The final dance competition of the year for Lake Area Dancers was StarQuest, held at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Our day began with anticipation, but took an unexpected turn upon arrival when we learned about an injury within our dance family. One of the older dancers from our studio unfortunately broke her arm while performing on stage. This incident understandably cast a shadow over the day, particularly for Grace, who was quite upset and emotionally affected, hinting at the challenges of navigating the dance world in the coming years.
Despite the initial somber mood, the competition itself proceeded. Here’s a breakdown of our experience at StarQuest.
The Venue: Roy Wilkins Auditorium
Having attended previous competitions at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium, specifically for Hall of Fame events, we were familiar with the space. This time, StarQuest utilized a single stage setup, which was perfectly acceptable. The space where a second stage was typically located had been transformed into a spacious dressing area, a practical and welcome change. Notably, the stage area felt brighter compared to past events, which enhanced visibility, especially around the concession areas. The seating arrangement remained consistent, with floor-level chairs and a balcony section above. The balcony offered a superior vantage point for viewing the performances.
The Energy Levels at the Competition
The overall energy at this StarQuest competition seemed somewhat subdued. Perhaps my own mood contributed to this perception, as both my daughter and son were feeling out of sorts, which in turn affected my own demeanor. It’s possible this personal experience colored my view of the general atmosphere. However, it also appeared that many dancers themselves were exhibiting lower energy levels than usual. Despite this, the organizers attempted to create an upbeat environment by playing popular music between performances, including nostalgic hits and accompanying videos. While the elements for a lively atmosphere were present, the collective mood of the attendees, including myself, seemed to dampen the overall energy. Adding to this, the awards ceremony was conducted at a rapid pace, making it challenging to adequately cheer for deserving groups. A slightly slower pace would have been appreciated to allow for proper acknowledgement and celebration.
Schedule Management
While I didn’t keep detailed notes on the schedule, my general impression was that the competition organizers did a commendable job of adhering to the printed schedule. There might have been a couple of instances where performances seemed slightly out of order, but overall, the event appeared to run relatively smoothly and on time.
The Dance Competition and Performances
StarQuest featured many dance studios that we had encountered at other competitions throughout the year, notably at Legacy Dance Championships. It was particularly rewarding to witness the evident progress and refinement in routines we had seen earlier in the season. The increased practice time was clearly reflected in the enhanced dance quality. Indeed, there were some truly outstanding performances showcased at this StarQuest competition, highlighting the dedication and talent of the participating dancers.
Judging Standards at StarQuest
The judging panel at this StarQuest event impressed as being particularly discerning. Platinum awards were not given out liberally; dancers had to demonstrate significant skill and precision to earn them. Adding to the competitive rigor, StarQuest introduced a “Platinum Plus” award level, signifying an even higher standard of achievement. This top tier distinction was only apparent after the awards ceremony concluded, as the rapid pace of announcements initially made it difficult to grasp all the details. The Lake Area Dance Center (LADC) Angels achieved High Gold awards for their lyrical and jazz routines, and a Platinum award for their tap performance. Although their Platinum score, while commendable, didn’t place them in the top 5 overall, their performance was excellent. The progress the team has made since the beginning of the season in September is truly remarkable and a testament to their hard work and dedication.
