Special to IFN
Statesville Dance & Performing Arts (SDPA) officially launched its 2026 competition season at Encore Dance Championship of the Stars with a powerful and unforgettable opening weekend.
SDPA’s 42-member competition team took the stage with confidence, strength, and heart as the studio marked a significant milestone — its first year with the entire team advancing to the Competitive and Elite levels, the two highest levels of competition.
“To say our dancers handled the move up well would be an understatement” said Haley Price, SPDA marketing manager. “We are incredibly proud of how they rose to the challenge and performed with both excellence and integrity.”
Throughout the weekend, SDPA teams and soloists earned:
• Numerous Diamond and 1st Place awards:
• Multiple Overall Awards; and
• A Title Winner: Dwa Carson
SDPA delivered powerful, polished, and confident performances across every age division.
However, the highlight of the weekend was receiving the prestigious “Spirit of Encore” Award — an honor presented to one studio that not only demonstrates outstanding talent and technique but also exemplifies exceptional sportsmanship, encouragement, positivity, and kindness throughout the entire event.
“To be recognized for who we are as people means more than any trophy,” Price added. “This award reflects the culture we’ve built — one rooted in support, respect, leadership, and heart.”
At SDPA, the mission extends far beyond dance training. While the studio is committed to developing technically strong and competitive performers, it equally prioritizes building confident leaders, respectful teammates, and compassionate young women and men who carry these life skills beyond the stage and into their communities.
Winning the Spirit of Encore Award serves as powerful affirmation of that mission in action.
The weekend also included outstanding individual achievements:
• Auriel Doss was awarded the $1,000 Discovery Spotlight Scholarship, recognizing performance excellence and industry-ready potential. She has earned the opportunity to showcase and compete at the Model & Talent Expo in Myrtle Beach in November.
• Josie Shoemaker received a $150 Scholarship to Seton Hill University’s Commercial Dance Experience Summer 2026 program. This prestigious opportunity includes A-list faculty master classes, audition preparation, participation in a professionally produced music video experience, faculty talk-backs, industry panels, and more.
With the season just beginning, SDPA looks ahead with excitement and gratitude.
“We are so proud. We are so grateful. And we are just getting started,” Price said.
LEARN MORE
For more information about Statesville Dance & Performing Arts, visit StatesvilleDance.com or follow SDPA on social media @StatesvilleDance for updates throughout the competition season.
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