Brewster Dancers Take Home Gold in International Tap Championship

From Seven Star School: Ten local dancers from Seven Star School of Performing Arts spent the last week in Riesa, Germany representing the United States at the International Dance Organization's World Tap Championships. The dancers have been training and rehearsing since last spring preparing for the competition which draws in ap dancers from all over the world including Canada, Europe, South Africa and Australia.

In order to travel to Germany, dancers must first qualify through an audition in June and only 3 slots per age category and division are allotted. SSSPA qualified to represent the USA tap team in the solo, duet, trio, group and formation divisions in the junior (ages 12-15) and the senior (16 & over) categories.

Jillian McNamara, a Brewster High School junior, took home her third consecutive gold medal for her solo, Burn, commemorating her as the adult world champion. McNamara has also previously won gold medals in both the children and junior categories making her the first female competitor in the history of the World Tap Championships to win all 3 age levels.

Katelyn Williams also received a gold medal for her participation in the formation division with the American Tap Company routine, Bollywood. Lindsey Bieber, Danielle Garcia, Samantha Meir and Madison Vendel finished 6th overall with the American Tap Company routine, Into The Woods. McNamara and Mikhaela Ampeloquio received 5th place honors for their duet. Garcia, Meir and Vendel also placed fifth for their trio.

Since 2008, over 20 Seven Star School dancers have represented TEAM USA and have won over 20 medals, 9 of which are gold.

Seven Star School is located at 509 Route 312 in Brewster. For more information, visit them at www.SevenStarSchool.com or call 845.278.0728.

Photo Courtesy of Seven Star School