Here, memories are made. THIS IS MORE THAN DANCE. Here, memories are made.
Welcome TO THE 7TH ANNUAL TWD NATIONALS!
Dear Parents, Dancers, and Friends,
20 25
We are excited to host the 29th year of Just For Kix competitions. We are thrilled to see the growth in our events! Just For Kix was started in April of 1981.
TOGETHER WE DANCE COMPETITIONS were created to provide our participants with a venue to perform in front of a huge crowd. Many of our dancers from small towns never get to hear the ROAR of a crowd. It is so fun to watch them in these exciting moments. Remember, it is important to cheer for all teams when watching. Everyone is someone’s child! Celebrate the successes of all children.
FUN FACT: The first JFK Competition only lasted an hour.
We thank you for your involvement today. We know you had to travel and make sacrifices in your regular life to be here with us. We hope that you enjoy the journey here! It is not just about the 3 minutes on the floor, but the road trip, the hotel stays, the friends made, and the memories shared.
As GRANDPARENTS , we have the vantage point of looking back and thinking where did the days go, when we were sitting in the stands watching our kids. It goes faster than you think!!! The days are LONG but the years are short! Life is made up of moments, make sure to enjoy the journey. Thanks for participating!
We invite you to do more with Just For Kix. We have high school and youth camps in the summer and the Annual Collegiate Bowl Game Tour to Florida in the winter! Even if your director does not go, YOU can go as a family. Check out these events online at justforkix.com.
THANKS TO OUR EVENT STAFF
Our staff is the greatest. These weekend gigs are TIRING and our staff also work during the week. We always say we are going to take time off, but there is too much to do. We all jokingly say we have TWD hangovers on Monday. They are a real thing, LOL. If you see one of our STAFF please give them a WHOOP WHOOP and thank them for their great service. It is hard to get trusted people to work weekends and who care as much as they do for our patrons. We appreciate them so much.
THANKS TO OUR TALENTED DIRECTORS AND ASSISTANTS
Coaching youth can be challenging. Many times they are bombarded with criticism and only hear the negative. Remember to be a positive force as a parent! Our kids model what they hear. Say thanks to your director for spending these days with your children.
Still Kickin’,
HOW PARENTS CAN BE ANNOUNCER SPOTLIGHT Supportive At Competitions
• MANAGE EXPECTATIONS
Help your child understand that competitions are about growth and learning, not just winning. Celebrate their effort and progress regardless of the outcome.
• AVOID COMPARISONS
Every dancer is unique and progresses at their own pace. Avoid comparing your child to others and focus on their journey.
• LISTEN ACTIVELY
Be there to listen to your child’s experiences and feelings about their performance, whether they’re excited or disappointed. Validate their emotions and provide support.
Joel is as old as Just For Kix! He was 5 months when it started. In addition to announcing TWDs he is our CFO! Joel is also the voice of Brainerd Warrior Football and also announces Volleyball and Basketball. He coaches a youth basketball team and is on the local sports booster board. His wife Dana also works in our home office and they have two children, Cora and Carver!
Matt was the original JFK announcer since 1997 & he has been with us ever since! He has announced sections and the MSHSL Dance Tournament. The one year we did a Nationals at the Bowl Game in Florida, he flew there to announce it. His company is Wallace Radio Syndication, his wife is Jennifer and they have two children, Natasha and Levi!
• CELEBRATE EFFORT
Regardless of the outcome, celebrate your child’s effort and dedication to their performances. Let them know you’re proud of their hard work.
• MODEL SPORTSMANSHIP
Teach your child the importance of good sportsmanship by demonstrating respect for other dancers, coaches and judges, win or lose.
• PROVIDE PERSPECTIVE
Help your child maintain perspective by reminding them that competitions are just one part of their dance journey. Encourage them to learn from both successes and setbacks.
Jared, aka “Hoppe” or “DJ Hoppe”, is a member of our Accounting Team as his “regular” job. He loves announcing and is up for the long days and dark theaters! Jared also primarily announces Brainerd Warrior Girls and Boys High School Hockey, Baseball and Dance amongst other Warrior sports!
