ARTS

Diamond Elite Performing Company manifests culture through the art of dance

Valerie Gooding
Guest columnist

Most often audiences anticipate their favorite performing artists coming to town to entertain with their favorite repertoire “live on stage.”

The Delaware-based dance company Diamond Elite Performing Company takes this approach, while showcasing their young students. This is one of the outreach initiatives New Castle Dance and Music Academy has implemented to develop and advance each student.

Diamond Elite Performing Company, a nonprofit organization, was established in 2016 to enrich children in the arts and culture and bring that awareness to local, national and global audiences. The company’s mission is to educate young people with an understanding, appreciation and enjoyment for the performing arts through lessons and performance opportunities. Students who aspire to travel and perform on the world stage are encouraged to audition for DEPC.

Diamond Elite Performing Company dancers auditioned and were accepted to perform at Disney World, Florida, as part of the Dance the Magic program in December 2023. Disney World, Orlando Dec. Performing on the Beauty and the Beast stage are Skylar Runkle, Scarlet Santiago, Violet Santiago, Noel Kyle, Casey Keane, Ainsley McKinnon, Kiara McKinnon, Starr Perry, Avery Woodall, Kristen Perkis, Janae Harrison, Ella Beatson, Averi Kline, Stephona Gibbs, Savannah Tyaire and Allison Boub.

DEPC was created after dancers were recognized by their home base, New Castle Dance & Music Academy dance team in Peoples Plaza. The academy received national recognition at competitions, winning prestigious awards including the Victory Cup.

In 2016, DEPC auditioned for the Performing Arts Educators (PAE) Summer Stage program. The company was selected to represent Delaware/USA and perform during the 2016 Summer Olympics. The trip was redirected to breathtaking Barcelona, where the company performed at three popular venues and received rave reviews. Tours and experiences during their trip to Barcelona included Gaudi Park Guell, Montserrat’s famous Black Madonna, cathedrals, and flamenco and jousting shows. After the PAE observed the talent of even the youngest dancers, the PAE granted an open invitation to DEPC for all future programs.

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Most recently, dancers auditioned and were accepted to perform at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, as part of the Dance the Magic program in December 2023.

Valerie Gooding is artistic director of New Castle Dance and Music Academy and president of Diamond Elite Performing Company.

Valerie Gooding, founding director of New Castle Dance and Music Academy, is honored by this prestigious invitational from PAE, as it is a testament of her vision to manifest culture through dance. Ms. Gooding prides herself on teaching and cultivating children through travel as it builds confidence, maturity and a deeper understanding of diversity.

Heather Meginniss, choreographer, is the driving force, preparing dancers for future endeavors. Most recently, her students have been selected to perform for college dance teams and NBA Cheerleading teams. Her students have also received a variety of scholarships and have attended renowned schools such as Joffrey Ballet Academy.

In 2016, DEPC auditioned for the Performing Arts Educators (PAE) Summer Stage program and performed at three popular Barcelona venues. Performing (from left) are Natalie Gartner, Gwen Parker, Shari Hill, Shaun Clark, Audrey Gartner, Kaeli Reaves, Savannah Jenkins, Nicolette Pate, Ava Pollitt and Isabella Esposito.

At New Castle Dance and Music Academy (NCDMA), all students are treated as aspiring artists and are nurtured to develop skills in classical ballet (Vaganova syllabus), pointe, lyrical, contemporary, tap, jazz, hip-hop, character and musical theater. The variety of styles offered to each student cultivates versatility. Versatility is key to becoming a valuable performer, which will enable their chances of landing a special part in a show or company, dance team and university scholarship programs.

Programs at NCDMA include a traveling competition team along the East Coast and on cruise lines, a local performing group entertaining at senior centers, parades and community/school events, and a certified assistant program.

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Summer camps also are held at NCDMA. Summer camps include age-appropriate themes, dance, crafts, playground time, swimming, movie theater field days, shows, parties and much more.

Lastly, NCDMA also offers music lessons. These include voice and musical instruments such as piano, guitar, flute, saxophone and drums.

Heather Meginniss, choreographer, is the driving force behind New Castle Dance and Music Academy, preparing young dancers for future endeavors. Most recently, her students have been selected to perform for college dance teams and NBA Cheerleading teams.

NCDMA’s mission is to develop accomplished students. However, no matter what brings a child to the performing arts, the academy encourages respect and self-confidence towards the arts and each other that will carry them through their lifetime.

Families who are interested in any of the programs or a free trial lesson, a six-week Spring Fling course or summer camps may call 302-832-7543 and www.newcastledanceacademy.com.

Valerie Gooding is artistic director of New Castle Dance and Music Academy and president of Diamond Elite Performing Company.