News Archive
Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams Earn Bids to Compete in World Dance Championships for Third Year in a Row
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently competed in the Starpower Talent Regional Competition in March 2017, and earned four bids to the World Dance Championship in August. The Senior Competition Team dance “Pandemonium,” the Teen Competition Team dance “The Heist,” the Teen Intermediate Team dance “Youth,” and Junior Competition Team dance “Bell Hop Boogie,” all scored in the top 3 in their age divisions to earn their bids. The students are under the direction of Julie Reed-Russo.
The Senior, Teen, Junior, and Mini Competition Teams competed in the World Dance Championship in 2016. In 2015 the Senior Competition Team finished in the final five in the preliminary round to advance to the finals where they finished third, while the Junior Competition Team finished eighth.
The World Dance Championships will be held in August in New Jersey. Westbrook Dance Academy will compete against dances that qualify from across the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, China, and Great Britain.
Senior Competition Team members Brandi Andrade and Victoria Holton are from Westbrook, Katherine Izadi, Courtney Briggs and Mara Kelley are from Old Saybrook, and Miles Waterbury is from Clinton.
Teen Competition Team members Kaylene Koelle and Claire Pease are from Clinton, Alexandra Lee and Sara Kelly are from Madison, Megan Murphy is from Clinton, and Brooke Dellarocco is from Chester.
Teen Intermediate Competition Team members Caroline Bowe and Hannah Buess are from Madison, Cori Hofler and Zoie Murphy are from Westbrook, and Alixandria Giannini is from Old Saybrook.
Junior Competition Team members Gabriella Navarra, Madison Grady are from Clinton, Sophia Rutkis is from Westbrook, and Sylvia Sonenstein is from Madison
Westbrook Dance Academy offers programs for ages 2 to adult, Beginner to Advanced, Recreational and Competition.
For more information on Westbrook Dance Academy or to register for Summer or Fall classes, call 860 664 4308, email us at westbrookdanceac@aol.com or visit westbrookdanceacademy.com
Westbrook Dance Academy Strong at Elite Dance Challenge Nationals 2016
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently competed in The Elite Dance Challenge (EDC) National Competition in Providence, Rhode Island July 13-17, 2016. In a competition with 40 studios, over 850 entries, and some categories with over 70 entries, the team scored and placed well in many – including title and modeling. The students are under the direction of Julie Reed-Russo.
The Junior Competition Team scored Platinum and were sixth overall Young Intermediate Small Groups with “And They’re Off.” “And They’re Off,” was also only one of 20 dances chosen to compete in the Dance Off. The team also scored Platinum with “Spell Block Tango,“ and was 13th overall Young Intermediate Small Groups. Junior Competition Team members Claire P. and Kaylene K. are from Clinton, Alexandra L. and Sara K. are from Madison, Olivia G. is from Westbrook, and Brooke D. is from Chester.
The Senior Competition Team scored Platinum in their three dances, “Silent Night,” Hoist The Colors,” and “Men In Tights,” placing sixth, seventh, and eighth overall Senior Competitive Small Groups. Senior Competition Team members Holly S., Stephanie S., Brandi A., and Victoria H. are from Westbrook, Miles W. and Sarahgrace D. are from Clinton, and Mara K. is from Old Saybrook.
The Teen Competition Team dances “Safe and Sound,” “Runaway Baby,” and “9 to 5,” all scored Elite Gold and were second, third, and fourth overall Teen Recreational Small Groups. Teen Competition Team Members Hannah B., and Caroline B. are from Madison, Zoie M., is from Westbrook, and Alixandria G. is from Old Saybrook.
The Petite Competition Team scored Platinum with “Thunderbird” and Elite Gold with “Glamorous Life.” Petite Competition Team Members Sophia R., Madison G., and Gabriella N. are from Clinton, and Sylvia S. is from Madison.
The Mini Competition Team scored Elite Gold in their dance, “Cupcake Social Club.” Mini Competition Team members Katherine B., Olivia H., and Isabella J. are from Clinton, Jaidyn C. and Calla G. are from Old Saybrook.
