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Newcastle-based Elevate Dance Academy brought unmatched talent, creativity, and stage presence to the Precision Arts Dance Competition over the weekend of February 13-15.
The teachers said they were blown away by the skill, drive, and bravery of every dancer as they took the stage, performing with passion and precision. Both the Pre-Company and Company teams showcased their dedication, earning multiple awards and top placements in solos, duets, small groups, and large groups.
Company Solo Highlights
Teachers said Elevate Company dancers delivered breathtaking solos that captivated the judges.
• 1st Place: Tatum Flowers – Birthday Cake, choreographed by Kelsey Britton
• 2nd Place: Avyn Puckett – Dracula, choreographed by Hannah Tena
• 3rd Place: Chloe Davis – Where Are You Taking Me, choreographed by Hannah Tena
• 5th Place: Maddie Britton – Chasing Pavements, choreographed by Kelsey Britton Other notable soloists included Karlie Marquez, who placed 2nd in the Novice Junior category with It’s All About Me, choreographed by Jessica Glasco.
Company member Isaac Wise earned 2nd place in the Novice Petite category with To Be King, choreographed by Lauryn Flowers. These performances highlighted not only the dancers’ technical skill but also their artistry and stage confidence, teachers said.
Pre-Company Team Achievements
Elevate’s Pre-Company teams worked the stage with energy and professionalism, and every group earned a place in the overall rankings.
• Lil Rubies – Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now, choreographed by Hannah Beeson, earned 3rd place. Members: Lena Rodriguez, Rylee Mills, Reese Mills, Camille McClellan, Megan Caudle.
• Good to Go, choreographed by Hannah Beeson, earned 2nd place. Members: Charlie Spivey, Stella Davis, Lianna Nguyen, Dayvani Lea, Karlie Marquez, Lyric Claborn, Nakoah Frank, Eden Ballard, Tyler Streets.
• Other Pre-Company routines included Another Day of Sun (12th), Lost Control (5th), and Ramalama (6th), Rio (8th) all demonstrating the dancers’ determination and teamwork.
Company Group Highlights
Elevate’s Company dancers continued to impress with group performances that combined skill, creativity, and energy. Some of the top placements included:
• Little Birds (Large Group, Hannah Tena) – 3rd Place
• So Much Betta (Small Group, Jade Russell) – 2nd Place
• Fire Under My Feet (Small Group, Jade Russell) – 3rd Place
• The End (Small Group, Hannah Tena) – 3rd Place
• When I Grow Up (Small Group, Hannah Tena) – 3rd Place
• Future Looks Like Wow (Large Group, Kelsey Britton) – 2nd Place
• Let Them Eat Cake (Duet, Hannah Tena) – 3rd Place
• Elevated (Large Group, Hip Hop, Jade Russell) – 1st Place
• The Sound of the ’60s (Kelsey Britton, Hannah Tena, Jade Russell) – 2nd Place, featuring all 56 Company members in a production that wowed the audience
• To Build a Home (Duet, Kelsey Britton)– 3rd Place
• Family Business (Large Group Hip Hop, Kelsey Britton) – 1st Place PAC ATTACK Awards and Special Recognition Precision Arts is renowned for its PAC ATTACK Awards, which celebrate outstanding performance and showmanship. Elevate dancers received multiple prestigious honors:
• Most Creative Concept: My Body Is A Cage (small group, Hannah Tena)
• Best in Show: Elevated (Large Group, Jade Russell)
• Judges’ Choice Awards: Stella Jane Sainz, Emery Mills, Isaac Wise, Oakley Hames, Jailee Boggess, Fire Under My Feet, So much Betta.
The teachers said Elevate dancers proved once again that hard work and passion truly pay off at Epic Dance Inc.
The event, held February 20-22, was an exciting and rewarding weekend for Elevate Dance Academy dancers, who brought home impressive placements, top honors, and unforgettable moments at this dance competition, teachers said.
The weekend was highlighted by several outstanding solo performances, showcasing the strength and talent of Elevate’s young dancers.
Company Solo Highlights
The teachers said Elevate Company dancers delivered breathtaking solos that captivated the judges.
• 1st Place Novice Teen: Cameron Southerland - Crazy, Choreographed by Kelsey Britton
• 2nd Place Intermediate Junior: Cali Mitchell - Circus, Choreographed by Kelsey Britton
• 2nd Place Novice Mini: Piper Rounsaville - Fix My Crown, Choreographed by Kelsey Britton
• 3rd Place Intermediate Mini: Logan Ketchum - Jail House Rock, Choreographed by Kelsey Britton
• 3rd Place Intermediate Novice Duo: Kynli St. Laurent and Brinkley Looby - Bad, Choreographed by Kelsey Britton
• 3rd Place Advanced Teen: Avyn Puckett - Dracula, Choreographed by Hannah Tena
• 4th Place Novice Junior: Selah Ketchum - B.I.N.G.O, Choreographed by Jade Russell • 5th Place Advanced Teen: Chloe Davis - Where Are You Taking Me?, Choreographed by Hannah Tena Company Group Highlights
Elevate’s Company dancers continued to impress with group performances that combined skill, creativity, and energy, teachers said. Some of the top placements included:
• The Turning (Large Group, Kelsey Britton) – 2nd Place
• When I Grow Up (Small Group, Hannah Tena) – 3rd Place
• Family Business (Large Group, Kelsey Britton) – 3rd Place “We are incredibly proud of every student, from our youngest Pre-Company members to our seasoned Company dancers,” teachers said. “Every performance reflected hours of hard work, dedication, and a true love for dance.”
These past two weekends were a shining example of the Elevate Dance Academy’s commitment to excellence in dance, teamwork, and creativity.
