It’s time to celebrate a momentous achievement as the Impact Dance Complex’s 2024 Senior Performance Ensemble took center stage at the prestigious Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival held at Drexel University. From the honor of closing the festival to a weekend filled with professional dance classes, team building and the grand performance day, our dancers exemplified the pillars of our studio – dedication, top-tier dance education, and commitment to performance excellence. Join us as we relive the journey of our talented dancers and the culmination of their hard work and passion for dance.

For our Senior Performance Company, being chosen to close the 2024 Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival was not just a performance opportunity – it was a testament to their talent, dedication, and commitment to dance. As the grand finale of the festival, our dancers embraced the honor with humility and excitement, ready to showcase their skills and leave a lasting impression on the audience.

This season’s performance piece, “Are You Afraid of the Dark?”, was inspired by two young girls experiencing various nightmares while asleep in bed. Choreographed by Impact’s own Mrs. Colleen, Ms. Ali & Mr. Tony, the number includes various dance styles such as hip-hop, contemporary, jazz and even acting skills. The dancers spent months learning to use props such as the bed, work with theatrical costumes, build trust through group stunts & tricks, and work to elevate their team to a high level of showmanship and performance.

Leading up to the festival performance, our dancers embarked on a weekend filled with intensive training with professional teachers, team building activities, and technical rehearsals. Professional dance classes led by industry experts provided our dancers with invaluable knowledge and inspiration, while team building exercises fostered camaraderie and unity among the group. Some of the styles the dancers got to learn this year included hip-hop, partnering, salsa, Franklin method and more. As the performance day drew near, our dancers remained focused, determined, and ready to shine on stage.

For our dancers, performing at the Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival is the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and commitment to their craft. Year after year, our dancers strive for excellence, pushing the boundaries of their abilities and honing their skills under the guidance of our experienced instructors & choreographers. Each season, the Senior Performance Company must apply to the festival, and be accepted based upon its work from previous performances. It’s this relentless pursuit of excellence that sets our studio apart and allows our dancers to shine on the prestigious stage of the festival at Drexel University.

At Impact Dance Complex, we believe in fostering not only exceptional dancers but also confident, resilient individuals who are equipped with the skills and values to succeed both under and away from the spotlight. Through our commitment to top-tier dance education, dedication to progress, and unwavering support of our dancers, we empower them to reach new heights and achieve their goals. Life skills such as teamwork, respect, commitment & dedication, and perseverance are just a few of the things our Performance Company members take into their lives away from the stage. As we reflect on the incredible journey of our 2024 Senior Performance Company at the Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival, we’re filled with pride and gratitude for their hard work, passion, and dedication. Their performance exemplified the values and pillars of Impact Dance Complex, as well as showcased their personal successes as dancers and a team. We look forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of our talented dancers as they continue to shine bright on and off the stage. Hope to see you next year at PYDF 2025!

Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival

Drexel Dance Department

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