Mundelein Park District dancer crowned national champion

Sabrina Lee of Mundelein Park District's Dance Program was crowned National Title Grand Champion and received the title of Miss Rising Star Dupree at the 2018 Dupree Dance National Finals in July.

Sabrina also earned a Diamond Award, Ballet Senior High Score, Judge's Award for Quality Movement and Performance and First Overall High Score.

Sabrina has been dancing with Mundelein Park District for the past 14 years and has taught dance for the past two years. As a graduated senior, this was her last dance competition.

"This is quite an accomplishment," said Heather Burnes, dance coordinator at the park district. "If you can't tell, I'm incredibly proud of her!"

Burnes has reason to be proud of the entire competitive team, as well. Emily Atkinson won a Gold Award, Ella Kasamis and Addison Salski both won Platinum, and Dayna Teemer won a Diamond Award.

Lexi Kasamis won a Platinum, plus a Category High Score for Musical Theatre. The Senior Dance Company received Gold; the performance by Maddy Aquino, Kayla Baltazar, Ella Kasamis, Samantha Petersen and Sophie Volk received Platinum and Showdown Contender; the trio Sarah Page, Annalie Salski and Sophie Volk received Platinum; duo Stephanie Aquino and Kayla Baltazar received Judges Focus Award, Gold and Contemporary Age 11-12 High Score.

The Intermediate Dance Company received Platinum and Showdown Contender, and duo Addison and Annalie Salski received Platinum.

Finally, duo Samantha Petersen and Kendal Teper received Gold, duo Maddy Aquino and Mary McMurray received Gold and Category High Score and trio Beth Aquino, Lexi Kasamis, and Dayna Teemer received Judges Joy Award, Platinum and second Overall High Score.

This was Mundelein Dance Companies' first national competition. The five-day event was held at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago with 706 dance entries from 65 dance studios, and more than 1,000 dancers performing.

For information about the Dupree Dance National Finals, visit www.dupreedance.com.

The Mundelein Dance Program offers instruction in a range of dance styles, from jazz and ballet to hip-hop and tap for ages 1½ to adult. The next dance session begins in early September and concludes with a spring recital.

For more information on classes, visit www.mundeleinparks.org/recreation/dance, or contact Heather Burnes at hburnes@mundeleinparks.org.

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