Florida Dance Masters 2005 Annual Convention Educational! Exciting! Entertaining!
Florida Dance Masters annual Thanksgiving Convention was held at the Renaissance Orlando Resort November 24 - November 27, 2005 ... There were classes given daily by an outstanding Faculty: Judith Reyn-Stroux - Ballet; Alan Sherfield--Jazz; John Crutchman--Lyrical; Alyce Bochette - Modern; Germain Salsberg - Tap. The Mini and Demi Student Faculty included: Susan Lyle Acrobatics; Elizabeth Parsons--Ballet; Mary-Ann Aguis--Jazz & Musical Theatre; Jacob Twilleager--Tap ... Scholarship Audition Classes were given all day on Thursday, November 24 and Friday morning, November 25 in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern and Acrobatics. There were many scholarships awarded in various categories totaling approximately $13,000.00. Congratulations to all of the students and their teachers.
The FLORIDA DANCE MASTERS "RISING STAR" SOLO COMPETITION was held on Thursday evening, November 24 and had (26) female contestants and (2) male contestants. FDM Miss "Rising Star" 2005 is Rayna Hirt -Teacher, Valerie Rye Weld. Rayna performed a Tap dance called, "Raining." FDM Mr. "Rising Star" 2005 is Jared Bogart - Teacher, Ronnie Bogart. Jared performed a Jazz/Acro called, "You are the Devil and the Devil is bad." Congratulations to both of these talented young dancers! There were performances by "Rising Star" Winners for 2004. *Note--This event, which premiered at the 1989 November Convention, has become a very beneficial part of dance education for FDM's younger students, aged 10-13. In its (16) year history, we have seen 909 dancers show their skills and enthusiasm for performing. Though only a small percentage of these youngsters will pursue a professional career in the Performing Arts, we can take pride in the knowledge that this particular title competition encourages personal achievement, overall confidence, and has helped to make many dreams come true.
The ROYAL DANCE FESTIVAL, featuring Florida Dance Masters "Best Dancers," was held on Friday evening, November 25. There were Junior and Senior Groups of students performing in the various forms of dance. *This is a non-adjudicated event, so that the students will relax and enjoy their dancing without the competitive factor being present...Florida Dance Masters Performing Group, "Main Attraction," performed Disco Fever, choreographed by Melissa Walters.
The ANNUAL GALA BANQUET was held on Saturday evening. Delicious Food~ Dance Performances by Solo Competition Title Holders; Florida Dance Masters "Main Attraction" Performing Group; and Scholarship Award Presentations...Mary Ann Cataldo, Banquet Chairman, did a
spectacular job of organizing this
special evening.
Florida Dance Masters, Inc. provides members and non-members with Dance Workshops and Intensive Training Seminars, led by some of the top dance professionals in the country. Awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to aspiring dancers each year, to the students of members. FDM welcomes new member teachers into the organization. Examinations in all subjects of dance are given periodically in various locations throughout the State.
For additional information regarding membership, please contact: Loretta Snedeker, Executive Secretary of Florida Dance Masters, Inc. 2601 Antilles Drive--Winter Park, Florida 32792. (407) 786-5678 floridadancemasters.org.