Center Stage Dance Academy started out this year’s performance season with an armful of hardware. Comprised of area dancers aged 6-17, the studio’s performance team was excited to begin competing and working with choreographers from around the country to both better their abilities and broaden their skillset.

CSDA’s ENVISION Dance Company performed 19 numbers at LA Dance Magic in Rosemont over the weekend of February 24-26th. Every number earned a high gold or platinum score with one of the contemporary solo performances earning a double platinum and 2nd place overall placement. A Ghostbuster’s themed hip hop performance received a 1st place award and special entertainment award. Showing continued growth and technical consistency year over year, CSDA was also awarded the Five Diamond Studio Award. As one of five companies to receive the award, it is a true testament to studio’s efforts to produce dancers that are well-versed in all styles of dance, accomplished, and hard working.

More recently, ENVISION performed 24 numbers at Cathy Roe’s Ultimate Dance in Oswego on March 3-5th. In addition to individual awards for each dance including over half of the performances receiving 1st or 2nd place in their respective divisions, CSDA was awarded the prestigious ADCC (Association of Dance Conventions and Competitions) Studio of Excellence Award. This award is presented to one studio who displays sportsmanship, precision, technique & high standards. Center Stage was also recognized with the only two technique awards given out for the weekend.

“I am so proud of everyone involved –dancers, teachers, choreographers, and parents,” said the studio’s owner and artistic director Debbie Nowotnik. “To be recognized for our talent is always rewarding, but to receive acknowledgement and compliments from competition staff and other studios about our students being polite, well-rounded, and well-educated is remarkable. Our goal is to not only teach our students to be good dancers, but also to be good people as well.”

Now in its ninth year, CSDA’s competition team has 48 dancers ranging in age from 6-17. As one of the most prestigious companies in the northwest suburbs, the company performs jazz, tap, contemporary/lyrical, musical theater, modern and hip hop routines. Competing in regional and national dance competitions, ENVISION consistently earns high scores among all age groups and dance styles. Soloists have won top competition awards and been invited to dance on a national level time and time again.