Dance has a life long ripple effect and the benefits learned from physical conditioning, discipline,public speaking, self confidence, cooperation, teamwork, being respectful and kind to each other are really just a some of the many things dance can bring into your life. Our students are amazing in so many ways, from excelling in academics and other sports, as well as volunteering in the community.
In the Landrum Spotlight 2015:
Daniella Colon
Daniella started dance at Landrum in 2005 and joined the All Star Company in 2007. She loves dance and when she is not in class learning, she enjoys helping and assisting other classes and students.
Her love of the arts has expanded into acting. She performed in the play Annie at Landrum in 2014 and she loved it! Being on stage is another passion that she has and when she cannot perform in the Acting program she enjoys working backstage with the other actors.
The summer of 2015 was especially exciting for Daniella as she was accepted to the CUNY College Now Summer program in theater. Her final project was to write and perform her own monologue. She completed the course with an A and earned 3 college credits!
This year Daniella also performed at the U.S. Open show, on the Radio Disney stage for Arthur Ashe Kids Day – what an amazing experience.
Her successes in the performing arts run parallel with her studies, where she attends the Benjamin Cardozo High School. She is a member of their dance program, as well as the Gateway program, which was founded in 1986 to prepare students with high level Math and ELA scores for college and the pursuit of health and science-related careers. In addition, Daniella helps her math teacher and helps out in the school office.
In addition to her exemplary academic career, she loves to work with children, whether through arts and crafts or dancing. Her volunteer work at the St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital Art and Crafts events lead to her selection as Ambassador for the Big Sister-Little Sister program at the Landrum School of Performing Arts.
Daniella and her mother, Mariella, were honored to be awarded the Noelle Fabbricante Scholarship in 2014, the first year that a mother and daughter were the receipients of this scholarship. Daniella’s positive personality, kindness, and generosity come directly from her wonderful mother Mariella. We are so grateful to know and work with her and greatly appreciate all that Mariella does for Daniella and for all of our Landrum family.
Favorite Quote:
“Never grow up” Peter Pan
Three Words that Best Describe Daniella:
Caring, Kind, Positive
Hobbies:
Collecting Disney items, spending time with her Grandmother, taking care of little children during the Summer.
Best Attribute:
Helping others, always smiling and being happy!
In the Landrum Spotlight 2014:
Samantha Levine
Samantha “Sam” has been dancing at The Landrum School of Performing Arts since she was 2 1/2 years old.
This year will mark her 11th year of lighting up the stage with her amazing personality and mega watt smile!
Sam has always been a very responsible, take-charge little girl and watching her grow into a beautiful young woman has been a great gift to all of us.
She is an excellent role model for the younger students who look up to her as an assistant teacher and as a “Big Sister” in our new Big Sister-Little Sister program.
In Junior High School she was an academic honor roll student for all four years. Most recently, she was inducted into the Junior National Honor Society.
Sam is testament to a teen having it all! Balancing school, dance school and private life along with always being prepared, cheerful and a true team player endears Sam to everyone she meets.
If all of the above is not enough Sam volunteers at an organization called Dancing Dreams. Realized in 2002 by Joann Ferrara, a pediatric physical therapist with a background in ballet, was inspired to make the dreams of these young girls come true.
The tipping point was when one little girl came to her physical therapy session and simply said “I want to dance.” Dancing Dreams was born for the physically and medically challenged and produces an annual performance every year.
Sam is in her second year as a volunteer and loves the work she is doing with her students. She spear headed a program where she collected over 50 costumes to donate to these students for their performances. Every dancer deserves a pretty costume! Go Sam!
Favorite Quote:
” When we love, we always strive to be better than we are. When we strive to be better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.
Three Words that Best Describe Samantha:
Mature, Leader, Passionate
Hobbies:
Dancing, being with her friends, going to the movies, the beach, loves to travel especially to California. Her wish list of travel destinations include: Paris, Italy, Hawaii, and wherever her dancing feet may take her.
Best Attribute:
Sam’s Infectious Smile!
In the Landrum Spotlight 2013:
Katherine McQuade
Katie has been a Landrum School of Dance “All Star” for 10 years. Her drive and determination, in addition to her natural talent, have given her an impressive resume, although she is only 17 years old! She aspires to graduate with honors from high school and college, become a Radio City Hall Rockette, and pursue motivational speaking. She is represented by Model Management Group “MMG” and attends the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre.
Schooling
St. Luke Catholic School, Class of 2010 Professional Performing Arts School/Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre Class of 2014 High Honor Roll Student Student of the Month, Freshman and Sophomore Years
Dance Awards
Has won too numerous to list platinum and gold dance awards, with Top 5 and Top 10 placements, including:
- Dance Educators of America Special Dance Awards
- “Whatever It Takes, You Got It”
- “Showmanship”
- “Best Dance Hands”
- Most Photogenic Star Power
- KAR Dance Showcase
- Dance Xposian Hall of Fame
- Revolution Talent Competition
- Beyond the Stars National Dance Showcase
- All American Dance Competition
Community Service
- Teen Ambassador to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
- Youth Ambassador to the American Heart Association
- Creator/Founder – “Potholders for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness”
- Own website – www.KatherinesPotholdersToCurePC.com
Pageants
- Miss New York Collegiate America
- 2014 Miss New York High School America
- 2013 Miss New York Jr. Teen National American Miss
- 2012 Miss Queen’s Outstanding Teen 2011, 2012, 2013
- Miss New York Jr. Teen National Teenager
- 2010 Miss New York International Junior Miss
- 2009 Miss New York Jr. Sweetheart
- 2009 Miss New York America’s U.S. Miss
- 2008 Miss New York Jr. Teen America
- 2008 Miss New York PreTeen DreamGirls USA
- 2008 Miss New York Preteen American Coed
- 2008 Miss New York Cover Girl
Three Words that Best Describe Katherine
Hardworking, Determined and Talented
Favorite Quote
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hobbies
Scrapbooking, seeing Broadway shows with Mom and playing with her three cats, Tommy, Gracie and Mr. Clarence whom she considers her siblings because she is an only child.
Best Attribute
Katherine’s ability to keep a secret