Members included, first row: Cadence Draggett, Siyah Drummond. Row two: Morgan Kuras, Clarabelle Postle, Autumn Clark, Camilla Bongiovanni, Aviana Bridges, Lana Prince, Adriana Blair. Row 3: Savannah Stein, Lily Stolinski, Isabella Draggett, Hannah Kuras, Olivia Karpie, Zuleymarie Torres.

Danza! Performing Arts Academy and their student Danzaco dance companies had an amazing season qualifying for Nationals at each competitive event. In addition to competition the Company appeared in performances raising funds for cancer research in the greater Buffalo area as well as local appearances for the community and the annual Danzaco Performance Showcase. Dancers also perform in the annual Winter Production at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House and the annual Spring Production held at Marvel Theatre SUNY Fredonia.

Danzaco is comprised of three separate companies that in addition to performance have additional training as age appropriate. Dancers are from Fredonia, Dunkirk, Silver Creek, Forestville and Westfield School districts. Dances are choreographed by Artistic Director Krista Taylor with additional coaching by Mckenna Taylor.

In their debut season the Petite Company appeared in local events, the Performance Showcase and two competitions. Performing a novelty jazz dance to “I’mma Bee” dancers included Camilla Bongiovanni, Olivia Karpie, Clarabelle Postle, Lana Prince and Lily Stolinski. The dancers received top ratings, 2nd place overall and a special judges buzz for automatic invitation to nationals.

The junior and senior groups had an outstanding season receiving top 3 with every group dance including numerous first overall placements earning them a spot at each National event. Director Krista Taylor received the choreography award while dancers earned special awards for performance quality, emotion, synchronization and originality.

An upbeat Caribbean inspired jazz dance to “I Wanna Party”, a jazz dance to “Perfect Day” and a hip hop inspired dance complete with tumbling and tricks to “My Own Drum” was performed by the Junior and Senior Companies. The groups are comprised of dancers Adriana Blair, Aviana Bridges, Autumn Clark, Cadence Draggett, Isabella Draggett, Hannah Kuras, Morgan Kuras, Savannah Stein and Zuleymarie Torres.

The groups received two on the spot invitations to Nationals. Competitions were held in Pittsburgh, Rochester and Buffalo.

Solos were performed by Blair, Bridges, Clark, C Draggett, I Draggett, M Kuras, S Stein and Torres. Each dancer placed in the top five. Performing a contemporary modern piece choreographed by Mckenna Taylor, Morgan Kuras received first overall in a heavily competitive teen division with special awards for performance quality, while Stein and Torres rounded out the top three in overalls. Autumn Clark was awarded the Junior Title award for her hip hop dance to “One, Two, Step” complete with crown.

Kuras, Stein, Draggett and Clark also competed an acro routine showcasing their gymnastic and acro talents. Sidelined by an injury, Junior Company member Siyah Drummond received the Studio award for her commitment and dedication to Danzaco. Dancers may receive training in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Tumble, Acro, Lyrical and Pointe.

Dancers can be seen performing in the Danza! hour at the Chautauqua County Fair as well as numerous local parades this summer.

Dancers are gearing up for a new season with summer classes beginning and new choreography starting. The studio also hosts a recreational dance program where there is a class for everyone. New students are welcomed and encouraged to join, contact the studio at 672-5095 or email kltdanza@icloud.com.