Huntley Studio dances away with high accolades at local competitions
Center Stage Dance Academy started out this year's performance season with an armful of hardware. With area dancers age 6-17, the studio's performance team was excited to begin competing and working with choreographers from around the country to both better their abilities and broaden their skillset.
Its Envision Dance Company performed 19 numbers at LA Dance Magic in Rosemont Feb. 24-26. Every number earned a high gold or platinum score with one of the contemporary solo performances earning a double platinum and second-place overall placement.
A "Ghostbusters" themed hip hop performance received a first-place award and special entertainment award. Showing continued growth and technical consistency year over year, the academy was also awarded the Five Diamond Studio Award. As one of five companies to receive the award, it is a true testament to studio's efforts to produce dancers that are well-versed in all styles of dance, accomplished, and hard working.
More recently, Envision performed 24 numbers at Cathy Roe's Ultimate Dance in Oswego on March 3-5. In addition to individual awards for each dance including over half of the performances receiving first- or second-place in their respective divisions, the academy was awarded the prestigious Association of Dance Conventions and Competitions Studio of Excellence Award. This award is presented to one studio who displays sportsmanship, precision, technique and high standards. Center Stage was also recognized with the only two technique awards given out for the weekend.
"I am so proud of everyone involved - dancers, teachers, choreographers, and parents," said the studio's owner and artistic director Debbie Nowotnik. "To be recognized for our talent is always rewarding, but to receive acknowledgement and compliments from competition staff and other studios about our students being polite, well-rounded, and well-educated is remarkable. Our goal is to not only teach our students to be good dancers, but also to be good people as well."
Now in its ninth year, the academy's competition team has 48 dancers ranging in age from 6-17. The company performs jazz, tap, contemporary/lyrical, musical theater, modern and hip hop routines. Competing in regional and national dance competitions, Envision consistently earns high scores among all age groups and dance styles. Soloists have won top competition awards and been invited to dance on a national level time and time again.
Photos and full results from the competition season can be viewed online at www.danceatcsda.com.
Center Stage Dance Academy in Huntley is committed to providing professional dance training to all its participants at every level of dance. The studio offers recreational programs as well as an extensive competitive team. Their reputation for technique and quality training sets it apart from other studios. For more information, contact owner and artistic director Debbie Nowotnik at (847) 669-2510 or e-mail info@danceatcsda.com. Visit www.danceatcsda.com.