On Stage Dance returns from Hamilton competition triumphant

It’s been a gruelling few weeks for the dancers of On Stage Dance Studio as competition season is well underway. This past weekend was their second competition. The LNK by Dancefest competition held in Hamilton saw 715 dancers gather to perform their best.

Having reviewed the Richmond Hill judges’ remarks on video back at the studio, the dancers did their best to incorporate improvement into their routines to perform in Hamilton. All divisions continue to be well represented by the studio with high achievements at both competitions so far.

“This competition was at the MacIntyre Performing Arts Centre at Mohawk College in Hamilton. This is early in the season so the group is smaller but there were 715 dancers in this competition,” explained Meghan Seaman, owner and artistic director of On Stage Dance Studio.

The routines performed were in the styles of jazz, ballet and contemporary to name a few. When going to competition, the routine is worked on in studio, then performed at each event. They do not change routines in between events; they stay the same.

“They will perform the same routine for the entire season, then once the routine is done it kind of goes away. The routines usually don’t come back as our choreographers are amazing, they come up with 100 new routines every year,” said Seaman.

At this event, the results continue to be uplifting.

“Similar to the first competition, across age divisions and across dance styles, which as the studio director makes me very happy because it shows that our dancers are able to perform a wide range of styles, they are very well rounded, just having that versatility is such a benefit to them as dancers and performers,” said Seaman.

The junior jazz group, “Pop Swish Ooh,” comprised of dancers aged 10 and 11, were winners of the Standing Ovation Dance Off. “It was very exciting for them to win this big award,” said Seaman.

The senior ballet group of 18 dancers called “Tarentalla,” comprised of dancers aged 14 to 18, were awarded the highest ballet score of the entire competition. Ballet is a really challenging style to begin with, but with 18 dancing together with a tambourine prop, the win proves the excellence in their training so far.

Other overall high score soloists were Madison (last name withheld), Yeva Goad and Callie Fewster. There were many Overall Top placements by duets, trios and groups. Three dancers received scholarships to workshops, including Nathan Hodgson (NY workshop), Madison (CREO workshop) and Brooklyn Vandenberk (CREO workshop).

“That’s always nice that they get called out, that the judge recognizes them and it’s nice to win a prize that can help further their training,” Seaman said.

Choreography awards went to Shaina Wood, Danielle Mascolo, Meghan Seaman and Top Choreography of the competition was awarded to Shaina Wood for her contemporary routine "In Purgatory."

After three back-to-back events, the dancers get a bit of a respite as the next competition is not until March 26 in Cobourg which will be an adventure as they have not performed there before.

For more information about On Stage Dance Studio, or to explore the Spring and Summer programs being offered, visit onstagedance.ca.