Greater Midwest Cheer and Dance Expo

The Greater Midwest Cheer and Dance Expo was held Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at the SeaGate Convention Centre in Toledo. At stake for the participants from dance and gymnastic studios from all over the state was a chance to win a bid to compete in the U.S. Finals in Indianapolis. Winners at the Toledo event will have their costs reduced to participate at the higher level. CLICK ANY IMAGE TO VIEW FULL PHOTO, START SLIDE SHOW.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Kickin' It Fusion of Amherst, Ohio, practices a routine. At left is Samantha Shinsky, 11. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The dance group Infiniti of Oak Harbor performs between the trophies and the judges at the Greater Midwest Cheer & ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Sparklers cheerleaders Alvin Gibson, left, Izzie Vandyke, and Kayliegh Long, 6, all of Toledo. Sparklers is a special needs team ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Randy Wilkerson of Fremont keeps the time for the 4- to 8-year-old dancers from Top Notch as they practice before competing. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Randy Wilkerson of Fremont keeps the time for the 4- to 8-year-old dancers from Top Notch as they practice before competing. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Top Notch, led by Randy Wilkerson of Fremont, practices. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Winterfield Venture Academy parents Stacy Swift, left, and partially obscured Tracy Murray, and Stacy Macklin, cheer as MVA members complete ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo De'Janay Gary, 10, is held aloft by teammates Whitney Bankston, 13, left, Miyon Mickles, 10, and Jaiden Taylor, 14. They ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Adults watch as Winterfield Venture Academy performs during the event. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Kayla Knight, 9, of Toledo is readied for performing by a fellow member of the Ohio Elite All Stars, Megan ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER