July 4, 2024
By:
Smithville Select, two-time and reigning Youth Square Dance Champions at the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree who recently made an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, have been on a long journey in old-time dance leading up to their success in recent years. Two of the current-day members began learning to clog back in 2013 and competed with their first square dance team in 2015, but 7 years would pass before their team began to win any awards. Their story is that of “overnight” successes rarely being overnight.
Current Smithville Select members include Tess Barton, Carleigh Beckham, Izayah Dowell, Sylvia Evans, Katherine Gassaway, Kathryn Hale, Darrah Ramsey (caller), and Lillie Grace Young. The team is led by DeKalb County native and Smithville Jamboree super fan Mary Ann Puckett.
Tess Barton, Kathryn Hale, Katherine Gassaway, and Lillie Grace Young were inaugural members of this group from its first time competing at the Fiddlers’ Jamboree nine years ago in 2015 (under the name “Smithville Sugar Squares”). The group also danced under the name “Smithville Stompers” for a few years and added Sylvia Evans in the early years. Darrah Ramsey and Izayah Dowell joined the team for the 2019 season, and in 2021, the group settled on the name “Smithville Select.” That same year (2021), the team, wearing their coral and white costumes, placed third in the Jamboree marking the first time they had made the top three. Carleigh Beckham joined the group in 2022, and this exact group is in its third season together, having won first place at the Jamboree in 2022 and 2023. They have also received awards at the Wilson County / Tennessee State Fair as well as the Robert Spicer Tennessee State Buck-Dance Championship in Dickson, Tennessee.
When asked about this group, team leader Mary Ann Puckett enthusiastically noted, “This team is really special. They’ve worked so hard to get to this point and are always looking to improve, never satisfied with what they’ve done before. And they know how to make hard work fun!”
Puckett continued, “Select is made up of true go-getters. On this team of dancers, we have kids involved in so many different activities besides old-time dance. They play school basketball, softball, soccer, and tennis. They are football and basketball cheerleaders, pianists, public speakers, scholars, and many are involved in their churches. Some of them hold jobs. One is even involved with the University of Tennessee rowing team. This year’s DCHS Salutatorian Kathryn Hale is on this team, and Tess Barton ranked 11th in the DCHS Class of 2024. This is an outstanding group of young people.”
She concluded by saying, “These kids aren’t afraid to put themselves out there and give their best shot at trying things even when they don’t know all the answers. They know the importance of showing up again and again, and that dedication has been paramount to their success. One of my favorite quotes is, “It’s hard to beat someone who never gives up.” Select just kept coming back year after year, and it paid off!”
Puckett is thrilled to see her dancers receive some recognition and says she feels so lucky to have had the chance to work with these young people. “My time with Select will always be near to my heart no matter the future of this group. They have paved the way for a thriving old-time dance program in DeKalb County and have shown us what’s possible in the small world of competitive square dance, all the while bringing tremendous joy and pride to their families and our community.”
This year, Smithville Select will make their debut in the Jamboree’s Adult Square Dance competition later in the day on Saturday. Come downtown and see them.