ROYAL DANCE WORKS RECENT NEWS ARCHIVE

Royal Dance Works Reigns as 2008 National Champions
Teens and Seniors Take Home Top Award

Royal Dance Works recently returned from Anaheim, California, as newly crowned National Champions in both the Teen and Senior Divisions. Jaci Royal choreographed the Teen number to “Such Great Heights” where the dancers simulated flying on a magic carpet. The dancers included Meghan Kenney, Lauren Powell, Hailey Reinsch, Kirsti Reinsch, Courtney Smith, and Tatum Williams. The Senior dancers, choreographed by Jaci Royal and Maria Burrola, perfomed “My Heart”, a teen-aged love story. Megan Ward, Adam Moss, Emily Beyer, Alise Moss, Katie Rachel, Alissa Sabatino, Lia Sawalqah, and Demi Tomasek won the Senior title. The competition took place as part of the National Finals of LA Dance Magic, an elite convention catering to the best of dancers.

Other awards included top Senior duo, “Nicest Thing”, top Senior line, “Stupid” (both choreographed by Jaci Royal), and top Senior production, “Whatcha Been Missin”, choreographed by Tony Suski. Further congratulations go to Emily Beyer, runner-up to National Teen Dancer of the Year, and Adam Moss, runner-up to National Senior Dancer of the Year

Jaci Royal returns to the studio after three years of training, teaching, and choreographing in New York. She joins the staff at Royal composed of experts in their respective fields. A majority of the faculty possess college degrees in education or extensive professional experience. The entire faculty looks forward to welcoming students into the new expansion—five dance floors, student lounge, children’s play area, and more. Classes are offered in jazz, ballet, hip hop, tap, musical theater, and tumbling. Additional classes, including ballroom, will be added in the fall.

Congratulations to Emily Beyer
2008 Performance Student of the Year

"I was born with dance in my heart. It will always be an important part of my life. Royal isn't just the studio where I receive training - it is my second home filled with incredible teachers and people who I consider family. A teacher once told me 'Reach for the stars. They are reachable,' and I will never stop reaching."

Emily enjoys going to the lake, camping with her family, hanging out with friends, and dancing, of course!

2005 - Royal Dance Works Performer of the Year Runner-Up
2008 - LA Dance Magic National Performer of the Year Runner-Up
2008 - Royal Dance Works Performer of the Year

RDW wins big at Jump Comp
Phoenix Jump Convention and Competition

In case you haven't heard, Royal Dance Works really rocked the house at the recent Jump Convention and Competition held in downtown Phoenix. Out of over 100 numbers representing nearly 20 studios, Royal Dance Works placed first in EVERY category entered!

"Braille", choreographed by Maria Burrola, placed 1st in Teen groups / "Stupid", choreographed by Jaci Royal, placed 1st in Teen lines / "Yellow", choreographed by Maria Burrola placed 1st in Teen extended lines / In the Senior category, "Slow Me Down" placed 1st and "My Heart" placed 2nd, both choreographed by Jaci Royal / Overall winners for the evening were "Stupid" and "Slow Me Down" which both appeared in the faculty show / the weekend VIP Senior student was Megan Ward / the weekend VIP Teen student was Alissa Sabatino...

Congratulations to everyone for such a fantastic weekend!

RDW Phoenix Suns Halftime Show
In loving memory of Erica Sheffey

On Saturday, January 12th, 2008, the Royal Dance Works performance companies entertained the crowd at the Phoenix Suns' half-time break. The production number consisting of 50 dancers was choreographed by Tony Suski. The Suns choose only 5 dance groups to perform during the season.

The performance was dedicated to Erica Sheffey, who would have been dancing that evening, if not for the fateful bus crash in Utah that took her life on January 7, 2008, along with eight others. We were honored to have her family at the game, supporting all of the dancers.

"Your gentle touch, your tender care, A smile as bright as sunshine, A heart of no compare, A spirit that will glow forever, In the memories we share." We will miss you, Erica

Glendale Glitters
Prelude Performance Company

The Prelude Performance Company of Royal Dance Works performed at Glendale Glitters in December. Juniors, Troupe, PreTeens, Petites, Tempo, and Prelude all danced for the large crowd who obviously enjoyed the performance. Everybody had a wonderful time to kick off this festive winter season. Happy Holidays and Best wishes for 2008 from everyone at RDW.

Brian Runbeck in The Full Monty
Phoenix Little Theatre

Brian Runbeck, our musical theater instructor at Royal Dance Works is starring in "The Full Monty" at the Phoenix Little Theater, February 20 - March 16, 2008.

