Mckenna Keraghen Taylor

Danza! Performing Arts Academy is proud to announce Mckenna Keraghen Taylor was crowned the National Teen Miss Star Quest at the World Finals held in Sandusky, Ohio July 3 through 8. Mckenna qualified by winning the regional title in March at Shea’s’ Theatre.

Thousands of soloists compete at regional events with a single winner being crowned at each of the 80 events. 59 title holders then compete at one of three World Finals, with one National Teen Miss Title awarded. In addition to several scholarships, Mckenna was awarded a jacket, trophy, crown, sash, photoshoot, dancewear and several gifts. Her photo will appear in the promotions and program for the upcoming year of North American events.

Over a three-month competition season, Mckenna received the highest rating, first overall in category and first overall highest teen solo at every competition with platinum elite and double platinum ratings for the fifth consecutive year. She received scholarships to American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and Los Angeles California, two separate scholarships to Broadway Dance Center and DanZa intensive. After a rigorous audition, she was invited to tour the country for five weeks this summer as a class room demonstrator and performer with a convention circuit.

Mckenna was also awarded four separate summer study scholarships to national events. She was chosen as a finalist at DanZa Intensive and first runner up at the Energy National Improvisation event. She was given special awards for “Star performance quality” and “emotional execution”.

Her winning dance contemporary piece “3326” also received top choreography awards for Director Krista Taylor at two events. Mckenna currently studies Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Afro-Caribbean, Irish, Musical theatre and Tumbling at Danza! Performing Arts Academy, where she is a part of the studio’s performance and competition Danzaco Company. The daughter of Mark and Krista Taylor, Mckenna will be entering Fredonia High School as a freshman in the fall