Miss Kelly’s Dance Company, a local Oswego NY dance studio owned and operated by Kelly Thomas, recently spent the week at their current competition teams’ first ever National Competition, Turn It Up Dance Challenge. While previous MKDC teams have made the journey to a National level competition, the 3 current teams experienced this level for the first time at Foxwoods Casino in CT June 28-July 4.
At the competition, the Mini, Petite, and Jr/Sr teams all received special awards for choreography, costumes, and entertainment, among others. They earned platinum/high platinum adjudications, and placed in the overall top scores for their categories for solo, duet/trio, and group performances. MKDC also had 6 students perform on the Turn It Up National Team, which they qualified for by receiving an invitation during their regional competition performances.
One of the biggest highlights of the week took place on the 4th of July, the very last day of competition. Throughout the week, teams earned the opportunity to take part in the dance battle portion of competition based on scores and wild card opportunities chosen by judges during their dances. The MKDC Jr/Sr team earned a wild card entry for their contemporary number titled Purgatory, which was choreographed by Morgan Thomas. The number placed 4th overall with a high platinum adjudication in their category during regular competition.
At the battles, each team would perform their dance a final time for a new panel of judges to be chosen as National Grand Champion. Purgatory hit the stage with a flawless run which brought tears to many eyes in the theater as they witnessed the emotional performance.
During the awards ceremony, Miss Kelly’s Dance Company’s Purgatory was confirmed as the National Grand Champion against 9 other top scoring performances in the Junior Intermediate category. The energy of the team, staff, and fellow MKDC dancers present couldn’t be matched as they celebrated one of the highest honors given to over 1100 dances featured at the event.
During the upcoming 2025-26 dance season, Miss Kelly’s Dance Company will be celebrating their 45th anniversary. Their competitive and non-competitive programs are currently accepting new members, and registration for summer and fall programs is available. An open house will be taking place at the Miss Kelly’s Dance Company studio located at 437 East Ave on Tuesday July 15 from 5-7pm. Information can also be requested by calling 315-529-2170, emailing [email protected], or messaging the Miss Kelly’s Dance Company Facebook page.
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