By Pam Teel
Members of the Gallery of Dance in Freehold, NJ, were so excited to have participated in the 2016 season Finale of Dance Moms, the American Reality TV Series that debuted on the Lifetime channel in 2011.
The show follows the training and careers of children in dance and show business under the direction of one Abby Lee Miller, an outspoken, tough, dance coach who pushes her girls to the limits, and on more than one occasion, butts heads with some of the mothers. The show focused on Abby’s junior elite competition team, which consisted of mostly preteen girls. Original production of the show moved in 2015 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, California.
The Gallery girls brought two numbers to the Starbound National Dance Competition, which was held in Asbury Park, NJ on December 11th, at the historic Paramount Theatre.
Gallery of Dance went up against the well-known dance studios of the Abby Lee Miller Dance Company, as well as their rivals, Candy Apples Dance Center, and others Dance companies that were competing.
The choreography was created by one of the Galleries newest teachers, Ms. Amy Cowley, and executed by their Dazzler Dancers, Rachel Falcone, Isabella Federico, Charlotte Fucarino, Caitlin Holley, Mackenzie Katz, Michelle Lobocchiaro, Grace McCool, Sofia Murray, Julianna Powers, Ashley Rodriguez, Grace Tempest, Rebecca Tobenkin, and Brooke Zolezi.
“The excitement and comradeship was felt throughout the Gallery of Dance Studio,” stated Gallery owner Karen Dolan.
Gallery Dance is located at 231 Throckmorton Street in Freehold. The longevity of the studio is a testament to the quality of instruction given at The Gallery of Dance, as well as the owners Pay it Forward leadership.
Karen Dolan teaches her students the importance of giving back to the community, which is why she was so excited to bring her dancers to the Starbound National Dance Competition. What made it even better was that the competition sent all of its proceeds collected from that day to the well known Dancers Care Cancer Foundation which represents the unified voice of the dance community and the most powerful active awareness movement built by dancers who are passionate about raising funds for cancer. 100 percent of profits raised at their performances go to cancer research. To donate, go to: dancerscare.org/donate.
Classes at the Gallery of Dance run weekly and include a wide range of styles from Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop, to six-week mini sessions, such as their Mommy and Me classes and adult fitness classes.
Gallery of Dance is still accepting registration and would love to have you join the fun. Call 732-308-9077 to learn more about Gallery of Dance or www.galleryofdance.com.