Broadway Cup Goes to SODA Pops
At Access Broadway's 2007 Grand National Finals, held at Walt Disney World's Coronado Springs Convention Center, performing arts studios from around the country were on the edge of their of seats for the presentation of the 2007 Best Studio award.
Veteran dance directors Miriam Doktor and Valerie Weld of Miriam and Valerie's School of Dance Arts (SODA) of Sanford, FL presented their work over five hard fought days and nights of competition in their quest for the Broadway Cup - the prestigious trophy celebrating excellence in dance, acting and voice. In addition to SODA, four previous Broadway Cup winners were competing at this event: 2003 champion Oconee Youth School of Performance from Watkinsville, GA, 2005 champion Nabbie's Productions of Cape Coral, FL, and 2006 champions Seven Star School of Performing Arts from Brewster, NY. These studios were in serious contention, pulling out all the stops to gain every available high score point needed to win and raise the famous cup!
Ron DeVito, president of Access Broadway and "father" of its concept calls the Broadway Cup "The undisputed, undefeated, champion; of all awards"! "The SODA Pops certainly won't dispute it", says Valerie Weld, one of the directors of M&V's. "Access Broadway is anything but an easy win, dancers must be not only strong in dance, but in singing and acting as well."
Based on the proven theory that in order to make it on Broadway, a performer must be a triple threat (good name for the next TV reality show: "Triple Threatness Required." "The production co-coordinators of Access Broadway provide state of the art equipment for dancing, singing and acting. There is great lighting and a huge raised stage, beautifully covered with Marley" says SODA director Miriam Doktor "- everyone is highlighted at their best whether they are in a large production number or singing a solo from the latest Broadway show."
In 2004, due to recommendations from numerous studio directors, Miriam and Valerie decided to try Access Broadway because of its new concept of combining dance with singing and acting. "It was a breath of fresh air to see how multi-talented the competitors were" Valerie continued, "we tried to push vocal and acting over the years with our students, however this was the first opportunity to showcase that kind of talent". SODA faired very well at their first Access Broadway regional event, winning the title of "Best Studio Orlando". That same year they decided to go for the Broadway Cup at nationals. Due to their quality dance program and large number of male dancers they were able to place second that year, losing by only a few points to 2004 champion Oconee Youth School of Performance.
To be awarded the title of "Best Studio" and the "Broadway Cup", schools must acquire high score points throughout Access Broadway's competition. Competitors receive points for each title won making the final point tally a real team effort. The stage was set this year with SODA's 53 member ensemble against four previous cup winners and a slew of other hopefuls. During the first three days of competition, 2005 champion, Nabbie's Productions held a sizable lead with O.Y.S.P. and Seven Star studio trailing close behind. SODA, with the help of their new acting and vocal divisions was keeping pace in fourth position....holding their big production numbers for the final two days. On day four, O.Y.S.P. jumped ahead of the pack with some spectacular, diverse Broadway inspired numbers highlighting their acting, vocal and dance talent with a second "Broadway Cup" title clearly in sight.
On day five, however, the superior dance prowess of SODA kicked in to gear. As Access Broadway president, Ron DeVito, announced the final high score titles, the audience was on the edge of their seats as SODA, Seven Star and Broadway Bound traded spots in the high score group titles. By the time the final title was announced the audience was dazed, confused and unsure as to who won---it was close! In his theatrical fashion, Mr. DiVito suspended the moment a few seconds more, clearly hearing a pin drop, and then boisterously proclaimed SODA the new "Broadway Cup" Champions!
The sold out crowd went wild, led by a standing ovation from Nicole and Donna Aravena, directors of Seven Star in a gesture of good sportsmanship. Miriam and Valerie grasped each other with joy and the students of SODA rushed the stage like the final out of the world series. Their hard work was validated in one shining moment, as they enjoyed a much deserved curtain call for their superb accomplishment in front of their peers. During the celebration, Valerie commented "the new additions to our studio curriculum kept us in the race, but our life time dedication to dance put us over the top!"
The Broadway Cup is a 3 ? foot tall, sterling silver tribute to success weighing in at 45 lbs and valued at $30,000. The SODA Pops (School of Dance Arts, Performers on Parade) will be dancing around "The Cup" for the next year as part of the thrill of being its 2007 winners. According to the SODA Pops the hysterical moment when they were all called to the huge Access Broadway stage to be photographed with the cup was "the best"!
Miriam and Valerie also commented on the fact that at A.B., studio owners and teachers are encouraged to meet each other and share studio policy and trials and tribulations as well as triumphs. The sisters enjoyed these dance related stories that were a part of the action during hospitality events provided by Ron DeVito and his Access Broadway staff. Three cocktail parties for the teachers and a teacher's luncheon were the backdrop for meeting and greeting, also a chance to talk with judges and A.B.'s master teachers.
SODA dancers took advantage of the workshop classes during the first two days which featured a full Broadway curriculum: ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, singing and acting. Students were encouraged to participate, but not required. Valerie commented "those who did participate came home with plenty of information on style, focus, charm, showmanship and of course, technique."
Miriam and Valerie and their SODA Pops are noted for their entertainment qualities and are often called upon to perform at Disney World and for Disney related special events. Their students studied in Russia at the Bolshoi School in 1989. The SODA Pops performed in the Peoples Republic of China in 1999, while dancing in a cultural arts exchange in co-operation with the Chinese government. While M&V's is not a "competition" studio they take part in one a year, when possible. "It's the entertainment factor they thrive on" says Miriam Doktor "and the learning process that goes along with getting a number in top shape to be judged."
As the Access Broadway book says "it's the total entertainment event". So are the SODA Pops, "the total entertainment package", these days all wrapped in smiles. The Senior pops, the Junior pops the Mini pops;, the Baby pops and the Boy pops are all "popping" with pride over their latest success, Access Broadways' "Best Studio" and the "Broadway Cup". If you happen to be nearby, stop in at Miriam & Valerie's School of Dance Arts. They are in the lake side city of Sanford, FL, located an equal distance between Daytona Beach and Orlando. You can have a look at the fabulous "Broadway Cup", it's really something to see and this group of happy dancers will gladly show it off.