LAS VEGAS, Nev., Dec. 28, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) — Legends, one of the longest running shows in Vegas and still considered one of the best tribute shows in the city, invited several young dancers from Utah to perform live in a Christmas tribute earlier this month.
Anne Weichers, the owner of American Expression of Dance in Draper, said the opportunity came after two choreographers from Vegas, “So You Think You Can Dance”‘s Dare Kujawa and “Michael Jackson Live” and “Legends” dancer Giovanna Andolina, sent an email to her asking her if students would be interested in being in the show.
“We were very flattered,” Weichers said. “There are incredible dancers all over the country. We asked Dare and Giovanna why they thought of us, and they said they trusted our kids’ work ethic, talent and professionalism. Giovanna said our studio just kept coming to mind, they knew they wanted to work with our dancers.”
Kujawa and Andolina became familiar with AED after Kujawa came to one of the camps Weichers holds for her dancers.
“Dare came back to choreograph our performances for the advanced teams for competition season,” Weichers said. “He brought Andolina with him and that is when we met her. He said he wanted to stay in touch with AED and what we do here.
“Giovanna told me our dancers came to mind when discussions arose about wanting a select group of dancers for a particular number so she contacted me and asked if we would be interested.
“The Academy director Chase Wise worked with the girls and filmed them performing sections of the dance they sent to us and then sent it back to the producers. We found out on Friday we needed to be in Vegas in two days.”
Weichers said that’s when 17 of the AED girls, ranging from 10-17 years old, their parents, herself and Wise, packed up and headed to Vegas.
“We drove down Monday, learned the dance Monday night, and Tuesday and went live for two shows on Wednesday.”
Madi Moody, 12, and her cousin, Emma Moody, 12, were two of the dancers selected to be a part of the experience in Vegas.
“It was a really cool, I didn’t get how big of a deal it was at first, but I definitely do now,” Madi Moody said. “I was so happy just to be able to be a part of it.”
“It can potentially open up a lot of doors for the girls. We can’t thank Anne and Chase enough for everything they have done for these girls,” said Robyn Moody, Madi Moody’s mom.
“Anne and Chase really treat them all like family,” she said, adding that Kujawa and Andolina really seem to care about the young dancers’ success and and future.
Many of the girls, some too young to fully understand the magnitude of what this opportunity means for any dancer, got a chance to sit down with the producer.
“He showed up to practice Tuesday to watch and with a huge grin on his face told the girls that he didn’t know if they understand this opportunity,” Weichers said. “He asked them if they knew what being on the strip and in the number one impersonator show would do for them in the future.”
Weichers said the performances were flawless.
“They really proved exactly why they were chosen to be there,” Weichers said. “We were so honored to be chosen out of all the other options they had. I am so proud of them and so happy for them to have this experience.”
