Clinton Dancer Earns High Awards at Regional Competitions

Grace Pendleton, a 13-year-old Clinton resident and student at The Dance Corner of Killingworth, was recently named 1st runner up for the title of Miss Teen Step Up 2 Dance at the Step Up 2 Dance Regional Dance Competition held in Southbury, CT.

Grace received a Platinum medal for her lyrical dance performance titled “Clown." The routine, about the pain bullying causes, was choreographed by Dance Corner instructor, Samantha Welch. Additionally, Grace and her teammates at The Dance Corner, were also awarded with the "Team Elegance" award for fluidity and poise exhibited throughout the choreography and the dancers' performances.

Grace also received first place overall at the Bravo National Talent Competition in North Branford for "Clown." The Bravo judges awarded her the "Excellence in Technique Award" as well as a $125 scholarship to attend the Inaside Chicago Summer Dance Intensive.

At her final competition of the season, Energy National Dance in Manchester, Grace earned another Platinum award for "Clown" and was the First Place Overall Power Teen Soloist. In addition, she was awarded the "Outstanding Technique Award" and the "Outstanding Turns" award by the judges.

Grace is a 7th grader at the Jared Eliot Middle School in Clinton and has been performing and studying dance for more than 10 years. In addition to lyrical, Grace also studies ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and acrobatics at The Dance Corner. Grace plans to pursue a career as a special education and dance teacher. She will be performing her award-winning solo at The Dance Corner's annual spring performance, "When I Grow Up" on Sunday, June 5th, at the Haddam Killingworth High School. Tickets are available online at TheDanceCorner.com.

The Dance Corner, LLC, located in Killingworth, CT, is dedicated to providing its students with a well-rounded education in all facets of dance. Their classes are designed to increase confidence, build self-esteem and develop coordination in an interactive, group environment. With instruction for all ages and levels of experience, The Dance Corner is committed to providing its students with a positive learning environment to enjoy the art of dance. The Dance Corner has been providing students from Killingworth, Madison, Clinton, Deep River, Chester, Essex, Ivoryton, Centerbrook, Haddam, Higganum, Westbrook, Guilford and East Haddam with quality dance training for more than 20 years.