Fort Lauderdale Put On Your Dancin' Shoes!
When I say "Fort Lauderdale," what jumps into your mind? If you think of the beautiful sun, sparkling water, the tempting beaches, and the spirit and love of expression of the people, well then, you would have loved the On Stage America competition that was held there on February 16 & 17, 2001!
Boy, what a sight!!! Tons of talented dancers, all anxiously lined up, waiting to perform for our judges. And what a show they put on! The dancers were gracious, the audience awe-struck, and the judges were quite impressed!!!
The pretty little princes and princesses in the petite division danced their ways into the hearts of our three judges. They were both gifted and adorable. The exotic Ms. Imari Morrison danced to "Egypt" and won the Petite Miss On Stage America title. Charming Tyler Popkin performed to "Hang on Sloopy" and won the Petite Mr. On Stage America title. Patriotic Rachel Pino danced to "America the Beautiful" and won Best Petite Solo. As for the Petite Duo/Trio, the winners were quite a cute pair, Danielle and Daniela, in "Forever Friends." The Petite Small Group winners grabbed hold of the plaque with their performance of "If We Hold On." And, of course, the Petite Large Group Plaque went to the magical, musical group of "Sussical."
Now, for the juniors! Who says lower classmen have no fun. The juniors impressed everyone with their dances. Ryan Beth Silverstein was dreamy in "Sandman" and took home the Junior Miss On Stage America title. Janelle Delgado danced to "Tarantella" and won Highest Scoring Junior Solo. Junior Duo/Trio went to "A Gypsy's Fortune." The heavenly group "Angel" won Junior Small Group. And of course, the Junior Large Group division was won by the very moving "Dove's Cry."
The Teen Division, which is made up of talented dancers who will eventually, with a little hard work and practice, make their way onto the Senior Division. The Teen Miss On Stage America title went to Amanda Freilich for her royal rendition of "Queen of the Night." Highest Scoring Teen Solo went to the exquisite Katerina San Juan for "Spanish Variation." The quintessential Joslyn, Annette, and Melissa danced to "Can't Take That Away" and took home the trophy for Best Teen Duo/Trio. The artistic "Fossie's World" took home the Teen Small Group plaque. And "East Side Girls" made all the west side girls jealous when they impressed the judges so much that they won the Junior Large Group plaque.
Throughout the competition, the Seniors thrilled the audience! The younger, more inexperienced dancers sat and watched the seniors dance their hearts out with awe and respect. Brianna Cunningham rocked the house with "I Got Rhythm" and won "Senior Miss On Stage America." Go Brianna! There was such chemistry on the stage when Priscilla Marrero danced to "Ionization" and won the Highest Scoring Senior Solo. The Senior Duo/Trio winners were the very rhythmic Bethany, Traci, and Molly, who swung to "Swing." "Read Earth" took home the plaque for Highest Scoring Senior Small Group. And the very willful "Because We Can" was awarded the plaque for Senior Large Group.
To all of our contestants in Fort Lauderdale, thanks for a great competition! We enjoyed the weather, the people, the dancing, and the camaraderie. The performances were lovely, and the dancers were talented. Good luck to all the dancers, we wish you luck in all of your future endeavors. •