Astoria Dance Centre Students Win Jazz, Ballet

Astoria Dance Centre student Laura Vilcherrez won overall high scores for jazz dance at the "I Love Dance" pageant in April.

Laura Vilcherrez and Samantha Schupke, students of the Astoria Dance Centre, won overall high scores in the 12 to 14 age division for their respective jazz and ballet solos at the Hanover Preliminary Pageant of "I

Love Dance", held at the Hanover Marriott Hilton on April 1.

Vilcherrez has been studying at the Astoria Dance Centre for one year and Schupke for seven years. They were among 11 students from the Astoria Dance Centre who entered the "I Love Dance" Preliminary Competition.

Kim McKimmie, "I Love Dance", international director was enthusiastic in her praise of the dancers and the talent they displayed. "The hard work and hours of rehearsal are obvious," she said. "I'm sure the parents and the local communities are very proud of these extraordinary dancers' accomplishments at 'I Love Dance'."

The dancers attended the International Group championship "Sweetheart Of The Year" competition and Dance Training Intensive in May in St. Louis, Missouri. They had an opportunity to study with Master Teachers from around the world during the five-day dance training intensive sponsored by "I Love Dance".

Samantha Schupke achieved overall high scores in ballet at the "I Love Dance" pageant.

"I Love Dance" has been presenting dance festivals and conventions for 29 years. Young students of ballet, jazz, tap, variety arts and other dance forms have an opportunity to have their work seen and evaluated by qualified, professional, and celebrity guest judges. Individual advanced dancers are chosen to be members of the "Sweetheart" and "HeartThrob" groups, with the most talented young ladies vying for the title "Sweetheart Of The Year". The event is the largest and oldest pageant of its kind. The preliminary competitions are held throughout North America and in Australia.