In The News
Westbrook Dance Academy Students Perform at Halftime at UCONN Women’s Basketball Game
On February 4th, 46 students from Westbrook Dance Academy performed at halftime at the UCONN Women’s Basketball game in front of a sold out crowd at Gampel Pavilion.
The students, ages 6-18, performed a high energy routine that was well received by those in attendance.
The participating students, under the direction of Julie Reed-Russo, represented the towns of: Westbrook, Clinton, Old Saybrook, Madison, Deep River, Killingworth, and Guilford.
UCONN is one of many performance opportunities that Westbrook Dance Academy offers to its students. Others are Walt Disney World, Six Flags, as well as several local events.
Westbrook Dance Academy offers programs for all ages Beginner to Advanced, Recreational and Competition for all ability levels and ALL ages in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Boys Hip Hop, Irish Step, Acrobatics, Musical Theater, and Technique Workshops. And for our youngest dancers we offer – Mommy and Me.
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 Competition Teams Earn Bids To World Dance Championship For 10th Year In A Row In 2023
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently concluded an extremely successful competition season with each team earning bids to the World Dance Championship in August. The Senior Competition Team qualified with their Musical Theater “The Internet Is Down.” The Teen Team qualified with their Lyrical “Earhart,” while the Mini Team qualified with their Jazz “The Minions.” The teams, duos, and soloists also won numerous regional championships, high score awards, choreography awards, entertainment awards, scholarships, and special awards during the season.
Westbrook Dance Academy teams are three time World Dance Champion Finalists.
The World Dance Championship will be held in July 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 Isabella Johnson and Madison Grady are from Clinton, Calla Gilson is from Old Saybrook, and Gabrielle Walker is from Westbrook.
Teen Competition Team members Mia Stowik and Sophie Furcolo are from Westbrook, Sofia Taylor and Delilah Calle are from Old Saybrook, Bridget Johnson, and Aubrey Meyer are from Clinton, and Audrey Bragg is from Madison.
Mini Team members Olivia Amenta and Ava Merriman are from Westbrook, Mallory Tuccitto, Marlee Lampright, Leila Painter, and Summer Painter are from Clinton, Elijah Bragg is from Madison, Ayla Foulks is from Old Saybrook, and Kylee Magee is from Guilford.
Westbrook Dance Academy offers programs for all ages Beginner to Advanced, Recreational and Competition for all ability levels and ALL ages in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Boys Hip Hop, Irish Step, Acrobatics, Musical Theater, and Technique Workshops. And for our youngest dancers we offer – Mommy and Me.
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 Turn It Up Nationals 2022
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently competed in the Turn It Up Dance Challenge Nationals at Foxwoods. In a competition with 40 studios and over 1000 entries – the team placed several dances in the top 10, and took home numerous judges and special awards.
The Senior Competition Team placed 4th, 6th, and 7th, in the 15-19 Small Group division. Their musical theater dance “Mean Girls,” scored High Platinum and placed fourth. The Senior Team lyrical “Hostages” scored platinum, placed sixth and took home a judges special award, while their jazz routine “Body Language,” scored platinum and placed seventh. Senior Competition Team members Megan Murphy is from Old Saybrook, Gabriella Navarra is from Clinton, Brooke Dellarocco is from Chester, and Sylvia Sonenstein is from Madison.
Brooke Dellarocco placed third in the 15-19 solo division and scored High Platinum with her jazz solo “Black and Gold.” Dellarocco scored platinum with her lyric solo. “Medicine.”
Sylvia Sonenstein placed sixth in the 15-19 solo division and scored High Platinum with her musical theater solo “Getting Married Today.” Sonenstein also won the entertainment award, and recieved a special award for the performance.
Gabriella Navarra scored Platinum with her lyrical solo “Are You With Me?” Megan Murphy scored High Gold with her lyrical solo “Burn.”
The Futures Competition Team scored Platinum and finished 9th in the 8 and Under Small Group Division with their jazz routine “Witch Doctor.” Futures Team members Elijah Bragg is from Madison, Olivia Amenta and Ava Merriman are from Westbrook, and Kylie Magee is from Guilford, Marlee Lampright and Violet Topping are from Clinton.
Elijah Bragg scored Platinum and placed 3rd in the 8 and Under Solo Division with his jazz solo. “Dirt Road Dollars.”
