Celebrating Talent. Inspiring Dancers.
The Studio Solo Championship was created to celebrate the dedication, artistry, and passion of solo dancers from across the region. Our mission is to provide a professional, encouraging, and unforgettable experience that motivates dancers to reach their highest potential.
We believe every dancer has a story to tell on stage. Our goal is to give them the platform to share it, be recognized for their hard work, and be inspired by the talent around them.
A Positive Experience
We create a supportive and uplifiting environment where dancers feel confident and celebrated.
Professional Stage
High-quality production and organization ensure every performance shines.
Recognition That Matters
From overall awards to special recognition, we honor hard work and artistry.
Memories to Last
We capture the moments that matter most, so you can relive the experience for years to come.
Meet the Founder
Nikki Ames
Nikki Ames has been a mentor in the dance community for more than 25 years. As the Co-Owner of Epic Productions, she has dedicated her career to creating inspiring dance camps, conventions, and educational experiences for drill teams and dance studios across multiple states. Nikki is passionate about building meaningful connections and providing dancers with positive, memorable experiences that foster growth, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance.
Nikki is the Co- Owner of Miss Drill Utah and the Studio Solo Championship. These highly anticipated events have become a platform for dancers to showcase their talent, celebrate their accomplishments, discover their potential and form lasting friendships.
Nikki has 20 years of judging experience with dance competitions, auditions, and pageants. Some of her favorite judging opportunities have been traveling to Japan to judge the prestigious Miss Dance Drill Team Japan competition, as well as serving as a judge for the Mrs. Utah America Pageant. She loves community service and encourages everyone to use their talents to make a positive impact on their communities.
Nikki was honored to coach Drill Team at Lone Peak High School, where she helped lead the team to multiple Region, State, and National championship titles. This is where Nikki gained her love of coaching the youth, and to this day continues to work with teams throughout the state.
Above all, Nikki treasures her role as a wife and mother of seven children—and the countless dancers she proudly considers part of her extended family. When she’s not working with dancers, she enjoys attending concerts, working in her yard, and exploring the outdoors with her husband and family.
Meet the Founder
Lauralyn Kofford
Lauralyn’s journey in the dance world is marked by remarkable achievements and a commitment to excellence. A recipient of a Dance Scholarship, she was a distinguished member of the BYU Cougarette Dance Team while earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dance Education. Lauralyn’s teaching career at Timpview High School showcased her versatility as Dance Department Chair, Dance Company Director, and Competition Dance/Drill Team Coach.
With over 30 years in the industry, Lauralyn’s expertise spans choreography for various performances, theater productions, competitions, TV commercials, pageants, fashion shows, and major events like the “Stadium of Fire”, the Miss Rodeo America Fashion Show, Disney’s High School Musical seasons 1 & 3, and the Opening & Closing ceremonies for SLC Winter Olympic Games in 2002. She is an Emmy Award-winning choreographer and has been a certified judge nationally and internationally for over two decades. Lauralyn was the recipient of the “Judge of the Year” award in 2018 from the Utah Dance Judges Association.
Beyond dance, Lauralyn’s influence extends to the fitness industry, where she holds certifications in Acrobatic Arts, Barre Fitness, Kickboxing, Powerflex, and Silver Sneakers Fitness. Her 25+-year tenure teaching group fitness classes at VASA Fitness reflects her dedication to a holistic approach to well-being.
Lauralyn is not just a seasoned professional but also the co-owner and director of prominent events like the Miss Drill Utah Solo Championship, Studio Solo Championship, Rocky Mountain Drill Invitational, Best of Drill Invitational, and FULL OUT Productions – a venture dedicated to dance education and mentorship.
Her mantra, “Be Brave, Be Positive, Keep Trying, and Never Give Up,” reflects Lauralyn’s genuine passion for dance, commitment to staying active, and dedication to mentoring individuals of all ages
Built by Dancers, for Dancers
The Studio Solo Championship was founded by dance educators who understand the journey. With years of experience in training and choreography, we saw the need for a competition that focuses on more than just scores — one that celebrates growth, confidence, and the love of dance.
Today, we’re proud to bring that vision to life through an event that continues to inspire dancers, teachers, and families year after year.