The Hip Hop Competition team scored Elite Gold with “Big Spender.” Megan M. is from East Lyme, Holly S. Stephanie S., and Victoria H. are from Westbrook, Alixandria G is from Old Saybrook, and Sarahgrace D. is from Clinton.
In the solo division, Gabriella N. scored Platinum and was second Mini Intermediate Solo, Brooke D. scored Platinum and was third Young Recreational Solo, Miles W. scored Platinum and was 15th Teen Competitive solo, Brandi A. scored Platinum and was 15th Senior Competitive Solo, and Victoria H. scored Platinum and was 17th Senior Competitive Solo. Holly S., Stephanie S., Sarahgrace D., Mara K., and Alexandra L. all scored Platinum in their solos while Claire P., Kaylene K, Olivia G., Sophia R., Madison G., and Sylvia S. all scored Elite Gold.
Claire P. and Kaylene K. scored Elite Gold with their duo “Lost Boy.”
In the Title division Miles W. won Teen Mr. Elite while Gabriella N. was third Runner Up Mini. Mara K. was 12th Runner Up Teen, and Claire P. was 13th Runner Up Teen.
In overall modeling Brandi A., was first Runner Up, Alexandra L. second Runner Up, Gabriella N. third Runner Up, and Miles W. fourth Runner Up.
In the photogenic division, Gabriella N. won Mini, Olivia G. won Young, and Miles W. won Teen. Alexandra L. was first Runner Up Young, Brandi A. was second Runner Up Senior, Victoria H. was third Runner Up Senior, Brooke D. was fourth Runner Up Young, Claire P. was fourth Runner Up Teen and Mara K. was fifth Runner Up Teen.
In formal modeling division, Gabriella N. won Mini, Alexandra L. won Young, Miles W. won Teen, and Brandi A. won Senior. Brooke D. was first Runner Up Young, Mara K. was first Runner Up Teen, Victoria H. was first Runner Up Formal, and Olivia G. was second Runner Up Young.
In fashion modeling division, Gabriella N won Mini, Brooke D. won Young, Miles W. won Teen, and Brandi A. won Senior. Alexandra L. was first Runner Up Young, Mara K. was first Runner Up Teen, Victoria H. was first Runner Up Senior and Olivia G. was second Runner Up Young.
Gabriella N., Madison G., Brooke D., Alexandra L., Claire P., and Miles W., received scholarships for their Elite Team performances.
It was another very successful season for the Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams.
Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams to Return To The World Dance Championship
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently competed in the Imagine Dance Challenge and Starpower Talent Regional Competitions in May and earned four bids to the World Dance Championship in August. The Senior Competition Team dance “Hoist the Colors” won the 15-19 Group Division at Imagine earning their bid. The Junior Competition team dance “Spell Block Tango” scored in the top three 12-14 Group division at Imagine to earn their bid, the Mini Competition Team dance “Cupcake Social Club” scored in the top three 11 and Under division at Imagine to earn their bid, while the Teen Competition team dance “Runaway Baby” scored in the top three 12 and Up division at Starpower to earn their bid. The students are under the direction of Julie Reed-Russo.
The Senior and Junior Competition Teams competed in the World Dance Championship in 2015. The Senior Competition Team finished in the final five in the preliminary round to advance to the finals where they finished third, while the Junior Competition Team finished eighth.
The World Dance Championships will be held in August in New Jersey. Westbrook Dance Academy will compete against dances that qualify from across the United States, Canada, Australia, China, and Great Britain.
Senior Competition Team members Holly S., Stephanie S., Brandi A., and Victoria H. are from Westbrook, Miles W. and Sarahgrace D. are from Clinton, Mara K. is from Old Saybrook.
Junior Competition Team members Kaylene K. and Claire P. are from Clinton, Alexandra L. and Sara K. are from Madison, Olivia G. is from Westbrook and Brooke D. is from Chester.
Mini Competition Team members Katherine B., Olivia H., and Isabella J. are from Clinton, Jaidyn C. and Calla G. are from Old Saybrook.
Teen Competition Team members Caroline B. and Hannah B. are from Madison, Zoie M. is from Westbrook, and Alixandria G. is from Old Saybrook.
