Watertown DanceXplosion Results

Angels Soar To The Top of Competition


A small group of performers from “In The Company of Angels” hit the stage for the Dance Xplosion regional competition in Watertown the weekend of March 8th. They could not have anticipated that the students from studio locations in Carthage and Gouverneur, NY would waltz away with so many honors.
The two day competition was held the weekend of March 8th at the Dulles State Office Building. The auditorium hosted competitors from studios throughout the region. Studio Directors Carrie Edick and Rhonda Foote noted that their choreography, along with that of staff members Stephanie Warnekros, Jessica Jones, and Kierstyn Zaykoski made a fine showing.

The studio was represented by twenty acts. In the Jr. Open solo Xtreme division Rachael Coon performed a modern/vocal solo to “Concrete Angel”. Rachael received a Platinum medal and first place trophy in the category. Justina Davenport received a Platinum medal for her solo, “Wildfire” and Brielle Farley received an Xtreme Gold medal for her solo presentation to “The Way I Are”.

In the Jr. Clog Category solo Xtreme division, KC Edick received a Platinum medal, first place solo and the coveted title of Mr. DanceXplosion for his fast paced version of “Saturday Night”.

In the Jr. Jazz Duet/Trio Xtreme Division Justina Davenport and Julie Peck combined talents in a jazz duet to “Black Cats”. The girls brought home a platinum medal and sixth place trophy overall in the duo/trio division.

The Petite Lyrical Solo Novice Division brought first-time competitor Kaylin Mulberger to the stage for a Gold medal and first place trophy as honors for her solo “Smile”. Kaylin also placed 7th overall in the Petite Solo Novice Division.

Jackie Evans performed “Butterfly Kisses” in the Junior Lyrical solo Novice Division for an Extreme Gold Medal.

In the Petite Acro Solo Novice Division several students did well. Tessa Brenno placed first in her category with an Xtreme Gold medal performance to the classic “ABC”. Tessa also placed second overall in the Petite solo novice division.

Matasha McIntosh received an Xtreme Gold and first place trophy in the same division for her rendition of “Material Girl”.Matasha also won third place overall honors in the Jr. solo novice division.

Julie Peck did a “1-2 Step” in the Xtreme Acro division to take home a Platinum medal.

Little Grace Seybert got an Xtreme gold in the novice division for her lyrical to “Baby Mine” and a Platinum medal and first place trophy for her jazz solo “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You”.

Petite Clogging solo Novice division brought Sarah Coon to the stage performing “Down on the Farm”. Sarah won an Xtreme gold medal and first place trophy in her category as well as sixth place petite solo novice division overall honors.

The Mulberger sisters, Mary and Kaylin took the stage with a hiphop duet to “Summer Love”. They received a gold medal and fifth place in the Jr. Duet/Trio Novice Division.

The Senior Modern Solo Novice Division was represented by Grace Hummel. Grace received a Gold medal for her dance to “Skipping Stones”.

In the Petite Tap Solo Novice Division, Jacqueline Storrin received a Gold medal for her “Big Time” performance.

Jr. Jazz solo by Mary Mulberger to “Stupid Cupid” in the Novice division earned her a Gold medal.

Teen Lyrical solo in the Xtreme Division to “The Real Me” was danced by Maneka McIntosh. Maneka won an Xtreme Gold medal for her performance.

Platinum medals all the way around for seasoned performer Kierstyn Zaykoski. Kierstyn performed a Sr. Lyrical solo to “Answered Prayer” and a modern solo to “Paradise”. She also received platinum honors for her duet with Kaylin Mulberger to the beautiful “You Raise Me Up”. Kierstyn also won overall honors in the Sr. Xtreme Division.

Special Awards were chosen by the judges for a variety of complimentary honors. Students from “In the Company of Angels” received many of these awards. Students receiving the awards were: Jacqueline Evans, Tessa Brenno, Matasha McIntosh, Rachael Coon and Grace Seybert.

The judges also chose performers to attend Nationals this summer as part of the Xtreme Team. Students from “In the Company of Angels” chosen were: Kierstyn Zaykoski, Maneka McIntosh, Grace Seybert, Justina Davenport, Julie Peck, KC Edick and Brielle Farley.

The Directors were thrilled with the results from this debut competition. Carrie Edick noted “this proves that we can bring together performers and choreographers from several locations successfully.” Artistic Director, Rhonda Foote, was most pleased that “while most of the studios competing have been focusing solely on preparation for these competitive events, our performers have been spending the majority of their time on outreach performances to benefit others. Competition results have not been our main focus, but the results are certainly positive and astounding.”

The Directors and company members are looking forward to attending “Access Broadway” competition in Syracuse at the end of the month. Approximately fifty performers will compete in over sixty numbers from the company. They are also beginning preparations for an Americana benefit production to hit the stage this spring.

For more information about “In The Company of Angels” please visit us on the web at www.coofangels.blogspot.com We offer a full range of classes in dance and gymnastics in Carthage and Gouverneur, N.Y. You can also call 315-287-4100.