CAMI MCFARLANE

Cami McFarlane began her dance training at a local dance studio in Turlock California at a very young age.  After participating on cheer teams for many years she decided she wanted to focus her skills directly on dance.  She auditioned for a well respected local All Star Competitive Dance Team that featured Hollie and Heather Bettencourt among others.  “As part of that team, I advanced my technique and skill levels, grew in confidence, determination and developed an understanding of team unity. I recollect fondly many nights in the gym working tirelessly with my teammates in perfecting switch leaps, leg extensions, multiple pirouettes and my favorite old school Harlem Shake piece.  That hard work culminated in numerous National Championships and many amazing memories.  One of my all time favorites is dancing in our undefeated “Prison” themed hip-hop routine and “Prince” mullet hair dance.  The energy, unity, and choreography in those pieces are still some of the best I’ve ever experienced.  And while we were gaining notoriety with our innovative hip hop choreography and precision teamwork, we never lost sight of our core principles, that we were more than a dance organization…we were a tight-knit dance family.  That’s what was so special about the All-Stars (and remains special about STRUT today).  Everyone pulled together to support one another.  Hollie, in particular, spent many hours in and outside of class supporting me in my challenges and made sure that I knew I was included and talented… and I will be forever grateful for that.  It was that kind of support that helped push me to my future career in dance and leadership.”  In pursuit of that career, Ms. McFarlane continued to train with the Bettencourt’s until departing for Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Arizona where she participated in dance and theater performances including a starring role in the production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.  In 2004, she transferred to Brigham Young University-Idaho and was introduced to Contemporary Dance.  From there, she had the opportunity to explore other genres of modern, folk, and ballroom dance and became a member of the prestigious Dance Alliance Company for Brigham Young University-Idaho. Dance Alliance performs throughout the world in such countries as Austria, Ukraine, Mexico, Costa Rica, Canada, Ecuador, and New Zealand, as well as in nearly all 50 states.  By this time Ms. McFarlane knew that she wanted to partner her passion for teaching children and youth with her passion for dance.  For the next three years she held positions as assistant director and choreographer for Dance Unlimited of Rigby and the director of their Studio Performance Company.  She also instructed and choreographed for various high school and junior high drill teams and soloists around Idaho.  In December of 2007 Ms. McFarlane graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development and Dance from Brigham Young University.  “My love for dance is deeply rooted and though I am currently retired, for now being a stay-at-home mom with my amazing son, I am blessed with many great experiences and memories from my time with the All Stars and the Bettencourt’s.  I feel privileged and honored to be included as STRUT Alumni and will always treasure my lifelong friendships with Hollie and Heather Bettencourt.“