Hans Christensen Middle School student Harlie recently returned from Prague, Czech Republic, with an accomplishment few young performers ever achieve — a silver medal at the World Tap Dance Championships while representing Team USA on the international stage.
According to the Menifee Union School District, the eighth grader competed against dancers from 21 countries during the global competition, earning recognition alongside some of the top youth tap dancers in the world.
Harlie competed in two major divisions during the championship event. Her team’s “Magic” performance in the Junior Formation category placed fifth overall, while the “Grease” production routine secured a silver medal finish, ranking second in the world.
“This achievement represents the pinnacle of my dance journey so far,” Harlie said. “After competing for 10 years, nothing compares to the pride and joy of this moment. Being ranked second in the world is a dream come true.”
Harlie’s path to the world championships began long before the trip to Prague. She started dancing at just 18 months old and has spent years training in competitive tap dance. She currently trains with the Southern California Tap Company and Norris Performing Arts Center under instructors Michelle Miner and Sarah Cleveland.
To earn a spot on Team USA, Harlie went through an intensive audition process coordinated through the United States Dance & Sport Competition Federation. Once selected, the preparation became even more demanding.
From July through October, she balanced long rehearsal weekends and elite-level training sessions while continuing to maintain straight A’s at Hans Christensen Middle School. Family vacations and free weekends were often replaced with practices and travel tied to competition preparation.
Her mother, Sasha, described the experience as emotional and unforgettable for the entire family.
“As a parent, it was both mind-blowing and surreal,” Sasha said. “Seeing her stand with her teammates wearing the United States jacket was something I’ll never forget. Watching her do what she loves alongside some of her closest friends made the entire experience incredibly special.”
Beyond the competition itself, Harlie also had the opportunity to connect with dancers from around the world. Participants took part in a “presentation of nations,” where performers exchanged pins, gifts and stories with competitors from different countries, including Ukraine.
Sasha described the atmosphere in Prague as feeling similar to a miniature Olympic event, with dancers from around the globe gathering through their shared passion for performing arts.
Menifee Union School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root praised Harlie for balancing academics, leadership and high-level competition.
“Harlie’s achievement reflects what students can accomplish when they combine passion with perseverance,” Root said. “She has represented both her school district and the United States with excellence while continuing to succeed academically.”
Board President Kyle Root also congratulated the student on her international success, calling her accomplishment a source of pride for the district and local community.
Outside of dance, Harlie remains heavily involved on campus. She participates in Associated Student Body, serves on the school’s cheerleading squad and takes part in the district’s Community Engagement Initiative. District officials said she recently spoke before a crowd of more than 1,000 participants, sharing her experiences and helping represent the district’s student leadership efforts.
School officials said Harlie’s journey reflects years of discipline, teamwork and determination, with her recent international success serving as another milestone in both her academic and athletic career.
