Footlites Senior Dance Troupe
The last time we contacted your magazine our Sr. Dance Troupe had competed in several national and international tap dance competitions.
We are so very proud to announce that in December 2001, in Riesa, Germany we were awarded the "WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP" in the Senior Division in not one, but two events.
It was a sad trip for our troupe after the events of Sept. 11th; the American team was very small compared to past years so if seemed more important than ever to strive and do well, representing the U S A. We were even reluctant to wear our USA red, white and blue team suits while traveling through the airports because so many warnings had been issued about international travel at the time. In the small group event of seven dancers, we presented our arrangement of "Midnight in Moscow."
Next came the Formation event, which is usually perceived as the biggest event because it is the presentation that hosts the most dancers on stage at one time. The Canadian Team of 14 dancers performed before us and after watching them from backstage, we were sure that we didn't stand a chance because they were so spectacular. They presented an arrangement of "'Mame" that was outstanding.
I think we were all in shock when the judges held up the scores; we had actually won the Formation event, and were awarded gold medals and thus became "WORLD CHAMPIONS" In two events in the senior division for the USA. The Canadian Team came in rd winning the silver and the team from Germany won third place, bronze). It was a glorious feeling though sad, when we stood on the stage singing the National Anthem and watching our red, white and blue flag being raised to the highest level.
You can bet that nothing stopped us from wearing the red, white and blue team suits on the way home, proudly displaying "USA TAP TEAM." •