April 13, 2009 (Pawleys Island, SC) - Litchfield Dance Arts Academy (LDAA) students were honored for their performances during the April 4 - 5 New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA) regional convention at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, NC. The convention is one of 23 held across the country in preparation for the organization's national New York City-based event in July.

Dancers compete in four age divisions (mini, junior, teen, senior) and eight dance categories (jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, musical theater, contemporary, hip-hop, and specialty) for scholarships and cash prizes. Solo and group performances are evaluated by a panel of judges and scored on a point system. Recognition is given as platinum, gold, high silver, silver and bronze awards.

From LDAA, Baleigh Louro received two gold awards in the mini division for her two solo performances: musical theater and contemporary. Louro also auditioned to win a scholarship to attend the New York Dance Alliance's National Finale in New York, July 9 - 16. Her solos also ranked third and second high score overall in the mini solo division. In addition, Louro received outstanding costume and outstanding stage presence for her
performances.

At this regional competition, the recently-launched LDAA Mini (ages 6 - 8), Petite (ages 8 - 10) and Junior/Teen (ages 10 - 14) Companies competed with 30 other studios across the southeast. LDAA's Petite Company (Elizabeth Heinemann, Kelley Grace Kerr, Baleigh Louro, Roman Pompeii, Mackenzie Russell, Michelle Scumaci, and Emma Steuer), received a gold award for its jazz group performance, placed third overall in the petite group division and was recognized for its outstanding stage presence. The group's ballet performance received a high silver award and best costume award.

The Mini Company (Elexis Brinkley, Alexis Bull, Peyton Buzzell, Kimmie Cerasaro, Isabella Cervini, Ruby Cox, Grayha Hejl, and Haley Porter), received a high silver award and best costume award in the mini group division.

LDAA students Abigail Siebert, Waverly Strickland and Baleigh Louro earned a gold award for their musical theater trio performance; Abigail Siefert and Baleigh Louro won a gold award for their contemporary duet.

"The New York Dance Alliance programs are the trendiest and most high-profile of commercial dance competitions right now," explained LDAA Artistic Director Ilka Doubek. "We believe it's important for our students to experience the pre-professional focus of this regional convention to further develop their experience and talent. I'm very proud of what they have achieved this year.”

Eighteen students from the Pawleys Island-based dance academy attended the weekend-long convention to participate in workshops, auditions and performances.

About Litchfield Dance Arts Academy

LDAA and its dance companies offer unequaled opportunities for the southern Myrtle Beach region's aspiring dancers. LDAA dancers often perform in concert with other local cultural organizations including Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art, Long Bay Symphony Orchestra and others. For more information about the school, its June 2009 Summer Intensive, the July Summer Programs and fall 2009 classes beginning August 24, contact Ilka Doubek at 843.237.7465. You can also visit the school's Web site at www.litchfield-dance.com .

About New York Dance Alliance
The New York Dance Alliance was established in 1995 to expose dancers to the best of the New York City dance world in a supportive, positive and fun-filled environment. The organization conducts regional and national workshops, auditions and performances across the United States to help dancers and their teachers grow and learn. According to Executive Director Joe Lanteri, the goal of New York Dance Alliance is not simply to nurture good dancers, but great people.