Shop at either TWD Nationals Store in person or online. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place or placement ranking medals available. Scan the QR code below to purchase online!
EVENT MEDIA
We are so proud to have our very own Media Team and offer this service to you for FREE unlike other competitions! Check out our 2026 competition photos by scanning the QR code:
Thank You Thank You
TO OUR STAFF!
Connie Andersion
Makayla Avery
MEET AMANDA
Amanda is the current Events/Logistics Coordinator at Just For Kix. Her journey started as a dancer at Brainerd Just For Kix and for the Brainerd Kixters. Amanda competed at the very first United We Dance Competition (now TWD) when she was in 9th grade!
She is married to Matt (Steve and Cindy’s nephew), which answers the question... no she is not Cindy’s daughter! Amanda has two daughters, MaKayla and Macy, who are fully immersed in the JFK world as MaKayla is the Director of the St. Cloud program and Macy is part of our Home Office Team and is a Head Instructor at Brainerd and St. Cloud. Both are part of our Camp Staff and Bowl Game Dance Staff as well!
Amanda began her career with Just For Kix in November of 2000 as a Head Instructor at Brainerd — and is still teaching today! She worked as a staff member for UWD/ TWD starting in ‘01, was a Head Instructor for Pequot Lakes, was on youth camp staff, bowl game dance staff in ‘02-’03, was the Aitkin Director from ‘06-’14, Brainerd Studio Coordinator/Cindy’s Assistant, Youth Camp Coordinator, and helped part time with manufacturing, sewing, or whatever was needed in busy months.
In January 2011, she became a full time Home Office Employee and has done a million things! Edited videos, handled printing orders for directors, catalog returns, uniform picking/packing, answered phones, entered Master Sheets when those were a thing, handled props/rentals, coordinated the sewing pods for masks during COVID, pretty much just helps where it’s needed. Fun Fact: She has worked every job at a TWD except one. She has yet to drive the big truck to an event!
"Amanda is organized, efficient, and SMART. She figures out everything. She can handle a great deal of pressure. We work side by side most days. A comical day was when she told me she wanted to “slap me” because I was being impatient with my computer and kept pressing buttons. Another day I remember that made me laugh was at the Bowl Game when she was on the field and I had to go to a meeting at the stadium so she was in charge. When I got back she said, “I will NEVER ask you a question again. This was so stressful.” She keeps me in line doing all my PowerPoints for various classes and speeches I do. During TWD Season she is literally putting in 80 hours per week. We appreciate her so much."
- Cindy Clough
Just For Kix Founder and CEO
Mason Avery
Bekah Bazan
Kyle Borman
Briella Campos
Amanda Clough
Carver Clough
Cato Clough
Eva Clough
Jerad Clough
Matt Clough
Adam Crenna
Chad Crenna
Kendal Crenna
Lauren Crenna
Ryan Crenna
Tara Debeltz
Brianna Francisco
Mackenzie Grams
Kasey Hamlin
Justin Heitkamp
Natalie Holmquist
Gracelyn Jones
Louie Korhonen
Dani Larson-Schultz
Kari Madsen
Breckyn Mankowski
Carson Mankowski
Chuck Mankowski
Grady Martin
Janet Metzger
Ashlyn Nispel
Doreen Olson
Christina Purcell
Brady Roberts
Marny Rohr
Ben Rosvold
Branden Rosvold
Laura Rozinka
Bennett Simmering
Aaron Sloth
Gary Sloth
Jeff Spieker
MaKayla Spieker
Sydney Stoner
Elly Stull
Brynlee Waidelich
Christa Wegscheid
Luke Wiskow
Shaelyn Wolf
Livi Wornson
ANNOUNCERS
Joel Clough
Jared Hoppe
Matt Wallace
Mikey Weissenfluh
MEDIA TEAM
Ethan Arnold
Rylee Atkinson
Sophie Biley
Macy Clough
Andrew Davis
Abby Dietze
Katie Engelmeyer
Emma Gent
Beatrice Hartwig
Penny Hartwig
Bradyn Hopper
Mason Kroll
Lauren Mayer
Audra Simmering
Maya Simmering
Kristi Spieker
AMANDA CLOUGH EVENTS COORDINATOR
The McIntyre Family Families of the Year
AUSTIN,
MN
Parents: Casey and Katie
Dancers: Clara, Agnes and Bria 14 Years with Austin JFK
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FAMILY?