The Junior Team scored Platinum with their three routines, “Play That Funky Music,” “The Days,” and “Wonka.” Junior Team members Sofia Taylor and Kylee Pascale are from Old Saybrook. Julia Delara, Mia Stowik and Sophie Furcolo are from Westbrook.
Mia Stowik –“Fly Away,” Kylee Pascale – “Lady,” and Sophie Furcolo –“Husavik,” all scored platinum for their lyrical solos.
The Teen Competition Team scored Platinum for their tap dance “Perm.” Their lyrical “Waves,” and jazz “Carousel” scored High Gold. Teen Competition Team members Isabella Johnson, and Olivia Hartmann are from Clinton, Sylvia Sonenstein is from Madison, and Amanda Nettis is from East Haven.
Amanda Nettis scored Platinum for her tap solo “Shake It Off,” and High Gold for her lyric “Lay Me Down.”
The Mini Competition Team scored High Gold with their three routines, “Time For Tea,” Every Season,” and “Sponge Bob Square Pants.” Mini Team members Bridget Johnson, and Aubrey Meyer are from Clinton. Audrey Bragg is from Madison, and Delilah Calle is from Old Saybrook.
Audrey Bragg – “Lose Control,” and Aubrey Meyer – “Vive La Swing,” scored High Gold for their solos.
The Hip Hop Competition Team scored High Gold for their dance “B.” Hip Hip competition team members Aubrey Meyer is from Clinton. Audrey Bragg is from Madison, Delilah Calle and Kylle Pascale are from Old Saybrook, Julia Delara, Mia Stowik and Sophie Furcolo are from Westbrook.
It was the conclusion of another very successful season for the Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams.
Westbrook Dance Academy offers programs for all ages Beginner to Advanced, Recreational and Competition for all ability levels and ALL ages in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Irish Step, Acrobatics, and Musical Theater.
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 National Champions at Starpower
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently competed in the Starpower Talent Nationals at Mohegan Sun, and returned as National Champions. In a competition with 44 studios and over 1700 entries – with some divisions having over 70 entries – the teams came home with National Championships, titles, 12 dances placing in the top 10, were one of eight out of 44 to qualify for the Battle of The Stars and judges special awards.
The Senior Competition Team scored 5 stars for their three routines and placed 2nd, 5th, and 6th, out of over 20 dances in the 15-19 Small Group division. Their musical theater “Beetlejuice,” placed second, and was one of only eight out of 44 to qualify for the 12 and Up Small Group Battle of The Stars. The Senior Team lyrical “Land of Confusion” placed fifth and their open routine “All The Rowboats,” placed sixth. Senior Competition Team members Mara Kelley, and Megan Murphy, are from Old Saybrook, Kaylene Koelle and Gabriella Navarra are from Clinton, Brooke Dellarocco is from Chester, and Sylvia Sonenstein is from Madison.
Brooke Dellarocco of Chester scored 5 stars and won the National Championship in the 12 and Up Vocal Division with “It Roars.” Sylvia Sonenstein of Madison scored 4 ¾ stars and was runner up with “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”
Mara Kelly placed second in the 15-19 solo title division, and finished 3rd out of over 40 dances in the 15-19 solo division, scoring 5 stars with her tap solo “The Goodbye Song.”
Brooke Dellarocco placed third in the 15-19 solo title division and scored 5 stars with her jazz solo “I’m a Woman.” Dellarocco scored 5 stars and placed 8th in the 15-19 solo division with her lyric solo. “Can You Hear Me.” Dellarocco was also awarded the prestigious Discovery Spotlight scholarship.
Kaylene Koelle of Clinton scored 5 stars with her musical theater solo “I’m Breaking Down.” Megan Murphy scored 4 ¾ stars with her musical theater solo “Life of the Party, and Sylvia Sonenstein scored 4 ¾ stars with her musical theater solo “Life with Harold.”
The Mini Competition Team placed third in the 9-11 Novice Small Group division with their open routine “Toy Story,” and fourth with their tap “Mary Poppins.” “Toy Story” also received a judge’s special award. Mini Team members Bridget Johnson, and Aubrey Meyer are from Clinton. Audrey Bragg is from Madison, Delaney Keefe is from Guilford, and Delilah Calle is from Old Saybrook.
