Picture Special: High-energy acts amaze at Dance Addictions 2018

There was much anticipation for the return of Dance Addictions to Letterkenny last night – the competition that draws young performers from all over Donegal and beyond for a great cause. 

It was a packed house at the Mount Errigal for the fourth annual event, this year in aid of Children’s Counselling Service at The Pastoral Centre Letterkenny.

Seventeen eclectic acts took to the floor to showcase impressive routines to the expert judges – Amy Callaghan from Glenswilly, Dance graduate and Donegal Rose 2017; Katriona McNamee from Ballybofey, founder of KMN School of Dance; Raymond Sweeney from Drumkeen of Titanicdance and former performer with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance.

Read more about the night, the charity inspiration and the story of Pinehill Studios in our report here:

Drama, dance and cool crews make Dance Addictions 2018 a thrilling success

In this photo special, we take a look back at the 17 acts who wowed the crowds on the night:

Sinead McGavigan School of Dance Lifford kicked off the show with an upbeat and edgy hip hop mix. Judge Amy praised their enthusiasm and their singalong skills while dancing.

Next up was the Ballymena Dance Academy, Tyrone with a fluid and synchronised ballet-style dance to ‘Beyond the Sea’. Their control, elegance and beautiful lines were admired by judges Amy and Catriona.

Aimee & Kieva of the Scoil Rince Ni Lochlainn, Malin put a modern take on Irish Dancing by mixing the music with club anthems. The audience and judges loved this surprise twist and Amy was quick to compliment their range of style and footwork.

Solo dancer Leon from Pinehill Studios had a popping performance which brought the audience through a new evolution of dance. He showcased the most electrifying Macarena ever, while switching from fast and slow pop beats with great attitude.

A vision of red theatrics was seen in the fifth performance, by Encore Performing Arts Letterkenny. The 19 ‘Heathens’ took on a haunting modern/jazz showdance, which impressed judge Raymond from the very first beat. Heathens took the third place prize in the competition.

Atomic Blonde, a duo from Letterkenny were all attitude with their hip-hop dance to great girl-power hits. Judge Catriona applauded their high energy and great versatility, while Lee Gooch needed to know where they got their flying space jackets!

The winning performance was all about the drama from the Ballymena Dance Academy. The girls all danced in character as haunting and shrieking witches in a routine based on the film The Crucibles. Judge Amy was almost left speechless by the performance, and said their facial expressions and routine was clearly ‘on point’.

Next up was a sweet and pleasant routine to ‘Dreams’ from Aoife, Alanna and Clare of The Forristal School of Dance, Gweedore. Raymond said their emotion was excellent and Catriona praised their beautiful floorwork and turns.

‘Hairography’ was used with the best impact by the troupe in ‘Dance Fusion’, Ailín’s Dance Class, Dungloe. The girls (and one boy!) aged 9-13 took on pop hits with a fun modern routine. Judge Raymond loved their high energy, movement and choreography throughout.

The audience was wowed by a half-time show from a Pinehill Studios supercrew. Four award-winning groups took to the floor to display their skills in a street-style show.

The tenth act was a Lyrical performance to ‘Open Hands’ by the Ballymena dancers. The moving piece captivated the room with the story of a cancer patient struggling to hold on. Amy said it was a story that would connect with a lot of people and praised their synchronicity, choreography and technique.

Jojo’s Studio hip-hop crew from Armagh brought lots of swagger to the show. Raymond said the 15 young dancers all displayed great attitude during their act.

The show went digital for Act 12, as the Dance Revelations crew from Omagh turned into video game characters under the instructions of a huge prop controller. The hip -hop and street sequence impressed the judges, who loved the concept and use of visuals.

Next up was an entrancing lyrical showdance to ‘Supermarket Flowers’ by Michaela Allen School of Dance, Letterkenny. The graceful girls cleverly used a prop bunch of flowers in the routine which was eventually handed to judge Raymond, who was very flattered!

Twenty-two-year-old solo dancer Kieran Taylor switched three top tracks in an electronic-style hip-hop break dance. The judges liked the idea of different rounds and had lots of praise for Kieran’s flexibility.

Next, a refreshing switch-up in styles from Encore PAA took the audience back in time with a vintage tap routine. The dancers had a fun routine for ‘Choo Choo Ch’ Boogie’ that was ‘sassy from the beginning’, according to Raymond.

Act 16 was the aptly-named ‘Fierce’ dance by Triump Performing Arts Letterkenny. The Game of Thrones battle-style dance was a captivating war of good vs evil. Judge Amy loved the theme and effective makeup and costuming.

There was no let-up in energy by the final act. Elite Dance Academy, Buncrana had a fast-paced throwback to classic hip hop hits. The judges loved their teamwork and how they attacked the dance with great force. Elite came in at second place in this year’s competition.

Ascent – Carie Logue-Houston, Derry were unable to perform on the night due to an injury.

Check out PinehillStudios.ie and Pine Hill Studios on Facebook for more updates from last night and news of future events.

Tags: