Green Mt. Performing Arts dancers compete, prep for 10th anniversary show

April 9, 2022  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Green Mountain Performing Arts dancers recently competed in Burlington. Left to right front: Rivers Siegmann, Riley Dalley, Charlotte Lang, Sadie Benson. Left to right standing: Teras Wood, Kelsey O’Brien, Jamie Atchinson, Ellett Merriman. Courtesy photo

Dancers from Green Mountain Performing Arts recently participated in a Burlington dance competition as classes across all genres at the dance school prepare for their spring recital on May 21. 

The annual performance at Spruce Peak Performing Arts in Stowe will be the first in-person show the dance school has done since 2019 and it marks the school’s 10th anniversary. Tickets go on sale Thursday, April 14, online. 

The Take Centerstage Dance Challenge competition took place in late March in Burlington. This was the first time GMPA took part in this annual event and dancers competed with a total of six dances. 

“Although we went in there with the mindset of having fun, doing our best, and being proud of what we accomplished, the outcome of the experience was more than we could have asked for,” said Jenna Companion, team instructor along with Fiona Garufi.

During the competition weekend GMPA dancers took home three big awards. The Troupe dancers took 1st & 3rd place in the Teen Small Group Novice category and the Modern 4 dancers took the Overall High Score in the Novice category. 

“The message that we continued to enforce to our dancers in the time preparing for this competition is regardless of how we place/score, we are there to show them what we do and receive feedback on our dancing so we can grow as dancers,” Garufi said. 

Spring recital and summer camps

Families of dancers may purchase spring recital tickets through April 13. Tickets go on sale to the public on April 14. Prices: adults, $20; seniors, $15; students, $10; livestream, $20. More information and a link to purchase is online at greenmountainperformingarts.org.

Registration is also open for summer camps and classes. Camps have different weekly themes and feature a variety of dance styles including ballet, hip hop, Irish, Highland and modern. Fees are discounted through April 14.  

Green Mountain Performing Arts is located in the Commercial Drive business park in Moretown, just outside of Waterbury. More information: greenmountainperformingarts.org