Class Act Dance Troupe Wins More Awards At Competition
Class Act Dance Troupe, Inc. 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. The troupe recently competed at the Cathy Roe’s Ultimate Dance competition in Howell, Mich. The troupe received multiple awards including high overall scores in three different genres.
“Symbols” is a modern piece performed by senior troupe members Abby Gibson, Clair Kois, MaKenna Leek, Annie Petro and Rosalyn Miller, and received a special judge’s award recognizing their excellent execution. The inspiring choreography, by DCSD alumnus Hannah Crane, was nominated for the choreography review and placed first out of more than 500 entries. CADT Co-Director Tammy Seibold describes the piece as “powerful, dynamic and breathtaking.”
Three CADT members, Eliza Kuhn, Tiffany Moore, and Claire Kois 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 for their dance ability, and their character on and off the stage. Participants learn a routine at nationals that is performed multiple times throughout the event.
The National Competition also includes a concert-style performance by the cast of the Dance Spectacular. Top dancers from around the country are selected by the CRU staff to join this invitation-only group to perform choreography by Cathy Roe and guest choreographers. CADT was honored to have two members, Annie Petro and MaKenna Leek, receive invitations to this group, from their performance of “Dog Days Are Over”, choreography by Indianapolis based choreographer Diane Gudat.
CRU Dance also offers another select group at nationals for top hip hop dancers from around the country. Thirty dancers train with renowned choreographers and create the CRU Crew. CADT members Gaby Aguirre, Jasmine Anderson, Ellen Davenport, Mackenzie Islas, Eliza Kuhn, Megan Love, Tiffany Moore, Lenora Norman, Mikayla Roller, Brooke Rumple and Madison Shipley all received invitations for the CRU Crew from their performance of the hip hop piece “Let Her Go” choreographed by Nicole Eby.
CADT dancers Brianna Pitts, Jasmine Anderson and Mikayla Roller were also invited to join the DTV project from their performance of the musical theater piece Friendship, choreographed by DCSD alumnus Sarah Mills. The DTV project trains dancers to perform for film and video. The dancers audition for choreographers for initial casting then begin rehearsals, performances, filming and participate in a seminar with “The Next Stage” training staff. They also attend an open call audition with an ARTS talent scout.
CADT will be performing throughout the community this summer, working with Relay for Life, Baker Youth Club, the Kosciusko County Fair and the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department. If you would like more information about the troupe or to schedule a performance, contact Tammy Seibold at (574) 267-7055 or [email protected]