Ten local dancers from Seven Star School of Performing Arts spent the last week in Riesa, Germany representing the United States at the International Dance Organization's World Tap Championships. The dancers have been training and rehearsing since last spring preparing for the competition, which draws in tap dancers from all over the world including Canada, Europe, South Africa and Australia.
Dancers proudly representing the USA from Seven Star School come from Brewster, NY; Carmel, NY; Danbury, CT; Brookfield, CT and Weston, CT.
In order to travel to Germany, dancers must first qualify through an audition in June and only 3 slots per age category and division are allotted. SSSPA qualified to represent the USA tap team in the solo, duet, trio, group and formation divisions in the junior (ages 12-15) and the senior (16 & over) categories.
Jillian McNamara, a Brewster High School Junior, took home her third consecutive gold medal for her solo, Burn, commemorating her as the adult world champion. McNamara has also previously won gold medals in both the children and junior categories making her the first female competitor in the history of the World Tap Championships to win all 3-age levels.
The below dances also performed and made it into the top 15
Mackenna Beirne, Adult Solo
Mackenna Beirne, Mikhaela Ampeloquio, Rhiannon Pendola, Adult Trio
Mackenna Beirne and Rhiannon Pendola Adult Duo
Samantha Meir, Lindsey Bieber, Madison Vendel, Katelyn Williams, Alexa Villega, Danielle Garcia, Junior Group
Samantha Meir and Madison Vendel Junior Duo
Lindsey Bieber and Katelyn Williams, Junior Duo
Since 2008, over 20 Seven Star School dancers have represented TEAM USA and have won over 20 medals, 9 of which are gold.
Seven Star School is located at 509 Route 312 in Brewster. For more information, visit them at www.SevenStarSchool.com or call 845.278.0728.