SDA Dance Team Attends NDA Dance Camp
Launch the media gallery 1 playerThe Syracuse Starlettes dance team attended NDA dance camp from June 18-June 20 this year and once again had a very successful experience! At this camp, the team, consisting of fourteen members, learned and performed new choreography in the four major styles: hip hop, pom, jazz, and kick. They also attended technique classes and further bonded as a group. They competed against other teams and walked away with their biggest haul of awards ever!
On the first day of camp, the Starlettes performed a routine choreographed by seniors (and captains) Camryn Tompkins and Jennifer Daharsh, along with coach Ashley Anderson. They were the only team to earn a superior rating on their home routine and therefore receive a bid to the national championships. The two captains were joined by junior Nikki Kimpel in learning and performing the camp’s designated Team Leader routine, where they earned silver for their efforts. As a whole, the team earned the Team Performance Gold award for their execution of a multi-style routine. This grueling routine incorporated all of the four major styles of choreography and was at a higher level of difficulty than the team had ever done before. Perhaps the most notable award the team received, however, was the Team Award trophy. For several years in a row, the Starlettes have been proud to take home this award, as it recognizes the team at camp that demonstrates the most cohesiveness, energy, positivity, and strongest work ethic.
Additionally, many members of the Starlettes earned individual recognition this year. Five members of the team were nominated for the prestigious All-American team: Seniors Camryn Tompkins and Jennifer Daharsh, juniors Nikki Kimpel and Noudia Flores, and sophomore Liz Levenhagen. To be considered for this team, individuals must demonstrate the qualities of spirit, showmanship, technique, and leadership, and then they must audition at camp. Camryn Tompkins and Nikki Kimpel were both selected to the national All-American team for the first year. Camryn also received the Heart of Gold award, recognizing the dancer at camp who demonstrated notable acts of kindness and support to others. Nikki received the Pin-It-Forward award for the second year in a row, an award given to those who demonstrate leadership and positivity, and freshman Klarysa Throckmorton received that award for the first time.
The last of the individual awards went out to junior Quincey Swanson, who won the Top Gun Turns competition, and sophomore Leah Levenhagen, who won the Top Gun Hip Hop competition. These awards were given to the campers who demonstrated the best technique in these designated areas, and this year marks the first time any dancers from the Starlettes have won.
Congratulations on another successful dance camp experience, Syracuse! GO BIG GREEN!