Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Meet the 2010 Cover Model Search Finalists

The winner of Dance Spirit’s fifth annual Cover Model Search will grace the cover of the October issue, making her name and face known to hundreds of thousands of people. Last April, the three finalists traveled to NYC to battle it out for the top prize.

Although the competition was stiff, it didn’t take long for Alexa Anderson, Emily James and Patricia Zhou to bond. Patricia told the girls that she goes by Patti, and without thinking twice Emily responded, “Does anyone ever call you Patti-cakes?” The girls became instant friends (and the nickname stuck!). Whether in class at Broadway Dance Center, on the sets of their photo and video shoots or swapping dance stories at a diner before seeing Memphis on Broadway, these three phenomenal performers seemed completely at ease, as though they had known each other for years.

But, of course, their stay in NYC wasn’t just about having fun. Each girl worked hard to put her best self forward and show why she deserved to win. Before coming to NYC, each finalist entered the Cover Model Search by posting a video on dancemedia.com. Then viewers and editors selected monthly winners, who became the pool of semifinalists. Finally, the DS editors picked the top three. Patricia is the quintessential ballerina, perfectly poised with exceptional technique; Alexa is the dynamo with versatile skills and a powerful presence; and Emily is the laid-back surfer girl with killer feet who dances with strength and elegance.

Now it’s up to you to choose the winner. After reading about each finalist, head to dancespirit.com/ to watch Alexa, Emily and Patricia in their solo performances. Vote for your favorite starting June 15.

The
DS Cover Model Search is sponsored by Discount Dance Supply.

At Broadway Dance Center, the Cover Model Search finalists took contemporary jazz with Calen Kurka, jazz funk with Sheryl Murakami, jazz with Sheila Barker, hip ho with Jamie Jackson and ballet with Finish Jhung.