Students at the Rhythm of the Arts Dance Studio class in Oak Harbor say their instructor is known for devising some “weird steps.”

In a move that looks like flower petals unfolding, the dancers interlock their legs in a pyramid shape and lean back. The pose requires that each dancer stay in perfect balance, otherwise the troupe could topple.

“Other studios usually stick with ‘seen’ moves. What he does is unique,” said Cecilia Oppor, 13, of her teacher Dino Rendon.

With Rendon’s eye-catching choreography and the girls’ polished dancing, the studio earned four gold medals at a regional contest in Burien.

The dancers—Oppor, Payton Wilson and Darion Wilson—performed two solos and two group dances at the Starbound Competition. They took gold for each.

“They were nervous as crazy,” said Rendon. “I said, ‘Pretend we’re in the studio dancing and having fun.’”

The contest was held at the Highline Performing Arts Center, and drew over 50 teams of all age ranges April 17 and 18.

A panel of four judges examined everything from the footwork to the costumes. Rendon’s students chose lyrical and regular jazz routines.

“I like lyrical the best. You have points where there are simple and really dramatic moves and others that go faster and you can do jumps,” said Oppor.

The team practiced for eight weeks at Dan’s Classic Ballroom; a space Rendon shares with teacher Dan Branscum. Rendon, a techno fan, said a few of the numbers were inspired by fast-paced music, and softer songs he heard on the radio.

“Some people teach the dance and then find a song. I like to find a dance that goes with the music. That makes a difference,” he said.

With the gold medal wins, the students are qualified for the national Starbound competitions held in San Antonio, Reno, New York and Atlantic City.