The Teen Competition Team lyrical dance “People Help The People,” scored 5 Stars, finished fifth out of over 30 12-14 Small Groups and also received a judge’s special award. The teams open dance “Mad Hatter,” and tap “Crash Test Dummies,” scored 4 ¾ stars. Teen Competition Team members Isabella Johnson, and Olivia Hartmann are from Clinton. Tess Santarsiero, and Jaidyn Cote are from Old Saybrook, and Gabrielle Walker is from Westbrook.
The Futures Competition Team scored 4 ¾ stars and finished tenth with their jazz routine “Sugar and Spice.” Futures Team members Georgia Dean is from East Haddam, Elijah Bragg is from Madison, Olivia Amenta is from Westbrook, and Kylie Magee is from Guilford.
The Junior Team scored 4 ¾ stars with their jazz “Hocus Pocus,” and their tap “Sugar Rush.”
Junior Team members Kylee Pascale is from Old Saybrook. Mia Stowik and Sophie Furcolo are from Westbrook, and Briella Dean is from East Haddam.
Gabrielle Walker of Westbrook scored 4 ¾ stars with her musical theater solo “Le Jazz Hot.” Gabriella Navarra of Clinton scored 4 ¾ stars with her musical theater solo “Little Me,” and Kylee Pascale of Old Saybrook scored 4 ¾ stars with her musical theater solo “I’m Getting Good At Being Bad.” Briella Dean scored 4 ½ stars with her jazz routine “Cooties,” Mia Stowik scored 4 ½ stars with her open routine “Amazing Mazie,” Sophie Furcolo scored 4 ½ stars with her open routine “Mamma Mia,” and Audrey Bragg of Madison scored 4 ¾ stars with her open solo, “Queen of Mean.”
It was the conclusion of another very successful season for the Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams.
Westbrook Dance Academy offers programs for all ages Beginner to Advanced, Recreational and Competition for all ability levels and ALL ages in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Irish Step, Acrobatics, and Musical Theater.
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 Irish Feis Team National Champions
On Saturday, August 28th, the Mulkerin School of Irish dance (Westbrook Dance Academy class) Competition Team led by their teacher, Casey Krane of Westbrook, competed at the RTN (Rince Tuatha Nua) National Championships in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey and returned as national champions.
The team competed against hundreds of dancers from participating schools throughout the United States. In the Championship event, the girls danced to 32 bars of music, in either the Reel or Light Jig, and then a hard shoe round of Treble Jig, and/or a Traditional Set piece based on their level of competition.
Mia Stowik of Westbrook placed 1st overall, and earned the title of Under 12 Beginner National Champion. Mia will now up a competition level to Intermediate after earning her national title.
Olivia Hartmann of Clinton placed 1st overall, and earned the title of Under 14 Novice National Champion. Olivia will now move up a competition level to prizewinner after earning her national title.
Georgia Dean of East Haddam placed 2nd overall, earning the title of 2nd place Under 9 Beginner National Champion. Neilly Erlandson of East Haddam placed 3rd overall, earning the title of 3rd place Under 10 Beginner National Champion. Audrey Bragg of Madison placed 3rd overall, earning the title of 3rd place Under 12 Beginner National Champion. Briella Dean of East Haddam placed 4th overall, earning the title of 4th place Under 12 Intermediate National Champion.
In addition to the championship titles, each dancer also competed and placed in many of their individual events.
Westbrook Dance Academy offers programs for all ages Beginner to Advanced, Recreational and Competition for all ability levels and ALL ages in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Irish Step, Acrobatics, Musical Theater, and Technique Workshops.
For more information on Westbrook Dance Academy, or to register for Fall Classes, call 860 664 4308, email us at westbrookdanceac@aol.com or visit westbrookdanceacedemy.com
For more information on the Mulkerin School of Irish Dance please visit mulkerinirishdancers.com or email us at KTMulkerin@aol.com.
Westbrook Dance Academy Irish Step Students Place At Feis
For more information on Westbrook Dance Academy, or to register for Fall Classes, call 860 664 4308, email us at westbrookdanceac@aol.com or visit westbrookdanceacedemy.com
For more information on the Mulkerin School of Irish Dance please visit mulkerinirishdancers.com or email us at KTMulkerin@aol.com.
