Two dancers from Danza! Performing Arts Academy of Fredonia were recently awarded talent scholarships to be used at future dance conventions. Kyra Taylor and Mckenna Taylor were each awarded talent scholarship for the 2012-13 year.
After attending an all-day master class workshop series with some leaders in the industry, dancers were recommended based primarily on dance talent and also on their abilities to perform, learn new choreography, general work ethic and class room decorum. The talent scholarships are then given to a student to use to further their study of dance in the convention circuit.
Approximately 1,000 dancers attended an all-day workshop event and 10 scholarships were awarded based on talent. Dancers ranged from the age of 9 through 20 and all participants were eligible. This was both Kyra and McKenna's first convention experience.
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Pictured at a duet performance at Shea’s Performing Arts Center are Kyra Taylor (left) and Mckenna Taylor.
Among the prestigious teachers were Kherington Payne, star of the movie "Fame" and the acclaimed television series "So You Think You Can Dance," Comfort Fedoke Top 10 finalist from Season 4 of the hit show "So You Think You Can Dance" and "So You Think You Can Dance" All Star in both Season 7 and 8. Other noteworthy credits include: The King of Pop Michael Jackson Tribute Tour in Germany (2009), stints on the hit Fox show "Glee," the film "Honey 2" and recently released "Footloose" remake as well. Kiesha Lalama, noted choreographer and educator, and Rochelle Marie Haines tap teacher extraordinaire were part of the elite faculty.
Kyra and Mckenna Taylor are twin sisters and third-grade students at Fredonia Elementary School. They are the daughters of Mark and Krista Taylor of Fredonia. They are currently in their seventh year of dance class at Danza! Performing Arts Academy. They both are enrolled in ballet, tap, jazz, Irish, musical theatre, hip hop, Afro-Caribbean and tumbling. They are also members of the Danzaco Bella dance company which performs at a variety of community, charitable events and travels to compete in numerous major dance competitions. They also participate in the Danza! Diva cheer team, piano, voice and soccer.
