Local dance students win awards at national competition

A number of local dance students recently returned from the NexStar National Dance Competition with multiple honors and awards.

MaryRose Giangiobbe and Norah Spencer performed an intermediate lyrical duet titled “Saving Grace.” They scored high gold and placed fourth overall.

Kylie Riedl and Natasha DiRienzo performed a novice jazz duet to “Turn the Beat Around.” They scored platinum and placed first overall.

Ava Galton, Cadence Walter, and Maya Grant performed a novice jazz trio to “Holiday.” They scored high gold and placed fourth overall in the competition.

Riedl and DiRienzo also were awarded a judge’s choice award. Judge’s choice awards are given out for dances and the dancers that grab a judge’s attention and are memorable throughout the competition. Only six routines out of 83 were awarded a judge’s choice. Dancers were judged on technique and performance.

Joanne Rinaldo, far right, owner of Cazenovia School of Ballet, poses with her dancers who competed recently at the NexStar National Dance Competition. (submitted photo)

All dancers are under the direction of Joanne Rinaldo of the Cazenovia School of Ballet and were choreographed by Caira Cramer-Walter.

NexStar National Dance Competition is one of the largest dance competitions in the country currently in its 16th touring season.

Giangiobbe, Spencer, Riedl, Galton, Walter and Grant are all students in the Cazenovia Central School District. DiRienzo is a town of Pompey resident and attends Fabius-Pompey School District.