South Orange Dance School Earns Award at National Competition

South Orange dance students earned top awards at a national competition held in Maine at the end of July.

The Dancer’s Inc. National Dance Competition was held in Portland, Maine and rain from Friday, July 26 to Saturday, July 27. More than 400 dance numbers were performed from over 35 studios.

A number by The Maria Priadka School of Dance (MPSD) won an Elite award, an invitation to the choreography showcase, and was awarded 3rd place overall junior group of the competition.

The dance number, “EYES,” was choreographed by Deborah Rembert.

The dancers were also awarded a high gold award for hip-hop routine “Can’t Hold Us Back” and an Elite award and special judges award for “The Journey,” a dance choreographed honoring Nelson Mandela.

The dancers also placed first and second in the Teen open category at the Tremaine National Dance Competition and Convention in New York City early in mid-July.

Two MPSD students, Nia Warren and Gabrielle Rembert, were awarded scholarships to attend future workshops. Several dancers also attended the New York City Dance Alliance convention where they took class with many of the leading teachers and choreographers in the industry.

“MPSD is committed to providing comprehensive technical training to children and adults in the art of dance,” the school stated. “Our curriculum is designed to instill confidence, self-esteem, and discipline while nurturing and developing the creative possibilities of each student.”