Westbrook Dance Academy Takes Fifth at World Dance Championship
The Westbrook Dance Academy Senior Competition Team recently competed in the World Dance Championship at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, NJ on August 2, 2019 and finished fifth in the 15-19 Small Group Division. The team competed against qualifying dances from across the United States, Canada, China, and Great Britain. Of the over 300,000 routines that compete in the Star Dance Alliance few qualify for the World Dance Championship. The team’s dance “The Addams Family” qualified in May at the Hartford, CT regional.
“The Addams Family” advanced to the finals by finishing in the top five in the semifinal round, out of 40, in one of the largest divisions at the World Dance Championship. The team was also awarded the Excellence in Theatrical Entertainment for their performance. In the finals the team delivered another amazing performance en route its fifth place finish. Senior Competition Team members Mara Kelley, Megan Murphy, and Alixandria Giannini are from Old Saybrook, Brandi Andrade is from Westbrook, Brooke Dellarocco is from Chester, and Kaylene Koelle is from Clinton.
This marked the third time in five years that the Westbrook Dance Academy Senior Competition team has placed in the top five at the World Dance Championship.
Westbrook Dance Academy offers programs for all ages Beginner to Advanced, Recreational and Competition for all ability levels and ALL ages in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Boys Hip Hop, Irish Step, Acrobatics, Musical Theater, and Technique Workshops. And for our youngest dancers we offer – Mommy and Me, Tiny Dancers, and Tiny Tumblers programs.
For more information on Westbrook Dance Academy or to register for Fall classes, call 860 664 4308, email us at westbrookdanceac@aol.com or visit westbrookdanceacademy.com
Westbrook Dance Academy National Champions at Imagine Dance Challenge 2019
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently competed in the Imagine Dance Challenge Nationals at the Hershey Convention Center in Hershey, PA on July 15-19, and returned as National Champions. In a competition with 32 studios representing the South, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and New England, and 1200 entries – with some divisions having over 70 entries – the teams came home with two National Championships, 12 dances placing in the top 10, were one of eight out of 32 to qualify for the No Limits Challenge, six judges special awards, and the 11 and Under Entertainment Award.
Mara Kelley scored 5 stars and won the National Championship in the 15-19 Solo Division with her tap solo “Chasing Cars.” Mara Kelley is from Old Saybrook. Kaylene Koelle of Clinton was Runner-Up and also scored 5 stars with her musical theater solo “Model Behavior.” This was out of over 30 soloists in the division.
The Senior Competition Team scored 5 stars for their musical theater “The Addams Family,” placed second in the 15-19 Small Group Division, and was one of only eight out of 32 to qualify for the 12 and Up Small Group No Limits Challenge. The Senior Team lyrical “In The Air Tonight” placed third and their open routine “Survivor,” placed fourth. Senior Competition Team members Mara Kelley, Megan Murphy, and Alixandria Giannini are from Old Saybrook, Zoie Murphy, and Cori Hofler are from Westbrook, Kaylene Koelle is from Clinton, and Brooke Dellarocco is from Chester.
Brooke Dellarocco of Chester scored 5 star elite and won the National Championship in the 12 and Up Vocal Division with “This is Me.” Sylvia Sonenstein of Madison scored 5 stars and was runner up with “What it Means To Be A Friend.”
In the 12-14 Solo division, Brooke Dellarocco of Chester scored 5 stars and placed 10th out of 70 solos, with her jazz solo “I Gotcha.” Sylvia Sonenstein of Madison scored 5 stars with her musical theater solo “I Can’t Say No.” Gabrielle Walker of Westbrook scored 5 starts with her jazz solo “Big Finish.” Jaidyn Cote of Old Saybrook scored 4 3⁄4 stars and received a judges special award with her musical theater solo “Rich and Famous.” Megan Murphy of Old Saybrook scored 4 3⁄4 stars for with lyrical solo “Skinny Love.” Madison Grady of Clinton scored 4 3⁄4 stars with her open solo “Satan’s Lil Lamb.”
The Mini Competition Team placed fourth in the 9-11 Novice Small Group division with their tap routine “Boogie In The Barnyard,” and fifth with their Jazz “Born To Be Wild.” “Born To Be Wild also received a judges special award. Mini Team members Alexa Cardello, Sofia Taylor, Kylee Pascale, and Cassandra Garcia are from Old Saybrook. Mia Stowik and Sophie Furcolo are from Westbrook, and Briella Dean is from East Haddam.
