Shown in front, from left, are: Mikayla Roller, Greta Parker, Madison Stephen, Skylar Ashcraft, Alyson Owens, Brooke Rumple, Megan Love, Eliza Kuhn and Mackenzie Islas. In back are: Ellen Davenport, MaKenna Leek, Rosalyn Miller, Abby Gibson, Gabriella Aguirre, Annie Petro, Claire Kois, Mariah Davidson, Alexis Banghart, Hannah Sizemore, Charlotte Grandon, Brianna Pitts, Madison Shipley, Tiffany Moore, Jasmine Anderson and Lenora Norman.

By TAMMY SEIBOLD
Class Act Dance Troupe

Class Act Dance Troupe, Inc., recently competed with 13 pieces at the Cathy Roe’s Ultimate Dance competition in Indianapolis. The troupe received multiple awards including high overall scores for 12 different pieces.

“Varsity Drag,” a musical theater piece choreographed by CADT co-director Kristina Collier, received a special award for “Personality Plus,” crediting the petite troupe for performing with commitment to character portrayal and precision of choreography.

Another piece choreographed by Collier, “The Meadows,” was a classical ballet duet performed by dancers Megan Love and Brooke Rumple. The piece placed first in the senior duet/trio category and also received a special judge’s choice award for the “beautiful fluidity and execution.”

The senior troupe’s piece “Symbols”, choreographed by DCSD alumnus Hannah Crane, was awarded first runner-up for the choreography award, as well as the “Dare to be Different” award.

CADT co-director Tammy Seibold explains, “Our studio chooses this competition organization because of their philosophy of embracing the artistic aspect of choreography. It’s not about tricks or flash. The judges value technique, creativity, and skill. To receive their highest honor, the “Dare to be Different” award, is wonderful. The choreography Hannah Crane set on the senior troupe was unique, challenging and inspiring. It is so gratifying to have her artistry and the dancers’ hard work recognized. We are very proud of each of them.”

Two CADT members, Greta Parker, daughter of Ryan and Rachel Parker, and Rosalyn Miller, daughter of Wendell and Diane Miller, were nominated for the Cathy Roe Heart and Soul Company for the national competition in July. The Heart and Soul Company is an artistic and educational company that recognizes students not only for their dance ability, but also for their character on and off the stage. Participants learn a routine at nationals that is performed multiple times throughout the event.

The troupe will be presenting their annual concert at the WCHS Performing Arts Center at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19. Tickets for the performance are available online at collierdance.com, at Debra Collier’s School of Dance, or at the door. Auditions for the troupe’s 2015-2016 season are open to the public and will be held Friday, May 8. Callbacks will be Saturday, May 9. Visit the studio’s website at collierdance.com or contact Tammy Seibold (574) 267-7055 for more information about the troupe or to schedule a performance.

The troupe is a non-profit performing company affiliated with Debra Collier’s School of Dance, provides students with additional opportunities to utilize their dance training and develop their abilities through the creative outlets of performance events and community involvement, while fostering self-esteem, confidence and a sense of achievement.