Video: 7-year-old ballroom dancers headed to nationals

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EVERETT, Wash. - Whether it's the quick pace of the cha-cha, or the slow grace of the waltz, Rickie Taylor and Erik Linder move in step with each other like old pros.

The dancers are confident, poised - and they're both only 7 years old.

In two weeks the Everett and Lake Stevens residents are heading to the USA Dance Nationals championship in Baltimore.

"I think it'll be fun," Rickie said.

Erik's parents were taking ballroom dancing classes when they noticed their son doing more than just tapping his feet.

"He has some sort of rhythm inside him, and you can see it when he starts to move," said Holly Linder, Erik's mother. "We'll be at home he'll be upstairs brushing his teeth and he's doing the jive you can hear the thumping upstairs."

Rickie's parents say with ballroom, she's taking even bigger steps with her self confidence.

Their instructor, a two-time U.S. champion, says the pair will likely be competing with much older kids, but will have a chance to make their mark.

"I think I did my first national when I was 14, not even 7 or 8 you know? It's still an experience and judges will remember them as the smallest and youngest in the competition," said Pavel Balykin.

Are they worried about their older competitors?

"I just don't listen to them and worry about myself," Rickie said.

KING

Rickie Taylro and Erik Linder.

Four times a week these two meet for classes.

Erik says there's no teasing at school, and even his friends show their support.

"They think it's really cool," he said.