The Future Stars Competition Team scored 5 stars for “Frozen Baby,” placed eighth in the 8 and Under Novice Small Group Division, won their category, and received a judges special award. Futures Team members Layla Dwyer, Audrey Bragg, and Aubrey Meyer are from Clinton. Delaney Keefe is from Westbrook, and Delilah Calle is from Old Saybrook.
In the 9-11 Novice Solo division Breilla Dean of East Haddam scored 5 stars and placed eighth out of 30 with her jazz solo “It’s All About Me.” The Junior Competition Team tap dance “Weird Science,” won the 11 and Under Entertainment Award and scored 4 3⁄4 stars, while “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and “Friend Like Me,” also scored 4 3⁄4 stars.
Junior Competition Team members Isabella Johnson, Olivia Hartmann, Gabriella Navarra, and Madison Grady are from Clinton. Tess Santarsiero, Jaidyn Cote, and Calla Gilson are from Old Saybrook, Sylvia Sonenstein is from Madison, and Gabrielle Walker is from Westbrook.
In the 15-19 solo division, Alix Giannini of Old Saybrook scored 4 3⁄4 stars and won her category with her contemporary solo “The Girl Behind the Mask.” Giannini also scored 4 3⁄4 and won her category with her jazz solo “I Put A Spell On You.” Cori Hofler of Westbrook scored 4 3⁄4 stars and received a judges special award with her solo “Alaska.”
In the 9-11 Solo Division Gabriella Navarra of Clinton scored 4 3⁄4 stars and received a judges special award with her open solo “Arrival of the Birds.” In the 8 and Under Novice Solo division Audrey Bragg of Madison scored 5 stars with her jazz solo “The Call.” Layla Dwyer of Clinton scored 4 3⁄4 stars and received a judges special award with her jazz solo “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
It was the conclusion of another very successful season for the Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams.
Westbrook Dance Academy offers programs for all ages Beginner to Advanced, Recreational and Competition for all ability levels and ALL ages in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Boys Hip Hop, Irish Step, Acrobatics, Musical Theater, and Technique Workshops. And for our youngest dancers we offer – Mommy and Me, Tiny Dancers, and Tiny Tumblers programs.
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 Irish Step Students Place at Nationals
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently concluded an extremely successful competition season with numerous with each team earning bids to the World Dance Championship in August. The Senior Competition Team qualified all three of their dances, “The Addams Family,” “In The Air Tonight,” and “Survivor.” The Junior Team dance “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” Mini Team dance “Born To Be Wild,” and Futures Team dance “Frozen Baby,” all qualified during the season. The teams and soloists also garnered numerous overall championships, high score awards, choreography, entertainment, and special awards.
The Senior, Teen, and Large Group Tap Teams competed in the World Dance Championship in 2018 with the Senior Team winning the Outstanding Performance Award in their division. In 2017 the Senior Competition Team finished fourth. In 2015 the Senior Team finished third.
The World Dance Championship 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 Mara Kelley, Megan Murphy, and Alixandria Giannini are from Old Saybrook, Zoie Murphy, and Cori Hofler are from Westbrook, and Brooke Dellarocco is from Chester.
Junior Competition Team members Isabella Johnson, Olivia Hartmann, Gabriella Navarra, and Madison Grady are from Clinton. Tess Santarsiero, Jaidyn Cote, and Calla Gilson are from Old Saybrook, Sylvia Sonenstein is from Madison, and Gabrielle Walker is from Westbrook.
Mini Team members Alexa Cardello, Sofia Taylor, Kylee Pascale, and Cassandra Garcia are from Old Saybrook. Mia Stowik and Sophie Furcolo are from Westbrook, Briella Dean is from East Haddam, and Julianna Robinson is from Essex.
Futures Team members Layla Dwyer, Audrey Bragg, and Aubrey Meyer are from Clinton. Delaney Keefe is from Westbrook, and Delilah Calle is from Old Saybrook.
