Diamonds are a dancer's best friend

FALLBROOK — The saying “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” goes a long way for the dancers on the Dancin’ 3D dance team of CAST Academy of Dance.

Two weeks ago, the competition teams walked away from the Spotlight Dance Competition in Upland, CA, with three Diamond Awards as well as two Overall Division awards, the highest first place award dancers can earn in their division during the three-day event.

Traci McKnight, the Diamond soloist, earned the “category award winner” for her interpretation of “Uninvited.” In addition, she won ninth place overall in her division, which included over 70 entries. She also was awarded a special judge’s award called the “Blood, Sweat and Tears” award. This award acknowledged her emotional commitment to the piece as well as her hard work and effort.

Lyrical teams “Liberty” and “Burn Me Up” also received their Diamond awards, in addition to placing tenth and sixth overall in the small group division with “Burn Me Up” as the category winner. These dance pieces competed against 70 entries from other studios.

“Honorable Mention,” “Where did it Go?” “Istanbul,” “Sunscreen”, “Catch 22” and “Prepare Yourself” all received first place Ruby trophies.

Solists Katie Neal, Samantha Wojdynski, Rebecca Donlon, Kathryn Majdick and Alex Schooner received first place Ruby awards for their dance pieces as well. Sarah Stevens, Jaclyn Costa and Mary Somers earned Emerald second place awards.

The dance team will be performing their award-winning pieces at the CAST Academy of Dance recital, “Living in America,” on July 1, 2 and 3 at the Mission Theatre. All dancers are currently enrolled in dance classes offered by CAST Academy of Dance. The dancers and dance pieces are coached and choreographed by Allisan Whitman, Penny Floate, Mac Sardilla and Stefanie Aguilar.