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The Dance Corner Continues its Success This Summer

Local dancers representing The Dance Corner of Killingworth performed in several national dance competitions this summer. Competing against schools from across the country, The Dance Corner took home a number of awards during the summer, including a significant achievement at the World Class Talent Experience National Competition in Mystic from July 20-23. The Dance Corner competed against hundreds of entries at its first national meet and saw its senior lyrical company’s performance of Something in the Water earn the honor of being a national champion. Something in the Water received first place overall in the Senior World Division and was invited to re-perform its dance in the Elite Challenge, where the group prevailed by taking first in the World Elite 12-and-Over Small Group.

The dancers in Something in the Water are Mary Darin (Killingworth), Olivia Dunsmore (Madison), Samantha Dunsmore (Madison), Heather Kenney (Essex), Olivia Papa (Madison), Theresa Pasqualini (Killingworth), and Grace Pendleton (Clinton). Their performance was choreographed by Branford’s Samantha Hermannm, an instructor and choreographer at The Dance Corner.

“I am so proud of these dancers and their accomplishments this year,” Hermann said. “They worked so hard on this dance, both technically and emotionally, and it showed with every performance. I feel very fortunate to have joined them in this journey.”

The Dance Corner also competed at the World Dance Championships in Seacaucus, New Jersey from Aug. 2-6. The junior tap group’s performance of Rich Girls was up against dancers from the United States, China, and Australia. Rich Girls was selected as one of the top five dances for its age and division among 36 other entries. After making the final five, the team competed again against the other four top teams and took home fourth place for Small Group in the world.

The dancers in Rich Girls were Audrey Board (Deep River), Ava Frost (Deep River), Sarah Gaetano (Clinton), Abigail Marciniec (Haddam), Gillian Miller (Killingworth), Sela Rathe (Madison), Alexandra Shea (Ivoryton), Hannah Schilling (Westbrook), and Sophie Winikur (Haddam).

“To watch our young students compete with talented dancers from around the world is amazing. To watch our young students excel in that competition is a gift,” said Dance Corner instructor and company coordinator Nicole Peterson. “This group of dancers committed their time and energy to the success of their dance, as did their instructor. Their hard work and artistry has been recognized, and I am so proud of not only their success, but their teamwork and camaraderie that got them there.”

At the Starpower National Competition held at Mohegan Sun from July 10-16, several of The Dance Corner’s soloists and duets competed against more than 1,000 other entries. Pendleton and Emily Bachand (Ivoryton) performed their lyrical duet Count on Me that was choreographed by Peterson. Their dance received five stars, was first in their category, and earned the second overall high score for Junior Duo/Trio. Pendleton and Bachand also received a special judges’ award for Beauty and Grace. Pendleton also competed in her jazz solo UpSide Down that was choreographed by Hermann. Her performance received five stars, as well as the second overall high school for Teen Solo.

These are only a few of the awards The Dance Corner received this summer. Dancers in The Dance Corner company train and compete under the direction of Carrie Smith, as well as instructors and choreographers Savanna Bodnar, Brooke Cotter, Hermann, and Peterson. The Dance Corner company is Chloe Alsback, Katie Alsback, Emily Bachand, Zoe Balkan, Audrey Board, Mary Darin, Rachel Delvecchio, Olivia Dunsmore, Samantha Dunsmore, Ava Frost, Sarah Gaetano, Nicole Grief, Heather Kenney, Erin LoMonaco, Cameryn Ludwin, Abigail Marciniec, Katie McGoey, Gillian Miller, Madison Moriarty, Grace Murphy, Olivia Papa, Theresa Pasqualini, Kayla Pellegrini, Grace Pendleton, Sela Rathe, Sarah Ratzlaff, Katie Roberts, Hannah Schilling, Alexandra Shea, Maev Webster, and Sophie Winikur.

The Dance Corner is currently getting ready for its 24th season and will be premiering its cheer and tumbling program. To register for classes or for info, visit TheDanceCorner.com.