Westbrook Dance Academy offers programs for all ages Beginner to Advanced, Recreational and Competition for all ability levels and ALL ages in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Boys Hip Hop, Irish Step, Acrobatics, Musical Theater, and Technique Workshops. And for our youngest dancers we offer – Mommy and Me, Tiny Dancers, and Tiny Tumblers programs.
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 Competition Teams Earn Bids to Compete in World Dance Championship for Fifth Year in a Row
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently concluded an extremely successful competition season with numerous with each team earning bids to the World Dance Championship in August. The Senior Competition Team qualified all three of their dances, “The Addams Family,” “In The Air Tonight,” and “Survivor.” The Junior Team dance “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” Mini Team dance “Born To Be Wild,” and Futures Team dance “Frozen Baby,” all qualified during the season. The teams and soloists also garnered numerous overall championships, high score awards, choreography, entertainment, and special awards.
The Senior, Teen, and Large Group Tap Teams competed in the World Dance Championship in 2018 with the Senior Team winning the Outstanding Performance Award in their division. In 2017 the Senior Competition Team finished fourth. In 2015 the Senior Team finished third.
The World Dance Championship 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 Mara Kelley, Megan Murphy, and Alixandria Giannini are from Old Saybrook, Zoie Murphy, and Cori Hofler are from Westbrook, and Brooke Dellarocco is from Chester.
Junior Competition Team members Isabella Johnson, Olivia Hartmann, Gabriella Navarra, and Madison Grady are from Clinton. Tess Santarsiero, Jaidyn Cote, and Calla Gilson are from Old Saybrook, Sylvia Sonenstein is from Madison, and Gabrielle Walker is from Westbrook.
Mini Team members Alexa Cardello, Sofia Taylor, Kylee Pascale, and Cassandra Garcia are from Old Saybrook. Mia Stowik and Sophie Furcolo are from Westbrook, Briella Dean is from East Haddam, and Julianna Robinson is from Essex.
Futures Team members Layla Dwyer, Audrey Bragg, and Aubrey Meyer are from Clinton. Delaney Keefe is from Westbrook, and Delilah Calle is from Old Saybrook.
Westbrook Dance Academy offers programs for all ages Beginner to Advanced, Recreational and Competition for all ability levels and ALL ages in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Boys Hip Hop, Irish Step, Acrobatics, Musical Theater, and Technique Workshops. And for our youngest dancers we offer – Mommy and Me, Tiny Dancers, and Tiny Tumblers programs.
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 Students Perform at Halftime at UCONN Women’s Basketball Game
On January 27th, several students from Westbrook Dance Academy performed at halftime at the UCONN Women’s Basketball game in front of a crowd of over 12,000 at the XL Center in Hartford.
The students, ages 7-17, performed a high energy nine minute routine at that was well received by those in attendance.
The participating students, under the direction of Julie Reed-Russo and Daneille Boucher were: Megan Murphy, Mara Kelley, Calla Gilson, Alix Giannini, Kylee Pascale, Alexa Cardello, and Cassandra Garcia of Old Saybrook. Kaylene Koelle, Isabella Johnson, Madison Grady, Olivia Hartmann, Lia Aniskovich, Bridget Johnson, Audrey Bragg, Aubrey Meyer, and Layla Dwyer of Clinton. Bryana Bartlett of Madison. Gabrielle Walker, Mia Stowik, Sophie Furcolo, Victoria Tangredi, Ella Marshall, and Delaney Keefe of Westbrook, and Emma Bach and Charlotte Bach of Essex.
Westbrook Dance Academy Irish Dancers Win Titles at New England Championships
On Saturday November 3, Briella Dean and Olivia Hartmann competed in the Rince Tuatha Nua New England Championships in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
Westbrook Dance Academy National Champions at Starpower 2018
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently competed in the Starpower Talent National at Mohegan Sun June 25-29, and returned as National Champions. In a competition with over 40 studios, and over 1400 entries, with some divisions with over 60 entries, the team scored well, won National Championships, and qualified two dances for the Battle of The Stars, with one winning the Outstanding Performance Award.
Miles Waterbury and Mara Kelley scored 5 stars and won the National Championship in the 15-19 Duo/Trio division for their duo “Moses Supposes.” Miles Waterbury is from Clinton, Mara Kelley is from Old Saybrook.
