Evelyn Crisostomo and Jevohn Woods, both of Federal Way and both members of the Youth Premier Team of Pacific Ballroom Dance in Auburn, placed first at the U.S. National Amateur DanceSport Championships in Provo, Utah, on March 12.

The team is comprised of 13 ladies and 12 young men ages 16-18 from around Puget Sound, including Crisostomo and Woods. The team, coached by John Graham of Maple Valley, danced their Latin medley, called “Reign of Fire,” and placed first in the Youth Latin Formation category. “Reign of Fire” features the five international Latin dances – Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive – and Graham’s choreography and costuming for the medley reflect the music’s theme and conveys a dragon fight.

“It is so emotional and captivating,” said Heather Bryant, Junior Premier’s coach. “They performed it flawlessly at Nationals. We are so proud of them.”

Eight couples danced in the winning routine. The team has been competing at Nationals since 2005 and, for the first time, beat the defending champions – a team that had previously won 12 years in a row.

The Youth Premier Team also placed second in the Youth Ballroom formation category.

Pacific Ballroom Dance is a nonprofit youth-focused ballroom dance studio whose mission is to build character in youth by providing a positive ballroom dance experience.