They go above and beyond. Their WHOLE family helps at shows, Casey cuts out music, Katie goes above and beyond giving JFK a positive reputation in the community.
WHAT MAKES THIS FAMILY UNIQUE AND/OR SPECIAL TO YOUR PROGRAM?
Katie is a head instructor, but her dedication extends far beyond just her role. Her entire family is involved in supporting the studio. Her mom helps run the lobby, her husband assists by cutting our music, and her kids are wonderful, positive role models for our dancers. No matter the situation, they are always the first to step in and lend a hand whenever help is needed.
This family is well loved in our program in community. This would mean the world to them! They take advantage of every opportunity JFK has to offer. ReliaQuest Bowl, summer camps, SDS competitions, acro/tumbling, weekend classes, they do it ALL!
Madaline Deyo
AUSTIN DIRECTOR
The Work Family
SIOUX CITY, IA
Parents: Vince and Barb
19 Years with Sioux City JFK
TRUE SUPPORTERS OF SIOUX
CITY JFK!
My parents continue to support my Sioux city program through and through each dance season. They are at every event cheering our Sioux City dancers on whether it be a show, competition, or large event like the ReliaQuest Bowl. The dancers even call them Grandma Barb and Grandpa Vinnie.
They are so supportive and wish the best for everyone, not just our Sioux city dancers. They are the biggest fans of Just For Kix in general. They love the program just as much as I do.
19 years ago my sister joined JFK in Sioux City and that is when they became Just For Kix dance parents for the long haul! I don’t want to have recognition but would love to have my parents to be recognized if possible. Myself and my dancers are so appreciative of their continued love and support!
Stefanie Work
SIOUX CITY DIRECTOR
Parents: Megan and Nick
Dancer: Johannah
14 Years with White Bear Lake JFK
OUR GO-TO FAMILY
The Westmoreland Family
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN
The Westmoreland Family is our go-to family for just about everything. Megan is one of our very involved Parent Ambassadors, she’s sponsored other children in our program, she’s always fully supportive of me and our staff, she always offers to help out at every event we do, and they are just a super reliable, wonderful family.
This is Johannah’s senior year. She has been in our program for 14 years, takes every class possible every single year, and has been to the Bowl game twice with JFK. Megan, the mom, is the most giving and generous person and only wants to support and love everyone around her. She has truly been a gift to have in our dance program and she will be very missed after Johannah graduates!
Since the pandemic, we’ve had a few long-term dancers who didn’t think they could continue because of their family’s financial situation. This family stepped up with paying some class fees, giving rides to a from class, offering snacks and money at competitions, etc. They not only give of their money, they give of their time and their love for others. This is truly a very special family!
Laurisa Rosenow
WHITE BEAR LAKE DIRECTOR
To our Judges... to our Just For Kix Catalog employees, for filling last minute costume orers and everyone at The Teehive for producing all of our ribbons, medallions and awards! we cannot say thank you enough! Without you, our Together We Dance Competitions would not be possible. We are so grateful for your dedication!
Purposefully created to help dancers check and correct their body placement in real time. Our Alignment Leotard features strategically designed lines that serve as clear visual guides. Dancers can easily use these cues in the mirror or review them on video, making it simple to see alignment, refine posture, and strengthen technique in every class. It’s the ideal training tool to build strong, precise, and safe movement habits — setting dancers up for success in everything they do.
Scan the QR code to learn more and watch the instruction video.