Our Starlites and Elite Competition Teams Shine at Backstage

Our competition season officially kicked off at Backstage Performing Arts Competition in Millstone, NJ, and what an incredible first event it was for both our Starlites and Elite competition teams! From top-scoring routines to special judges’ awards and studio-wide recognitions, our dancers truly set the tone for an amazing season ahead.

Starlites Shine Bright

We’re so proud of our Starlites team for their outstanding performances and impressive placements throughout the weekend. A huge highlight was the duo “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” performed by Jordyn and Alexandra and choreographed by Miss Tina. Their routine earned a phenomenal 283.47, making it the highest-scoring Starlite dance of the entire competition! Additional Starlites awards included:

• Jordyn & Alexandra – “These Boots Are Made for Walking” 1st Overall Pre-Teen Beginner VIP Duet/Trio

• Starlite Lyrical – “Somewhere Only We Know” 1st Overall Pre-Teen Beginner VIP Small GroupBallet Technique Special Award

• Aleah – “Something New” 1st Overall Teen Beginner VIP Solo

• Sofia P. – “Wildfire” 4th Overall Teen Beginner VIP Solo

• Starlite Jazz – “Wings” 2nd Overall Pre-Teen Beginner VIP Small Group

• Alexandra – “My Strongest Suit” 3rd Overall Pre-Teen Beginner VIP Solo

Elite Team Brings the A-Game

Our Elite dancers also had an exceptional showing, earning numerous placements, special awards, and invitations. We are especially proud of Cayla, whose tap solo “I Feel the Love” (choreographed by Miss Amanda) was the highest-scoring routine from our entire studio, earning an impressive 294.16! Elite highlights included:

• Cayla – “I Feel the Love” Opening Number Invitation

• Bailey – “Make It Look Easy” 2nd Overall Petite Intermediate VIP SoloJudges Award: Clean and Precise

• Bailey – “My Own Way” 3rd Overall Petite Intermediate VIP Solo

• Sydnie – “Unbroken” Convention ScholarshipOpening Number Invitation

• Avery – “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” Standing OvationOpening Number Invitation

• Charlotte – “The Climb” 4th Overall Junior Intermediate VIP SoloStanding Ovation

• Tori – “Black Velvet” Opening Number Invitation

• Bella – “V for Vivaldi” Standing Ovation

• Rachael – “Already Enough” Judges Award: Pure Passion

• Francesca & Lucia – “In Case You Don’t Live Forever” 6th Overall Pre-Teen Advanced VIP Duet/Trio

• Ava – “Rockstar” 8th Overall Junior Intermediate VIP Solo

• Amelia & Bella – “Edge of Seventeen” 4th Overall Teen Advanced VIP Duet/Trio

• Sofia – “I’m A Lady” 4th Overall Petite Intermediate VIP SoloEvonne Bruno Award of ExcellenceConvention Scholarship

• Cayla – “Everywhere I Go” Judges Award: Heartfelt Moments

• Tori – “Hoax” Standing Ovation

• Chloe & Sydnie – “Turn Off the Light” 5th Overall Teen Advanced VIP Duet/TrioJudges Award: Smooth Transitions

• Lucia – “Hit the Road Jack” Convention Scholarship

• Kayla – “That’s Life” Judges Award: Breath of Fresh Air

• Arianna – “Broadway Baby” 6th Overall Petite Intermediate VIP Solo

• Brielle – “Buzz” Standing Ovation

Studio-Wide Recognition

In addition to individual achievements, our entire competition program (Starlites and Elites) was honored with two special studio awards:

• Perfectly Paired Award – recognizing how beautifully each dancer’s strengths were matched with choreography and the strong connections between dancers and choreographers

• Oh My Accents Award – celebrating crisp, dynamic performances with musical precision across all genres

These honors speak to the dedication of our dancers and faculty and the supportive, inspiring environment we strive to create every day in class and rehearsal.

An Incredible Start to the Season

We couldn’t be prouder of every dancer who took the stage at Backstage. Their commitment, teamwork, and passion were evident in every performance. Congratulations to our Starlites and Elite teams on a record-breaking first competition. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the season brings!