SALISBURY — Earlier this month, the national stage of the Beyond The Stars Dance Competition witnessed the rise of a star as Addison Aylward-Vreeland clinched first place. This young talent showcased exceptional skill and dedication, securing the top position in a highly competitive field.
Aylward-Vreeland, a student at Salisbury Central School, impressed judges and audiences alike at the national level. Competing against twenty-four regional champions, she earned the highest accolades in the solo jazz dance category. Her winning performance marked a significant milestone in her dance journey, especially considering it was her first solo at a national competition since beginning dance at the age of three.
The captivating routine, titled “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch,” was the result of nearly seven months of dedicated practice and collaboration with her coach, Maile Pikul from Cherilyn’s School of Dance in Pleasant Valley, New York. Together, they meticulously crafted a performance that highlighted Aylward-Vreeland’s talent and passion for jazz.
“Solos have to be two minutes or less,” Aylward-Vreeland explained, revealing the constraints of the competition format. Despite the time limitations, her creativity is boundless. She is already brimming with ideas for her 2025 season solo, eager to explore new songs, costumes, and choreography that perfectly capture the essence of jazz music. This dedication to detail and her ability to synthesize various artistic elements exemplify her disciplined approach to dance.
Her mother, Larissa Vreeland, proudly notes Addison’s enthusiastic approach to new challenges. “She’s so excited to try new things, and every year she challenges herself a bit more,” highlighting her daughter’s continuous growth and ambition within the competitive dance world.
While jazz is her primary passion, Aylward-Vreeland is a versatile dancer. She also trains in tap, hip-hop, ballet, and large group dance at Cherilyn’s School of Dance. She is an integral member of “the Pearls,” her tightly-knit dance team, with whom she has been competing since 2021. This teamwork and camaraderie are crucial aspects of her dance experience.
When asked about her dance heroes, Aylward-Vreeland affectionately named her friends Lorelei and K.K. “They do cool moves and they teach them to me,” she shared, emphasizing the supportive and collaborative environment within her dance community.
The Beyond The Stars Dance Competition national stage awaited Aylward-Vreeland on Tuesday, July 9th, at the Kalahari Convention Center in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania. Facing a live audience of five hundred, three judges, and numerous online viewers, she remained unfazed. Despite the intense spotlights, which she described as “blinding,” Aylward-Vreeland confidently delivered her award-winning routine. Her mother recounted asking if she had any pre-performance jitters, to which Addison replied with remarkable composure, “I don’t have any!”
This national competition victory was the culmination of a season of consistent success. Her “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch” routine had already earned her a regional title and first place in four out of five seasonal competitions. Reflecting on the moment of victory, Aylward-Vreeland described the suspense of waiting as the judges announced placements in ascending order. “I started to see it coming,” she said, recalling the excitement as her name remained uncalled until the top spot. “It felt really good to win.”
The outpouring of support from her local community has been significant since her win. Larissa Vreeland acknowledged the crucial role of Addison’s teammates, coaches, and supporters in her journey. Looking ahead, Aylward-Vreeland and “the Pearls” will compete in hip-hop, large group, and jazz dance at the World Dance Championship in Secaucus, New Jersey, from July 24-29. Fans can support and watch their performances via livestream at www.worlddancechampionship.com/live-stream.
Alt text for image: Young Addison Aylward-Vreeland proudly displays her Beyond The Stars Dance Competition national trophy alongside her supportive mother, Larissa Vreeland, celebrating her remarkable achievement in Salisbury.
