KC
Kirsten Carstarphen
  • biochemistry and biology
  • Perry, Iowa

Kirsten Carstarphen Competes with Central Dance Team at National Contest

2012 Mar 30

Kirsten Carstarphen, a native of Perry and sophomore at Central College, competed with the Central College dance team at the American Dance/Drill Team American Collegiate Championship March 24 at the University of North Texas. Carstarphen and 11 teammates were third in the hip-hop routine and took first runner-up honors in the pom routine.

"We were totally shocked," said coach Cindy Wilson. "We went down there just trying to have fun. It took the pressure off and we really nailed it. It was our best performance of the year."

The competition boasted teams from 15 colleges nationwide and judging was based on choreography, technique, showmanship and appearance.

The national finish reaffirms Central's place as a standout dance squad. The team has earned top places among Division III contestants in multiple routines at the Iowa State Drill Team Association's state competition each of the last four years.

The Central dance team is an auditioned squad and practices Monday-Thursday throughout the academic year, dancing at multiple performances and competitions annually.

Central College is a private, four-year, residential liberal arts college in Pella, Iowa. Central's academic program offers 39 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, along with pre-professional programs and advising. Central was recognized in the 2011 U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings of the best liberal arts colleges in the nation.

More information about Central College is available at www.central.edu or by calling 877-462-3687.