Every year our NWDA Competition Team visits a nationals competition to perform with other studios from across the country but this year there was a little twist. Instead of traveling as one large team, NWDA went bicoastal with two jam-packed trips!
In early July, our mini, petite, and junior dancers and their families headed down to Anaheim, California, for the Spotlight Westcoast Nationals just a mile from Disneyland at the Hyatt Regency Hotel! Dancers performed beautifully on stage and participated in challenging master classes during the day, as well as attended blacklight and gala events in the evening hosted by Spotlight Dance. In between dances, families soaked up the sun poolside or visited local area parks such as Disneyland, California Adventure, and Knott's Berry Farm. It was a fabulous week packed with incredible dancing and incredible adventures.
Rounding out July, our teen and senior students took an educational trip to New York! Classes at Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, and the Pearl Studios helped further their education and visits to the David Koch Theater (home of the New York City Ballet) and Juilliard helped inspire, opening them up to the myriad opportunities available in the Big Apple. During downtime, families visited local landmarks like the 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Guggenheim, Empire State Building, and Central Park. Families also had time to take in shows in the evening and see some familiar faces, including the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, where they met up with cast members Stacy Paydo and Adam DiLoreto, as well as a preview showing of the new Cats, where they met with assistant choreographer Ellenore Scott. It was an incredible whirlwind of a trip with lasting memories made and forever friendships strengthened.
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