THE DANCE CORNER PERFORMERS RECEIVE HIGH AWARDS AT REGIONAL DANCE COMPETITIONS

Local dancers representing The Dance Corner of Killingworth competed this spring in a number of regional dance competitions. Competing against schools from across the northeast, The Dance Corner took home a number of awards including a first place Overall Senior group award at Energy National Dance's Vernon, CT regional competition for the tap dance, "Broadway, Here I Come" choreographed by Samantha Welch and performed by the Senior Tap Company dancers- Brooke Cotter, Anna Dam, Dakota Dione, Leianna Dolce, Catherine Florentine, Treasa Plumley and Emma Rosenquist.

Also at the Energy National Dance Talent Competition, graduating Haddam Killingworth High School senior, Brooke Cotter was the highest scoring Senior female soloist and was crowned "Miss Energy."  Brooke received a Platinum medal for her self-choreographed solo tap performance titled “Flyin'.” Additionally, Brooke was recognized as the winner of the “Outstanding Choreography” award. Brooke, will continue her dance training at

Naugatuck Valley Community College this fall and plans on pursuing a career in performing, choreographing and teaching dance.

The Dance Corner Company also competed at the Starpower regional dance competition in Hartford, CT.  Starpower was the first time on the competition stage for the Dance Corner's Mini Company dancers.  Their tap dance, "Shake a Tail Feather" was awarded 4 3/4 stars and earned 1st place in the Star division tap age 7 category.  They also placed 6th overall in the Star division age 8 and under small groups. 

Other notable achievements at Starpower include those by soloist Grace Pendleton of Clinton. Grace earned 5 stars for her jazz solo, "Get Your Sparkle On, " choreographed by Samantha Welch.  She also was awarded 1st place overall in the age 9-11 Star Solo division and the special Judges' award, "Cute, Clean & Crisp."  Grace and her fellow dancer, Olivia Dunsmore of Madison, were awarded 5 stars and 1st place overall age 9-11 Star Duo/ Trio division for their duet, "You've Been a Friend to Me," choreographed by Samantha Welch.

At the Starquest competition in Waterbury, CT.  The Dance Corner Company was recognized by the judges with several special awards. The large group jazz dance, "Marry You," choreographed by Nicole Peterson placed 1st in the Nova level teen large group category and received the "Great Hands" award from the judges for performing the entire dance with bridal bouquets in hand.   The Junior Jazz company dance, "At the Hop," choreographed by Nicole Peterson, received the Costume Award of Distinction.  Also at Starquest, the Senior Company Jazz dance, "It's Oh So Quiet," choreographed by Nicole Peterson earned 1st place Classic level Senior Small Group, and the Senior company tap dance, choreographed by Allyson Coughlin, "Mr. Sandman," earned 1st place in the Classic level Teen Small group category.

The Junior companies, "Fiesta!" and "Jungle Jam," both choreographed by Samantha Welch, were also in the top 5 at the Starquest competition.  The jazz dance "Fiesta!" earned 2nd place and the tap dance "Jungle Jam" earned 5th place in the Nova level Junior Small Group Category.

These are only a few of the awards The Dance Corner received this season.

"I am so impressed with the level of talent we see from all the dancers, not just ours at these competitions.  Our dancers really improved as artists and technicians this year and it showed on stage,” said Carrie Smith, Director of The Dance Corner, "I have a very talented staff of instructors/ choreographers who are dedicated to helping our kids become great performers.  I think the results from this year's competitions really show that.  Competition requires dedication, hours of extra practice and a commitment to excellence. I'm very proud of all the students for proving that hard work really does pay off.”

The Dance Corner Company is:  Brooke Cotter, Anna Dam, Kristen Dean, Rachel DelVecchio, Dakota Dione, Anna Dam, Mary Darin, Leianna Dolce, Olivia Dunsmore, Samantha Dunsmore, Marie Emerson, Thomas Emerson, Catherine Florentine, Ava Frost, Nicole Grief, Isabelle Hansen, Shana Holloran, Trinity Hughes, Jenny Judge, Heather Kenney, Hannah Leyhausen, Erin LoMonaco, Cameryn Ludwin, Abigail Marciniec, Gillian Miller, Madison Moriarty, Grace Murphy, Chloe Nelson, Olivia Papa, Tessa Pasqualini, Kayla Pellegrini, Grace Pendleton, Treasa Plumley, Deming Rohlfs, Emma Rosenquist, Gracie Scaniffe, Margaret Singer, Haili Stevenson, Leah Walton

The Dance Corner, LLC, located in Killingworth, CT, is dedicated to providing its students with a well-rounded education in all facets of dance. Their classes are designed to increase confidence, build self-esteem and develop coordination in an interactive, group environment. With instruction for all ages and levels of experience, The Dance Corner is committed to providing its students with a positive learning environment to enjoy the art of dance. The Dance Corner has been providing students from Killingworth, Madison, Clinton, Deep River, Chester, Essex, Ivoryton, Centerbrook, Haddam, Higganum, Westbrook, Guilford and East Haddam with quality dance training for 20 years.