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Why We are “The Elite”

The Elite ‘Meet and Greet’ With So You Think You Can Dance Season Three!

Janessa Pretola, Maddy Dalbow, Alyssa Warth and Elena Daskivich headed to State College for SYTYCD on Tour (a little b-day gift for Elena)! The girls were decked out in Elite Shirts and Jackets which called for quite a bit of attention. These divas enjoyed backstage passes and received autographs, pictures and conversation with the top ten dancers that are on tour! Shauna- your Elite Jacket is in the mail! The girls below in pics with Jaimie, Anya, Hok, Jesus, Dominic, Kameron, Neil, Pasha, Shauna, Danny, Sara, Lauren and the Winner Sabra!

"Better Than a Broadway Show Recital"
Was a Smash …

TOTALLY SOLD OUT AND OVER THE TOP! There were gorgeous academy award props, red carpets, crowning ceremony, 15 minute-5th yr anniversary slideshow, formal gown ceremony and fantastic opening number! After the recital, the Elite Team made their way to a formal after party! Parent games, student games and a DJ rocked the night away. A reporter for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette came to our show!

Emilia Romagna, Italy

Elite Girls traveled to Emilia Romagna, Italy in June to compete with the American Dance Team- Chelsea Sebes and Taylor Banks were chosen to be on a team of 50 competitors from all over the United States to compete for the World Cup. The girls returned victorious! They met many renowned dancers and choreographers on the trip.

New York City in July

Trip to New York City in July - Damian and a few students traveled to NYC to take classes at Broadway Dance Center, JUMP, and The Pulse. Damian was called out at BDC as the star of both of his classes and was even asked to serve as a demonstrator for a ballet phrase with the ABT class! Alumni and friend, Brittany Markle, worked for JUMP and made sure to get us pictures with the famous staff members! The Elite got the opportunity to see “Legally Blonde” on Broadway and hang out with the cast afterward the show (pics below)! Miss. Tina was a dance mate of Asmeret Ghebremichael’s, a lead cast member! We also worked with Nick Lazzarini, Dee Caspary, Mandy Moore, Shane Sparks, Mia Michaels and Dan Karaty.

Elite Child Star, Ricky Rogers

Elite Child Star, Ricky Rogers, spends many of his weeks called into New York City for auditions and projects. Ricky has filmed many MTV Music videos and movies! The Rapture included Ricky Rogers and Lindsay McGivern in their very popular video Whoo! Alright Yeah….Uh-huh! music video that was up for the MVPA award this year along side Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani and Lady Sovereign. The video was choreographed by Sean Paul and The Pussycat Doll’s choreographer, Tanisha Scott!
www.therapturemusic.com Ricky also worked in the new Goosebumps movie!

Rachel Butteri

Rachel Butteri is gorgeous, talented and special. These could be the reasons that Marcea Maglia hired her to be one of her runway models. www.Marcea.com Marcea gives Rachel the opportunity to travel and socialize with dance industry leaders. Rachel was asked to model/dance at the United Dance Merchants of America show in New York City. She got the rare chance to work with Dan Karaty, Eduardo Patino and Sue Lincoln. Rachel was chosen to dance in Marcea’s Couture line which is the 2500 dollar and over originals. In NYC, Rachel was excited to hear Mia Michaels speak on the value of offering nurturing, quality instruction. Marcea would like to fly Rachel to Los Angeles to shoot her new catalog!

Justice Hartman

Justice Hartman traveled to Harrisburg PA this past July to compete for the National American Miss Pageant against 98 girls. Damian acted as one of Justice's business sponsors. Justice placed 1st in Cover Model and Photogenic! We are pleased to announce that Justice is now in the Queen's Circle. While competing, Justice caught the eye of a major sponsor and agent. Justice has been offered full scholarship to compete at the National's in California. She will be performing a new tap solo at Nationals! Another Elite member placed 1st Overall in Talent by competing an open solo choreographed courtesy of Damian!

Taylor Banks

Taylor was signed on last year by Physique Fitness Talent Agency in Los Angeles, California. She landed a major contract at the IMTA Conference. The news that Taylor would be fully compensated for all future talent gigs came as no surprise to her Elite Teacher! Taylor has filmed vitamin commercials, magazine spreads and auditioned the lead role in a new pilot series "Hell on Earth". Word has it that Taylor is going to be in Vogue Magazine! She is also filming a new MTV Music video in L. A.! Taylor credits Damian for her confidence and drive to succeed. She is a West Coast Dance Explosion Elite Teen Dancer! Taylor and Ricky Rogers recently were photographed in a two-day professional tribal shoot NYC.

Camaria Lehman

Camaria opened her own workshop this past season. She flew in renowned choreographer, Nick Gonzalez, to teach attendees. Camaria invited in many local schools to participate in "Dance Because You Care". This workshop was designed to raise charity money for Children's Hospital. Camaria was able to raise almost $3500 towards the cause. She sold T-shirts and sweatshirts for charity as well. An article was written about her in the Butler Eagle, Pittsburgh Post Gazette and Cranberry Eagle. The workshop included a full day of classes, free T-shirt and complimentary lunch. The cost was $40 donation per child. Camaria's head shot in black and white below.

Rockette Visits EDBD

Rozelle, from the Radio City Rockettes, came to Elite this season to talk about her journey in the professional dance world. Rozelle told the dancers how attitude, positive outlook and hard work paid off in her life. Damian had rented a gym and run a mock talent competition for the day Rozelle came to scout the Elite. Damian also invited Brian from Jubilee Las Vegas to judge the competition and give feedback. Brian says that he personally enjoys seeing the younger crowd with pretty, light make up and major stage presence. We think that having pros in gives Elite the advantage!

No Deep Dish Pizza needed ...
The Elite Take over Chicago!

Chelsea Sebes, Camaria Lehman and Madison Lehman headed to Chicago on July 23-27 to attend Embracing the Dream by Standing O Productions. www.standingoproductions.net It was an educational trip to meet Broadway Producers, Casting Agents and Dance wear legends. In Chicago the girls worked with Richard Pierlon, Marcea Maglia, Nick Gonzalez, Jeff Amsden, Chebar Williams, Kim Farah and Barrett Martin. Chels and Cam were two of four dancers chosen to perform the Gala Ceremony! Chelsea was told after her solo critique that she is a gorgeous technician and there were no negatives! Madison won a scholarship and bra/pants courtesy of Marcea. Chelsea performed in the "Final 6" Finale Ceremony of the best! Nick Gonzalez took care of our girls the whole trip!