Dancers tapped for excellence

Thirty-seven competitive dancers, ages 7 to 17 with the Agoura Hills Dance & Performing Arts Center recently returned victorious from the sectional Hollywood Vibe Dance Competition and Convention in Palm Springs.

The event brought together the finest dancers from more than 20 studios throughout California who attended intensive workshops with master professionals and competed in solos, duos, trios and groups.

Putting their best feet forward in tap, hip hop and jazz routines, the dance team under the direction of studio owner Betsy Melber took home coveted special award recognitions in addition to platinum and gold medal honors.

"The kids work so hard and it shows," Melber said. "It's really a team effort and so wonderful to see all ages supporting one another and helping out with warmups, quick changes and last minute jitters."

Rewarded for their talent and dedication, 12-year-old dancers Jamie Samel of Agoura Hills and Regan Ball of West Hills each earned scholarships to attend any future Hollywood Vibe Convention.

In the Intermediate Open Small Group category "Dancin' Machine," choreographed by A.J. Deneka, earned platinum honors, first place overall, and the Judges Award for Most Entertaining, as well as the Battle of The Stars Award. Deneka's Intermediate Jazz Group "Just For Fun" earned high gold and a special Judges

Award for Best Costume while "Another One Bites The Dust" received high gold and third place overall and the Senior Jazz Trio "One" brought home high gold and the Judges Award for Best Choreography.

Tap numbers choreographed by Melber such as the Junior Tap Small Group's "Artificial Flowers" received high gold, Teen Tap Duo "Track 3" earned high silver, Intermediate Tap Large Group "Straight Up" scored gold, Teen Open Group "Le Jazz Hot" scored high silver, and Teen Tap Duos "Courtin' Time" and "That's All" earned gold.

In other dances choreographed by Deneka, the Teen Open Large Group "Superfreak" took gold and first place overall along with the Judges Award for Best Costume, while the Intermediate Open Small Group "Love Machine" earned high gold and third place overall and Teen Jazz Large Group "7 Nation Army" and Teen Open Large Group "Buggin" both earned high silver.

Choreographed by Keith "Brim" Junior, the Intermediate Hip Hop Small Group "Drumline" earned gold, Senior Hip Hop Small Group "Skaretactics" earned high gold and first place overall with Judges Award for Best Costume, and Senior Hip Hop Small Group "Lock Down" scored high gold.

Upcoming performances for the Agoura Hills Dance & Performing Arts Center include the ballet "Alice in Wonderland" June 25, 26 and "Star 2006/Illuminated" June 28 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

The Competitive Dance Team includes: Nitsan Alter, Katelyn and Krista Andreassen, Regan Ball, Jenna Bermann, Michelle Bohrson, Brigita and Eric Budginas, Alexis Burke, Christony Chartburut, Madison Clark, Emma Farrow, Brenna Grabowski, Amelia Groat, Becca Hirsch, Enna Ikuta, Ari Imazu, Alexandra Kovner, Rachel Maresca, Alex Marks, Carly Melber, Charlotte and Emily Merrill, Quinn Miller, Katrina Mitchell, Sophia Rowland, Jamie Samel, Jillian Shorr, Rachel Swartz, Michelle Taylor, Hannah Teitelbaum, Mary Truesdale, Melissa Wabby, Alexa and Michaella Yarnell, and Julia and Madeline Zimring.

For more information and summer session schedules visit: www.agouradance.com