NORWICH – Students and teachers from the Donna Frech School Of Dance attended the 60th Anniversary of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Arts, Inc. Summer Workshop and Competition in Whippany, N.J. July 16-19h. The two-day workshop consisted of classes with master guest teachers including Katee from So You Think You can Dance, Anthony Lacasio, an original Tap Dog, Bethany Hooks-Lacasio, Deanna Ford, Nick Hermann and Dome to name a few. Dancers attended a Black Tie Banquet in celebration of NADAA’s 60 years as one fo the oldest Dance Organizations.
Dance studios from all over competed at the two-day competition. The Donna Frech School Of Dance ‘DF Dancers’ came away with many awards.
24 High Silvers
13 Golds
5 High Golds
3 first places
2 second places
3 solos in the top 5 high scoring solos in 10-12 age category
1 solo in the top 5 high scoring solos in 13-14 age category
2 solos in the top 5 high scoring solos in 15-16 age category
1 trio in the top 5 high scoring duo/trio in 13-14 age category
2 small groups in the top 5 high scoring small groups age 13-14
2 small groups in the top 5 high scoring small groups age 15-16
1 large group in the top 5 high scoring large groups age 15-16
Overall High scoring solo in age 12 and under -Goody Two Shoes tap solos
Overall High scoring Due/trio in age 13-16 - Dueling Banjos acro trio
Dance Titles -
Pre-Teen Miss NADAA (age 10-12) Alexis Slentz
Pre-Miss NADAA (age 15-16) Shelly Bluy
Although the Donna Frech School of Dance attends 2-3 competitions a year, that is not the only focus of the studio, which will be celebrating its 35th year of operation this September. Performances are also an important part of the training the students receive. In addition to their yearly recital, dancers perform at many local events including the Pumpkinfest, St. Bart’s Festival and area Nursing homes, to name a few.
The DF Dancers are now working hard on their next performance which will be in Disney World on Aug. 14. The group is heading to Orlando for a truly ‘Magical Experience,” performing on the new Downtown Disney stage. They will also take part in a special Disney Workshop where Disney choreographers work with the DF Dancers in a backstage Disney rehearsal hall giving an intensive worshop with Disney choreography and a mock Disney audution.
Once home from their trip, dancers and teachers will have a couple of weeks to rest up before classes start up again the Monday after Labor Day. For more information about the Donna Frech School Of Dance, you can call the studio at 334-4382 or visit their new website at www.dfdance.com.