Badlands Gymnastics perform in ‘Night of Stars’ on Friday
By Tina Foreman
Farmer Staff Writer
If you’re looking for some great flips and good entertainment then you won’t want to miss the 22nd annual Badlands Gymnastics Club’s ‘Night of Stars,’ which will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 9 in the Watford City High School Gymnasium.
This year’s show which is all about ‘Flipping with the Stars’ will center around popular songs from Hollywood.
With 60 active gymnasts, the exciting lineup is sure to provide an entertaining evening for the community. The show will consist of performances from the Tiny Tots, Beginners/Intermediates and the Advanced/Show Team, as well as some individual and dual routines.
The Badlands Gymnastics Club, originally called the Watford City Twisters, began in 1984 under the direction of Coach Peggy Thom. The club met in the lower level of McKenzie County Bank until moving to the McKenzie County Fairgrounds in 1991.
“The Badlands Gymnastics Club has had a busy year,” says Brandi Hecker, club secretary. “The Show Team entertained audiences at three home basketball games and also made appearances at the boys and girls regional basketball tournaments.”
In-between school and gymnastics practice, gymnasts also worked hard raising funds for the club with their annual cookie dough sales and selling snow cones and cotton candy at the McKenzie County Fair.
“The Badlands Gymnastics Club is very grateful to the community for its overwhelming generosity after the club’s trailer and equipment were stolen,” adds Hecker. “With help from local law enforcement the trailer was recovered, and through generous donations, the equipment was replaced.”
The Badlands Gymnastics Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year is its annual ‘Night of Stars.’
The Badlands Gymnastics Club begins students in its Tiny Tots program at the age of three with Intermediate and Advanced programs for students up to age 18.
“The club provides a great opportunity for young people in our community to learn flexibility, coordination, socialization and teamwork,” adds Hecker. “This program instills in young people the importance of exercise in relation to their physical and emotional well-being. It also provides a unique opportunity to meet new friends and have lots of fun.”
The Badlands Gymnastics Club is directed by Renae Lindley. The Advanced/Show Team is coached by Stephen Backes, Renae Lindley and Kristine Medeiros, the Beginners/Intermediate group is coached by Renae Lindley, Tina Wentz and Kristine Medeiros, the Tiny Tots are coached by Ardyce Alveshere and the Competition Team is coached by Tonya Schoepp and Renae Lindley.
Tickets are available at the door and are priced as follows: Adults, $5; students, $3; under four, free; family, $15.