Huntsville competitive dancers Ashley Nadrofsky and Alexus Banks of JJ Dance Performing Arts Studio recently experienced a trip to Orlando, Florida they’ll never forget.
Nadrofsky and Banks took part in the Elite Dance Team 2016 Nationals from June 28 to July 3 and created memories to last a lifetime. The pair were accompanied by their moms, Jennifer Nadrofsky and Terri-Lynn Banks, for the momentous occasion.
The week consisted of dance workshops with world renowned choreographers, learning the new choreography for a Disney performance, competitions and a dance gala which included dinner, dancing awards and special performances.
All in all, it was an eventful week chock-full of fantastic happenings.
Both girls competed in two segments, each performing a solo routine and then a duet together. Banks placed first with a dynamic diamond in her division while Nadrofsky also finished first earning a dynamic diamond herself as well as a special award for “commanding the stage.”
That was just the beginning as Nadrofsky and Banks took first place for their duet in their division, making it to “The Showdown” against all the division winners for an overall national title.
And the girls didn’t disappoint, putting on a fantastic show to win the overall title. However, they had to wait two days before finding out they won.
Upon hearing the announcement at the competition’s gala evening, there were tears of joy flowing down their cheeks as they walked up to receive their trophies.
But it wasn’t just about competing and winning awards for the Huntsville dancers. The pair had made many new friends and created relationships with dancers from other communities which will last a lifetime.
“My experience in Orlando was amazing,” says Nadrofsky. “When I got on that stage for the first time, it was fulfilling. Alexus and I worked really hard to get where we are today. I would never trade this experience for a second.”
Banks says she loved every moment of being in Orlando, from competing on the big stage to making new friends from around the globe. She says it was an honour to win first place in both her solo and taking the overall title with Nadrofsky. As well, the girls performed for the public as part of a team with other dancers in the competition.
“It was fun working with different teachers and learning their styles of dance,” says Banks. “Being a part of the Elite Team was a pretty awesome experience.”
It was a tremendous experience for the girls and it couldn’t have happened without the tremendous community support they received leading up to the event. Hosting a variety of fundraisers, including bottle drives, Nadrofsky and Banks were able to raise the necessary funds to be able to compete in Orlando.
The pair are extremely grateful for the support they received.
“I never thought I could have this opportunity at the age of 13,” says Nadrofsky. “I can’t thank the people and community enough for believing in me. By far the best experience of my life.”
Adds Banks: “I could not have done it without the help of my family, my dance teachers and my community. I am very thankful.”
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