Performance Team
2018-2019
Row 1: Dia Tummalachetty, Haysel Avis, Kira Wheeler
Row 2: Benjamyn Diaz, Madison Huey, Onlee Avis, Jasmyn Diaz
Row 3: Ashlyn Swartz, Jazsneelia Harding, Maycee Wray, Braden Warmbrodt, Audrey Higgins
2018-2019
Row 1: Dia Tummalachetty, Haysel Avis, Kira Wheeler
Row 2: Benjamyn Diaz, Madison Huey, Onlee Avis, Jasmyn Diaz
Row 3: Ashlyn Swartz, Jazsneelia Harding, Maycee Wray, Braden Warmbrodt, Audrey Higgins
Competition Schedule 2018-2019
Spotlight Dance Cup
Feb. 15-17, 2019
Branson, MO
Mansion Theatre
DanZa Competition & Intensive
March 30 & 31, 2019
Tulsa, OK
Union Performing Arts Center
Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills
Dance Out National Dance Competition
April 12-14, 2019
Kansas City, MO
KCI Expo Center
VIP Dance Competition
April 26-28, 2019
Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Music Hall
Spotlight Dance Cup
Feb. 15-17, 2019
Branson, MO
Mansion Theatre
DanZa Competition & Intensive
March 30 & 31, 2019
Tulsa, OK
Union Performing Arts Center
Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills
Dance Out National Dance Competition
April 12-14, 2019
Kansas City, MO
KCI Expo Center
VIP Dance Competition
April 26-28, 2019
Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Music Hall
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Results from Spotlight Dance Cup, Branson, MO
Feb. 16, 2019
Feb. 16, 2019
The Performance Team from By Grace Performance Studio traveled to Branson, MO and competed in the Spotlight Dance Cup on Saturday, February 16th. Team members competed in the tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre, hip hop and open categories.
Audrey Higgins received a Diamond award for her lyrical solo to "A Million Dreams".
Ruby awards were earned by Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler, duet; Benjamyn Diaz, jazz solo; Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins, duet.
Those individuals receiving Emerald awards were: Haysel Avis, Onlee Avis & Jazsneelia Harding, trio; Jasmyn Diaz & Ashlyn Swartz, duet; Jasmyn Diaz, solo; Maycee Wray, solo; Braden Warmbrodt, solo; Madison Huey & Braden Warmbrodt, duet; Madison Huey & Maycee Wray, duet; Audrey Higgins & Braden Warmbrodt, duet.
Our group routines placed as follows: Musical Theatre Group "I Don't Dance" Emerald award; Mini Hip Hop Group "Car Wash" Ruby award; Tap A Group "Do Your Thing" and Tap B Group "Faith" both received Emerald awards; All Group Open "Welcome to Earth" Ruby award; Jazz Group "I'm A Lady" Ruby award.
Special awards received were:
Audrey Higgins, "Outstanding Technical Skill Winner"
Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins duet, "Diamond Overall Division Winner"
Haysel Avis, Benjamyn Diaz, Dia Tummalachetty, Kira Wheeler "Category Cup Winners" in the Novice Open Small Group Category for "Car Wash"
Amber Wheeler, Outstanding Choreography Award for Benjamyn Diaz's solo to "Singin' In The Rain"
By Grace Performance Team "2019 Sportsmanship Winner"
Audrey Higgins received a Diamond award for her lyrical solo to "A Million Dreams".
Ruby awards were earned by Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler, duet; Benjamyn Diaz, jazz solo; Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins, duet.
Those individuals receiving Emerald awards were: Haysel Avis, Onlee Avis & Jazsneelia Harding, trio; Jasmyn Diaz & Ashlyn Swartz, duet; Jasmyn Diaz, solo; Maycee Wray, solo; Braden Warmbrodt, solo; Madison Huey & Braden Warmbrodt, duet; Madison Huey & Maycee Wray, duet; Audrey Higgins & Braden Warmbrodt, duet.
