Dancers from the Expressions dance team at the Pagosa Springs Dance Academy kicked off their season with their first competition of the year at Dupree in Phoenix, Ariz., held Oct. 31–Nov. 2.
This event was a combined competition and convention, where dancers not only performed their routines for a panel of judges, but also took classes in a wide range of styles taught by professional dancers.
Because dance competition season typically occurs in late winter and spring, this early-season event required an accelerated period of learning choreography and polishing routines.
The Expressions team chose this Arizona event because it is known for its high level of competition, providing an excellent opportunity for growth. Few competitions also include a full weekend convention, making this a particularly valuable learning experience for these small-town dancers.
Expressions Company Director Lesley Peck commented on the challenge of the event, sharing, “The competition at Dupree is on a whole different level from what we usually experience, but our Expressions Company dancers stepped up with courage, excitement and unstoppable effort. I’m extremely proud of how hard they worked and the heart they brought to every performance.”
Team members performed solos, duets, trios and group routines, receiving feedback to help them refine their technique and artistry.
Scores ranged from gold and platinum to diamond, and several dancers earned special recognition awards.
In the solo division, Paige Rogacki, Penny Peck and Sophie Martinez each received platinum for their jazz solos, while Cassidy Luke earned gold for her jazz solo along with a special “Make It Work” award. Merick Halterman received gold for her lyrical solo, and Lily Peck earned platinum and a special “Broadway Bound” award for her musical theater solo. Performing contemporary solos, Lily Rogacki and Ember Liverett both earned platinum, and Leela Simpson received gold for her contemporary solo. Avonlea Thomas received a platinum rating and a special “Versatility” award for her Irish dance solo.
In the duo and trio categories, the musical theater trio of Paige Rogacki, Luke and Halterman earned platinum, and Paige Rogacki and Luke also received gold for their hip-hop duo. Sisters Lily and Penny Peck performed a musical theater duo that earned a platinum rating and placed fourth overall in their division — the only Pagosa dancers to place this year. Considering that no dancers placed at this competition last year due to its high level, this marks a significant achievement and reflects the team’s dedication and growth. Two contemporary duos also received gold: one performed by Martinez and Penny Peck, and another by Simpson and Liverett.
In the group division, the tap piece performed by Thomas, Simpson, Lily Peck, Halterman, Penny Peck, Paige Rogacki and Luke earned a platinum rating along with a special “Great Use of Props” award.
In addition to their competition awards, several dancers also received recognition for their work in the convention classes, with Luke, Halterman and Lily Rogacki each receiving half-scholarship awards.
It was an exhausting but rewarding weekend for the dancers, who gave full effort in both the competition and the intensive convention classes. Because the event took place on Halloween, dancers also participated in a special Halloween-night master class, complete with costumes, which added a fun memory to the busy weekend.
Pagosa Springs Dance Academy Executive Director Katrina Thomas shared, “The main goal of participating in this event was educational. Expressions team members spent two intensive days learning under true masters in the dance field. They also held their own in the extremely competitive early-season competition, gaining valuable experience performing their pieces and receiving excellent, constructive feedback that has set them up for a great season. We are very happy with their growth from this experience and look forward to building upon that strong base.”
Expressions dancers will have their next competition in Grand Junction in February, followed by two competitions in Farmington, N.M., and their final competition of the season in Denver in March.
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