Westbrook Dance Academy Takes Third Place at 2015 World Dance Championship
The Westbrook Dance Academy Senior Competition Team finished third in the 12 and Up Small Group Division at the World Dance Championship in Secaucus, New Jersey August 5-8, while the Junior Competition Team competed in the 11 and Under Small Group semifinals. The teams competed against qualifying dances from across the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. Of the over 100,000 routines that compete in the Star Dance Alliance few qualify for the World Dance Championship. The Junior and Senior Competition Teams qualified in March at the Hartford, CT regional. The students are under the direction of Julie Reed-Russo.
The Senior Competition Team Dance “Hello” finished in Third Place in the 12 and Up Small Group division. The team advanced to the finals by finishing in the top five in the semifinal round in the largest division at the World Dance Championship against teams from across the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. In the finals the team delivered an amazing performance en route its third place finish. Senior Competition Team members Holly S., Stephanie S., Victoria H., and Brandi A. are from Westbrook, Miles W. and Sarahgrace D. are from Clinton and Mara K. is from Old Saybrook.
The Junior Competition Team Dance “Hip to be Square” competed in the semifinal round. The team delivered a great performance against teams from across the United States and Canada. Junior Competition Team members Megan G. and Olivia G. are from Westbrook, Kaylene K. and Claire P. are from Clinton, and Alexandra L. is from Madison.
This marked the first time that Westbrook Dance Academy competed in the World Dance Championship.
Westbrook Dance Academy Grand Champions at Elite Dance Challenge Nationals 2015
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently competed in The Elite Dance Challenge (EDC) National Competition in Providence, Rhode Island July 7-12, 2015 and returned as National Grand Champions. In a competition with 40 studios and over 800 entries, the team won or placed in several categories including title and modeling, and the Senior Competition Team dance “Hello” won the Dance off Grand Championship. The students are under the direction of Julie Reed-Russo.
The Senior Competition Team dance “Hello” won the National Dance Off Grand Championship. “Hello” was one of only 20 dances selected for the dance off. The dance also scored Elite Platinum, was second overall Teen Competitive Small Groups, received the Senior Entertainment Award, and a special award. Senior Competition Team members Holly S., Stephanie S., Brandi A., and Victoria H. are from Westbrook, Miles W. and Sarahgrace D. are from Clinton, and Mara K. is from Old Saybrook. The Senior Competition Team’s other two dances – “What Is Love” scored platinum, and “From The Air” scored Elite Gold.
Holly S. and Stephanie S.’s duo “Medicine” scored Platinum and was third overall Senior Competitive duo/trios.
The Junior Competition Team scored Platinum with their three dances, “Boyzz,” “Hip to be Square,” and “Breakable,” and were second, third, and fourth Young Intermediate Small Groups. “Hip to be Square” also received a special award. Junior Competition Team members Claire P. and Kaylene K. are from Clinton, Megan G. and Olivia G. are from Westbrook, and Alexandra L. is from Madison.
Alexandra L., and Kaylene K.’s duo “Gift of a Friend” scored Elite Gold and was ninth Young Intermediate duo/trios.
The Petite Competition Team scored Platinum and was second overall Mini Intermediate Small Groups with their dance “Survivor.” Petite Competition Team Members Sophia R., Madison G., and Gabriella N. are from Clinton, and Sylvia S. is from Madison.
The Teen Competition Team dance “Do Your Thang” scored Elite Gold and was ninth Teen Intermediate Small Groups. Teen Competition Team Members Charlotte B., Zoie M., Michelle P., and Corinna H. are from Westbrook. Shannon B. is from Old Saybrook and Caroline B. is from Madison. The team’s other two dances “Calm Under The Waves,” and “Mamma I’m A Big Girl Now” also scored Elite Gold.
In the solo division, Gabriella N. scored Platinum with her solo “Sleep,” and was sixth overall Mini Intermediate Solos. Holly S. scored platinum with her lyric solo “Breath of Life,” Victoria H. scored platinum with her musical theater solo “100 Easy Ways.” Miles W. and Claire P. also scored platinum in their solos. Stephanie S., Brandi A. Sarahgrace D., Mara K., Kaylene K., Olivia G., Megan G., Alexandra L, Maddie G, Alissa M., Victoria H. (Tap), and Holly S. (Jazz) all scored Elite Gold in their solos.
