Five Just Dance! company members are competing, auditioning and taking classes at New York City Dance Alliance National Finale in New York City.
“I’m really excited to see what amazing special opportunities NYCDA offers this year,” says Lindsey Gentry, Just Dance! co-director. “They bring in directors, choreographers, and casting agents to hold workshops and auditions in addition to all of the classes and competition. In the past, they’ve represented “Cats,” “Newsies,” “Matilda,” The Rockettes, “Hamilton,” “An American in Paris,” “On Your Feet,” and so many more. We really have seen dancers from these auditions land roles in these shows!! It is such an amazing thing for NYCDA to offer and it is really something exciting for the dancers to experience.”
See the NYCDA National Finale schedule.
College Scholarship Auditions
NYCDA offers millions of dollars annually in college scholarships through its foundation and college partners. This year, Just Dance! senior company members Abby Haynes and Hallyn White are auditioning. Jade Boerman is too young (it is only open to high school juniors and seniors), but she is attending in anticipation of going through the process next year. Abby and Hallyn have already filled out applications and submitted audition videos. The in-person auditions will be held July 3 with results announced July 6, 2017.
“These scholarship opportunities are one of the reasons we include an NYCDA event in our competition schedule – this year we attended the Greenville, N.C. regionals. We want our dancers to be seen by NYCDA faculty as much as possible before they audition!”
Outstanding Dancer
Any dancer who was an Outstanding Dancer regional winner or runner-up is eligible to compete in the national Outstanding Dancer competition and National Finals. Just Dance! senior company member Lana Baird was the Outstanding Dancer winner at NYCDA Los Angeles regionals and Just Dance! junior company member Leilah Baird was Outstanding Dancer runner-up at the same regional competition. Read more about this experience.
“In addition to everything Lana and Leilah are doing next week, they will also be learning the opening number for the Junior Gala, which is 12 hours of rehearsals AND participating in Outstanding Dancer ballet and jazz auditions.”
In 2016, Lana was the 5th highest scoring junior soloist at the NYCDA National Finale. Watch her performance.
Making Time for Fun
Ms. Lindsey and dancers will be staying in New York City for nine nights and despite a busy dance schedule, they’re planning to make time for fun!
“This is the 3rd consecutive year Lana, Leilah and I have been to NYCDA Finals so I feel kind of prepared for the hectic schedule. We try to squeeze in some New York sightseeing, shopping (lots of shopping actually), and a show. We are trying very hard to see an American Ballet Theatre show at the Met this year. It will be a first for all of us attending and I am really excited!“