By Chelsea Thomas.

Kati Smasne, 16, never dreamed she would win the first global competition of Dance Upon A Dream, a new online dance competition founded by international performer and judge Joshua Horner.

Horner, a judge for Dancing with the Stars Australia and a choreographic consultant for Disney, launched the competition alongside co-host Emily Loftiss, professional dancer, singer and choreographer, to offer competitive dancers a place to compete on an international scale without ever leaving the comfort of their homes.

Smasne was just one of hundreds of dancers to apply under the ‘senior’ division (16 years old or older), with the other divisions being ‘mini’ (7-10 years old), ‘junior’ (11-12 years old) and ‘teen’ (13-15 years old). She said she was “amazed” and “overwhelmed” when she found out she was awarded the Solo Ultimate Overall Winner. Her submission, titled “White Blank Page”, was a video of her dancing a contemporary solo choreographed by her friend Rile Reavis at the competition Dance Magic in Oregon in August 2012.

“I honestly couldn’t even believe I won and that now I’m going to study in New York at Broadway Dance Center. I come from a small town so it’s just amazing. I feel so lucky,” Smasne said.

Smasne was a standout to judge Elizabeth Parkinson who remarked, “Kati represents my favorite kind of dancer! She has a strong technical foundation with a dynamic plié and beautiful line. On top of that she is a performer and fantastic mover so rather than focusing on her technique we get to enjoy the pure joy of her personality!” Judge Peter Gregus of Jersey Boys on Broadway said, “Kati has unerring technique, which she doesn’t let overshadow her presence in her performance. She manages a beautiful marriage of both.”

Young Kati even caught the eye of judge Christopher Gattelli, Tony Award winning choreographer of Disney’s Newsies, who expressed, “Kati is a beautiful dancer with incredible facility and her own unique quality, that shows fantastic potential.  She was the perfect choice to represent Dance Upon A Dream’s premiere overall winner.”

Smasne, who has been awarded a three-month scholarship to attend Broadway Dance Center, has big dreams that come from humble origins. She was raised for most of her life in Spokane, Washington, a medium-sized city of about 200,000 residents. At age seven, she began dancing with her older sister, which spurred her on because of their “sisterly competitiveness.” While her sister eventually stopped dancing, Kati kept going, taking jazz and later ballet.

“When I was young I discovered I really loved dancing. I loved being on stage. My dance teacher told me that if I wanted to get better I should take ballet. Soon after, I started,” Smasne said.

Kati Smasne. Photos by Scott Martinez Photography

Kati began her ballet training at the Ballet School of Coeur d’Alene under owner and instructor Ceci Klein, who danced with American Ballet Theatre in the 1950s and 60s. For almost a decade, Klein has been guiding and teaching Smasne, providing her foundational technique and poise. Klein, who also instructed Andrea Cooper, who went on to be a dancer at Oregon Ballet Theatre, also encouraged Smasne to pursue additional summer training and intensives.

For two summers Smasne participated in Pacific Northwest Ballet’s student intensives. She said, “I really loved that and I knew from that I wanted to be a dancer.” Another experience that inspired her and stayed with her for years was her young participation in the musical CATs. Now, Smasne says her attention is on getting to Broadway and finding her niche in jazz or theatre.

“In the last two years my focus has been on jazz and theatre because I really enjoy it,” Smasne said. “I’ve come to realise my personality is geared toward jazz – being sassy and expressive. I like the freedom of being able to make a piece my own.”

In her Dance Upon A Dream submission, Smasne’s passion for jazz and theatre is evident in her obvious, theatrical expressions and her exposed, vulnerable emotions. The work, originally a duet restaged to be a solo, shows off her excellent technique, undeniable vision, charismatic energy and balanced self-confidence.

And her self-confidence is merited. It seems everything Smasne does she does well. A high school junior with a 4.0 GPA, Kati juggles her dance schedule with attending college classes. She is on track to finish her associate’s degree at the same time she graduates from high school. She plans to pursue nursing when she can no longer dance or perform.

Smasne’s jazz instructor, Judy Reavis of the studio Dance Unlimited, said she is proud of Kati’s award.