The Hip Hop Competition team scored Elite Gold with “Dead Silence.” Megan M. is from East Lyme, Holly S. Stephanie S., and Victoria H. are from Westbrook and Sarahgrace D. is from Clinton.
In the Title division Miles W. was Runner-Up Teen Mr. Elite with his solo “Come Together.”
In the modeling division, Megan G. was crowned EDC National Overall Model. Holly S. was Runner Up, Alexandra L. was 2nd Runner Up, Miles W. was 3rd Runner Up, and Claire P. was 4th Runner Up.
In the photogenic division, Sophia G. of Westbrook, won Mini, and Gabriella N. was 1st Runner Up. Megan G. won Young, while Sylvia S. was 2nd Runner Up, Alexandra L. 3rd Runner Up, Olivia G. 4th Runner Up, Claire P. 7th Runner Up, and Mara K. 8th Runner Up. Brandi A. was 1st Runner Up Teen, and Victoria H. was 3rd Runner Up. Miles W. won Teen Mr. Holly S. won senior.
In formal modeling division, Sophia G. won mini and Gabriella N. was 1st Runner Up. Claire P. won Young, Alexandra L. was 1st Runner Up, Megan G. was 2nd Runner Up, Olivia G. was 3rd Runner up and Sylvia S. was 4th Runner Up. Victoria H. won Teen. Miles W. won Teen Mr. Holly S. won Senior.
In fashion modeling division, Gabriella N. won mini and Sophia G. was Runner Up. Claire P. won Young, while Olivia G. was 1st Runner Up, Alexandra L. was 2nd Runner Up, Megan G. was 3nd Runner Up, and Sylvia S. was 4th Runner Up. Victoria H. won Teen. Miles W. won Teen Mr. Holly S. won Senior.
It was another very successful season for the Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams.
Westbrook Dance Academy Junior and Senior Competition Teams Earn Bids To The World Dance Championships
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently competed in the Starpower Talent Regional Competition in Hartford, CT March 27-29, 2015 and earned two bids to the World Dance Championships in August. In a competition with over 600 entries, the Junior Competition Team dance “Hip To Be Square” scored in the top three in the 11 and Under Groups, Lines and Productions, thus earning a bid. The Senior Competition Team dance “Hello” scored in the top three in the 12 and Up groups, lines, and productions and also earned a bid. The students are under the direction of Julie Reed-Russo.
The World Dance Championships will be held in August in New Jersey. Westbrook Dance Academy will compete against dances that qualify from across the United States, Canada, Australia, China, and Great Britain.
Senior Competition Team members Holly S., Stephanie S., Brandi A., and Victoria H. are from Westbrook, Miles W. and Sarahgrace D. are from Clinton, Mara K. is from Old Saybrook.
Junior Competition Team members Olivia G., and Megan G. are from Westbrook, Kaylene K. and Claire P. are from Clinton, Alexandra L. is from Madison.
Westbrook Dance Academy National Champions and Senior Dance Off Champions at Elite Dance Challenge Nationals 2014
Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams National Champions and Senior Dance Off Champions at Elite Dance Challenge Nationals 2014
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently competed in The Elite Dance Challenge (EDC) National Competition in Sturbridge, Massachusetts July 9-13, 2014 and returned as National Champions and Senior Dance Off Champions. In a competition with 44 studios and almost 800 entries, the team won or placed in several categories including title and modeling, and the Teen Competition Team dance “Highway of Love” won the senior dance off. The students are under the direction of Julie Reed-Russo.
The Teen Competition Team dance “Highway of Love” won the Senior Dance Off. “Highway of Love” was one of only 20 dances selected for the dance off. The dance also scored Platinum and was sixth overall Teen Competitive Small Groups. Teen Competition Team members Stephanie S., Brandi A., and Victoria H. are from Westbrook, Miles W. and Sarahgrace D. are from Clinton, Mara K. is from Old Saybrook, and Alissa M. is from East Lyme. The Teen Competition Team’s other two dances – “Piano Man” and “Excellent Birds” scored Elite Gold.
