JUMPing into 2019
Our Artistry dancers started 2019 off with a bang! A few weeks ago all 42 of our company dancers attended JUMP Dance Convention and Competition in Rosemont, Illinois. JUMP is the largest dance convention in the world, touring to 26 US cities and 4 international cities. Our dancers took classes from some of the best in the industry including Nick Lazzarini, Mike Minery, Misha Gabriel, Katy Spreadbury, Nika Kljun, Erica Marr, Colby Shinn, Lexi Ishimoto and Micheal Keefe.
Our dancers worked hard all weekend long in classes. Prior to the JUMP weekend our dancers put a lot of thought into what their goals were for themselves and for the team. These weekends are jam packed and so much can be gained from them, so it is always important our dancers are mentally prepared and open to growth and challenges. Because of their hard work and preparation, our dancers were ready. It was rewarding to see our dancers so present, so eager and so willing to work as hard as they did. That is what these weekends are all about.
Artistry had dancers in all age groups at JUMP. Each dancer received so much information and inspiration that they are able to now take back with them into the studio. Throughout the weekend some of our dancers received scholarships for their hard work. Artistry dancers Ashlyn B, Lola E., Aidan G., Aubrey G., Camila H., Ellie L., Caroline M., Sophia M., Everley W., and Finley W. all received JUMP Class Scholarships. These dancers were selected for their excellence in specific dance styles. Artistry dancers Addison J. and Holly R. were awarded the JUMP Mini VIP Runner-Up Scholarship. Courtney C. and Sarina S. were awarded the JUMP Teen VIP Runner-Up Scholarship. These four dancers were selected from an audition process and can now compete for the 2019 Best Dancer Title at The Dance Awards.
The competition itself was a great experience for our dancers. It was wonderful for our dancers to hit the stage in January as confident and prepared as they did. Performing in front of an audience is so fulfilling for an artist and they all shined bright. We are incredibly proud of all our groups, solos, duets, and trios that competed. Our Mini Soloist Holly R. placed 6th Overall, our Junior Soloist Finely W. placed 7th overall and so many of our soloists received high accolades and great feedback. Our groups pieces did not disappoint either. All groups received golds and high golds and many of our dances placed top in category including 1st Overall JumpStart Routine for “Losing It”, 3rd Overall JumpStart Routine for “Hey Mickey”, 1st Overall Mini Line for “Diamonds”, 3rd Overall Junior Duet/Trio for “Changes”, 3rd Overall Junior Extended Line for “Recess” and 3rd Overall Teen Production for “Traveling Soldier”. Two of our dances; “Losing It” for JumpStarts and “Diamonds” for Mini, won the very exclusive Best of JUMP Award! To top off the weekend, our Junior Contemporary piece “Coal War” was invited to perform at the JUMP closing show!
We could not have dreamed of a better way to start our second season. Our dancers have shown great work ethic, strength and grace and we are excited to see what the rest of the season holds for our talented and hard working team.
