About
Spirit of Dance Awards
Spirit of Dance Awards is dedicated to providing a fun, fair, and exciting venue for aspiring young dancers. We believe that young dancers of all levels should enjoy a positive environment to showcase their talents. SDA encourages the use of age appropriate music, costumes, and choreography, while promoting a positive atmosphere and sportsmanship. At each event we offer “VIP” teacher perks, designated dressing areas for the dancers, scholarship awards, choreography awards, title awards, and cash prizes for high scoring entries.
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If your studio has never competed, we welcome you to the world of dance competitions! If you have been competing for some time, we know you will find SDA to be a professional, well-run organization, with a helpful and friendly staff.
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Our panel of judges & guest faculty are highly qualified & knowledgeable dance professionals. We remain committed to strive for excellence while maintaining a personal touch; building strong and lasting relationships with our participating studios.
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Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns; we welcome your comments. We look forward to an exciting season and to seeing you at Spirit of Dance Awards!
Our Team
At Spirit of Dance Awards, you will find our panel of Judges to be highly qualified and knowledgeable. SDA judges have years of professional performing experience and teaching experience, as well as judging experience.
Host / Faculty
Buddy Casimano
Buddy is a multi-faceted performer & fitness professional with over 35 years in show biz. His career started In the 80's doing commercials & music videos and in 1987, he became a back-up dancer & choreographer for teen pop sensation Debbie Gibson after beating her in the high school talent show. He toured with her for years, choreographing many videos & stage shows along the way. After his 3rd world tour with Debbie, he turned his focus back to his dream of dancing on Broadway. And before long his dream was realized, performing in his first Broadway show at age 27. But, he never lost touch with Debbie and is in his 36th year choreographing, backing her up & touring with her! Some favorite show credits include: Broadway's "Miss Saigon"; "Starlight Express Vegas"; "Red Hot Broadway"; "Miss Saigon" 1st National Tour; "That's Christmas Chicago”; & “ POP goes BROADWAY
LET'S DANCE!
Judge / Faculty
Eddie Bennett
Eddie has established himself as a professional entertainer with over 25 years of working continuously in the theatre industry. This past year marked Eddie’s 23rd year with “CHICAGO: The Musical” on Broadway. He has played every male ensemble role in the Broadway stage production still running at the Ambassador Theatre in NYC. Eddie is back-up dancer, choreographer and creative director for pop star, Debbie Gibson. This past year he has staged and choreographed “Debbie Gibson & Joey McIntyre: Live In Las Vegas”; “The Body Remember: US National Tour”; and is currently working on her next tour and upcoming music videos. In his career, he has choreographed for sold out arena concerts, music videos, TV, film, worked with celebrities Patrick Swayze, Patti LaBelle, Usher, Billy Ray Cyrus, Chita Rivera, Brandy, Joey McIntyre (of NKOTB), and Michelle Williams (of Destiny’s Child) to name a few. He is most proud of being a father to his now 15 year-old son, Raz. For more: follow him @euphorian54 on Twitter and Instagram.
Host / Faculty
Gina
Capelli-Mormando
Gina has been mentored and trained by a Radio City Rockette, Savion Glover, The Eglevsky Ballet Company, Rock Steady Breakers, and many more inspiring performers! She attended NCC where she was a Principal Dancer and received an Associates Degree in Dance. She danced in numerous commercials for Lucille Roberts and was the Captain/Choreographer of the AFL’s New York Dragons Firedancers for 5 seasons. She was chosen to represent the NY team in New Orleans for their XXI Arena Bowl Dream Team and to be the video animation dancer for EA Sports AFL Video Game “Road to Glory”. Gina has performed with the NHL as an Islanders Ice Breaker and chosen by MTV to be a MADE Coach. In 2007, she was selected to be a part of The New York Jets Flight Crew Cheerleaders for their inaugural season. Throughout her years with the NFL she modeled for their calendars, performed next to Lenny Kravitz at his Halftime Show, performed in MLB stadiums and was in years of televised news and Sports Commercials. Gina was a member of their Elite Show Team and later as alumni she choreographed for the Show Team and judged the Flight Crew auditions. Gina is currently a judge for Spirit of Dance Awards and StarQuest International Dance Competitions as well as a The Director/ Head Coach/ Choreographer for the National Lacrosse League's NY Riptide Entertainment. As a choreographer and teacher for over 20 years in Long Island, she believes in being a well rounded dancer. Gina loves guiding the next generation of performers through this beautifully evolving world of dance.