Holly S. and Alissa M.’s duo “Thank God I’m Old” scored Platinum and won EDC National Champion Senior Competitive duo/trios. Holly is from Westbrook, and Alissa is from East Lyme. The duo’s other two dances “Haunting” and “Mamma Knows Best” scored Elite Gold.
The Junior Intermediate Competition Team dance “Jet Set” scored Elite Gold and won EDC National Champion Teen Recreational Small Groups. Junior Intermediate Competition Team Members Charlotte B., Michelle P., and Corrinna H. are from Westbrook. Shannon B. is from Old Saybrook. The team’s other dance “Bop Til You Drop” scored Elite Gold.
The Petite Competition Team scored Elite Gold and was third overall Mini Recreational Small Groups with their dance “What’s The Buzz.” Petite Competition Team Members Sophia R., Madison G., and Gabriella N. are from Clinton, Sylvia S. is from Madison, and Emma C. is from Old Saybrook.
The Junior Competition Team scored Elite Gold and was tenth overall Junior Intermediate Small Groups with their dance “Royalty.” Junior Competition Team members Claire P. and Kaylene K. are from Clinton, Megan G. and Olivia G. are from Westbrook, Alexandra L. is from Madison, and Kylie C. is from Old Saybrook. The team’s other two dances “Circus” and “Lantern Light” scored Elite Gold.
In the solo division, Sarahgrace D. scored Elite Gold and was third overall Senior Intermediate Solos with “Stronger Than Ever.” Stephanie S. scored Platinum and was ninth overall Teen Intermediate Solos with “You Set Me Free.” Claire P. scored Platinum and was tenth overall Junior Intermediate Solos with “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”
Kaylene K.’s solo scored Elite Gold and received a special award. Kaylene also received an Elite team Scholarship.
Olivia G. and Alexandra L. also scored Elite Gold in their solos.
Victoria H., Miles W. and Brandi A.’s Trio “Money” scored Platinum. Megan G. and Claire P.’s duo “Cha Cha” scored Elite Gold as did Kaylene K. and Alexandra L.’s duo “Boogie Bumper.”
The Hip Hop Competition team scored Elite Gold with “Upgrade.” Megan M. is from East Lyme, Anna C. is from Old Saybrook, Holly S. and Victoria H. are from Westbrook and Sarahgrace D. is from Clinton.
In the Title division Miles W. was Runner-Up Teen Mr. Elite with his solo “No Speak Americano.” Mara K. was ninth runner up Junior Miss Elite with her solo “The Mad Hatter.” Mara also received an Elite Team Scholarship.
Also in the title division, Holly S. scored platinum in the Miss Elite division, and Alissa M. Elite Gold. In the Teen Miss Elite division, Victoria H. and Brandi A. scored Elite Gold, while in the Junior Miss Elite division, Megan G. scored Elite Gold.
In the modeling division, Brandi A. was crowned EDC National Overall Model winner. Megan G. was Runner-Up and Holly S. 3rd Runner Up.
In the photogenic division, Sylvia S. won Mini, and Gabriella N. was 3rd Runner Up. Megan G. won Young, while Alexandra L. was Runner Up and
Mara K. 3rd Runner Up. Brandi A. won Teen, and Victoria H. was 3rd Runner Up. Miles W. won Teen Mr. Holly S. won Senior and Alissa M. was Runner Up.
In formal modeling division, Gabriella N. won mini and Sylvia S. was 2nd Runner Up. Alexandra L. won Young, Megan G. was 2nd Runner Up and Olivia G. was 3rd Runner up. Brandi A. won Teen. Miles W. won Teen Mr. Holly S. won Senior and Alissa M. was Runner up.
In fashion modeling division, Gabriella N. won mini and Sylvia S. was Runner Up. Megan G. was 2nd Runner Up Young, Olivia G. was 3rd Runner Up and Alexandra L. 5th Runner Up. Brandi A. won Teen. Miles W. won teen Mr. Holly S. won Senior and Alissa M. was Runner up.
The studio also won the Outstanding Senior Studio Spirit Award.
It was the final competition of another very successful season for the Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams.