“We are thrilled at the opportunities Kati will receive as the winner of Dance Upon a Dream. Ceci Klein and I are very proud of Kati. We celebrate her commitment and dedication to the art of dance. It has been a blessing to witness her passion for movement and to nurture her gift,” Reavis said.

After recently competing at New York City Dance Alliance in Portland, Oregon, Smasne now looks forward to preparing for her summer at Broadway Dance Center.

For other dancers looking to compete for this chance with Dance Upon a Dream, the process has been created to be as easy as possible. It’s as simple as uploading a video of a solo, partner or group piece from a dance competition to youTube, selecting an age division and performance category on the Dance Upon a Dream website, and copying and pasting the video link from YouTube to the competition website. For more information, visit www.danceuponadream.com.

Whereas other dance competitions provide dancers with a sense of where they place in their state, their region or their country, Dance Upon a Dream allows participants to see where they rank throughout the whole world. Smasne said she is so thankful for a competition like Dance Upon a Dream.

“Thanks so much to Dance Upon a Dream for the amazing opportunity they have given me. I am so excited to train in New York at Broadway Dance Center. Wow, a dream come true,” Smasne gushed.

Dance Upon a Dream and its array of world-class industry judges, offers various awards for all solo, duo/trio and group winners, including partial scholarships to the Hollywood Summer Tour, a Just Dance 4 game from UBISOFT or a Dance Upon a Dream One’Z to wear. Group winners will also receive a personal invite to the Dance The Magic showcase on Broadway this summer, as well as Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris and Disneyland Hong Kong.

Smasne said dancers should not underestimate the importance of competition in challenging and inspiring themselves.

“It pushes you to be better,” she summarized. “When you compete, you have to be much more refined. Everything has to be disciplined and perfect, so you work harder. You never know where that extra effort or exposure will take you.”

To see Kati’s winning entry visit www.danceuponadream.com/entry/10129.

Entries opened for the next round of Dance Upon A Dream on January 31st. Get your entry in now!

Dance Upon A Dream Season 1 Winners:

Ultimate Winner: Kati Smasne, USA

People’s Choice: Kloe Burke, Australia

Judges Choice: Rhiannon Tringas, Australia
Judges Choice: Harrison Lee, Australia
Judges Choice: Michael Dameski, Australia
Judges Choice: Michelle Quiner, USA
Judges Choice: Maddison Weiley, Australia
Judges Choice: Cassandra Clarke, Australia
Judges Choice: Kelly Webster, New Zealand
Judges Choice: Kayla-Maree Tarantolo, Australia

Mini – Solo – Musical Theatre: Isabel Lacon , USA
Mini – Solo – Lyrical/ Contemporary: Shontaya Smedley, Australia
Mini – Solo- Ballet: Ashleigh Brant, Australia
Mini – Solo – Hip Hop: Manaia Davies, Australia
Mini – Solo – Jazz: Tia Buell, USA
Mini – Solo – Acro/ specialty: Lexie Brown, Canada
Mini – Solo – Tap: Grace Gellie, Australia
Mini – Boys Award: Ashton Schier-Mason, Australia
Mini – Duo/ Trio – Jazz: Alex Burghardt, Meredith Page, Skylar Podziewski, USA
Mini – Duo /Trio – Acro / Specialty: Kailin and Lexie Brown, Canada
Mini - Duo Trio - Lyrical/ Cont: Grace Gellie and Brooke Ainsworth, Australia
Mini – Duo/ Trio – Tap: Grace Gellie and Shanae Holland, Australia
Mini – Duo/ Trio – Musical Th: Cody Ettingshausen & Sophie Piggott, Australia
Mini -Small Group- Hip hop: Zyannna, Xeryus, Justine, Amik,
Alexias, Kaylinda, Dominique, Canada

