Los Gatos Patch Whiz Kids of the Week—Lauren and Kevin Miller

• Lauren Miller, 9
• Kevin Miller, 7
• Organization: Bay Area Elite Dance Company directed by Desiree Fox
• School: Louise Van Meter Elementary
• Accomplishment: Lauren and Kevin recently won first place in a City Lights Ballroom pre-teen dance Competition.
• Key to Awesomeness: Watch out, Cheryl Burke and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, there are some new dancing stars on the horizon. Although they are still in elementary school, this brother-sister duo is already learning a wide range of dances, including the fox trot, tango, quick step, waltz, swing and cha cha. After accompanying mom, Dana Miller, to one of her competitions, Lauren and Kevin got hooked on ballroom dancing. For the past two years, they’ve taken lessons and performed in shows and competitions. Lauren, who also takes hip hop and jazz at The Dance Company of Los Gatos “would take lessons every day if she could,” says Dana. Last year, the kids performed in a concert show at Disneyland before a gaggle of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and, oh yeah, a whole bunch of strangers killing time between Matterhorn rides. The Miller sibs were granted special behind-the-scenes access to dressing rooms and other areas off limits to the general public. When it comes to stage fright, Lauren admits, “We get butterflies right before we go on, but when we actually do the dance, we enjoy ourselves.” As the big sister, Lauren also has to fight her womanly instincts and let her little brother lead, which isn’t always easy. To see their amazing moves on the dance floor, one realizes the sacrifice is well worth it. Check out the kids in action at youtube.com/watch?v=iR6IMDgtBSc

Do you know of an outstanding child, teen, team or club? Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Kim Ratcliff at Kimratcliff@comcast.net. Be sure to include all of the following information:

●      Nominator's name

●      Nominator's e-mail

●      Whiz Kid's name

●      Whiz Kid's age

●      Whiz Kid's school, church, team

●      Whiz Kid's accomplishment

●      Whiz Kid's key to awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)