The USA Tap Team competed in the 2017 IDO World Dance Championship in Riesa, Germany and won the gold medal in the “Junior” Small Group division on December 1, 2017 for ‘Doom Tek’. This was a dream come true for these Tap Dancers! This would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the amazing choreography of Amanda Castro, with Stacey Eastman from cleaning the dance.
The dancers came from 2 different dance studios -Sarah Shectman, Angie Santamorena, Danielle Garcia and Alexa Villega attend and train at Seven Star School of Performing Arts in Brewster, NY, under the tutelage of Nicole Aravena, Bill Coates and Alicia Monaco (who was also the USA coach). Gia Iwanec, Emerson Forbes, and Lauren Bettuchi attend and train at Gloria Jean’s Studio of Dance in North Haven, CT.
The International Dance Organization (IDO) provides Continental and World Championship competitions to both amateurs and professional dancers in all forms of dance. For 20 years, the Sport City of Riesa, Germany has successfully hosted the IDO World Tap Dance Championship, creating the only official World Championship Showcase for Sport and Art of Tap Dance in the world today.
The USA Tap Team is chosen by a panel of judges that are certified by the International Dance Organization (IDO) through a video submission process. Tap dancers from all over the country submit entries and only a few are chosen to be part of the team. Once qualified, the team has the opportunity to represent the United States at the World Tap Championship in Riesa, Germany.
This event hosts tap dancers from more than 30 countries around the world (Germany, Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Croatia, Russia, etc. to name a few). The process of the competition is very much like the Olympics. The dancers compete in several rounds of competitions (ie. preliminary, quarterfinal, semifinal, final) until only the final round of six dancers/routines remain. They compete in the final round and are then placed 6th through 1st with the top three spots being awarded the bronze, silver and gold medal for their category. As in the Olympics, the flags from the top three countries are raised and the national anthem of the gold medal winning country is played. It is truly a remarkable experience. With this incredible opportunity comes commitment and responsibility. The dancers have mandatory rehearsals on weekly basis, stage rehearsals, and performances in preparation for the competition in Germany and they are committed to representing the United States at the international event.
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