Meet Savage Dance Company: WOD New Jersey Upper Division Champions 2017

Members: Ava Alhtoff, Littlestown, Brianna Archibald, Madelyn Beckman, Victoria Captain, Kylie Cornwell,  Kate Costella,  Jeffery Cottman, Ashley Easley, Alexa Faupel, Ayla Flowers, Brooke Forsyth, Camden Fry, Taylor Fry, Karenna Glenn, Alexa Grech, Jackie Habeeb, Morgan Harris, Taja Hood, Sasha Hopkins, Mack Jarrett, Madison Knapp, Melina Meraklis, Wyatt Miller, Taylor Mitcham, Jordan O’Donnell, Hannah Panzer, Hannah Percoski, Alec Roberts, Dominic Roberts, Makenna Sageman, Delaney Sageman, Alexis Savage, Trinity Savage, Mia Savage, Thalia Shaw, Anna Skenderis, Jalen Stewart, Haley Stone, Anya Taylor, Shawn Taylor, Emilie Tedeschi, Dajzha Tucker, Jennifer Zicha

WOD: Can you give us a little background about the crew: how long have you been together/how did you meet? 

SDC: The dancers who competed at WOD ranged in age from 7 to 17 and all dance and train at Savage Dance Company.  They are all members of The SDC Company, our elite dance competition team.  They all train more than 15 hours per week in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap and hip-hop.  Some of these dancers have trained together for more than 10 years, while others have been with the group less than one year.  All of these dancers join The SDC Company by auditioning and receiving an invitation to join the competitive team.   

WOD: What were you feeling going into the competition?

SDC: Honestly, we were nervous and anxious.  We had never attended a World of Dance event, let alone compete against other experienced hip hop crews that came in from New Jersey, New York and other states.  We truly did not know what to expect.  We knew the wonderful reputation of World of Dance and the crews and dancers that attended.  As a result, we chose to expose our young dancers to the environment and to the challenge of competing in it to see how they would respond and expose them to some of the very best in the genre of hip-hop. Needless to say, we were very pleased with how they rose to the occasion and the reaction of all the other groups and audience members to our young dancers. The standing ovation was a true validation to them that they were capable of being on the stage with the other hip hop dancers. The victory was validation that their training and drive  can truly allow them to compete and showcase with anyone.

WOD: What was your favorite part of competing in World of Dance?

SDC: Without a doubt, the atmosphere. Our dancers love to be around others who love to dance and who compete at a high level.. They soaked in the entire day before they ever hit the stage. They were involved in the freestyle dance battles and watched all the routines while cheering on the other competitors. When it was their time to take the stage, they were backstage pumping each other up as they couldn’t wait to demonstrate their talents to the raucous crowd. When the crowd lit up for them during the routine and rose to their feet following the routine, their self confidence grew even stronger. When the announcement was made that we won 1st place over so many other experienced hip hop crews, the place erupted. Not just our families, but families from other studios who were so kind and gracious to our young dancers. The atmosphere truly made the day and the victory made it an unforgettable memory for all involved.

WOD: Anything else before we go?

SDC: Our experience at World of Dance was truly more than we could ever expected. Obviously, the victory was a wonderful validation of the efforts our dancers put in as well as a confidence boost that they can compete with the very best in the world on any stage. However, beyond that, the support our dancers received both during and after the event by the WOD public has been overwhelming. We look forward to continuing our relationship with The World of Dance and all of the opportunities it provides to our dancers moving forward.

  

WOD: Can you give us a little background about the crew: how long have you been together/how did you meet? 

SDC: The dancers who competed at WOD ranged in age from 7 to 17 and all dance and train at Savage Dance Company.  They are all members of The SDC Company, our elite dance competition team.  They all train more than 15 hours per week in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap and hip-hop.  Some of these dancers have trained together for more than 10 years, while others have been with the group less than one year.  All of these dancers join The SDC Company by auditioning and receiving an invitation to join the competitive team.   

WOD: What were you feeling going into the competition?

SDC: Honestly, we were nervous and anxious.  We had never attended a World of Dance event, let alone compete against other experienced hip hop crews that came in from New Jersey, New York and other states.  We truly did not know what to expect.  We knew the wonderful reputation of World of Dance and the crews and dancers that attended.  As a result, we chose to expose our young dancers to the environment and to the challenge of competing in it to see how they would respond and expose them to some of the very best in the genre of hip-hop. Needless to say, we were very pleased with how they rose to the occasion and the reaction of all the other groups and audience members to our young dancers. The standing ovation was a true validation to them that they were capable of being on the stage with the other hip hop dancers. The victory was validation that their training and drive  can truly allow them to compete and showcase with anyone.

 

WOD: What was your favorite part of competing in World of Dance?

SDC: Without a doubt, the atmosphere. Our dancers love to be around others who love to dance and who compete at a high level.. They soaked in the entire day before they ever hit the stage. They were involved in the freestyle dance battles and watched all the routines while cheering on the other competitors. When it was their time to take the stage, they were backstage pumping each other up as they couldn’t wait to demonstrate their talents to the raucous crowd. When the crowd lit up for them during the routine and rose to their feet following the routine, their self confidence grew even stronger. When the announcement was made that we won 1st place over so many other experienced hip hop crews, the place erupted. Not just our families, but families from other studios who were so kind and gracious to our young dancers. The atmosphere truly made the day and the victory made it an unforgettable memory for all involved.

WOD: Why do you think dance is important to the world?

SDC: Dance is a true positive in a world that seemingly loves to focus on the negative.  People from all backgrounds can come together at any time and share their collective love and passion for dance.  In addition, it is a way for dancers of any age to truly express themselves.  Because of the diversity of genres, dancers can demonstrate all emotions through their movements while also telling a story to the observer.  By adding music to that equation, it can evoke emotions from people who did not even know the dancer or dancers on stage.  We felt that at the World of Dance and it’s a powerful tool that is valuable to both the young and old.  We have always taken a healthy approach to dance and the opportunity it provides young people to not only become more confident in themselves, but also the mentor role they take on to others because of their level of maturity.

WOD: Anything else before we go?

SDC: Our experience at World of Dance was truly more than we could ever expected. Obviously, the victory was a wonderful validation of the efforts our dancers put in as well as a confidence boost that they can compete with the very best in the world on any stage. However, beyond that, the support our dancers received both during and after the event by the WOD public has been overwhelming. We look forward to continuing our relationship with The World of Dance and all of the opportunities it provides to our dancers moving forward.

To keep up with Savage Dance Company, check out their official site and follow them on their Facebook and Instagram. 

For tickets and more event info for the finals, visit World of Dance.

Can’t get enough World of Dance? Tune into NBC’s World of Dance Tuesdays at 10/9 central to see the world’s best dancers battle it out for a whopping $1 million prize. (Here’s everything you need to know about the show, from the competitors to the rules, in case you’re out of the loop). Don’t miss exclusive interviews, performances, and more from the definitive source for all things NBC World of Dance.