A group of ten local dancers from International Dance Academy recently returned to the city from a competition in Chicago, Illinois. There the team entered and competed at the Danceamerica National Finals and placed in the top five of sixteen entered categories, with eight of the dance numbers winning First Place National Dance Champion Status. Overall, the team represented Thunder Bay very well in the competition. Some notable performances include: Top winner, Codi Gowanlock, who not only placed first for his Jazz Solo “Rock that Body,” making him National Champion, but he also was first runner up for Dancer of the Year (DOTY) and first runner up for overall highest score for the Senior Male Division; top adult dancer, Nerissa McRury who was National Champion placing first for her Jazz Solo “Glam”; Victoria Garofalo, the top Senior dancer with a first place National Championship for her Hip Hop routine “Bring Them Out”; Alexandra Knudsen, top Intermediate dancer with her first place National Championship Pointe routine “Diana”; top Junior dancer, Jennifer Villeneuve who was first place National Champion for her Pointe routine entitled “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” Other National Champion first place group routines were Senior Innovative Ballet group routine called “Rolling in the Deep,” performed by Montana Christian, Victoria Garofalo, Alexandra Knudsen, Nerissa McRury, Serena McRury and Codi Gowanlock, Senior Ballet Duet of Alexandra Knudsen and Codi Gowanlock entitled “Masquerade,” and Junior group Hip Hop group routine “Sorry for Party Rocking,” danced by Amber Allen, Emily Ainsworth, Chloe Hays and Jennifer Villeneuve.
The International Dance Academy is holding its fall registration for all new and returning dancers on Tuesday August 27 from 2-4pm and Wednesday August 28 from 4-6 pm at their studio on 340 North Waterloo right next to the Persian Man. Further registration dates will be held the first week in September. Come out to join this award-winning team in their 31st season.