Junior –  Solo – Jazz: Clare Billson, Australia
Junior – solo – Lyrical/ Cont: Sophia Kaloudis, Australia
Junior – Solo- Ballet: Madison Ayton, Australia
Junior – Solo – Tap: Rudi Palmela, Australia
Junior -Hip Hop – Solo: Chantelle Redzeposki, Australia
Junior – Solo -Musical Th: Hamish Briggs, Australia
Junior – Solo – Acro/ Specialty: Kailin Brown, Canada
Junior – Large Group – Lyrical: Sans Souci Public School, Australia
Junior – Duo/ Trio – Hip Hop: Chantelle Redzeposki, Claudia and Chelsea Robertson, Australia
Junior – Duo/ Trio – Lyrical/ cont: Harley Rodrigue, Mackenzie Van Natta, Darian Callais, USA
Junior – Duo /Trio – Jazz: Jemima Smith and Laurence Neuhaus, Australia
Junior – Boys award: Hamish Briggs, Australia

Teen – Solo – Jazz: Marie Spieldenner, USA
Teen – Solo – Lyrical/Contemporary: Kloe Burke, USA
Teen – Solo – Tap: Zoe Barbera, Australia
Teen – Solo – Musical Theatre: Rachel Moore, Australia
Teen – Solo – Hip Hop: Carla Celesti, Australia
Teen – Solo – Acro/ Specialty: Megha Budhrani, FL
Teen – Duo/ Trio – Musical Theatre: Jason Kidd and Kiarra Vacek, USA
Teen – Duo/ Trio – Lyrical /Cont: Briana Collova & Nicholas Cruse, Australia
Teen – Duo/ Trio – Tap: Matiu and Marie Samuel, New Zealand
Teen Boys Award: Thomas Dilley, Australia
Teen – Small Group -Hip Hop: Madison, Rachelle, Jordan, Migo, Jasmine, Paige, Cassandra, Canada
Teen – Small Group – Lyrical/ Cont: The McDonald College, Australia
Teen-  Large Group –Jazz: RG DANCE, Australia
Teen – Large Group – Ballet: The McDonald College, Australia

Senior – Solo- Acro/ Specialty: Samantha Rybka, Australia
Senior – Solo – Hip Hop: Axel-Roman Allioux, Canada
Senior – Solo- Lyrical/ Cont: Kati Smasne, USA
Senior – Solo- Jazz: Emma Swannie, Australia
Senior – Solo – Tap: Kiana Smith, Canada
Senior – Solo – Musical Theatre: Kiana Smith, Canada
Senior – Large Group – Acro/ Specialty: Lee Academy, Australia
Senior Boys Award: Matt Antonucci, Australia
Senior – Duo/ Trio -Jazz: Tasmin & Eliza Cummins, Australia
Senior Duo/ Trio – Lyrical / Cont: Meg Scheffers and Tiffany Browne, Australia

By Kristy Johnson.

When you think of Christopher Scott, more comes to mind than just a choreographer – he’s a dance innovator and storyteller. This can be seen in his choreography for the latest Step Up franchise, Revolution.

A familiar face on screen, Chris has lent his hand to Fox’s number one hit competition series in the US, So You Think You Can Dance, for which he received his first Emmy nomination at this year’s awards.

Dance Informa caught up with Chris to chat about the success of Step Up Revolution.

How was the experience of choreographing for Step Up Revolution?

I started off my role in the franchise as the character ‘Hair’ in Step Up 2: The Streets. So being behind the camera five years later was a little surreal! It made the experience extremely special. Not to mention getting to create routines with some of the most incredible dancers in the world, all while working under supervising choreographer Jamal Sims, who just happens to be one of my mentors, director Scott Speer, who set an endless idea of what we could do in this film, and executive producer Adam Shankman, who has been such a big part of bringing dancers to the forefront as he’s a dancer himself. And three months in Miami! Basically it was a dream job!

Christopher Scott. Photos by Gabriel Goldberg.

Which parts of the choreography did you have a hand in?

I was in charge of choreographing the ‘Office Plaza Mob’, with 65 dancers in suits shutting down an office building in a display of protest. I also had a part in the ‘Museum Mob’. Jamal Sims gave me the piece to choreograph with the Hoberman Spheres (expanding 3D spheres) featuring Twitch. Then we all came together for the finale where I was in charge of Adam Sevani’s section with the riot shields, the b-boy section and Madd Chadd’s robotic police officer section.

How inspiring was it to be in Miami?

Miami is a really inspiring place for art! It has such a strong culture that being there really influenced the outcome of the choreography in some ways.

Is the Miami dance scene very different to LA?

