The Dance Company wins at nationals
Students in The Dance Company’s senior production, “Shake,” pause before winning as National Champion at the 2015 Dance Makers Inc. National Competition in Myrtle Beach, S.C. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Talented youth with The Dance Company won numerous commendations at the 2015 Dance Makers Inc. (DMI) National Competition held at Myrtle Beach, S.C. on June 20-24.
Approximately 1,400 dancers attended the competition. Students competed in 882 dances overall.
The Dance Company owners Beth Cannon and Julie George traveled with 60 dancers from the Madison studio to the convention. The dancers enrolled in classes “every day for four days and then competed in the evenings,” Cannon said.
“Our dancers were able to take classes from some of the industries leading dancers and choreographers,” George said.
“Shake,” The Dance Company’s senior production, claimed honors as National Champion in the Senior Production Division. The production won a $500 award.
“Shake” dancers included Megan Benedict, Abby Benzek, Alexi Bolton, Kaitlin Burge, Ashlie Campbell, Caroline Cannon, Hadley Cawthorne, Elena Gimenez, Julia Gorti, Lauren Harksen, Emily Hundley, Jewel Jones, Tatum Martin, Riley Newby, Taylor Rice, Maria Schmidt, Abby Smith, Elena Smith, Alex Troupe and Anna White.
Cannon and George choreographed the dance “Shake.”
In addition, The Dance Company’s presentations for “Hands,” “Word Up,” “Demons” and “United” received first place.
During the week in Myrtle Beach, the delegates enjoyed the “Drop Dance Party” with a deejay spinning records. All competitors, teachers and parents were welcome to attend sessions about the protocol for backstage behavior during a staged competition.
Accomplished dancers Keith Clifton and Janice Barringer conducted Pointe classes for advanced ballet dancers. The event featured the National DanceAgain Showcase that spotlighted the top performances that judges selected from the nationals competition’s entries.
The Dance Company studio’s address is 19 Hughes Road. For more information, call 256-461-8759 or visit thedancecompanyinc.com.
