Cascade Dance Academy attended their first dance convention, Hollywood Dance Experience, the weekend of Nov. 2 and 3. Three students won scholarships at the event.

Cascade Dance students took classes in all styles of dance all weekend long, and participated in auditions for the scholarships. Only eleven scholarships total were given out at the convention, among hundreds of students, “so it was a big deal for the 20 students we brought to snag three of them,” said instructor Kelsey Jamieson Ruth.

There were only two large overall awards, called Rising Star scholarships, given out for the entire convention. One went to Senior Company member Natalie Tassielli, age 12. She grew up in Snoqualmie, and has been dancing at Cascade Dance Academy for seven years.

“It was wonderful to see such a dedicated student be recognized for her positive attitude, eagerness to learn, charisma, and dance technique,” said Ruth.

Cascade dancers Shaye Hodgins, 15, and Macy  Hedger, 10, also received awards.