Local dancers earn top marks

NEWS RELEASE STUDIO DANCE ARTS ************************** Studio Dance Arts rises above the competition at Terpsichore Dance Celebration Wins highest score of the competition for second consecutive year SAULT STE.

NEWS RELEASE

STUDIO DANCE ARTS

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Studio Dance Arts rises above the competition at Terpsichore Dance Celebration

Wins highest score of the competition for second consecutive year

SAULT STE. MARIE - Canada’s largest dance competition, Terpsichore Dance Celebration, was held in Sault Ste. Marie on May 4 and May 5 as part of their national competition tour of Canada. Studios from across Northern Ontario including Sault Ste. Marie, Elliot Lake, Wawa and Sudbury, participated in this renowned event.

At the conclusion of the weekend, the three-member panel of judges entered their scores and awarded SDA’s lyrical team, Everybody’s Free, the highest score of the entire competition.

The event lasted two days and was the first dance competition ever to be held at the Essar Centre. Hundreds of people from across the region attended including family, friends and spectators.

Studio Dance Arts entered routines at all levels from both their Sault Ste. Marie and Elliot Lake studios with Matthew Caruso, Jessica Charron, Tania Castellani, Pam Robins and Christine Brunet leading the competitive faculty.

"We are thrilled with the progress of our students and the results they are achieving," says Richard Kim - founder/director of Studio Dance Arts. "It's not the actual awards that we're so concerned about. Our main goal for the dancers is that they go out on stage and perform each of their routines to their fullest potential. When they do that, the magic of their artistry and emotions really do touch the audience and judges in a special way. Our dancers work extremely hard and are very disciplined and focused. We're proud of that. Those qualities build strength and character. They know that if they're committed to the process 110% and work hard, the rewards and recognition will naturally come. There are no short cuts to excellence. SDA is very fortunate to have dancers who are passionate and dedicated to their craft. We're also extremely lucky to have parents who are just as committed to the process and sacrifice so much for their child's passion. As well, we have an incredible team of teachers and choreographers who really do share a common vision - excellence in dance education. SDA seems to attract the best and the brightest all across the board."

Matthew Caruso - co-owner/director of the Elliot Lake studio says: "Richard and I both get so excited to see the results of all the dancers hard work pay off during competition season! What truly makes me proud is witnessing how our dancers pull together and really deliver when needed. They're reliable and fierce competitors. I think they thrive on the challenge and are always eager to step up to the plate and produce. Whether I'm at the Elliot Lake studio working or the Sault Ste. Marie location, one thing is always the same. Talent exists everywhere."

These winning routines, along with all dancers from Studio Dance Arts will be seen at the popular year-end shows.

This year we are excited to have three shows across the region.

SDA LIVE Blind River was held on May 14, SDA LIVE Elliot Lake will be held on June 2 and SDA LIVE Sault Ste. Marie on June 16.

Please visit www.studiodancearts.com for more information.

Top overall winners – Competitive Division – Solo

1st overall novice solo – Alex McCauley
1st overall mini solo – Ava Zachary
1st overall junior solo – Shawn Metzen
1st overall inter solo – Sara Hinding
1st overall senior solo – Felisha Lindsay
2nd overall novice solo – Olivia Pucci
2nd overall inter solo – Laura Tomie
2nd overall senior solo – Brittany Best
3rd overall novice solo – Olivia Melisek
3rd overall inter solo – Kristin DeAmorim
3rd overall senior solo – Tee Komsa
4th overall junior solo – Olivia Vecchio
4th overall senior solo – Mikayla Marrelli
5th overall senior solo – Caitlin McMaster

Top overall winners – Competitive Division – Group/lines

1st overall mini small group – One
1st overall mini large group – Steam Heat
1st overall junior small group – Blackbird
1st overall junior large group – Welcome to Havana
1st overall inter small group – Vogue
1st overall inter large group – Walk Your Path, Know Your Journey
1st overall inter line – Everybody’s Free
1st overall senior small group – Big Spender
2nd overall inter large group – Music of Heaven

Top overall winners – Recreational Division

12 years and under:

1st overall junior solo - Brooke Patry
1st overall Novice junior duo/trio - Get Happy (Riley McDermott and Sarah Wilding)
1st overall group - Happy Feet
2nd overall group - Intergalactic
3rd overall group - Yankee Doodle

13 years and over:

1st overall inter solo - Rowan Buratti
1st over all duo/trio - Un, Dos, Tres (Taylor Caron, Hallie Prescott, Brooke Patry)
1st overall group - One and Only
2nd overall group - Soul
3rd overall group - Twilight

Final top team champions