Dancers from Dance Magic Compete in Branson, MO

Eighteen members of the Dance Magic Performing Arts Center competed at  the 2009 Talent on Parade National Performing Arts Championships at Branson, Missouri, July 7
through July 12.

Indianapolis’s very own DMPAC, directed by Linda Rees, proved a hard act to follow as the group earned grand national championships in several prestigious categories.

“This far exceeded our expectations…we do have amazingly talented dancers. The kids are so
humble and they are just who you want them to be. When they realized the fact that they were
being recognized for their passion and what they were able to do, that was very thrilling for me,”
said Rees.

After a 10 year absence in the national dance competition circuit, DMPAC made its presence known when all eighteen dancers earned the overall grand championship title for their production performance of Time, choreographed by Chrislyn Potesta.

“Nationals are so much bigger than they used to be. I’m most pleased with the way our kids are dancing and how they are taking in the pressure…of such a large show, with so many incredible dancers, talent; and how they are handling it all, and how they are stepping up to the plate,” said Potesta.

More than 1,270 groups and individual performers from the nation vied for top honors, showcasing talent in all dance disciplines ranging from ballet on Pointe to musical theater and vocals.

Returning home as the dance team that put Indianapolis on the map, the group is eager to start rehearsing and preparing for next season.  I hope they carry this moment with them for their entire dance careers and their lives, said both Rees and Potesta.

“Dance Magic Performing Arts Center welcomes all who have a passion for the arts and want to come and work with a group of talented dancers, teachers, and choreographers. The studio is small enough that there is camaraderie and allows the dancer to become who they are and not mold them into something expected of them,” said Rees.

Grand National Champions for Production competition: (Time choreographed by Chrislyn Potesta) [Chelsea Bellinger, Tori Brown, Rachel Brown, Bianca Burrell, Rachel Domi, Aimee Eisenmann, Heather Gum, McKenna Jones, Angela Kavanaugh, Maddie Korn, Margo Korn, Ashley Lain, Kathryn Larimore, Jennifer Mlott, Taylor Peterson, Derek Tabada, Marissa Taylor, Ryane Zamora] age 13-14

Grand National Champions Duet/Trio: Derek Tabada and Angela Kavanaugh (My Love choreographed by Chrislyn Potesta), age 15-16  Grand National Champion Soloist: Derek Tabada (The Plane choreographed by Chrislyn Potesta), age 13-14

Grand National Champion Senior Vocalist: Jennifer Mlott (Never Say Goodbye, vocal coach Lynne Mlott)

Grand National Champions Senior Vocal Group: Kathryn Larimore, Jennifer Mlott, Ryane Zamora (For Good, vocal coach Lynne Mlott)

Grand National Championship Choreography Award: Libby Harris for Lycramoza performed by Heather Gum

Schools represented: Warren HS, Lawrence Central HS, Fishers HS, Heritage Christian School, Hamilton SE HS, Tri High, Lawrence North HS, Belzer MS, Broad Ripple HS, Mt. Vernon MS, Geist Montessori Academy