Simply Dance Ensemble attends Nationals

Vernon — Simply Dance sent dancers from their competition team, The Simply Dance Ensemble, to the Dance Xplosion Nationals in Wildwood held in July. This was the teams’ second year attending Nationals. Lyrical soloist Lauren Mudrick received an Extreme Gold, Open soloists Cassie Pacelli and Noelle Contento both received Extreme Gold. Tap soloist Tamara McCloskey received a Platinum award as well as receiving first place in her category. Tamara also received the highest-scoring solo award. Other numbers performed included “Ballet Dancer,” an open duet performed by Lauren and Amanda Mudrick; “I Turn to You,” a tap duet performed by Lauren Mudrick and Tamara McCloskey; “It’s Raining Men,” a jazz duet performed by Brooke Harrsch and Tamara McCloskey; “My Vietnam,” a modern trio performed by Meagan Cox, Lauren Mudrick and Krystal Pelaez. All duets and trios received Extreme Gold awards. Small groups included “Catch That Wild Man” tap group, which received an Extreme Gold and “Top Hats and Canes” jazz group, which received a Platinum award. Danielle Seidner is director and head choreographer at Simply Dance. Other choreographers for the competition team include Loretta Chiapperino, Sherry Mudrick and Lorraine Simone. The following students made up The Simply Dance Ensemble of 2007/2008: Bryel Antola, Samantha Catalano, Noelle Contento, Meagan Cox, Brianna Gojyncz, Blake Harrsch, Brooke Harrsch, Emily Kruger, Jaclyn Lehman, Jenna MacDonald, Delaney Mackey, Alexis Margroff, Madisen Margroff, Tamara McCloskey, Lisa Miani, Amanda Mudrick, Lauren Mudrick, Nick Napolitano, Victoria O’Connor, Katie Owens, Cassie Pacelli, Krystal Pelaez, Amanda Salamone, Luna Fey Simmons, Jillian Spirko and Devin Welch.