Hoffman Stars Dance Company shines bright at regional competition.
Hoffman Estates, Illinois: Hoffman Estates Park District's, Hoffman Stars Dance Company, took home many top awards Saturday, February 22, 2019, at the regional, Revolution Dance Competition in Chicago, Illinois including overall bests in group, duet and solo competitions.
"Our dancers and teachers worked very hard in preparation for this competition. It takes a lot of practice, time and dedication to be competition ready but they were up to the challenge" stated Jody Dodson, Program Manager for Dance at Hoffman Estates Park District.
Winners in the solo competition included Madison Garcia - Elite Gold - 2nd overall, Julie Chen - Platinum -1st overall, Bella Wehrle - Elite Gold - 1st overall and "Rockin' the Dance Floor" judges' award, Briana Dawson - Elite Gold- 2nd overall. Duet competition winners Madison Garcia and Julie Chen - Elite Gold -took 1st overall.
Hoffman Stars Dance Company also had three Companies participate in the small group competition. Company 1, ages 8 and under, took 1st overall, won the "Incredibly Cute" judges' award and earned the Gold Ticket to the SDA World Dance Championship. Company members included Kylie Hopkins, Cailin Hopkins, Victoria Kersting and Zoe McEvilly. Company 2, Andrea Avilan, Briana Dawson, Erin Troyer and Sophia Berichon, ages 9-11, took 2nd overall with their Lyrical dance performance and 4th with a Jazz piece. Competing in the 12-14 age bracket, Company 3, took 2nd overall for their Jazz dance, won the "Creative Concept" judges' award and a Ticket to the SDA World Dance Championships. These dancers also took 5th overall for their Lyrical performance. Members included Abby Knapp, Bella Wehrle, Emily Koltz, Julie Chen and Madison Garcia.
This dance competition was for novice to advanced dancers. Hoffman Stars Dance Company competed in the novice level which requires at least 5 hours of dance or rehearsal practice each week.
Dodson added "The competition was really tough in the region this year. We are proud of how our students represented the community and the Park District. Our dance instructors, Kelsey Nebl, Missy Baxter and Hailey Carlson choreographed amazing dances and really inspired our students to succeed."
Hoffman Estates Park District offers dance instruction for ages 3 years to adult and competition dance for ages 5-18 years. Tryouts for Hoffman Stars Dance Company are June 2, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to Noon at Triphahn Center and Ice Arena, Hoffman Estates. For more information call Jody Dodson at 847-285-5432 or visit www.heparks.org/programs-sports/arts-dance/.