The Northwest Voice

All > News
Local dancers impressive at national competition
Topics: dance, competition, Bakersfield
Posted by admin Thu Aug 31, 2006 13:21:29 PDT
Viewed 331 times
0 responses 1 comment Members of a local dance company brought home many prestigious awards after attending Dance Educators of America’s National dance competition and convention in Las Vegas, Nev. during July. The dancers are all members of Company G from Dancers Workshop, under the directorship of owner Cathleen Correa. Company G is directed by Jenny Hashim, who is assisted by myself. The dance company is named after Hashim’s mother, Georgia Lynn, a dance educator who passed away in 1997.

Company G competed with nine dances and received two gold and seven platinum awards. “Walk This Way,” a jazz line choreographed by Callie Clanahan, received overall high points for young senior lines. “Cell Block Tango,” a musical theatre piece created by Jenny Hashim, received second place high point in the senior group division. It also received fifth place in the titanium competition that pitted 128 of the best dances against each other. “Song Sing Sing,” a tap line, was asked to perform at the final evening’s Gala Pageant.

Also winning High Point awards:

•    2nd place young senior groups — “Iron Beats”

•    4th place young senior lines — “Sing Sing Sing”

•    2nd place young senior duet/Trio — “Slap That Bass”

•    5th place teen duet/trio — “Rio”

“Winning these awards is impressive because many of the studios bring 50 dancers and 50 dances. We had 11 girls competing with nine numbers and six of our dances finished in the top five of their divisions. Cathy and I are extremely proud of these dancers and their hard work and accomplishments,” stated Hashim.

Three Company G dancers also participated in the DEA title competition. In the competition for Young Senior Miss DEA, Jennifer Skiby, a senior at Centennial High School, received third place. Liberty High School senior Amanda Haney received fourth place and Kya Mitchell, a freshman at Bakersfield Christian High School, brought home third place in the teen division. The title competition consists of class participation, technical proficiency classes, a solo performance and rehearsals for a performance in the Gala Pageant held on the last evening.

Stephanie Elrod, a junior at Centennial High School participated in the national ballet intensive held prior to the start of the national competition.

Members of Company G are: Kassi Bolinger, Lauren Castaneda, Stephanie Elrod,  Amanda Haney, Kari McGowan, Kya Mitchell, Beth Pacheco, Lauren Prather, Jennifer Skiby, Brenlea Smith and Ryanne Smith.

Send to a Friend

Report a Violation

Comment From: SCooley

Congratulations to all the girls of Company G -- especially Amanda, the best tap-dancing Flautist I've ever known!