MORGANTOWN – University High School senior Rainbow Cottrell has been dancing competitively since she can remember.
A member of the A W Dance Company in Morgantown, Rainbow has been competing on stage since she was four. Still, one of her more memorable moments didn’t come until recently, as she took first place in the competitive senior solo division at the Showstopper dance competition in Columbus, Ohio, in April.
Founded in 1978, Showstopper is America‘s first, longest-running, and most prestigious dance competition. In 2025, it will visit nearly 40 cities.
Cottrell took first place with her routine ‘Everyone Wants To Rule The World’, earning a score of 87.95.
“I was awarded first place out of over 100 soloists with a routine that I choreographed myself,” Cottrell said. “I actually began working on it around April of last year. I heard the song and started to prepare. I would practice in the studio once a week, but multiple times during the week, I would just find a room by myself and dance and work on my choreography.”
Before this year’s competition, Rainbow’s best finish at the advanced level was fourth overall in 2023, which is an impressive feat in its own right.
She cites her support system, coaches, and teammates as what allowed her to take the next step and claim the top spot in 2025.
“Both studios that I work with, A W and Morgantown Dance, are so amazing,” she said. “I have the most fantastic support system, and every single one of my teachers and teammates has pushed me and allowed me to use as much studio space as I’ve needed to choreograph my routine. It allows me the time to make a dance that is truly meant for me. Having those kinds of people around you makes you realize you don’t only do this for yourself, but also for your family and friends who support you every step of the way.”
Rainbow says keeping her loved ones in mind helps her the most in the critical moments before performing.
“It’s always so nerve-wracking being on stage,” she said. “You never know what can happen, but when I went out there, I did it for my family and faith, and I’ve never felt so free on stage. Once you reach a certain point, just do it for your people and team.”
Cottrell and her partner, Katy Galusky of Morgantown High School, took third place in the competitive duo/trio division with a routine that Rainbow also choreographed. In total, four routines were done at the Columbus Showstopper competition that Cottrell produced.
“Dancing myself is one thing, but seeing other people perform my choreography is so inspirational,” she said. “I did a solo routine for one of my good friends and while I’m nervous watching her, the experience of seeing it come to life and being able to take it in from the other side is amazing. I see the audience’s reactions and how they connect to the piece. It’s such a beautiful thing.”
Cottrell also recently received the Jerry Rose Scholarship of Excellence at the 2025 West Virginia Dance Festival.
After graduating from UHS, Rainbow will continue her dancing career by attending Point Park University in Pittsburgh, one of the top dance schools in the country.
“I attended a two-week summer intensive at Point Park and fell in love with it,” she said. “I auditioned and was accepted to attend the school, and I am so excited. I’m committed and will be majoring in dance with a jazz concentration and a minor in choreography. My goal is eventually to work on a cruise ship, dancing, or at Disney World. Long-term, I hope to own my own studio and give back to the dancing community the way the people I look up to have to me.”