Our group routines placed as follows: Musical Theatre Group "I Don't Dance" Emerald award; Mini Hip Hop Group "Car Wash" Ruby award; Tap A Group "Do Your Thing" and Tap B Group "Faith" both received Emerald awards; All Group Open "Welcome to Earth" Ruby award; Jazz Group "I'm A Lady" Ruby award.
Special awards received were:
Audrey Higgins, "Outstanding Technical Skill Winner"
Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins duet, "Diamond Overall Division Winner"
Haysel Avis, Benjamyn Diaz, Dia Tummalachetty, Kira Wheeler "Category Cup Winners" in the Novice Open Small Group Category for "Car Wash"
Amber Wheeler, Outstanding Choreography Award for Benjamyn Diaz's solo to "Singin' In The Rain"
By Grace Performance Team "2019 Sportsmanship Winner"
Results from DanZa Dance Competition & Intensive, Tulsa, OK
March 30th & 31st
March 30th & 31st
The By Grace Performance Team from By Grace Performance Studio traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma and competed in the DanZa Dance Competition and Intensive on March 30th & 31st. The team competed 19 numbers in the tap, jazz, musical theatre, open, and lyrical categories. The team members also attended convention classes taught by renowned instructors, Sarah Jo Fazio, Drew Burgess, Debra Nanni, Jen Walker, and Kara Greenberg.
Our group routines placed as follows: 2nd place, small group tap A, small group open (musical theatre), large group open, jazz, and small group open (mini hip hop); 3rd place, small group tap B.
Duets and trios placed as follows: 1st place, Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins jazz duet, and Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler tap duet. 2nd place, Audrey Higgins & Braden Warmbrodt tap duet, Haysel Avis, Onlee Avis, & Jazsneelia Harding jazz trio, Madison Huey & Braden Warmbrodt musical theatre duet, Madison Huey & Maycee Wray open duet; 3rd place, Jasmyn Diaz & Ashlyn Swartz jazz duet.
Soloists placed as follows: 2nd place, Maycee Wray jazz, Jasmyn Diaz jazz, Benjamyn Diaz jazz, Audrey Higgins lyrical; 3rd place, Madison Huey jazz; 4th place, Braden Warmbrodt tap.
Audrey Higgins, Jasmyn Diaz and Benjamyn Diaz were named DanZa Star Semi-Finalists which allows them to compete for the title at DanZa Nationals.
Our large open group number “Welcome To Earth” featuring the entire dance team received the Outstanding Costume Award and was the Overall Winner in the prime large group category.
A duet to “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” performed by Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins was named 2nd Runner Up Overall Winner in the prime duo/trio category.
Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler received the Most Entertaining Award for their duet performed to “Ol’ Mac Donald”.
In the prime male solo division, Benjamyn Diaz was named 1st Runner Up Overall Winner for his jazz solo to “ Singin’ In The Rain”.
Our group routines placed as follows: 2nd place, small group tap A, small group open (musical theatre), large group open, jazz, and small group open (mini hip hop); 3rd place, small group tap B.
Duets and trios placed as follows: 1st place, Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins jazz duet, and Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler tap duet. 2nd place, Audrey Higgins & Braden Warmbrodt tap duet, Haysel Avis, Onlee Avis, & Jazsneelia Harding jazz trio, Madison Huey & Braden Warmbrodt musical theatre duet, Madison Huey & Maycee Wray open duet; 3rd place, Jasmyn Diaz & Ashlyn Swartz jazz duet.
Soloists placed as follows: 2nd place, Maycee Wray jazz, Jasmyn Diaz jazz, Benjamyn Diaz jazz, Audrey Higgins lyrical; 3rd place, Madison Huey jazz; 4th place, Braden Warmbrodt tap.
Audrey Higgins, Jasmyn Diaz and Benjamyn Diaz were named DanZa Star Semi-Finalists which allows them to compete for the title at DanZa Nationals.
Our large open group number “Welcome To Earth” featuring the entire dance team received the Outstanding Costume Award and was the Overall Winner in the prime large group category.
A duet to “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” performed by Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins was named 2nd Runner Up Overall Winner in the prime duo/trio category.
Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler received the Most Entertaining Award for their duet performed to “Ol’ Mac Donald”.
