Hoffman Stars Dance Company Wins Big at National Level Dance Competition
The Hoffman Stars Dance Company from Hoffman Estates Park District took high honors at the Imagine National Dance Challenge in Chicago, Illinois, March 17-18, 2019. The Stars took awards in company competition, duet, and solo divisions.
"Our dancers keep performing better and better at each competition. They have a desire to be the best and, it comes through in their performances" stated Jody Dodson, Program Manager for Dance at Hoffman Estates Park District.
The Image National dance competition, held in Chicago, Illinois, is 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.
Winners in the solo competition included Brianna Dawson - 5 stars, 2nd in category, 3rd overall, Bella Wehrle - 5 stars, 1st in class, 4th overall, Madison Garcia - 5 stars, 1st in category, 2nd overall, PowerPak Invite and Julie Chen - 5 stars, 1st in category, 1st overall. Duet competition dancers, Madison Garcia and Julie Chen, scored 4 ¾ stars and placed 1st overall.
The Hoffman Stars Dance Company also had three companies participating in the group division. Company 1, ages 8 and under, took 3rd overall with their 1st place, 5 stars Jazz piece. 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, received 4 ¾ stars in both their Jazz and Lyrical performances. Competing in the 12-14 age group, Company 3 scored 4 ¾ stars for their Jazz performance and was 1st in their category and 3rd overall. The Lyrical Dance performers for Company 3 scored 5 stars, were 1st in category and 1st overall. The lyrical performance was awarded a Golden Ticket to Nationals. Members included Abby Knapp, Bella Wehrle, Emily Koltz, Julie Chen and Madison Garcia.
"The dancer's hard work and training is evident when they perform" Dodson went on to say. "They are supported, trained and challenged by our incredibly talented instructors, Kelsey Nebl, Missy Baxter and Hailey Carlson. Their exciting choreography inspires our students to really push themselves. It has been wonderful to watch the dancers improve through the competition dance season".
Hoffman Estates Park District offers dance instruction for ages three years to adult and competition dance for ages 5-18 years. Tryouts for Hoffman Stars Dance Company are June 2, 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/dance.