Local Dancer Named National Champion

Grace Pendleton, a 15-year-old Clinton resident and student at The Dance Corner of Killingworth was named Starpower 2018 Intermediate Senior Champion at the Starpower National Championships, June 27th at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.Pendleton received 5 stars, 1st place in the lyrical category and 1st place overall for her solo lyrical performance titled "Somebody's Someone." The emotional routine, was choreographed by Dance Corner instructor, Samantha Welch Hermann. Pendleton said this about her solo, "When I first heard this song, I immediately felt connected to it. The message was so powerful and I knew it was something that needed to be heard. Nearly everyone throughout their lives will know someone who is affected by drug abuse, suicide or homelessness. Through my dance, Somebody's Someone, I hoped to tell the message that no matter what, for those going through one of these things, there is always someone there for you."Additionally, Pendleton and her teammate Hannah Schilling of Westbrook performed with the Starpower Dance Force in the Opening Number of their "Battle of the Stars" Dance Off to conclude the 5 day long National talent competition.Pendleton will start her Sophomore year at The Morgan School in the fall and has been performing and studying dance for twelve years at The Dance Corner. In addition to lyrical, she also studies ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and acrobatics. Pendleton plans to pursue a career as a special education and dance teacher. The Dance Corner welcomes students of any age or level to take a free trial dance class. The studio is currently accepting new students into their 2018-2019 Fall-Spring session as well as offering Free Dance Days, August 21st- 23rd. Try a free class or mini-camp during this fun free summer event. To register or find out more about our dance classes, camps and events. visit TheDanceCorner.com.The Dance Corner is in it's 25th year of providing excellence in dance, cheer and acrobatics training. 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. 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 over 20 years.