(Atlantic, IA) – Villa Dance Company recently competed at BravO!’s National Dance & Talent Competition Best of the Midwest Summer Bash Finals. The four-day national event brought together studios from Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Arkansas and featured soloists, duets, trios, and group performances of all sizes. VDC took 13 dance routines to the national stage and earned honors for all.
The team received numerous special recognition throughout the competition. Five Special Judges Awards, six 1st Place Championships in their respective age divisions and group sizes, and five additional routines finished in the Top 5 Overall.As well as Five Platinum and eight Platinum Select adjudications. (Platinum Select scores are awarded within six points of a perfect score.)
Other top honors included:
“My Name Is” – Outstanding Performance (Overture Level)
“Hand Clap” – Entertainment Award “Press Conference Rag” – Outstanding Performance (Encore Level)
“Stuck In The Middle” – Standing Ovation Award in the Encore Level which is the highest honors presented in the session.
“Bag It Up” – Entertainment Award in the Bravo Level while also receiving a perfect score of 300.
VDC was awarded Outstanding Choreography Studio Award for the Encore Level competition. Individually, Nelley Pelzer was honored as the Outstanding Performer for the Bravo Level.
The excitement continued during the National Grand Championship Finals, each time competing against 4 other studio finalists. “My Name Is,” “Stuck In The Middle,” “Hand Clap,” “Press Conference Rag,” and “Bag It Up” were each selected to re-compete for the National Grand Championship in their respective age divisions and experience levels. All five of VDC’s dance routines won the title of National Grand Champion!
In addition to the competitive success, Villa Dance Company was presented with the prestigious Jerry Longe Spirit & Sportsmanship Award, recognizing studios that display a true love of dance through exceptional sportsmanship, enthusiasm, encouragement, and kindness toward fellow dancers, teachers, and BravO! staff.
“We are shocked, incredibly humbled, and so grateful for these blessings,” said studio director Rachel Johnson. “The competition was tough, and we had the privilege of sharing the stage with 28 outstanding studios. To be recognized among that level of talent is something we will never take for granted. Our small studio with very few competition routines and a small group of multi-talented kids who balance dance with school, sports, and many other activities. Watching them support one another, cheer on other studios, represent our studio with kindness, and come home as five-time National Grand Champions makes us unbelievably proud.”
