It was a successful trip for the Rise Dance Co. as they traveled to Lowell for the Elite Dance Challenge competition. The group presented 27 pieces of choreography, and won the highest honor of First Overall for their large group tap piece, “March Madness,” and Second Overall for the contemporary trio, “Verdi Cries,” featuring dancers Pandora Bassett, Maggie Burke, and Anna Nitardy. In addition to individual awards, Rise was named the winner of the Studio of Excellence Award from the Association of Dance Conventions and Competitions. The dance company’s director, Jil Matrisciano, was honored as outstanding choreographer in the regional competition.
On March 18, the company will present its season to Island audiences at the Performing Arts Center. The 2018 Rise Dance Co. members are Sequoia Ahren, Skyler Amaral, Molly Baldino, Pandora Bassett, Susanna Becchio, Addison Blake, Maggie Burke, Annie Combra, Chloe Combra, Amelia Craig, Alison Custer, Isabelle Custer, Annabelle Cutrer, Teagan D’Arcy, Ava Fisher, Imani Hall, Felicity Lepine, Anna Nitardy, Isabella Osborn, Lauren Pagliccia, Emma Searle, Ellie Thomas, Ava Vought, Charlotte Watts, and Ashtyn Watts.
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