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, Mich. The troupe received multiple awards including high overall scores in three different genres. “Symbols,” a modern piece performed by senior troupe members Abby Gibson, Clair Kois, MaKenna Leek, Annie Petro and Rosalyn Miller, received a special judge’s award recognizing their “excellent execution,” according to a press release from the troupe. The 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 described the piece as “powerful, dynamic and breathtaking.” In the provided press release, she is quoted as saying, “We could not be prouder of these dancers and of Hannah Crane. She has expanded her dance training and choreographic skills throughout her time at Indiana University and for her to share her artistry with the dancers was such a gift. We are looking forward to her working with our troupe again next season.” 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 not only for their dance ability, but also for 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, the release said. CADT had 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 group at nationals for top hip-hop dancers from around the country. Thirty dancers train with 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. “It is always an honor for students to be recognized by national nominations, but to have every member of a large group is remarkable,” Seibold is quoted as saying. “These dancers work so hard and it is wonderful to see their dedication rewarded and acknowledged by the judges.” CADT dancers Brianna Pitts, Jasmine Anderson and Mikayla Roller also were invited to join the Cathy Roe 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. “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,” said 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 national nominations 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 of young ladies.” 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. For more information about the troupe or to schedule a performance, contact Seibold at 574-267-7055 or by email at CADT@collierdance.com
