February 28, 2017
By: Jessica Fascenelli Weisenbach,
Dance & Performing Arts Director,
Theater Camps Director and Specialty Camps Director
This Saturday, March 4th The Connection Dance Team will be kicking off the upcoming competition season with our annual Sneak Peek Performance! Every competition season is exciting, but this one is particularly special because it is our 5th season! This is the first of many milestones to come.
As the coach and choreographer for the team I have been able to see so much growth over the past 5 years. Our team has certainly grown in size – starting with only 21 dancers who competed 3 dances in 2012 (in addition to 5 pre-team members), to this year having 38 dancers who will compete 16 dances. Our team has also grown in skill, friendships and momentum…not the kind of momentum that helps our girls leap through the air, but in the energy and excitement that surrounds and radiates from this group of hard working dancers. Most of the team takes class several days a week (some almost every day), so there is always a buzz in the hallways. If you are in the building in the afternoons the team members can be spotted chatting about their day, stretching or gabbing about the upcoming season. This buzz began when the team started rehearsing in September – and now the day is finally (almost) here!
This is an especially exciting year for Amanda Ruffino, who has been on the team all 5 years – “It has been so great to see the development of the team and dancers, and it is so nice to always be making friends.” Amanda continued by saying “there is such a sense of community in the dance team and it is really exciting and fun to be a part of”. In 2012 Amanda started on our “2nd-5th grade” team, and has grown to be on our highest level team in addition to our Elite Team and being a part of a trio.
I am so proud of Amanda and all of my dancers. They have been working so hard not just this year, but for the past several years, and all of their hard work is really shining through. I hope all of our Connection members, friends, and fellow community members join us this Saturday to watch the team perform. From our youngest Glitter Team dancers, to our incredible Acro Team, to our fantastic duets and trios, the audience will certainly be entertained!
Tickets are on sale at the front desk for the 2:00 and 3:30pm shows, $5 for children and $10 for adults. Additional tickets will be sold at the door on a first come first serve basis and the team will be hosting a snack sale (cash only).
If your child is interested in auditioning for The Connection Dance Team’s 2017-2018 season please contact Jessica at Jessica.Fascenelli@TheConnectionOnline.Org. Auditions will be held in June 2017.