Lake County Gazette

Gurnee Park District issued the following announcement on Aug. 7.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Above the Barre had been rehearsing for two upcoming competitions. While one was cancelled, the other, Spotlight Dance Cup, was rescheduled with safety precautions put in place. Despite time off during the pandemic, dancers were ready to safely return for rehearsals. Routines were reworked to adhere to the competition's and Park District's safety guidelines, especially numbers that performed lifts or tricks. In a matter of five weeks the girls accomplished this and much more. Their dedication was remarkable.

On Saturday, July 25, Gurnee Park District's Above the Barre Dance Company performed at the Spotlight Dance Cup Competition at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee. The awards show was live streamed on Saturday, August 1. Safety was a top priority. Dance companies arrived individually, performed all entries and the departed from the theater. Spectators were not allowed and dancers were asked to only have one parent attend. Above the Barre remained focused despite the new atmosphere.

The Spotlight Dance Cup Competition had a total of three hundred and seventy nine entries, Above the Barre entered sixteen routines. From solos, duets, trios and groups Above the Barre bought all their hard work to the stage.

Awards clinched at the Spotlight Dance Cup Competition include:

• Olivia and Emma Kunz (Student Choreography) - 1st in category and 3rd overall for their piece, Head Above Water
• Lily Burch (Junior Solo) -1st in category for her piece, Human
• Janae Vaughn - 4th overall for solo piece, Confident
• ATB - Senior 1 division (Jazz) - 4th overall for group piece, Rhythm of the Night
• ATB Senior 2 division (Jazz) - 1st in category for group piece, I Wanna Dance with Somebody
• ATB Senior 1 division (Lyrical) - 1st in category for group piece, Roots without Branches
• ATB Senior 2 division (Lyrical) - 1st in category and 3rd overall for group piece, Lost Without You
• ATB Petites - 1st in category and 1st overall for their group piece, Material Girl

The Above the Barre Company would not be complete without our amazingly talented and dedicated instructors. Congratulations to:

• Samantha Murphey, Teacher Award for Most Entertaining Choreography for group piece, Rhythm of the Night
• Kelly Hume, Teacher Award for Most Innovative Choreography for Go

The passion for dance was evident in the wonderful performances by all our dancers. We are so proud of each of them. An enormous thank you to the Above the Barre Company dance instructors and staff: Kris Norwood, Samantha Murphey, Nicole Lother, Kelly Hume and Marie San Pedro. 

Original source can be found here.

Source: Gurnee Park District