On Stage America Nationals 2012

DancExplosion Arts Center Company Competed at On Stage America Nationals the Week of July 9-13 in Cape May, New Jersey!

 The entire week before nationals, the girls practiced over 6 hours a day and took many extra ballet classes and technique classes to get ready for the national stage.  Competing in a wide range of dance disciplines including Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, & Tap, the company had an excellent showing!

 SOLOS

Maeve Costello:  "Beauty in Walking Away"  Choreography by Amy Johnston, Coaching Asst by Kelly Gallagher & Emma Chammas, HIGH PLATINUM

    "Electricity" Choreography by Amy Johnston PLATINUM

Rebecca Beckas: "Broadway Baby"  Choreography by Amy Johnston, Coaching Assisted by Kelly Gallagher, PLATINUM, "Tiny Performer, Big Talents" Special Award

Claire Costello:  "I'm In Here"  Choregraphy by Amy Johnston & Renee Smith HIGH PLATINUM

Samantha Beckas: "I'm Like A Bird" Choregraphy by Amy Johnston HIGH PLATINUM

Carolyn Jack: "Alice"  Choregraphy By Amy Johnston HIGH PLATINUM

Allison Chammas: "Fly"  Choreography by Amy Johnston HIGH PLATINUM 

Jenna Markovich:  "UnLike You"  Choreography by Amy Johnston HIGH PLATINUM "Contemporary Classic & Power" Special Award, "Deliver Me" Choreography by Renee Smith HIGH PLATINUM

Angie Hedglin: "Wild Things Are..." Choreography by Renee Smith PLATINUM,  "I Miss You" Choreography by Jamie Erin Murphy HIGH PLATINUM

Casey Funtal: "Hey Lover" Choreography by Amy Johnston PLATINUM

DUO/TRIOS

"Safe in Your Arms"  Rebecca & Samantha Beckas, Choreography by Amy Johnston HIGH PLATINUM, Special Judges Award for "Beautiful Emotional Connection"  

"The Ghosts of the Raven"  Ally Chammas & Jenna Markovich, HIGH PLATINUM, 1st Runner-up Duet/Trio OVERALL

"Tom's Diner" Angie Hedglin, Jenna Markovich, & Ally Chammas, HIGH PLATINUM, 4th Runner-up Duet/Trio OVERALL

"I'm Good, I'm Gone"  Angie, Jenna, & Ally, HIGH PLATINUM 

GROUPS

"How Come You Don't Call"  Ally, Angie, Jenna, Carolyn, Claire, Samantha, & Casey HIGH PLATINUM, 5th OVERALL SENIOR GROUPS, Choreo by Amy Johnston

"Bum Like You" Nicole, Sam, Carolyn, Claire, & Casey PLATINUM, Choreo by Renee Smith

"Heartless" Ally, Jenna, Ang, & Samantha, HIGH PLATINUM, "Tremendous Focus" Judges Award

Congrats to all of the Competitors on a job well done & executing each piece with commitment and artistry!!! Way to Go DancExplosion Arts Center!!!

For more photos, check us out on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancexplosionarts?ref=hl

Celebrate the Uniqueness Within: Modern Dance

Murphy Smith Dance Collective, Photo by Bill Shirley

Question: What does DancExplosion Arts Center have that other studios do not????

Answer: Miss Renee Smith

A graduate of Point Park University and Co-Artistic Director of DancExplosion Arts Center, Renee specializes in innovative & creative choreography especially in Modern & Contemporary Dance. As Co-Founder of the Murphy Smith Dance Collective, Miss Renee's athletic & fiery dance style is bound with honesty found through exploration of the human body. She helps her students to explore space, emotional connection, & celebrate the uniqueness within. Join her at DEAC as she shares her dance knowledge & aids students to continue to grow a passion for dance!!!!

Check out Miss Renee's Full Biography on our ABOUT US... section 

Please check out The Murphy/Smith Dance Collective:  

http://www.murphysmithdance.org

DEAC planning for 2012/2013 Company

Interested in Company????

DEAC has 3 competitive companies; Petites (7-9 yrs roughly), Juniors (10-13 yrs), & Teen/Seniors (13 yrs & up).  It is important to note that at times some dancers will compete outside of their age level with older groups based upon skills & technique. 

Participation can include only solo competition,

duet/trio competition, and group competition; but can also be limited based on individual commitments, cost, & concerns.

Competition is a great way to build self-esteem, discipline, & goal setting.  Our goal is to encourage our young dancers to be unique, creative, &; inspired.  Reach for the stars!!!!

 How will the company routines be chosen?

*Through careful observation, DEAC staff will chose Petite, Junior, Teen, & Senior Company competition routines & members based on dancers mixed abilities, technique, performance quality, & overall attitude. Routines can include duets, trios, or small/large groups.  Selection of routines is at the sole discretion of Director/Choreographer/Instructor

 Things to know:  

 

·         Every competitor is required to take a weekly ballet class, jazz class plus an additional technique class per week in the discipline selected for competition.  Also, 2012/2013 Competitors must take ballet, jazz, & 1 supplemental class in the SUMMER of 2012.  Choreography & rehearsals are held on Saturdays during the dance season & select routines will begin in the summer 2012.

·         Petites & Some Juniors will be asked to perform in winter & spring performances, & 1- 2 competitions per year.

·         Junors, Teen/Seniors will be asked to perform in winter & spring performances, & 3- 4 competitions per year. 

·         Company members receive solo fee discount.

·         Company Families will receive early ticket sales for winter performance & recital.

Please feel free to e-mail Amy@DancExplosionArts.com or call the studio with any questions. 

OnStage America Nationals!!!

The week of July 8th, our senior company is traveling to Cape May, New Jersey in order to compete in OnStage America's National competition. The girls will be competing against other dancers from all across the country. We wish them luck and hope to come home with another plethora of trophies!!

I Love Dance!!!

The last competition of our regional season, I Love Dance, was a great end to a fabulous season!

The girls swept it away and truly showed their love for dance!

Rebecca Beckas - Broadway Baby - 1st in category - 1st overall all routines ages 6-8

Maeve Costello - Electricity - 1st in category - 3rd overall all routines ages 9-11

Shalyn Szymczak - New Shoes - 1st in category

Darbey and Maeve - Here Comes the Sun - 1st in category

Pink Cadillac - 1st in category

The Dolls - 2nd in category

Carolyn Jack - Alice - 3rd in category

Claire Costello - I'm In Here - 3rd in category

I'm Good, I'm Gone - 1st in category

Bum Like You - 1st in category

Tom's Diner - 1st in category - 2nd overall all routines ages 18+ - "Best Musicality" Award

Angie Hedglin - I Miss You - 2nd in category

Jenna Markovich - Unlike You - 1st in category - 3rd overall all routines ages 18+

Angie Hedglin - Wild Things Are - 2nd in category

Ghosts of the Raven - 1st in category

How Come You Don't Call - 2nd in category

Rock Me Amadeus - 3rd in category