In the prime male solo division, Benjamyn Diaz was named 1st Runner Up Overall Winner for his jazz solo to “ Singin’ In The Rain”.
Results from Dance Out Competition, Kansas City, MO
April 12, 13, & 14
April 12, 13, & 14
The By Grace Performance Team competed in the Dance Out Competition in Kansas City April 12th, 13th, & 14th. The team performed nineteen routines in the jazz, open, lyrical, musical theatre, and tap categories.
Our groups in hip hop, musical theatre, tap, jazz and open categories all received Gold medals. One trio and six duets all received Gold medals. Six of our soloists also received Gold medals.
Category winners receiving the highest score in their respective categories were: Mini Hip Hop Group, Tap A Group, Open Group, Jazz Group, Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler tap duet, Madison Huey & Maycee Wray open duet, Audrey Higgins & Braden Warmbrodt tap duet, and Benjamyn Diaz jazz solo.
Overall winners in their respective age categories placed as follows:
1st Place - Mini Elite Overall Winner Duo/Trio Category "Ol' Mac Donald" Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler
1st Place - Mini Elite Overall Winner Small Group "Car Wash" Mini Hip Hop Group, Haysel Avis, Benjamyn Diaz, Dia Tummalachetty, Kira Wheeler
3rd Place - Open Group "Welcome To Earth" Haysel Avis, Onlee Avis, Benjamyn Diaz, Jasmyn Diaz, Jazsneelia Harding, Audrey Higgins, Madison Huey, Ashlyn Swartz, Dia Tummalachetty, Braden Warmbrodt, Kira Wheeler, Maycee Wray
3rd Place - Jazz Trio "Jailhouse Rock" Haysel Avis, Onlee Avis, Jazsneelia Harding
4th Place - "Singin' In The Rain" Benjamyn Dia solo
7th Place - Jazz Duet "Steppin' Out With My Baby" Benjamyn Diaz, Audrey Higgins
8th Place - Tap A Group "Do Your Thing" Jasmyn Diaz, Audrey Higgins, Madison Huey, Braden Warmbrodt
8th Place - Jazz Duet "Best Friends" Jasmyn Diaz, Ashlyn Swartz
9th Place - Tap Duet "Something New" Audrey Higgins, Braden Warmbrodt
10th Place - Tap B Group "Faith" Onlee Avis, Jazsneelia Harding, Ashlyn Swartz, Maycee Wray
10th Place - Musical Theatre Duet "Stepsister's Lament" Madison Huey, Braden Warmbrodt
10th Place - "Conga" Jasmyn Diaz solo
Special Judges awards were given to: Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler for their tap duet "Taptastic Tip Top Tappers" and Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins for their jazz duet "Mr. Classy & Miss Sassy".
Audrey Higgins was a "Scholarship Winner" awarded for her performances during competition allowing her to take convention classes at Nationals this summer.
Benjamyn Diaz was awarded the title of "Mr. Petite Dance Out" for his solo performance and dance moves demonstrations for the judges during the title competition. He was also named to the "Elite Performance Team" allowing him to perform in the opening number at Nationals this summer.
Our groups in hip hop, musical theatre, tap, jazz and open categories all received Gold medals. One trio and six duets all received Gold medals. Six of our soloists also received Gold medals.
Category winners receiving the highest score in their respective categories were: Mini Hip Hop Group, Tap A Group, Open Group, Jazz Group, Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler tap duet, Madison Huey & Maycee Wray open duet, Audrey Higgins & Braden Warmbrodt tap duet, and Benjamyn Diaz jazz solo.