“Mikey” has a background in Information Technology. He primarily works at Just For Krypto as a certified Bitmain Technician. He is also an IT guy for Just For Kix. He helps with all things such as livestream, computer and internet issues, and more. He always brings a positive attitude and a big smile. His wife is Jordan and they have a daughter, Lilly!
JARED HOPPE
MIKE WEISSENFLUH
JOEL CLOUGH
MATT WALLACE
DIVISIONS DIVISIONS
Divisions are made up from the following steps:
•The level the director registered the team for (classic, select, or elite)
•Classic: recreational classes, class average of 0-1.5 hours of class per week or entry level at your program
•Select: B level classes, class average of 1.6-3.5 hours of class per week or middle level at your program
•Elite: A level classes, class average of 3.6 hours of class per week or top level at your program
•The average grade of the dancers registered for the class. We do not adjust divisions based upon those in a class that can attend an event, rather the average grade of the entire class.
•Wee: 2-3.5
•Mini: 3.51-5.5
•Middle: 5.51-7.5
•Junior: 7.51-9.5
•Senior: 9.51-12
In the event of low participation, divisions may be combined to allow for adequately sized divisons.
AWARDS AWARDS
We want to award as many teams as possible, while leaving no less than two teams on the floor without an awarded placement. Point level ribbons will be given to all dancers entered in the competition even if they do not place. Teams that place in the top 2 of each category will receive a plaque.
Our scale of Silver through Double Platinum rankings in addition to placement rankings are awarded to recognize our dancers, their efforts and points earned. Because of this, we are now able to acknowledge each team’s level of excellence regardless of final placement rankings at each award ceremony.
Point Total Ranks (determined by total points from 3 judges)
Silver (Marginal) 0-99 Points
Gold (Below Average/Average) 100-149 Points
High Gold (Above Average/Good) 150-199 Points
Platinum (Very Good/Excellent) 200-249 Points
Double Platinum (Outstanding/Superior) 250-300 Points
Award Guidelines (team with the highest point total in the division wins)
# of Teams in Divison
# of Awards Given
2 teams Award 1st-2nd place
3 teams Award 1st-3rd place
4 teams Award 1st-2nd place
5 teams Award 1st-3rd place
6 teams Award 1st-4th place
7+ teams Award 1st-5th place
POINT DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION POINT DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
We have added a scale of Silver through Double Platinum rankings in addition to placement rankings to recognize our dancers, their efforts and points earned. Because of this, we are now able to acknowledge each team’s level of excellence regardless of final placement rankings at each award ceremony.
Double Platinum (Outstanding/Superior)
Platinum (Very Good/Excellent)
High Gold (Above Average/Good)
Gold (Below Average/Average)
Silver (Marginal)
SCORE SHEET BREAKDOWN SCORE SHEET BREAKDOWN
Technique = 30 Points
Execution/Timing = 30 Points
Difficulty = 30 Points
Overall Effect = 10 Points
Total 100 Points from Each Judge
SENIOR SHOWCASE EXPLANATION SENIOR SHOWCASE EXPLANATION
Three Categories: Pom, Hip Hop and Kick
Pom
Subcategories: A (Small Student Count) and AA (Elite/Select Teams)
Top Half of Teams in Each Category Advance to Finals
Hip Hop
Subcategories: A (Small Student Count), AA (Select Teams & Large Student Count) and AAA (Elite Teams)
Top Half of Teams in Each Category Advance to Finals
Kick Subcategories: A (Small Student Count), AA (Large Student Count), AAA (Select Teams & Largest Student Count) and AAAA (Elite Teams)
Top Half of Teams in Each Category Advance to Finals
CAREERS
SENIORS
Heading off to college in a different community? Consider applying to be an assistant or head instructor! We have over 200 programs in areas all over the country. Our directors are looking for outgoing and talented head instructors and assistants. Apply at support@justforkix.com . Down the road, consider applying to become a DIRECTOR!
Consider applying to be a part of the HOME OFFICE TEAM in Brainerd, MN. Graphics, production, catalog, marketing, dance rep and more! Email support@justforkix.com for more information.
Interested in adjuducating? Apply to be a TWD JUDGE and work weekends at TWD’s. Must have experience to apply.
