The New York City Dance Alliance Summer Dance Intensive is a two-week program that offers America’s most talented, young dancers the opportunity to experience the unique talents, techniques, and cultures of New York City. Of thousands of applicants, Kiersten Kovach, Allie Gomes, and Emily Cavallo from Tiffany’s Dance Academy have been selected to participate in the distinguished and highly competitive intensive taking place July 31st – August 15th.
Participants take a rigorous schedule of dance classes taught by prestigious master teachers. Classes range in everything from Ballet to Hip-Hop to Tap. Dancers also take classes that will round them out as professionals in subjects such as Theatre Arts, Voice, and Partnering. The program seeks to prepare students for a professional career through a diverse training program coupled with audition techniques courses, special industry seminars, and professional casting/audition opportunities. All dancers are also cast to perform in a Showcase at the end of the two weeks at La Guardia High School Theatre. Dancers can be selected to attend the Summer Dance Intensive either by being recognized for their well-rounded performance at one of NYCDA’s Conventions throughout the year, or by submitting an audition tape.
Kiersten and Allie both won the Triple Threat Award for their versatility in Tap, Jazz, and Ballet and their stellar performance skills. Allie was awarded one of eight $500 scholarships towards the program’s tuition and is so excited to participate in the intensive. Allie has danced with TDA for several years now and has studied jazz, ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop.
Kiersten is most looking forward to performing in the Showcase at the end of the week for which casting is determined by an audition on the first day of the intensive. Kiersten has been dancing at TDA since it’s original location on Vasco Road. In 11 years, dancing with Tiffany, LoRee, and Steffon has helped her improve tremendously, and she is so thankful for all they have taught her.
When Emily Cavallo, who has been dancing with TDA since she was nine, found out she was selected to attend the intensive, she was “so excited and still can’t believe it’s real.” She’s hoping this experience will help her grow as a dancer and as an overall performer. Emily also sings and is looking forward to incorporating her singing skills with her dancing. In her eight years of dancing, Emily has studied ballet to hip-hop and everything in between. She has had great experiences with all of her teachers, but Tiffany and LoRee continue to inspire her in every genre she has studied with them.
TDA expects to see big things from these three very talented young women. We are so proud of all their hard work and look forward to hearing all about their experiences when they return!
Written by Sarah Garske
