Pictured in the front row, from left, are Kinley Sleighter, Charlotte Augustine, Natalee Stetzel, Alexis Cochran, Bella Boley, Annabel Clark, Brooklynn Rolston, Makenna Miller, Kayanna Secrist, Alexis Reece, Lillian Simpson, Macie Marshall and Emma Bradford. In the back row, from left, are Laicey Snyder, Madilyn Bender, Olivia Mabee, Mya Heaton, Hailey Borsa, Dakota Gardner, Malori McDaniels and Lily Kincaid. Photo provided.

News Release

WARSAW — Class Act Dance Troupe Inc., a nonprofit performing company affiliated with Debra Collier’s School of Dance, recently competed at the Ticket to Broadway dance competition in Indianapolis.

The troupe received multiple awards, including 19 overall high scores in seven different genres. The troupe was recognized by special judges’ awards as the recipients of the Best Technique award for the modern piece choreographed by Hannah Crane and Best Emotional Execution for a contemporary piece choreographed by Claire Kois.

“Those are our favorite awards,” said co-director Tammy Seibold. “Having the best technique allows our students to use their skills as a foundation to take them in any direction. Whether they want to continue as performers, become choreographers, or simply keep dance in their life as a hobby, a strong technical foundation gives them choices.”

At the conclusion of the event, the troupe was named the Studio of Excellence by the Association of Dance Competitions and Conventions for “best exemplifying the values of the ADCC, which include working together and striving for excellence.” The announcer praised the troupe saying, “It is clear how much time, passion and love these teachers put into their students.”

The Class Act Dance petite troupe received the Billboard award for the highest-scoring ballet piece from the entire competition. These dancers, ages 9 to 14, dominated the field of every age group with a piece choreographed by Kristina Collier.

“To have so many of our dancers receive such recognition is exciting,” said Seibold. “It speaks to their level of commitment, talent and ability to share their love of dance with their audience. We are very proud of who they are as dancers and people. They are an extraordinary group.”

Class Act Dance Troupe will be performing throughout the community this summer, working with Baker Youth Club, the Wheels on Fire Cancer Crusaders, the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department and other area organizations. If you would like more information about the troupe or to schedule a performance, contact Seibold at (574) 267-7055 or [email protected].