I actually know a lot of dancers in LA from Miami, so I felt very at home there. I have to say though, some of the best b-boys in the world come from Miami! They call it ‘Flava Florida’ and if you have ever seen Skill Methodz Crew, Flipside Kings or other Miami crews, you might know what I’m talking about.

Some dance movies don’t always do so well at the box office. Why do you think the Step Up franchise is always such a great success?

I think the fact that it was a franchise built by dancers and people who genuinely love dance. The executive producer Adam Shankman, and Anne Fletcher who directed the first installment, have had an amazing dance and choreography career of their own. Then comes along Jon M. Chu, who directed the second and third installments. He put so much care into making sure the dance was authentic and shot in a way not to distract from the dancers but to enhance them. He also just happens to be an amazing storyteller and I think he plays a huge role in the success of the franchise.

How important has the Step Up series been for hip-hop culture?

I think it has been extremely important! There’s a whole generation of kids out there that haven’t seen Beat Street or Breakin. The Step Up movies have given that generation a dose of what I got growing up. Step Up 3D actually opened with a montage that spoke about hip-hop. The franchise has done a great job of showing that style to the masses in a really great way. For some people it might still just be a bunch of people spinning on their heads, but I know personally that it has inspired kids to train in these dance styles and respect them as art.

Congratulations on receiving an Emmy nomination for this year’s awards. You must feel grateful to shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With The Stars for giving dance the recognition it deserves in the media.

Absolutely! They have created a place for dancers to be the stars. I am still amazed when I’m with Twitch and someone asks him for his autograph. He’s getting recognition for being brilliant at an art form, which hasn’t happened much since the Gene Kelly days. These shows have also given someone like me a place to tell stories through movement to a huge audience on a weekly basis, and has given us the opportunity to inspire a whole other generation of dancers who are going to continue to push the boundaries of dance in the future. So yes, I’m extremely grateful for shows like So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With The Stars and America’s Best Dance Crew.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on some projects for Jon M. Chu’s new dance lifestyle channel on YouTube called DS2DIO. I have been directing various episodes of a show we have in the US called Studio City, which features some of the best freestylers in the world dancing in a very specific location to them.

Photos by Gabriel Goldberg.

You may love to lead your partner onto the dance floor for a waltz or sultry tango, but how much do you actually know about Ballroom?

By Rain Francis.

Where did the samba originate?

a) Chile

b) Brazil

c) Paris

d) Cuba

Which dance takes its inspiration from the spectacle of bullfighting?

a) Rumba

b) Mambo

c) Paso Doble

d) All of the above

Which is considered to be the oldest of the ballroom dances?

a) Viennese Waltz

b) Bolero

c) Samba

d) Tango

In what year was the foxtrot first danced?

a) 1901

b) 1914

c) 1929

d) 1943

In which movie would you find the characters Scott Hastings, Shirley Hastings, Fran and Barry Fyfe?

a) Tango

b) Shall We Dance?

c) Last Tango in Paris

d) Strictly Ballroom

Which of the following does not have its roots in Cuba?

a) Salsa

b) Tango

c) Cha-cha

d) Rumba

True or false: Jive is derived from the jitterbug.

In Dancesport, east coast swing, bolero and mambo are all types of what?

a) American Smooth

b) American Rhythm

c) International Latin

d) All of the above

True or false: Dancesport has been confirmed for inclusion in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics.

Dancing With the Stars has been a popular TV show in many countries worldwide. Which country first aired the show on which the format is based?

a) United Kingdom

b) United States

c) Australia

d) Russia

Answers: 1 – b; 2 – c; 3 – a; 4 – b; 5 – d; 6 – b; 7 – true; 8 – b; 9 – false; 10 – a

Photo: Chehon Wespi-Tschopp and Anya Garis perform an Argentine Tango routine choreographed by Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo on Season 9 of So You Think You Can Dance USA. ©2012 FOX Broadcasting Co. Photo by Mike Yarish.

By Kristy Johnson.

She’s just won the latest season of Dancing With The Stars US, alongside partner Donald Driver, making her hot property. Here, Dance Informa caught up with Aussie native Peta Murgatroyd, to find out how she stays looking so good outside of the dance studio.

How would you describe your exercise regime? What forms of exercise do you enjoy the most?