Overall winners in their respective age categories placed as follows:
1st Place - Mini Elite Overall Winner Duo/Trio Category "Ol' Mac Donald" Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler
1st Place - Mini Elite Overall Winner Small Group "Car Wash" Mini Hip Hop Group, Haysel Avis, Benjamyn Diaz, Dia Tummalachetty, Kira Wheeler
3rd Place - Open Group "Welcome To Earth" Haysel Avis, Onlee Avis, Benjamyn Diaz, Jasmyn Diaz, Jazsneelia Harding, Audrey Higgins, Madison Huey, Ashlyn Swartz, Dia Tummalachetty, Braden Warmbrodt, Kira Wheeler, Maycee Wray
3rd Place - Jazz Trio "Jailhouse Rock" Haysel Avis, Onlee Avis, Jazsneelia Harding
4th Place - "Singin' In The Rain" Benjamyn Dia solo
7th Place - Jazz Duet "Steppin' Out With My Baby" Benjamyn Diaz, Audrey Higgins
8th Place - Tap A Group "Do Your Thing" Jasmyn Diaz, Audrey Higgins, Madison Huey, Braden Warmbrodt
8th Place - Jazz Duet "Best Friends" Jasmyn Diaz, Ashlyn Swartz
9th Place - Tap Duet "Something New" Audrey Higgins, Braden Warmbrodt
10th Place - Tap B Group "Faith" Onlee Avis, Jazsneelia Harding, Ashlyn Swartz, Maycee Wray
10th Place - Musical Theatre Duet "Stepsister's Lament" Madison Huey, Braden Warmbrodt
10th Place - "Conga" Jasmyn Diaz solo
Special Judges awards were given to: Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler for their tap duet "Taptastic Tip Top Tappers" and Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins for their jazz duet "Mr. Classy & Miss Sassy".
Audrey Higgins was a "Scholarship Winner" awarded for her performances during competition allowing her to take convention classes at Nationals this summer.
Benjamyn Diaz was awarded the title of "Mr. Petite Dance Out" for his solo performance and dance moves demonstrations for the judges during the title competition. He was also named to the "Elite Performance Team" allowing him to perform in the opening number at Nationals this summer.
Results from VIP Dance Competition, Kansas City Music Hall
April 26, 27, & 28
April 26, 27, & 28
The By Grace Performance Team competed in the VIP Dance Competition at the Music Hall in Kansas City April 26th, 27th, & 28th. The team competed eighteen routines in the jazz, open, lyrical, tap, musical theatre and hip hop categories.
Our groups placed as follows in their respective categories: Mini Hip Hop Group, Platinum 1st place; Large Group Open, Gold 2nd place; Jazz Group, Platinum 2nd place; Small Group Musical Theatre, Gold 2nd place; Tap A, Gold 3rd place; Tap B, Gold 1st place.
Duets and trios placed as follows in their respective categories: Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler, Gold 2nd place; Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins, Platinum 1st place; Jasmyn Diaz & Ashlyn Swartz, Gold 2nd place; Haysel Avis, Onlee Avis & Jazsneelia Harding, Gold 3rd place; Madison Huey & Maycee Wray, Gold 3rd place; Audrey Higgins & Braden Warmbrodt, Gold 1st place; Madison Huey & Braden Warmbrodt, Gold 3rd place.
Our soloists placed as follows in their respective categories: Madison Huey, jazz, Platinum; Benjamyn Diaz, jazz, Gold; Jasmyn Diaz, jazz, Platinum 1st place; Audrey Higgins, lyrical, Platinum; Braden Warmbrodt, tap, Gold 3rd place.
Overall high score winners were:
1st place: Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins "Steppin' Out With My Baby"
2nd place: Jasmyn Diaz & Ashlyn Swartz "Best Friends"
3rd place: Haysel Avis, Benjamyn Diaz, Dia Tummalachetty, Kira Wheeler "Car Wash"
5th place: Benjamyn Diaz "Singin' In The Rain"
Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler "Ol' MacDonald"
Jasmyn Diaz "Conga"
Haysel Avis, Onlee Avis & Jazsneelia Harding "Jailhouse Rock"
"Welcome To Earth" large group open, the entire Performance Team
10th place: Jasmyn Diaz, Audrey Higgins, Madison Huey, Braden Warmbrodt "Do Your Thing"
Audrey Higgins & Braden Warmbrodt "Something New"
This concludes the competition season for the By Grace Performance Team.
Our groups placed as follows in their respective categories: Mini Hip Hop Group, Platinum 1st place; Large Group Open, Gold 2nd place; Jazz Group, Platinum 2nd place; Small Group Musical Theatre, Gold 2nd place; Tap A, Gold 3rd place; Tap B, Gold 1st place.
