The Lee Anne Stewart Fusion Dance Team competitors had a successful weekend in January as they competed and attended classes at the Indianapolis DanceMakers Inc. competition and convention. Fusion members joined dancers from around the region to take classes from nationally recognized instructors in ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz, lyrical and contemporary dance styles. The Fusion Dance Team consists of 40 members, ages 7 to 18, from both the Nappanee and Syracuse studios. The team began rehearsals in August in preparation for their various performances at events such as the Taste and Trade Expo in Warsaw, the Nappanee Apple Festival parade, Oaktoberfest in Syracuse and Winona Lake’s Kringlefest. Their hard work culminated in an excellent presentation at DMI, according to a press release from the dance studio. The team’s musical theater production “Revolting Children,” which includes all 40 members, was awarded one of the competition’s highest honors of Best in Category. The judges for the competition gave the number rave reviews, the release states. Of special interest to the judges were the staging, props and stage presence of the dancers. Two dances, “Mama I’m a Big Girl Now” and “Forget About the Boy,” earned Judge’s Choice awards in their categories. The team competed with a total of 24 dances including solos, duos, small and large group numbers. All pieces scored high enough to earn first and second places and an invitation to DMI’s national competition later this year. The team will continue to fine-tune their performances in preparation for a February competition and convention in Chicago with Dance Olympus. All Lee Anne Stewart dancers will entertain audiences with their talents as they perform in this year’s annual dance school production, “Friends and Family,” according to the release. All performances are held at the Warsaw Community High School Performing Arts Center June 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14. Information is available online at stewartdanceschool.com, at the dance studios or by calling 877-658-9875.