Reliaquest Bowl Performance Tour
Dec. 27, 2025 - Jan 2, 2026
For dancers 2nd to 12th grades at all skill levels
For 36 years we have been devoted to providing fun and unforgettable travel experiences for every dancer, family, and coach.
Get ready for thrilling performances, surrounded by hundreds of marching band members, in front of over 60,000 Reliaquest Bowl fans at the beautiful Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida!
WE ARE KNOWN FOR:
• First Rate Choreography
• Affordability & Incomparable Value
• Bowl Game Exclusive Designed Costume
• Superb Organization
• Perfect Balance of Dance & Fun
• Team Bonding & Making New Friends
• Supportive & Approachable Staff
• A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity!
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
• Disney World / Universal Studios
• Busch Gardens
• Clearwater Beach
• Dinner Cruise
• New Year’s Eve Party
• Bowl Game Performance
• Awards Ceremony
COLOR DESIGN, 1 LOCATION
Black Athletic Heather Kelly Green Navy
Royal Safety Green True Red White
REACHING HIGHER
In 2013, Just For Kix held the first ever Senior Showcase Competition.
The event is held to enhance the competitive experience for our Senior Kix, Hip Hop and Pom dancers. The competition is designed to allow dancers to reach higher and strive for greater excellence.
WHEN & WHERE:
May 1st & 2nd, 2025 at the Mayo Civic Center Arena in Rochester, MN
WHO :
Just For Kix Dance Programs’ Senior Kix, Hip Hop and Pom dance teams who have been registered by their director.
• All teams compete together in the preliminary category, the top scoring teams will compete in finals.
• Top teams will be announced and awarded.
• Just For Kix programs are not required to participate.
Congratulations to all of our 2025 Showcase teams who participated, and to those who advanced to finals!
SENIOR SHOWCASE HISTORY:
This will be our 12th year offering this event.
2021 we had 39 teams compete:
A 1. Elk River, MN
2. Marshall, MN
3. Stewartville, MN
4. North Fargo, ND AA
1. Brainerd, MN
2. West Fargo, ND
3. Minnetonka, MN
4. Thief River Falls, MN
2022 we had 47 teams compete: A 1. Elk River, MN 2. Fridley, MN 3. Marshall, MN AA 1. Minnetonka, MN 2. Thief River Falls, MN 3. North Fargo, ND AAA 1. Brainerd, MN 2. Medina, MN 3. West Fargo, ND
SENIOR HIP HOP SHOWCASE HISTORY:
This will be our 7th year offering this event.
2021 we had 27 teams compete:
Crookston, MN
STMA, MN
Shelton, NE
Elk River
Brainerd, MN
Thief River Falls, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Richfield/Bloomington, MN
2022 we had 37 teams compete.
Grand Island, NE
Minnetonka, MN
Belle Plaine, MN
Brainerd, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Thief River Falls, MN
SENIOR POM SHOWCASE HISTORY:
This will be our 3rd year offering this event.
2023 we had 60 teams compete: A 1. Marshall, MN 2. New London-Spicer, MN 3. Shelton, NE
St. Francis, MN 2. Holdingford, MN 3. Elk River, MN AAA 1. Minnetonka, MN 2. Thief River Falls, MN 3. North Fargo, ND AAAA 1. Brainerd, MN 2. Medina, MN 3. West Fargo, ND
2024 we had 64 teams compete: A 1. Gibbon, MN
2. Sidney, NE
3. New London-Spicer, MN AA 1. Becker, MN
2. Marshall, MN 3. Bemidji, MN AAA
1. West Sioux Falls, SD 2. Owatonna, MN 3. Holdingford, MN AAAA 1. Brainerd, MN
West Fargo, ND
Medina, MN
2023 we had 48 teams compete:
Crookston, MN
Elk River, MN
Marshall, MN
Thief River Falls, MN
Grand Island Senior, NE
Minnetonka, MN
Brainerd, MN
St. Cloud, MN
West Fargo, ND
2024 we had 49 teams compete:
Thief River Falls, MN
Gibbon, MN
Marshall, MN
Sioux City, IA
West Sioux Falls, SD
East Sioux Falls,
Cloud, MN
West Fargo, ND 2023 we had 18 teams compete:
West Fargo, ND
Farmington, MN
Windsor, CO
we had 32 teams compete:
River Falls,
GIBBON,
To our beloved Class of 2025... LESSONS FROM THE GEESE
“This has been my number one ‘go-to’ for team building and encouragement. When I work with teams over the summer and my team locally, a goal is to get all team members to pull together in the same direction. We can learn a lot from the geese.” -Cindy Clough
Written by Robert McNeish
Fact #1: As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift draft for the bird following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds a greater flying range than if one bird flew alone.
