MARYSVILLE — Seven years of dancing paid off for 15-year-old Abby Hau on June 18, when she was declared overall winner of this year’s Strawberry Festival Talent Show.
Hau was among 23 competitors in this year’s talent show, and also scored first place in the vocal and dance ages 15-16 category.
“I was a shy kid, so my mom thought that dance would help me express myself,” said Abby, who practices 20-30 hours each week. “She was right, because I’ve loved it ever since.”
This isn’t Abby’s first time competing in the talent show. A few years ago, she was part of a group of students from Northwest Dance & Acro, based out of Smokey Point.
Abby is grateful to her instructor, Augga Hawkins, and offered advice for other talent show aspirants.
“Don’t be nervous; be confident,” said Abby, who will ride in the Strawberry Festival Grand Parade June 20. “I never miss going to the Funtastic Carnival with my friends.”
Among the evening’s other first-place winners were:
• Emma Griffith in dance ages 4-8 for “Popular.”
• Klara Darby in dance and other performance ages 6-10 for “London Calling.”
• The Evangel Classical Choir in vocal, dance and instrumental ages 5-12 for “Joy Inside.”
• Victoria Steward and Ashlyn Stelter in vocal, piano and dance ages 11-14 for “Skinny Love.”
• The Kung Fu 4 Kids group in vocal and performing arts ages 8-19 for demonstrating martial arts.
• Laila Bour in adult vocal and instrumental for “Turkey Creek Hop” and “Amazing Grace.”
• The Ferguson Family Band in vocal and band for “Everybody’s Working for the Weekend.”
