Award-winning journalist Kelsey Nicole Nelson welcomed special guests, co-founders of Elevation on Tour Kristina Cross and Brie Peña, on to the multi-award-winning FOX Sports Radio 96.9FM/1340AM hit show “Listen In With KNN” to talk about the world of competitive dance.
Cross and Peña discussed the success behind the fastest-growing dance competition circuits with Nelson and how the duo’s Texas-based company creates a stage where everyone is welcome.
“Putting the people first and serving people well is a core value to us, we can bring a positive experience to more dancers, more studios, and dance families,” said Peña.
First-time guests Cross and Peña shared what inspired them to start Elevation on Tour, which hosts conventions and competitions to help young people develop confidence, purpose, and personal success through dance.
“I think there are tremendous amounts of life lessons, and so much value that comes from being in a healthy competitive environment,” said Cross.
Cross shared how valuable the experience of creating an environment that cares for the competitors as a whole will be, encouraging dancers to continue and set them up for success in the future.
“[Dance] teaches so much about life, determination, and hard work, and we are glad to provide that experience and have a platform for dance moms, dads, and all dance families to enjoy their time with their dancer,” said Peña.
The guests shared that trade show circuits are a key component of Elevation’s growth to continue its mission of serving those who can benefit the most.
“We not only do competitions, we also do conventions where we have a really unique opportunity to not just provide competition opportunity, but also an educational component to the event where we get to bring in really amazing faculty from all over the country,” said Cross.
The duo shared with Nelson how being mothers raising children in the dance world has affected them and how it changes their perspectives on approaching the industry.
“The competition dance scene for mothers and daughters specifically is a very unique bonding experience that provides a lot of skills that go beyond the dance floor,” said Peña.
Cross and Peña offered some advice on how to get started for parents and children looking to enter competitive dance.
“Dance is a tedious art, and it’s not something you can shortcut. You need to put in the hours to be a strong competitive dancer,” said Cross.
If you want to learn more about Elevation on Tour, visit their website and connect online @ElevationonTour on Facebook and Instagram.
Listen to this episode of “Listen in with KNN” on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Digital and Editorial Summer intern for Listen in with KNN.