Dance Company Earns Three Wins in Worldwide Competition

Hundreds of participants from 30 countries flexed their talent and skills virtually

Sacred Heart University’s dance company brought home three wins from the World Dance Movement virtual competition among hundreds of entries from more than 30 countries. The competition aired April 10. The dance company is part of SHU dance, a cohort within the vibrant performing arts program.

First place in the senior category for open/commercial/street dance groups and formations went to For The People. Bringing the number to life were Danielle Ahern ’25, Riley Bauer ’24, Emma Delise ’25, Vienna DeRubis ’23, Shannon Fallon ’25, Kelsey Jacobsen ’25, Maddie Kamme ’23, Mina Macera ’24, Madie Theriault ’24, Sage Thomas ’24, Maura Walters ’25 and Katie Zimmer ’25. Guest instructor Sarah-Katarina (SKooJ CorE-O) dance.

Theriault and Thomas earned second place in the senior category for contemporary/modern duo with their piece, Lucid, choreographed by Kari Williams, director of dance at SHU.

“The World Dance Movement lets many companies, studios and people around the world share their passion for dance. Being part of this global competition was an amazing experience that showed the world the major talent we have here at SHU,” Thomas said.

Another ensemble captured third place with Better Days, performed by Olivia Ansaldi ’25, Chandler Decusati ’22, Gracie Hood ’23, Kelsey Jacobsen ’25, Tara Keating ’22, Isabelle Kovacs ’23, Kaitlyn Manzi ’25, Mikela Pirri ’25, Angelise Roy ’24, Bridget Sullivan ’23 and Ava Zecchino ’24. Choreographer Jasper Law and SHU dance instructor Sidney Choothesa choreographed that number.

“The pieces that competed had such powerful meanings, and they really showcased what SHU dance company is all about. It was also great getting feedback from the judges because it helps us work on skills and become better artists. I am so honored SHU dance company gave us this opportunity, and I can't thank them and the World Dance Movement enough,” Thomas said.

The celebrity judge panel included Michele Assaf, Brian Friedman, Kat Wildish, Jessica Franco, Ginger Cox, Bill Goodson, Joshua Pelatzky, Ashley Carter, Peter Oxford, Emily Bufferd and Phil LaDuca.

World Dance Movement’s international festival and competition provides a platform for dancers around the world to learn from and inspire each other artistically and culturally.

To learn more, visit the performing arts program webpage.