Stout to dance at Mount Mercy

It was a perfect situation for Washington senior Emma Stout.

The Demon senior was on a regular visit to Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, when she gained an opportunity she wasn?t expecting.

?I was already planning on going to Mount Mercy for nursing,? Stout said. ?I was up there on a visit and I ran into (dance coach Dax Cox) and he was an awesome guy. He told me to send him some video and I tried out. I?m excited it turned out the way it did.?

Stout sent in her audition tape, and now is officially going to Mount Mercy to compete in competitive dancing at the NAIA level.

?I met her and her personality was absolutely amazing,? said Cox, who is entering his first season as the dance coach at Mount Mercy. ?From that, I wanted to know more about her dancing. After that I got recommendations (from people in Washington). It all fell into place.?

After the initial meeting, Cox learned more about Stout and said he needed to make sure she was on his team.

?I?m looking for kids with dedication and a good work ethic,? Cox said. ?From everything I?ve heard about Emma from coaches and teachers, she is a great hard worker and will do what it takes to succeed.?

Stout has been dancing since she was 3 years old with Studio E in Washington, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue her dancing career.

?I just want the dance experience,? Stout said. ?I love to dance and it was going to be hard to say goodbye to it at the end of my senior year. I?m happy I don?t have to. Being able to continue dancing after high school is something I?m really proud of.?

Stout?s personality helped attract Mount Mercy to her, but with her ability, Cox said the Washington senior has a chance to be special for the university, hinting at All-American potential.

?I can see her being one of my best,? Cox said. ?With the hard work and determination she has, and the want to be in the program, she will be one of the best.?

Before moving on to college, Stout said she hopes to place well in her solo competitions, and ?leave Studio E with a bang.?