Dance Team Goes to Florida

Aliso Niguel Dance Team will be traveling to Florida from March 1-6 to perform in the Contest of Champions—The Premier Dance Nationals. This contest takes place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center in the Walt Disney World Resort. 

The dance team, consisting of 16 dancers in total, is bringing four team dances, three small routines, and two solos. Team routines are Medium Lyrical, Rio (a character routine), Stormtrooper (hip hop routine), and Medium Jazz. Small routines include Small Hip Hop, X-Small Jazz, and Medium Jazz. The two soloists are Maria Zolog (11) and Dana Smith (11). They will be performing under the x-small jazz, small hip hop, medium jazz, and medium lyrical categories. 

“We’re going to Walt Disney World so the team is very excited for that. This being my senior year makes Florida extra special because it’s my last year on the team. In Florida, I’m excited to compete in our routines and spend time with some of my best friends,” Karissa Benjamin (12) stated. 

The contest itself takes place from March 3-5. The dance team is competing their x-small routine, medium jazz routine, small hip hop routine, and the solos on March 3. On March 5, they compete with the rest of their dances. First place winners can earn $1,000 and there are Senior Scholarships that can range from $250 to $1,000. Dancers will perform on the basketball court in the Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center. The location is a walking distance to Magic Kingdom, giving easy access for the team to go to Walt Disney World.

“I am so excited for this opportunity to go to Florida and I know that these girls have worked really hard to get to this point. Ever since I got on the team I have always wondered what it would be like to go to the Florida Contest of Champions, and now we finally get the opportunity to go! I think this will be not just a fun time, but a learning experience,” Brianna Salerno (12), one of the captains, stated. 

The team leaves on Wednesday, March 1 flying on a red eye. On Thursday, March 2, they plan to go to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the day and Disney’s Epcot for dinner. On Saturday, March 4, the team goes to Magic Kingdom for the day. On their last day, March 6, they plan to go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios before packing and heading home. 

“I am excited and we get to go to all of the parks,” Natalie Sisman (11) expressed. 

The dances are choreographed by Mrs. Desiano, Kelly Devine, Jennifer McCrary, Anthony Tuason and Brandi Olivero. Mrs. Desiano, Anthony Tuason, and Caitlin Brophy are accompanying the team to Florida.