In June, Evonne’s Dance Studio ‘E Crew’ traveled to Florida where we were accepted to perform by Disney’s Performing Arts. 20 Dancers attended including (pictured left to right) BACK: Claire Reiman (Butte), Taylor Even (Burke), Madisan Graber (Gregory), McKenzie Snyder (Lake Andes), Elenna Koenig (Fairfax), Brynn Almgren (Spencer), Madalyn Reiser (Butte), Addison Birmeier (Spencer), Brooklyn Eckert (Lynch), Elizabeth Bernt (Butte), Katelyn Dvorak (Lake Andes), FRONT: Chloe Disterhaupt (Spencer), Addilyn Janousek (Fairfax), Christina Spann (Bonesteel), Kenze Reiman (Butte), Gracen Eckert (Lynch), Izaria Koenig (Fairfax), Trina Bennett (Butte), Ava Garwood (Butte), and Jada Harmon (Spencer). The team was accompanied by Evonne Koenig (Instructor), Lisa Even, Kylie Bernt, Carie Reiman, Tami Disterhaupt, and Kristin Dvorak (chaperones). We flew out of Sioux Falls Sunday evening, June 19th after first enjoying a team meal at Olive Garden. We made it to our resort very late that night but still began our fun early Monday morning as we made our way to Hollywood Studios. We were able to enjoy the park for a couple hours before returning to our resort to prepare for our performance. I can say this was a show put on like no other I or the girls have ever done before. I am very proud of these girls for coming out of their shell and putting on just a great performance. They did a wonderful job. We had a huge turnout at our live performance as well as some supporters on Facebook Live! Thank you to all those that supported us back home. The girls put on a 19 1/2 minute show consisting of intense high-energy hip-hop with no breaks. That’s 19 1/2 minutes of non stop music and dancing! They danced to “Game On”, “We Own the Night”, “Can’t Hold Us”, “Thunderstruck”, “Game Time”, “Legend”, “I’mma Shine” and “Stronger”, all dances they have performed throughout the last several years in preparation for this trip. After our performance we headed back to the resort to change and then made our way back to Hollywood Studios to finish our day. Tuesday started at Animal Kingdom before going to Epcot. We finished our night at the fireworks show, Harmonious. Wednesday was a full day of fun at Magic Kingdom. Everyone had a great time. We also enjoyed Disney Enchantment fireworks show. After returning to our resort everyone packed their things and got a little sleep. Our journey home began Thursday morning. First we spent the morning at Cocoa Beach where we enjoyed the ocean waves, sun and shopping! And finally made it home that evening. I think it’s fair to say we were all quite exhausted.

I’ve enjoyed making these trips a possibility for our local dancers. Not only is the performance an amazing opportunity and experience for them but for some it’s their first time flying, or seeing the ocean, or visiting Disney, and for some this may be their only opportunity to experience something like this. But this opportunity hasn’t been handed to them easily. There are expectations and requirements they must each fulfill in order to go. A great deal of hard work and time is put into our trips by myself, dancers, and parents. Each dancer that has met all the requirements should be very proud of their accomplishments. I know I am, knowing what they put into making this trip and performance a reality. Our dance trips have always been a privilege and are fully earned.

We appreciate to everyone that has supported EDS in the past, present, or future in any way. We appreciated each and every one of you greatly! Without all of your support we wouldn’t have these amazing opportunities for our youth. Registration for our upcoming season is coming soon, August 10th-15th. Follow our Facebook page for details. Thank you! Evonne Koenig

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