True Competitors: Meet the 2011 Cover Model Search Finalists

June 22, 2011

Zoey Anderson, Kaitlynn Edgar and Maddie Swenson are no strangers to competition. All three grew up regularly attending dance competitions—which no doubt prepared them for their trip to NYC as the 2011 Dance Spirit Cover Model Search finalists. For three jam-packed days, each dancer did her best to show why she belongs on the cover of DS, sweating through three back-to-back classes at Broadway Dance Center, rocking out at the DS photo shoot and performing a solo for the editors and voters.

While this year’s finalists all share similar backgrounds, when you see them perform, it becomes immediately apparent that each girl is very much her own dancer. Zoey’s a chameleon: One moment, she’s a sultry ballroom diva, sashaying in high heels, and the next she’s an emotionally vulnerable contemporary dancer. Kaitlynn picks up choreography in a snap and then infuses it with killer groove and alluring magnetism. Maddie’s got impeccable technique, supple feet and an approachable charm, all of which combine to make her a sparkling performer.

Zoey, Kaitlynn and Maddie made it to the finals by posting videos on dancemedia.com. Each month, viewers and editors choose their favorite Cover Model Search entries, which become the pool of semifinalists. Then, the DS editors select the top three, who are invited to NYC for the final round of competition.

The DS editors fell in love with all of the girls, so we’re glad we don’t have to pick the winner—that’s up to you! After reading about each finalist, go to dancespirit.com/ to watch Zoey, Kaitlynn and Maddie give their solo performances. Then, vote for your favorite, starting June 15.

While in NYC, the girls saw the Tony Award–winning Broadway musical
Billy Elliot. When the curtain came down, Maddie, Kaitlynn and Zoey couldn’t stop gushing about the talented cast!