NEWFOUNDLAND This year proved to be Diane's Dance Academy 23's best competition season yet. The girls consistently took top overall spots at every competition they attended. This year the team participated in three full competitions and two optional solo/duo/trio competitions. The girls and their parents were recognized for their spirit multiple times this year, taking home the "Studio Spirit Award" at both That's Entertainment and Dance X Plosion.
Diane's dancers started off the season in Secaucus, at That's Entertainment. Thirty-four of the solo, duet/trio and group dances won in their category. They were also the top three highest scoring 12 and under soloists in the level one division. Two of the senior soloists each took home platinum trophies, the highest award given. The studio was also recognized with several special awards including "Competition's Cutest Soloist," "Clearest Tap Sounds of the Day" and the "Broadway Bound Award."
Next up, the girls headed back to Secaucus to Beyond The Stars. The girls dominated the competition taking home numerous awards. Eighteen of their soloists placed in the top 10 overall high scores in their division, two of them taking home first place trophies in their respective divisions. Their lyrical duet and trio each were the top duet/trio with one winning first place. Ten of the group dances were named overall winners. One of the soloists, Kara Bode of Sparta, was crowned Petite Miss Beyond The Stars and her sister Meghan Bode was crowned Junior Miss Beyond The Stars. The studio also took home special awards "Sassy Soloist" and "Motivational Message".
Diane's dance team finished the season out strong at Dance X Plosion in Sparta. All of the mini, munchkin and pee wee dances won their categories and placed in the top 10. Two of the mini soloists received the highest given award, a platinum. Three of the junior and senior dances were also recognized for overall high scores winning first in their hip-hop, ballet, pointe and tap categories. The judges awarded the studio with special awards entitiled "Professionalism Award," "Ear for Music," "N Sync Award" and "Happy Faces, Happy Feet."
The competition team's choreographers were also recognized throughout the year. At Beyond the Stars, Miss Ashley received the Crowd Pleaser award for "Mama I'm a Big Girl Now" and Miss Stefanie was awarded with the Entertainment Award for "Love Actually." Miss Jenna was recognized with the excellence in tap award at Dance X Plosion.
Diane's Dance Academy's dancers from ages 4 to 16 were recognized throughout the year for their technique, stage presence and spirit. They will be performing in August at the Sussex County Fair. The dance team looks forward to another winning season in 2013.