By Kathy L. Collins
The dancers of the dance company of Julestarz Academy for the Performing Arts (Julestarz) have been selected to compete in the Star Dance Alliance World Championships in The Meadowlands in New Jersey this August.
The Julestarz dancers’ production of Aladdin was one of only seven numbers selected among 1,040 competing numbers to compete in the World Championships.
Julie Kenny, owner of Julestarz Academy, pointed out the significance of this honor by stating, “These are the world championships.” Kenny added, “We received a ‘Gold Ticket’ invitation. It is a huge honor, and not something that comes around easily.”
The dancers received this honor as a result of one full year’s work to develop the coordination, skill and theatrical presentation to make this achievement possible.
When the dancers compete at The Meadowlands, there will be 43 dancers involved. There will be an amazing set complete with pillars which resemble the Taj Mahal. There will be a 6-ft. elephant upon which Aladin sits. This production includes a 5-ft. genie lamp out of which the Genie himself pops. The number is highly magical.
Aladin was recently performed during the halftime show of the Harlem Globetrotters in March at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa.
The dance company must now face the task of raising the money to get to The Meadowlands in August. Individuals interested in helping the 43 dancers see a dream come true, contact Julie Kenny at 661-9037 to find out how to help.
Julestarz has two locations, one at FishHawk Ranch and one in Riverview at Big Bend Rd. and Hwy 301. It offers ballet, tap, jazz, acro, hip hop, lyrical, modern and more. It also offers musical theatre and private music lessons in piano, violin, guitar, drum and voice.
For more information on Julestarz, visit www.julestarzacademy.com or call 661-9037.
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