I have to work out every day. I need to break a sweat. Running is my main go-to, whether on the road or on the treadmill. I also love to go hiking at Runyon Canyon.

How important is it for you to exercise outside of the dance studio?

Right now with the current season of The US Dancing With The Stars, I haven’t done much exercise outside of dancing. During the off-season I really need to keep my body in shape, as I’m not dancing as much as I do when I’m on Dancing With The Stars.

Do you work with a personal trainer?

Yes, his name is David Walters. I work out with him twice a week. We do strength training, to keep my body strong, and Muay Thai.

Photos by Rod Foster

Are there any fitness trends you would be keen on giving a go?

Zumba and Bikram Yoga.

Are you quite strict with your diet? What would you eat on an average day?

I usually eat chicken salads, granola bars, vegetables and a little bit of chocolate.

What would be your favourite healthy snacks to eat, when you’re on the go?

I love granola bars, dried fruit and Gatorade.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Yes, I love bread and pasta.

Being a professional dancer, do you find pressure to always stay looking so good?

Always – especially coming from a ballet background, as you always have to keep slim.

When you have free time, how do you like to pamper yourself?

With massages, facials, pedicures and all the girly stuff.

Published by Dance Informa dance magazine -covering dance in Australia, dance training, dance auditions, dance teacher resources and more.

Joshua Horner and Samantha Dodemaide, stars of A Chorus Line.

By Rebecca Martin.

Direct from Broadway and a U.S. Tour, an all-new Australian production of one of the most successful American Broadway musicals of all time, A Chorus Line, is coming to Adelaide and Melbourne. A notoriously difficult musical for a performer, A Chorus Line demands high energy and everyone must be able to sing, dance and act.  It’s the best of the best in one show.  Audiences are set to be blown away by the talent of the Australian cast. 

Hailing from Wyong in New South Wales, Joshua Horner has made the leap from The Australian Ballet to the glitz and glamour of Broadway and television.  Since making the transition into musical theatre, audiences have seen Josh as a judge on Dancing With The Stars, and in productions including Billy Elliot, Dirty Dancing, Tivoli, Movin’ Out, and Guys and Dolls.  With a career that has so far seen him perform on Broadway, in London’s West End, and as a choreographer in Los Angeles, it is with great pleasure that we welcome Josh back home to play the role of Zach in A Chorus Line.

Joining Josh on stage is Samantha Dodemaide, an up-and-coming performer from Melbourne.  At the young age of 22, Sam has already appeared on stage in productions around the world.  From Melbourne, Sam trained at The Children’s Performing Company of Australia, and after graduating from High School, joined Patrick Studios Australia’s (PSA) full time course.  Sam will be featured in the role of Lois.

During breaks in their hectic schedules, Sam and Josh found time to answer questions for Dance Informa readers…

Samantha Dodemaide

Tell us about your background and training Sam.
When I started I wasn’t much of a dancer (I would say more of a skilled mover), until I met the director of PSA, Todd Patrick! This man was determined to make me the best possible dancer I could be. He yelled, pushed, chased me down the room screaming, told me I could jump higher, turn faster or sing better, and I am thankful every day for his unfailing belief, support and encouragement.  After completing 3 years of the course, I landed my first professional job as a part of the ensemble in WICKED at Universal Studios Japan, where I spent 13 wonderful months. This year I decided to develop my skills some more, and returned back to train full time at Patrick Studios Australia’s new Musical Theatre Course, focusing on becoming the most refined and polished performer I can be.

Sam, landing the role of ‘Lois’ in A Chorus Line must have felt like a dream come true. Has the reality sunk in yet?
A dream come true? Well that’s an understatement! I am still so thrilled and overwhelmed and feel very privileged to be given the honour to perform in one of the most classic and momentous shows. Although I really don’t think it will all sink in until we are standing up in that chorus line on stage in front of an audience! That’s when I will have to pinch myself to see if I am dreaming!

