COMPETITION SPOTLIGHT: Heinz Academy Shines at Masquerade Dance Competition, Earns High Honors and an Encore Finalist Selection

The Heinz Academy Competition Team took the stage at the stunning Paramount Theater on Saturday, March 29th, for their second competition of the season at Masquerade Dance Competition—and what a performance it was! With dazzling routines, high rankings, and an incredible display of teamwork and passion, this competition was one to remember.

Among the team's achievements:

• Three solo performances, all earning high gold rankings.

• A high gold award for their tap routine, “Singin’ In The Rain.”

• A high gold award for their lyrical piece, “Firework.”

• A platinum ranking for their jazz routine, “Like A Girl.”

• “Like A Girl” was also selected as an Encore Finalist, chosen as one of only eight group routines recognized by the judges as among the most entertaining of the entire competition.

  
  

Beyond the trophies and rankings, Masquerade Dance Competition left a lasting impact on the team. The MC took a powerful moment to remind all dancers that “no piece of metal or pin determines your worth as a person or a dancer.” These words resonated deeply, reinforcing Heinz Academy’s belief that dance is about so much more than awards—it's about growth, passion, and the love of movement.

Another standout feature of this competition was its commitment to dancer safety. For the first time at a competition, Heinz Academy experienced a fully secured venue, complete with entry passes and police presence. “It made me incredibly proud to know that the safety of our dancers was taken seriously,” said Ms. Jackie, CEO of Heinz Academy.

In addition to the competition itself, one of the most special moments of the weekend was the incredible sense of support and community among the dancers. A fellow competing studio spread positivity by passing out clothespins with uplifting messages like “You’ve got this” and “You rock.” Heinz dancers would leave the dressing room to perform and return to find these little surprises clipped onto their costume bags or shoes, a beautiful reminder that dance is about lifting each other up. The atmosphere was filled with encouragement, with dancers from all studios exchanging high fives and good luck wishes. Seeing competitors cheer each other on instead of simply competing was a truly heartwarming experience.

The weekend also brought its fair share of challenges, and the Heinz dancers rose to the occasion. When one dancer forgot her shoes and another forgot her tights, they didn’t panic—they problem-solved. They turned to their teammates for help, shared what they had, and proved that we can do hard things. Their determination and resilience were just as impressive as their performances on stage.

With two competitions down and one more to go, the Heinz Academy Competition Team continues to make their mark—not just with their talent, but with their character, teamwork, and heart.