FSD-FDA Article Center Stage

Fenton Dance Academy takes top awards

By: Jan Rynearson , Features Editor

04/14/2004

Fenton Dance Academy dancers have taken top awards again.

On March 27, 65 dancers from the Fenton Dance Academy, under the direction of Susan Carter, participated in "Center Stage Performing Arts Competition" at the Millennium Center in Southfield. Along with winning many silver, gold and platinum awards with their age divisions and categories, the dancers were highly honored to receive overall high scores and top awards, according to Carter.

The Junior Academy Dancers: Jessica Plastow, Anabell Waterfield, Lauren Trush, Elizabeth Wallace, Addison Palmer, Lilli DuBois, Haley Van Avery, Britney Beadle, Mariah Williams and Jacqui Rosati took a third place overall in the Junior Division (13 years and under-all routines) for a tap routine to "Rescue Me."

"The Senior Dancers (13 years and up) were especially excited to take the top three spots in the Senior Division," said Carter.

Third Place Overall went to Fenton Dance Academy's Production Company for a jazz production to "Make It Real."

FDA's Production Company also took overall second place for "Hold Tight," a tap production.

FDA's musical theatre entry to "Nicest Kids In Town," took first place overall, with Erik Smith, "Mr. Fenton," as a performer.

The top award, "Best Technique Special Award," went to Fenton Dance Academy for a lyrical routine, "There For Me," choreographed by Chelsea Carter.

"Our academy dancers are trained in ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical," said Carter. "No matter what form of dance they are competing in, it is mandatory that everyone studies ballet. Because of their strong technical ballet training, our dancers do exceptionally well at competitions. Of course, they all have tremendous performing skills as well."