Artistry in Motion wins top honors at National Dance Competition
Artistry in Motion, the in-house dance company of the Des Plaines Park District, took home several top honors at the 2014 DanceAmerica National Finals held at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fl., July 3-6.
Thirty-six companies from fifteen states and two Canadian provinces performed seven hundred and one pieces, competing for individual and group awards during the four days. Artistry in Motion performed thirty-six dances and received fourteen first, five second, eight third, two fifth, one six and 6 honorable mention awards.
Of special note, Jordin Suwalski was named Petite Female Dancer of the Year. Rose Kurutz placed in the top 13 for Petite Female Dancer of the Year. Mathew Skorupski placed in the top 7 Senior Male Dancer of the Year. Jordin Suwalski and Sammy Kedziora received second Runner Up in the Primary/Junior Duo/Trio Category for The Light, choreographed by Cecilia Ferguson-Bell. Several dances received nominations for Best Choreography, Presentation and Technique. Overall High Score in the Line/Production Category was awarded to Youth, choreographed by Jamie Salas. Youth was selected to perform on the Beauty and the Beast Stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios Theme Park.
Earning First Place awards were: Stompa, Choreography by Mary Williams; Ole, Choreography by Cecilia Ferguson-Bell; At the Speedway, Choreography by Laura Witter; Crazy in Love, Choreography by Bridget Donovan (student choreographer); Dreamer, Choreography by Allie Buchwietz; Spare Change, soloist Kim Fairhead, Choreography by Cecilia Ferguson-Bell; Get Ready, soloist Mat Skorupski, Choreography by Laura Witter; Rhythm of Life, Choreography by Mary Williams; Strings, Choreography by Sarah Jo Fazio; Youth, Choreography by Jamie Sala; Musicology, Choreography by Rich Ashworth; The Light, Choreography by Cecilia Ferguson-Bell; Time to Run, Soloist Ella Kurutz, Choreography by Cecilia Ferguson-Bell; What I Wouldn't Do, Choreography by Laura Chiuve.
Artistry dancers earning second place awards were Nitty Gritty, Choreography by Laura Witter; Habanera, Choreography by Jamie Sala; Thriller, soloist Jordin Suwalski, Choreography by Cecilia Ferguson-Bell; Connex, Choreography by David Ingram; Breezeblocks, Choreography by Anne Gnoth.
Following the competition, dancers attended three days of Master Classes taught by some of today's most accomplished choreographers including: Brian Santora, Sarah Jo Fazio, and Mario Velez, Jr., Angie Sellers, to name a few. The dancers were divided into groups by age, and had the opportunity to study Jazz Funk, Lyrical, Modern, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, and Hip Hop.