Lesson #1: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they’re going quicker and more easily because they are traveling on the strength of one another.
Fact #2: Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it feels the drag of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
Lesson #2: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stay in formation, accept help when we need it, and give help when it is needed.
Fact #3: When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose flies in the point position.
Lesson #3: Geese instinctively share the task of leadership and do not resent the leader.
Fact #4: The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson #4: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging and not something else.
Fact #5: When a goose gets sick, is wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation to help protect it. They stay with their disabled companion until it can fly again or die.
Lesson #5: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by one another in difficult times.
Lessons from the Geese was written in 1972 by Dr Robert McNeish of Baltimore. DrMcNeish, for many years a science teacher before he became involved in school administration, had been intrigued with observing geese for years and first wrote the piece for a sermon he delivered in his church.
Just For Kix Class of 2024
Howdy Partner!
J UST FOR KIX YOUTH CAMP
BRAINERD, MN | JULY 17-19
LOOK OUT! Just For Kix is thrilled to be offering our youth dance camp experience at our studio in Brainerd, MN.
Check with your local director to see if they will be offering Kickin It Kountry: Summer Youth Camp in your area!
We specialize in teaching children how to dance, but more than to teach them to work hard, how to work as a team, and most importantly, how to have fun!
Thank You Thank You
AARON SLOTH HEAD OF OPERATIONS
TO OUR STAFF!
MEET “SLOTH”
Aaron Sloth, or as we like to say, “Sloth”, started working at Just For Kix officially in May of 2009. However, his journey with the Clough’s started much before then. He worked numerous Bowl Game Tours throughout high school alongside Joel and Jerad!
Not only is Aaron an integral part of our Just For Kix team, many members of his family are as well. You might recognize his mom, Sally, who works the Info Desk at Nationals; or his dad, Gary, who works in the store creating medals! Gary has also built numerous props, desks and shelving over the years for us.
Sloth is raising the next generation of Just-For-Kix-ers alongside his wife, Jamie, as his son Finn works in the TWD Store and his daughter Lilian dances at the Brainerd Just For Kix program.
The Sloth Family continues to make an incredible impact on our company as hardworking and determined people. Aaron most recently celebrated his 15 year anniversary at our 2024 Director’s Convention which was held in Brainerd, MN. We can’t thank Aaron and his family enough for all of their contributions over their many years with Just For Kix!
"My first memory with Sloth was when he and Jerad were in 3rd grade, and I drove him home from a field trip as the volunteer mom, and he puked in my van. I never let him forget that. I also remember that he came as a guest at the Bowl Game when he was 16, and he had Jerad goofing around all week. A big contrast to the present work he does, Aaron CARES about our customers and is genuinely invested in their experience with Just For Kix."
- Cindy Clough Just For Kix Founder and CEO
MaKayla Avery
Mason Avery
Kyle Borman
Amanda Clough
Matt Clough
Jerad Clough
Adam Crenna
Chad Crenna
Kendal Crenna
Lauren Crenna
Ryan Crenna
Lucy Franzen
MacKenzie Grams
Beatrice Hartwig
Henry Hartwig
Penny Hartwig
Justin Heitkamp
Dani Larson-Schultz
Kari Madsen
Breckyn Mankowski
Carson Mankowski
Chuck Mankowski
Grady Martin
Janet Metzger
Taylor Peterson
Marny Rohr
Ben Rosvold
Branden Rosvold
Aaron Sloth
Finn Sloth
Gary Sloth
Jeff Spieker
MaKayla Spieker
Christa Wegscheid
ANNOUNCERS
Joel Clough
Jared Hoppe
Matt Wallace
Mike Weissenfluh
MEDIA TEAM
Mady Baker
Macy Clough
Emma Gent
Abbey Grams
Megan Johnson
Bradyn Hopper
Mason Kroll
Bella Knutson
Lauren Mayer
Audra Simmering
Maya Simmering
Kristi Spieker
Kaylynn Stark
Kenna Theisen
Rylee Wendinger
FAMILIES OF THE FAMILIES OF THE Year
The
Parents: Amber and Rob Aubrey, Brayli and Scarlett
The Larson Family
Family SPENCER, IA
Parents: Amber and Travis Aubrey, Taylor, Henlee and Poppi
CHEERLEADERS, HAIRSTYLISTS, AND MORE...