Josh, you’ve been performing overseas for some time now.  Is it exciting to be able to come home and perform in Australia?
I’ve had so much awesome feedback from friends and fans of my work saying how excited they are that I’m back performing.  I’m really not out to prove anything to anyone though.  I’m Josh Horner.  I’ve been a consistent worker in the dance industry my whole life, I love this business and I’m passionate about growing and getting better. I encourage anyone to chase their wildest dreams.  That’s all I did, I had dreams and I chased them.  If I can share my passion for performing with Aussie audiences again then it’s a win-win for all.  I appreciate the opportunity to dance again in Australia, especially with a great cast.

Josh Horner. Photo by Damian Tierney

Josh, are you looking forward to returning to the stage after a stint behind the desk on Dancing With The Stars in addition to time spent as a choreographer?
Absolutely.  Well, it is a little daunting.  I made a decision 3 years ago to be done with shows and focus on my own creative ventures, but when I was asked to audition for the show, the inner dancer inside of me was busting to get back to the stage.  It’s also very warming to know I will gain another new musical family. When you do a show you instantly feel a great sense of security and family.  I have missed that feeling.

Where do you call home these days Josh? 
Crazy question.  I just turned 32 and I’m still living like a gypsy.  I have a bed in NY, a car in LA, a car in Wyong and boxes of clothes and belongings everywhere.  I think I still have some in London (laughs).  Home is between LA and Australia at the moment.  I have my Green Card so I divide my time and commitments between both countries.

Sam, your bio for A Chorus Line says that you’ve only ever wanted to dance and sing. If you had to give it all away, what other career path would you follow?
I have been asked this question quite a lot, because people are always surprised when I tell them I’ve only ever wanted to be a performer. It wasn’t always musical theatre that I wanted to do. I originally wanted to be an actress in television, movies, and serious theatre. But then one day at a family function someone gave me a microphone…let’s just say it turned out to be a very long night for everyone! So I never really had to think about it, it was set in stone from a very young age. I wanted to spend the rest of my life on the stage, singing dancing and acting! However, if I really had to give it all away, I would love to be involved in casting. I think being a casting agent would be amazing – discovering talent, and helping make peoples’ dreams come true.

You’ve no doubt done your fair share of auditions over the years Josh, how does it feel to be bringing that experience to audiences with A Chorus Line?
A Chorus Line is a must see show.  The show is all about an audition.  You get to meet all the different characters and I think any dancer or non-dancer can identify with every single one of them. I know many choreographers that I’ve auditioned for across the world have held my career in their hands and its exhilarating putting your talent on the line to see if you’re worthy enough for a place in the show.  It’s a great journey for the audience. 

Sam, what is it about A Chorus Line that you love the most?
What I love most about the show is that it is the story of my life! It tells the audience the story of every performer’s life! This is what we go through, for that thing we love most in our lives.  A Chorus Line lets us share this love and our story with the audience. Some of the characters in A Chorus Line have very deep and complex lives, but the one thing that keeps them going and keeps them together is their passion for performing. Such inspirational stories are told in the show, not only through words but also song and dance! That’s something special!

As a performer you sacrifice a lot. Has it been worth it Josh?
I’ve sacrificed so many aspects of what people call “normal life” to chase my career – birthdays, weddings, relationships.  You sacrifice a lot as a dancer,  and we spend more time preparing for a performance than actually being in the performance, but it’s something about that moment when you are dancing that is complete magic.  If you ask, “Was it worth it?” Absolutely!

Sam, what has been the most challenging aspect of your career thus far?
There are many challenges choosing theatre as your career path. It is sometimes a hard and tiring life for a performer. When we are not performing, we are usually working long and late hours doing other forms of work which are not very enjoyable. Staying motivated after audition knock backs is a huge challenge.  Sometimes it feels like all you are hearing is “no”, and it becomes difficult to pick yourself back up and remind yourself that at the end of all those “no’s” is a big rewarding “YES!” Impatience is also another challenge. I believe that everything happens for a reason, so when there is a show that’s right for me, it will happen, but it’s hard to remain patient while waiting for that right show to come along.

Josh, what has been the highlight of your career thus far? 
To be really honest, I find it really hard to pick one thing.  I look back at my career so far and love it all.  I’ve danced on Broadway and the West End, worked with wonderful creative people, whack in being a judge on a TV dance show and at the same time choreographed a Disneyland parade.  I’d like to think that A Chorus Line will be my new highlight… in fact it probably will be.