DANCING FOR ART.......FROM THE HEART
May.3.2008


During the months of March & April, 24 young dancers from the Praise T.E.A.M. Showcase group have been busy competing at various dance competitions, winning Top Awards for each of their two routines: the upbeat, street-dance “Arcadia” and the movie-musical-inspired “Hairspray". These dancers are Anna Aquino, AJ Cabanos, Camille Corcuera, Celine Diaz, Matt Flojo, Gerwyn Frias, Julio Fuentes, Dani Fuentes, Alo Galedo, Kim Gelera, Jade Hidalgo, Kevin Locsin, Chris Marquez, Mickee Reyes, Missy Reyes, Joanna Reyes, Antonio Somera, Jr., Arthur Tiojanco, Charisse Trinidad, Wendy Ubial, Melanie Valencia, Menelaine Valencia, Abby Zaporteza.

      
They started off their competition run at Dance Power, held in Massey Theatre, New Westminster, where their routines earned the Top Two scores in the whole competition. They also competed at the Surrey Festival of Dance, one of the largest amateur dance competitions in North America, where “Hairspray” placed First in the Musical Theater category. Most recently, they competed at the Peak Invitational, held at Michael J. Fox Theater in Burnaby, where among other winning entries “Hairspray” claimed the Highest Score in the competition earning them a 3-foot-tall trophy and a cash prize.

          
In late March, the group drove down to Portland, Oregon to participate in the International Dance Challenge. Both routines earned Platinum Placement (the highest placement given), and “Arcadia” garnered the Second Highest Score among all competitors. They were also awarded with Best Presentation for their infectious rendition of “Hairspray”. They look forward to competing in the International Dance Challenge in Orlando, Florida from July 17 to 20.. It shall be one of their toughest challenge as they will showcase their talents against all the regional winners, from about 40 US states, including Canada.

According to Julio Fuentes, Sr. Choreographer, “The Showcase group has only been around for less than two years, but we have been already experienced so much as a group. From all the victories from various competitions to all of our traveling opportunities, none of these would have been possible without the support of PraiseTEAM as a whole, our loving parents, and of course, our Heavenly Father. I couldn't think of a more talented group of performers to work with. All our sacrifice and hard work has definitely paid off. I am truly blessed.”



WHAT WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED THIS YEAR

Dance Power
March 5-8

Sr.A's "SUPERFICIAL" - silver
Junior Showcase' "DISH IT OUT" - gold
Sr. Showcase' "HAIRSPRAY" - gold
Sr. Showcase' "ARCADIA" - gold
"HAIRSPRAY" and "ARCADIA" - Over all champions

International Dance Challenge
Portland, Oregon
March 29

Our Sr. showcase got the following:
Platinum – Arcadia
Platinum – Hairspray
Senior Line Challenge Champion – Arcadia
Senior Entertainment Challenge Champion – Hairspray
Best Presentation Senior Division (tie) - Hairspray and Arcadia
IDC Ultimate Challenge Champion – Sr. First Runner-Up (based on all scores) - Arcadia


Peak Invitational Dance- Michael J. Fox Theatre

April 5-6
Int. Hip Hop’s “STARSTRUCK” - 1st Place winner
Sr. A’s “SUPERFICIAL”- 1st place winner
Jr. Showcase’ “DISH IT OUT”- 1st place winner

ALL THREE WERE AMONG THE TOP TEN HIGHEST SCORERS FOR LEVEL 1


Surrey Festival of Dance

April 3
First tap competition "Tap de Quatre"(Tap-si-log)
Antonio, Joanna, Mickee and Missy

April 26
Sr. A's "SUPERFICIAL" - 3rd place
Int. HipHop's "STARSTRUCK" - 1st place
Kevin, AJ, Mickee "ROCKBAND" - 1st place

May 3
SR. Showcase' - ARCADIA
1st place in their category
2nd place in the Finals