RFH Dancers Recognized for Excellence

Members of the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School Dance Team won high honors from their instructors in the nationally-recognized Universal Dance Association's (UDA) dance camp held at the high school this summer.

Three of the team members were also singled out for UDA's All American title. The title win is a highly competitive recognition of members for excellence in individual routines and comes with an opportunity to participate in a New Year's Eve 2014 performance in London, England.

Juniors Stefani Sciametta and Abbey Weis and senior Emily DelNegro were awarded the distinction. The All American designations are made annually to junior and senior girls at UDA camps across the U.S., and only 10 percent of all participants are selected for the honor.

UDA instructors worked with the RFH dancers from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m on August 5, 6, and 7, teaching them eight new dances and two new sideline routines.

Each of the RFH dancers achieved a blue ribbon, the highest honor, after being judged on individual routines by the UDA instructors.

The unanimous receipt of blue ribbons enabled the RFH Dance Team to receive a trophy dubbed "superior." Senior Arianna Campbell also received the UDA Spirit award, which is given to the team member who demonstrates exceptional leadership and school spirit.

With assistance from the UDA instructors, the RFH Dance Team achieved its goal of enhancing team chemistry and fine-tuning their dance skills in anticipation of upcoming events. The first performance of the school year will be the RFH home football game against St. John Vianney High School scheduled for Sept. 20 at 7 p.m..

RFH Dance Team members who participated in the camp are: seniors Arianna Campbell, Jillian Hunt, and Emily DelNegro; juniors Stefani Sciametta and Abbey Weis; sophomores Heather Culver and Deanna Heller; and freshmen Saige Bess, Katie Pierson, Jane Russo, Paige Venancio, and Emily Weis.