Duets and trios placed as follows in their respective categories: Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler, Gold 2nd place; Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins, Platinum 1st place; Jasmyn Diaz & Ashlyn Swartz, Gold 2nd place; Haysel Avis, Onlee Avis & Jazsneelia Harding, Gold 3rd place; Madison Huey & Maycee Wray, Gold 3rd place; Audrey Higgins & Braden Warmbrodt, Gold 1st place; Madison Huey & Braden Warmbrodt, Gold 3rd place.
Our soloists placed as follows in their respective categories: Madison Huey, jazz, Platinum; Benjamyn Diaz, jazz, Gold; Jasmyn Diaz, jazz, Platinum 1st place; Audrey Higgins, lyrical, Platinum; Braden Warmbrodt, tap, Gold 3rd place.
Overall high score winners were:
1st place: Benjamyn Diaz & Audrey Higgins "Steppin' Out With My Baby"
2nd place: Jasmyn Diaz & Ashlyn Swartz "Best Friends"
3rd place: Haysel Avis, Benjamyn Diaz, Dia Tummalachetty, Kira Wheeler "Car Wash"
5th place: Benjamyn Diaz "Singin' In The Rain"
Benjamyn Diaz & Kira Wheeler "Ol' MacDonald"
Jasmyn Diaz "Conga"
Haysel Avis, Onlee Avis & Jazsneelia Harding "Jailhouse Rock"
"Welcome To Earth" large group open, the entire Performance Team
10th place: Jasmyn Diaz, Audrey Higgins, Madison Huey, Braden Warmbrodt "Do Your Thing"
Audrey Higgins & Braden Warmbrodt "Something New"
This concludes the competition season for the By Grace Performance Team.
Results from DanZa Dance Competition & Intensive Nationals
Schaumburg, IL
July, 2019
Schaumburg, IL
July, 2019
The By Grace Performance Team from By Grace Performance Studio competed in the DanZa Dance Competition and Intensive in March, 2019, winning several regional awards. At that time, Audrey Higgins, Jasmyn Diaz and Benjamyn Diaz were named DanZa Star Semi-Finalists which allowed them the opportunity to compete for the title at DanZa Nationals in Chicago.
Jasmyn and Benjamyn Diaz recently traveled with their family to Schaumburg, Illinois to take advantage of this opportunity and compete for a national title.
Jasmyn’s solo “Conga” received 4th place in the female jazz category. Benjamyn’s solo “Singin’ In The Rain” received 1st place in the male jazz category.
In the prime male solo division, Benjamyn was named the Overall Winner for his jazz solo. He also received the Best Presentation Award in the Prime Division at the national level.
While competing for the DanZa Prime STAR title, Jasmyn and Benjamyn were judged on their solo performances, a dance combination, and an interview. Each of their scores were combined to determine if they received a minimum of 375 points and placed in the top 10 to recompete in the Dance Off. After earning a spot to recompete in the Dance Off, Benjamyn was awarded the national title of Prime Male DanZa Star. He now has the opportunity to perform at next year’s national competition as a reigning title winner.
Jasmyn and Benjamyn Diaz recently traveled with their family to Schaumburg, Illinois to take advantage of this opportunity and compete for a national title.
Jasmyn’s solo “Conga” received 4th place in the female jazz category. Benjamyn’s solo “Singin’ In The Rain” received 1st place in the male jazz category.
In the prime male solo division, Benjamyn was named the Overall Winner for his jazz solo. He also received the Best Presentation Award in the Prime Division at the national level.
While competing for the DanZa Prime STAR title, Jasmyn and Benjamyn were judged on their solo performances, a dance combination, and an interview. Each of their scores were combined to determine if they received a minimum of 375 points and placed in the top 10 to recompete in the Dance Off. After earning a spot to recompete in the Dance Off, Benjamyn was awarded the national title of Prime Male DanZa Star. He now has the opportunity to perform at next year’s national competition as a reigning title winner.
Team directed by Vanessa Diaz and Amber Wheeler.