The Senior Competition Team scored 5 stars for their musical theater “Avenue Q,” placed fifth in the 15-19 Small Group Division, and was one of only six to qualify for the 12 and Up Small Group Battle of the Stars. At the Battle of the Stars, “Avenue Q” won the 12 and Up Outstanding Performance Award. The Senior Team lyrical “Rage on Rage” scored 5 stars and finished sixth. Their open routine “The Coven,” scored 4 ¾ stars. Senior Competition Team members Katherine Izadi, Courtney Briggs, and Mara Kelley are from Old Saybrook, and Miles Waterbury is from Clinton.
The Large Group Tap Team scored 5 stars for “School of Rock,” placed eighth in the 12-14 Small Group Division and was one of only six to qualify for the 12 and Up Large Group Battle of the Stars. Large Group Tap Team members Zoie Murphy and Sophia Rutkis are from Westbrook, Sylvia Sonenstein and Caroline Bowe are from Madison, Alixandria Giannini, Megan Murphy, Katherine Izadi, Courtney Briggs, and Mara Kelley are from Old Saybrook, Miles Waterbury, Kaylene Koelle, Claire Pease, Gabriella Navarra, and Madison Grady are from Clinton. Brooke Dellarocco is from Chester.
Brooke Dellarocco scored 5 stars and won the National Championship in the 12 and Up Vocal Division for “Defying Gravity.”
The Mini Team scored 5 stars for “Lemonade,” and placed second in the 8 and Under Novice Small Group Division. Mia Stowik and Sophie Furcolo are from Westbrook, Briella Dean is from East Haddam, Julianna Robinson is from Essex, Kylee Pascale, Sofia Taylor, and Alexa Cardello are from Old Saybrook.
The Teen Competition Team scored 5 stars for “To Build a Home,” and placed ninth in the 12-14 Small Group Division, “Bend and Snap,” scored 4 ¾ stars and was awarded the “Rhythmtastic” special award. Teen Competition Team members Claire Pease and Kaylene Koelle are from Clinton, Megan Murphy and Mara Kelley are from Old Saybrook, and Brooke DellaRocco is from Chester.
In the 12-14 Duo/Trio Division, “Up The Lazy River,” scored 5 stars and placed fifth. Claire Pease is from Clinton, Megan Murphy is from Old Saybrook, and Brooke DellaRocco is from Chester.
The Future Stars Team scored 4 ¾ stars for “Follow The Leader,” and placed second in the 8 and Under Novice Duo/Trio Division. Layla Dwyer and Aubrey Meyer are from Clinton, Audrey Bragg is from Madison.
The Teen Intermediate Competition Team dances “Coffee Break,” “In This Shirt,” and “Body Gold,” all scored 4 ¾ stars with “Coffee Break” finishing ninth in the 15-19 Small Group Division and “In This Shirt” finishing tenth. Teen Intermediate Competition Team Members Zoie Murphy, Cori Hofler, and Ashley Roberts are from Westbrook, Caroline Bowe is from Madison, and Alixandria Giannini is from Old Saybrook.
The Junior Competition Team scored 4 ¾ stars for “Walk Like and Egyptian,” “Goodbye Neverland,” and “Daddy.” Junior Competition Team Members Madison Grady and Gabriella Navarra are from Clinton, Sophia Rutkis is from Westbrook, and Sylvia Sonenstein is from Madison.
The Petite Competition Team scored 4 ¾ for their jazz dance, “Clap Snap,” placing sixth in the 9-11 Novice Small Group division. Petite Competition Team members Katherine Barrera, Olivia Hartmann, and Isabella Johnson are from Clinton, Jaidyn Cote, Tess Santarsiero, and Calla Gilson are from Old Saybrook, and Kylie Sevigny is from Old Lyme.
The Hip Hop Competition Team scored 4 ¾ stars for “Collapse.” Hip Hop Competition Team Members Yashveen Rai, and Claire Pease are from Clinton. Zoie Murphy is from Westbrook, Caroline Bowe is from Madison. Karla Matute and Alix Giannini are from Old Saybrook.
In the 15-19 solo division, Miles Waterbury “I Won’t Dance,” Mara Kelley “Waterfalls” and “Strange Birds,” Katherine Izadi “Youth’” Courtney Briggs “Old Days,” Ashley Roberts “Pompeii,” Alix Giannini “Check,” and Caroline Bowe “I’m Yours,” and “Happy” all scored 4 ¾ stars.