As an actor and singer, Brian has appeared Off-Broadway and at theatres around the country. He hopes to encourage new Broadway hopefuls. Read more about Brian Runbeck here

Congratulations to Megan Ward
Dancer of the Year 2007
Megan Ward was selected by the LA Dance Magic Convention as the Dancer of the Year 2007. Megan competed against regional winners from 18 other cities in the US. Leading up to this award, Megan traveled throughout the year to four cities to train with LADM staff. She will be traveling this year appearing at several conventions and will be able to showcase her dancing skills up on stage as Performer of the Year. "They complimented me on my work ethic and really appreciated my passion for dance," stated Megan upon her return.

As a senior last year, an intregal part of RDW's Senior Performance Company. In addition, last July Megan was a Jump VIP in New York City and had the experience of working with prestigious choreographers such as Mandy Moore and Nick Lazzarini (from So You Think You Can Dance fame). After nationals, she went to the LADM intensive in California where she worked with the faculty and other guest master teachers for another week. "I can't wait to put all of what I learned into my dancing." Megan recently moved to New York to continue her dance studies.

Radio City Music Hall, New York
Jump National Dance Convention

This past summer, senior dancers from Royal Dance Works traveled to New York to participate and compete at the Jump National Dance Convention and Competition. After a rigorous week of dance classes and of course, sightseeing, the dancers competed for the chance to be one out of only six senior companies nationwide to perform at Radio City Music Hall.

The girls celebrated as the announcement came that "Foolish Games", a number choreographed by Jaci Royal, was selected. The performance played to a full house and rave reviews. Congratulations to dancers Bethanie, Maria, Julianne, Alise, Tatum, Sloan-Taylor, Alissa, Lia, Elissa, Demi, and Megan.

Jaci Royal Teaches Dance in Mexico
Monterrey, Mexico

Jaci Royal recently spent six weeks teaching and choreographing in Monterrey, Mexico. The program is an incredible opportunity for the young dancers there, as well as for Jaci, who says she especially loved the delicious food and the beautiful landscapes. Buena suerte!

Royal Dance Works Grad goes Hollywood
Rachele Smith to star in Center Stage - Turn It Up

Rachele Smith, a graduate of Royal Dance Works, plays the lead role of "Kate" in the soon-to-be released movie, Center Stage - Turn It Up. After graduation in 2006, Rachele was accepted on scholarship at EDGE Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. Upon completion of the 10-month program, Rachele stayed in LA to continue her studies and pursue a professional dancing and acting career.

Rachele was spotted by casting directors from the movie while excelling in one of her hip-hop classes at EDGE. After numerous auditions and call-backs, she landed the lead role and had to prepare immediately to leave for Vancouver to begin shooting.

In November 2007, Carole Royal visited Rachele on set in Canada and was amazed by the whole production. The work ethic that Rachele constantly displayed back at the studio was something that helped her withstand long days of filming. The producers (who last worked on Dream Girls) said they couldn't have selected a better person to play the lead. She is talented, beautiful, hard-working, and humble. Everyone at the studio is so excited for her and can't wait until the movie is released!

UPDATE > With all the filming of Center Stage 2 wrapped up, Rachel Smith recently stopped by the Royal Dance Works studio, to teach dance classes for our performance companies.

Seniors Strut Stuff in Las Vegas
Back-to-Back Winners

The Senior Performance Company traveled to Las Vegas to attend the Pulse Convention. This convention is sponsored by Broadway Dance Center in New York City and features teachers and choreographers, Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, and Shane Sparks from "So You Think You Can Dance". On Saturday evening, each studio is allowed to showcase one number. The dancers performed "Stupid" choreographed by Jaci Royal. The convention teachers then select a "Choreographers' Pick". For the 2nd year in a row, Royal Dance Works was selected!

RDW Juniors Win at CoDance
Royal Dance Works Wins Judges Pick!

The Teen and Junior Performance Companies from Royal Dance Works recently attended the Co Dance Convention and Competition. Platinum awards were given by the judges, with the Judges Pick Award going to the Juniors, performing "Be My Escape", with choreography by Maria Burrola, and additional choreography by Jaci Royal.

The judges selected "Be My Escape" as their favorite of the junior entries, to be performed again in the faculty show. We are so proud of you!

PHOTO: Juniors pose with choreographer Maria Burrola after being awarded the Judges Pick.

Congratulations to Carole Royal
Selected as "Dance Educator of Weekend" at Co Dance

Carole was chosen the "Dance Educator of the Weekend" out of all the teachers attending Co Dance in Phoenix. The award is chosen by the faculty of Co Dance and given to the teacher they feel best exemplifies their ideals of a teacher that gives of herself to her students and provides a nurturing environment to achieve.

More about Carole Royal and the RDW Faculty

DuPree Convention
Royal Dance Works Competes in Mesa

Royal Dance Works recently attended DuPree Convention/Competition in Mesa. We were well represented with Troupe, PreTeen, Petite, and Tempo Performance Companies participating. Way to go, dancers!