Junior and Senior troupes pictured left to right. Front row – Mackenzie Islas, Claire Kois, Mikayla Roller, Cathy Roe, Annie Petro, and Gabriella Aguirre. Second row – Brook Rumple, Tiffany Moore, Madison Shipley, Eliza Kuhn, and Rosalyn Miller. Back row – William Robison, Megan Love, Abby Gibson and Lenora Norman.

Class Act Dance Troupe, Inc. a non-profit performing company affiliated with Debra Collier’s School of Dance, recently competed at the Cathy Roe’s Ultimate Dance competition in Howell, Michigan. The troupe received multiple awards including high overall scores in three different genres. The troupe was honored to be recognized by Cathy Roe when she announced the troupe as the recipients of The Most Innovative Award. She praised the students and choreographers for their versatility and creativity, stating “Every time this studio takes the stage, I know I am in for a treat. They always have something unique and exciting to offer.”

“What’s the Bizness”, a modern piece performed by senior troupe members, and “Rhythm In The Room,” performed by the junior troupe, received special judges’ awards recognizing their true modern technique and originality.

Cathy Roe selected “Rhythm In The Room” to receive the Dare to Be Different and Innovative award, a high honor from the competition. Roe described it as “a kaleidoscopic piece filled with great composition.” She praised the performers and said, “Dancers this well trained can really hold your attention.” This piece also placed fourth overall for their age group.

The powerful choreography for “What’s the Bizness,” by DCSD alumnus Hannah Crane, was nominated for the Choreography Review and placed second for the choreography out of more than 430 entries. CADT Co-Director Tammy Seibold describes the piece as “dynamic, inspiring and stunning”. She explains, “We could not be prouder of these dancers and of Hannah Crane. Her artistry is breathtaking and the challenge the choreography gives our dancers is amazing. It is such a privilege to have her return to the studio to share her gifts with the troupe. We look forward to working with her again.” The piece also ranked first overall in their category and sixth overall in the entire competition.

Awards included receiving the Dare to Be Different award for the senior-elite level for the hip hop piece “Where Are U Now,” choreographed by DCSD alumnus and Western Michigan University graduate Sarah Mills and performed by the senior troupe. “Not Again,” a comedic ballet trio choreographed by Kristina Collier, “Come Together,” a senior jazz duet choreographed by Chicago-based choreographer Jeremy Plummer, and “Embrace,” a contemporary trio choreographed by Sarah Mills, all received overall high scores for their categories.

“Class Act Dance Troupe is focused on creating opportunities for our dancers. Whether they are interested in pursuing a career in the field of dance or just enjoy sharing their love of dance, we want to help them build the foundation they will need to be successful at any level,” says Seibold.

“The Cathy Roe Ultimate Dance organization has a similar vision and we appreciate the opportunities they offer our students. Their faculty is wonderful and can help students gain experience and make connections far beyond our community. To have so many of our dancers receive such recognition is exciting. It speaks to their level of commitment, talent and ability to share their love of dance with their audience. We are very proud of who they are as dancers and people. They are an extraordinary group.”

CADT will be performing throughout the community this summer, working with Relay for Life, 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].