In the 12-14 Solo division, Sylvia Sonenstein scored 5 stars with her musical theater solo “14-G, while Madison Grady “One Jump Ahead” Megan Murphy “Your Song,” and Brooke DellaRocco “That’s Life,” all scored 4 ¾ stars. DellaRocco was also awarded the “Fabulous Smile,” special award.
In the 9-11 Solo Division Gabriella Navarra scored 4 ¾ stars for her open solo “Incantation.”
In the 9-11 Novice Solo division Jaidyn Cote scored 4 ¾ stars for her jazz solo “Naughty,” and won the “Broadway Bound” special award, while Calla Gilson “Sing,” Katherine Barrera “BEAT,” and Kylie Sevigny “Something New,” also scored 4 ¾ stars.
In the 8 and Under Novice Solo division Breilla Dean scored 4 ¾ stars for her Irish Step solo “Nancy Mulligan.”
It was the conclusion of another very successful season for the Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams.
Westbrook Dance Academy offers programs for those aged two to adult at the beginner, advanced, recreational, and competition levels. For more information on Westbrook Dance Academy or to register for summer or fall classes, contact 860-664-4308 or westbrookdanceac@aol.com, or visit www.westbrookdanceacademy.com.
Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams Earn Bids to Compete in World Dance Championship for Fourth Year in a Row
The Westbrook Dance Academy Competition Teams recently competed in the Starpower Talent Regional Competition in April and the Imagine Dance Challenge Regional in May, and earned three bids to the World Dance Championship in August. The Senior Competition Team dance “Avenue Q,” and the Teen Competition Team dance “Bend and Snap,” won the Star Dance Alliance Regional Championship in their respective age divisions to earn their bids out of 400 entries at Imagine, while the Large Group Tap Team dance “School of Rock,” scored in the top 3 in their age division out of 800 entries at Starpower to earn their bid.
The Senior, Teen, Teen Intermediate and Junior Teams competed in the World Dance Championship in 2017. In 2017 the Senior Competition Team finished in the final five in the preliminary round to advance to the finals where they finished fourth. In 2015 the Senior Team finished third.
The World Dance Championship 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 Katherine Izadi, Courtney Briggs and Mara Kelley are from Old Saybrook, Miles Waterbury is from Clinton.
Teen Competition Team members Kaylene Koelle and Claire Pease are from Clinton, Megan Murphy is from Old Saybrook, and Brooke Dellarocco is from Chester.
Large Group Tap Team members Zoie Murphy and Sophia Rutkis are from Westbrook, Sylvia Sonenstein and Caroline Bowe are from Madison, Alixandria Giannini, Megan Murphy, Katherine Izadi, Courtney Briggs, and Mara Kelley are from Old Saybrook, Miles Waterbury, Kaylene Koelle, Claire Pease, Gabriella Navarra, and Madison Grady are from Clinton. Brooke Dellarocco is from Chester.
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 Irish Dancers Compete In First Feis and Place In All Categories, One Qualifies For Ireland Team
Westbrook Dance Academy Irish Dancers Compete In First Feis and Place In All Categories, One Qualifies For Ireland Team
On Sunday, May 20, 2018 three dancers from the WDA Irish Step Classes competed in their first Feis (festival/Irish step competition). All three dancers placed in every category they competed in. The competition was held with the Mulkerin School of Irish dance in West Haven, CT.
Audrey Bragg competed in first feis under 8 and placed first in the Jig and third in the Reel. Briella Dean competed in under 8 beginner and placed first in the Jig and second in the Reel. Olivia Hartmann competed in under 12 advanced beginner and placed first in the Jig, Hornpipe and 3-Hand (group dance) and second place in Reel and Slip Jig.
Olivia Hartmann also qualified for the Ireland Team, known as the “Emerald Dancers” This group of 16 will tour Ireland for two weeks performing almost every night, sometimes twice. To earn a spot on the team, the judges looked at step complexity, stage presence and overall character. Irish Step Instructor Casey Krane was a part of the Ireland team in 2006, one of the eight groups that has been traveling to Ireland since 1968. Congratulations, Olivia!
Overall, it was a fantastic day and Westbrook Dance Academy is looking forward to introducing more dancers to Feiseanna
