Evjen Dancers Take Home Awards for Performances

Dancers of Evjen Academy's Elite Dance Company performed in a performing arts competition at the Palace Theatre in Waterbury. They scored at total of 17 platinum achievements, the highest score possible, and took home first place in their category and choreography awards for their dances. Performances were judgeed against 700 other entries.

For large group performances, students took home six awards:

• "CRAZY": first place in Overall, Platinum and choreography award
• "Cinema Italeano": fourth place in Overall and Platinum
• "Simple Gifts": fifth place in Overall and Platinum
• Weightless Jr Age Group: third place in Overall and Platinum
• "One Moment More": first place in Overall Duet and Platinum
• "Thru Smoke": third place in Overall Duet and Platinum

Several individual students were also recognized:

• Mackenzie Pena, 15-year-old solist, received second place in Overall and Platinum
• Tianna Oliva, 12-year-old soloist, received second place in Overall and Platinum
• Daniella Medvedovski, 9-year-old soloist, took third place in Overall and Platinum
• Erin Curry, 7-year-old soloist, won first place in mini jazz category
• Mackenzie Pena was awarded Miss Teen Dance Connecticut StarSystems Talent (February)
• Grace Duncan won first place in Overall and Platinum (February)
• Caroline Connelly won first place in Overall Petite Division (February)

These dancers have also been invited to join the Youth Company of the international Joffrey Ballet and offered scholarships (partial and full) to summer dance and ballet intensives in New York City, Rhode Island and South Carolina. Additionally, Evjen dancers have received dance scholarships to the Miss Porter's School and college dance scholarships.