Valerie Cassity
Special to the Sun

Last month, local dancer Randi Kirby proved that she, in fact, can dance at the “So You Think You Can Dance” back lot dance contest held at Bakersfield TV Fox affiliate KBFX, Channel 58. The contest was put on by the television station to promote the new, first ever fall season of the popular show of the same title, as well as giving Kern County dancers an opportunity to exhibit their abilities.

The contest began on Sept. 9, where 20 eager dancers arrived at the Fox 58 studio and were put into groups. The contestants first learned a hip hop dance, which they performed for three judges, followed by a jazz and then a swing dance routine. After each routine, the judges cut contestants until they had gotten a final 10. The contestants had to watch the news that evening to find out who the three finalists were, and Kirby was excited to learn that she was one of the three chosen to return the next week to compete with solo dances for the $1,000 grand prize.

Randi Kirby displays poise and grace in her dance performance in Bakersfield TV Fox affiliate’s “So You Think You Can Dance” contest.

Returning the following week on Sept. 16, Kirby performed a jazz dance to Michael Jackson’s “Cheater,” which she and Kern Valley dance teacher and studio owner Tracie Whitman choreographed together in the week between the first and second rounds of the contest. Although Kirby did not win the prize money, the experience was a positive one for her and the other contestants.

Kirby, who has been dancing for nine years since Whitman opened her dance studio in Lake Isabella, has tried every form of dance, but says her favorite is hip hop. She plans to some day try out for a coveted spot on the Laker Girls, but in the meantime attends Cerro Coso College to get her prerequisite units out of the way so that she can pursue a degree in nursing.

With her love of dance and years of experience, Kirby enjoys continuing her lessons with Whitman as well as assisting her in teaching some of the younger students. “I haven’t quit dancing, I’m still doing it every week,” said Kirby, adding, “I want to thank Tracie, because I wouldn’t have been able to be in the final three if she hadn’t pushed me to go do the contest. I wouldn’t even know how to dance if it weren’t for her.”