March 28 Encore traveled to Grand Rapids to compete in the Cathy Roe’s Ultimate Dance competition

Both junior and senior company members competed (34 dancers).

All 16 numbers qualified for national competition.

Special awards include:

“Judges Choice Award” for choreographer Kimberly Martz’s hip hop piece “Battlefield,”  noted for quality of precision.

This number opened for Chicago Tap Theater’s performance at SMC on Saturday night as part of the Dogwood Festival.

“It’s Tricky” was awarded the “Dare to be Different” award.

It’s a Run DMC classic.

Martz gave it a twist by having a group of “nerds” pound the floor with their rhythmic clogging.

Director Cathy Roe mentioned that she doesn’t see too much competitive clogging north of Texas.

This number can be seen next at Encore School of the Arts dance recital on May 16 at Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center.

Junior company member Jordan McKenzie of Marcellus earned the personality award when she competed her solo, “She’s a Pirate.”

Jordan’s three older sisters were all members of Encore and helped choreograph the number with her mom, Deb Mckenzie, costuming the piece.

Sarah Smallbone’s “Too Darn Hot” and Battlefield both won overall high scores in their categories.

All these numbers can be seen at Encore’s Spring Show 2010 on June 13 at Southwestern Michigan College.

Dowagiac senior Leana Allen was invited to participate in a fashion show for Algy Dance Costumes.

She will participate in a live fashion show (at nationals)which can later been seen online at Algy.com.

Encore senior company plans to compete at the national competition scheduled for late July in Mason, Ohio, home of Kings Island, according to Artistic Director Amy Rose.