The Larson’s would give anything to anyone if they could help! Amber is our Spencer JFK cheerleader, hairstylist, motivational speaker, and overall SUPER supportive dance mom. There isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her children and anyone else that needed help! She planned a Nationals Week of Memories for our Senior Classes in 2024, and a parents poster night. These are just examples of the generous enthusiasm she passes to her children!
Travis also donated time to help us repaint the studio during our rebuild this summer following our disastrous flood. He is always there to help when needed and doesn’t miss a performance!
Suzi Harper SPENCER DIRECTOR
The Haring Family WINDSOR, CO
Parents: Stacie and Bryan Evelyn, Sophie and Lex
THIS FAMILY MEANS THE WORLD
IA
WILLING TO STEP UP AND HELP
The Sherrard family has 3 girls that are in every class we offer. Their oldest is an assistant coach for our program! They are always willing to step up and help other families out with carpooling, hair, makeup, whatever it may be. All 3 of these girls are friends to everyone and so are their parents. They make sure to help out before and after shows, during competitions, and whenever they can!
FUN FACT: Amber was a Just For Kix coach many years ago!
Rylie Hansen and Kenya Nelson
ST. ANSGAR DIRECTORS
The Haring’s dedication and support they have for our program is heart warming. They lend a helping hand whenever necessary and can always be counted on when someone is in a pinch! This family has been involved with our Windsor program for 11 years, and all three girls have been with our program. We have been so honored to be part of their journey!
The Haring Family was supposed to relocate to a different state for Bryan’s job but ended up staying in CO because of our studio!
Christen Randall WINDSOR DIRECTOR
The Coons Family
WATERVILLE, MN
Parent: Renae
Lydia
TRUE SUPPORTERS OF WATERVILLE AREA JFK!
Renae and Lydia have been with me for the past 10 years. Lydia has attended youth and high school camps and has traveled with JFK to New York and Florida! These two are more than just dancer and dance mom but true supporters of Waterville Area JFK and Just For Kix in general.
Renae is a pillar in our program! Since my mom passed she has been at every show helping set up, take down and take tickets. She is consistently sharing all my social media posts and rooting for our program and company. Renae films ALL routines for our program at shows and TWDs!
Not only is Renae involved, but her mom, extended family, and friends have helped in many ways this season. Lydia started as a special session dancer and has grown to taking ALL classes offered to her age group! The Coons were the only family that moved with us from Janesville and continued to dance with us. They have continued to support our program and company relentlessly over the years!
Karen Powers Moret
WATERVILLE DIRECTOR
The Diedrich Family
DEKALB/SYCAMORE, IL
SUCH A LIGHT TO OUR PROGRAM
It’s difficult to fully express my gratitude to the Diedrich Family for all they have contributed to DeKalb JFK over the years! Their entire family has proven to be such a light to our program whether it’s participating in events, offering support to our staff, or sharing our posts on social media. They always bring a smile and positive attitude to every room they enter and their loyalty to Just For Kix is abundant!
This family has always been one of the biggest supporters of our program. Tessa has not only participated in countless classes, TWD’s and events throughout her 11 years dancing, but the entire family has also made a lasting impact by joining everything from daddy-daughter dance classes to traveling to Tampa for multiple Bowl Game Tours. Whether it’s cheering during a performance or loading up on chips and traveling to all of the competitions, the Diedrich’s always bring a spirit of enthusiasm and encouragement! They are the definition of a JFK family and I am so proud to call them my friends!
April Mapes
DEKALB/SYCAMORE
DIRECTOR
