By Kim J. Harmon

BROOKFIELD – Never mind the early morning snowstorm that dumped anywhere from four to nine inches of new powder on the state last Saturday, it seemed like nothing would stop the first-ever South-West Conference dance competition at Brookfield High School.

It began as a mere suggestion to an athletic director last fall and very quickly became part of the SWC landscape. And last Saturday, six teams – Newtown, Masuk, Brookfield, Stratford, New Milford and Bunnell – competed for the first dance championship.

Brookfield earned that championship with Masuk coming in second and the Newtown Markettes coming in third.

“This is the first year for this event,” said SWC commissioner Norm Winnerman, “and seeing it in operation I know it will go on and on. This is a fantastic program.”

Two members of the Knick City Dancers led a clinic on Saturday morning and most of the performers from the six schools participated. Then – following the competition in the afternoon – the two Knick City Dancers performed a short routine as the results were being tabulated.

“I think it’s great that we have something like this,” said co-captain Monica Latowicki, “so dancers from our school can be recognized. We worked hard on this and we pushed the girls really hard in practice.”

The Markettes have been performing at Newtown sporting events for years and earned the opportunity a couple of years ago to perform with the Knick City Dancers on the court at Madison Square Garden. Even with a lot of talent and a lot of experience behind them, the judges picked them third.

“I think we performed above and beyond amazing,” said co-captain Karoline Engel.

Other Markettes include Kaltrina Sedaliu, Cheryl Orrico, Kara Whipkey, Laura Konkos, Dayna Djonne, Mia Malin, Sam Ross, Katy Caulfield, Alex Vetrano, Melissa Paynter, Tyler Nicoll, Caitlyn Hydeck, and Kristen Rocca.