HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Two siblings from Hill AFB have danced their way to victory in a national talent competition, but need the community’s support to dance even farther.
Shanoah and Tony Murray, ages 15 and 13, choreographed their own dance routines and submitted a video for Operation Talent Search, a contest for Air Force family members, winning first place in their category’s age group and “Best of Show” honors.
Now they have a shot at the Air Force-level “Entertainer of the Year” crown.
The teen’s father, Master Sgt. Sileon Murray, a reservist in the 419th Mission Support Group, said the teens have put in a lot of hard work.
“I’m the proudest dad on the planet right now,” Sileon said. “They’re always doing something goofy at home, practicing their dance moves, but when they put it together it's a masterpiece.”
To win the contest the teens need votes from the community. Anyone can vote for the dancing duo through Jan. 27 by watching their YouTube video and giving it a “thumbs up.” The video can be viewed at http://bit.ly/2hQUwGk
They are competing against two other finalists and the video with the most thumbs up will win. Beyond bragging rights, Shanoah and Tony will receive $2,500 and a choice of professional recording session or professional training.
Both teens are excited to perform and to be involved in Entertainer of the Year program, because of the potential exposure and additional opportunities to dance.
Shanoah started dancing when she was 8 years old in Ogden, where some girls asked her to dance with them to Justin Bieber’s “Baby” music video.
“They really liked my moves and that’s how it started,” she said. “I’ve also been involved in cheerleading and drill team, so I have learned a lot of dance styles.”
Tony shared a similar story.
“I’ve just grown into it; I’ve been dancing as long as I can remember,” he said. “When I grow up, I want to perform and teach dance.”
The teens confessed they were surprised to find out last October that they won Operation Talent Search, which also garnered them a $1,000 cash prize. When asked what they did with the money, the teens said, “We gave $100 to our church, $100 to our little brother, and we tried to give some to our mom, but she wouldn’t take it.”
They saved the rest of the money for Christmas and to help finance their ongoing participation in the competition.
As one of three finalists across the Air Force, Shanoa and Tony were flown to Lackland AFB, Texas, to have their dance filmed by an elite Air Force film crew for placement on YouTube.
Also competing for Entertainer of the Year are Capt. Rachael Jerrel, Dyess AFB, Texas, and Senior Airman James Pratt, Ellsworth AFB, S.D.
Visit http://www.myairforcelife.com/entertainer/#murray to learn more about the Murrays and the 2016 Air Force Entertainer of the Year contest.