The Dance Shoppe’s Competition Team Members Shine On and Off the Stage
Oakhurst is home to many talented young athletes, and this month four resident dancers are being recognized for their dedication, discipline, and passion for dance.
Emily Gerard. Photo Credit: Hall of Fame
Meet Blake Adams, Rilynn Adams, Claire Demorest, and Emily Gerard — all members of The Dance Shoppe’s performance and competition teams. Though they range in age from elementary school to high school senior, these four dancers share one thing in common: a lifelong love of dance. Each girl began dancing at just 3 years old and has spent years developing her skills through hard work, commitment, and countless hours in the studio.
Rising Stars in Dance
At just 8 years old, Blake Adams is already making an impression as a member of The Dazzling Stars performance team. Blake is a third grader at Bailey Lake Elementary and enjoys performing while building confidence and teamwork through dance. Her sister, Rilynn Adams, is a dedicated 13-year-old dancer entering 8th grade at CJHS. Rilynn’s favorite styles are jazz and lyrical, and she is a proud member of The Classy Dancers Competition Team. Claire Demorest, age 11, will begin 6th grade at Everest Academy this fall. Claire especially enjoys musical theater and lyrical and also performs with The Classy Dancers Competition Team. Her enthusiasm and stage presence make her shine during performances.
The oldest of the group, Emily Gerard, is a senior at CHS and has become an accomplished dancer. She has previously held the titles of Junior Miss Dance of Michigan 2021 and Miss Dance of Michigan 2025. Emily is a member of both The
Classy Dancers Competition Team and The Dance Shoppe’s elite Select Team, a pre-professional training program for high school dancers. Emily hopes to continue dancing in college, possibly as part of a collegiate dance team.
A Studio with Tradition and Heart
For more than 40 years, The Dance Shoppe has helped young dancers grow both technically and personally in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Rilynn, Claire, and Emily are members of the studio’s demonstrator program, which creates a meaningful connection between competition team dancers and younger recreational students. Through the program, they assist with weekly classes, serving as role models while helping younger dancers build confidence, develop skills, and foster a love of dance.