On the weekend of Feb. 7-9, students from the Astra Studio of Dance and Performing Arts participated in the Starbound National Talent Competition at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury. Astra’s dancers earned three elite golds, which is Starbound’s highest adjudicated award, as well as seven high golds at the competition.

Astra Studio’s first production company performed a large group musical theatre number called Kinky Boots. They were honored with an elite gold, placed eighth in their division, and earned the special Artistic Creative Concept Award. Performers included Emerson Alexy, Elleyana Barbieri, Kora Chapman, Julia DeSousa, Emma Elgart, Molly George, Emma Golembeski, Sadie Heiser, Vivi Heiser, Teagan Iglesias, Jillian Pernal, and Isadora Souza.

The Juniors small group jazz routine earned an elite gold with their rendition of Steppin’ to the Bad Side. Performers in this routine were Elleyana Barbieri, Emma Elgart, Emma Golembeski, and Vivi Heiser.

The Seniors performed a jazz trio called Big Noise and scored a high gold. Trio members are Emerson Alexy, Emma Golembeski, and Jillian Pernal.

The tap company brought home a high gold with their performance of Hair. Astra’s tappers were Elleyana Barbieri, Emma Golembeski, Vivi Heiser, and Jillian Pernal.

Two routines were performed for adjudication only. The open/acro routine called Wash Away scored an elite gold, while the lyrical/contemporary routine of Ring Around the Moon earned a high gold. Although they did not qualify for overalls due to competing out of order, both routines earned scores that would have placed them in the top 10 of their divisions. Students performing in these routines were Emerson Alexy, Elleyana Barbieri, Emma Elgart, Emma Golembeski, Vivi Heiser, and Jillian Pernal.

Soloist Jillian Pernal claimed a high gold for her contemporary routine Parting Words. Soloist Vivi Heiser earned a high gold for her lyrical routine All That Matters.

Soloist Emma Golembeski competed two routines: a contemporary piece called Mr. Sandman and a musical theatre piece entitled Money. Both routines scored a high gold with Mr. Sandman placing fourth in its division. Golembeski qualified to perform in the opening number at Starbound’s Foxwoods Nationals this summer.

Astra Studio of Dance and Performing Arts is located in Old Saybrook. For info about upcoming classes or performances, contact 860-304-4314 or info@astrastudioct.com.