Congratulations to our instructor Maximiliano Panesi and his student Katy Powell on her Competition debut at the “Viva Las Vegas” Competition, held at the extravagant Encore hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, and organized by the amazing team of World Promotions, Inc, led by Anna and Andrew Smart. They once again opened their arms with great hospitality, while making Katy’s experience exciting and unforgettable.
Katy has been a part of Daza Dance literately since day one, and through the years she has become an integral part of our dance community. Katy has had memorable performances in several showcases such as her spirited West Coast Swing in the Showcase “Moonlight Hotel” with Antonio Daza, and her fiery Paso Doble with Valentina Delano in the Daza Dance movie-series showcase “Family Jewels”.
In addition, during the Family Jewels we got to see her acting skills as she played a heroine protecting her niece from a mean stepmother. Also, this year Katy reached the Silver 1 Level designation in her medal tests representing her skill, dedication, and advanced technique in both, American Smooth and American Rhythm dances.
All this dance success inspired Katy to step on the competition floor and add one more challenge to her dance program. She found herself ready to step out of her comfort zone, to prove to herself she could set an ambitious goal and succeed at it.
Katy had a lot of fun preparing for the competition. She loved working with Maxi to expand her knowledge and dance repertoire. This year she got introduced to new dance styles she had not done before. Maxi proved to her that when pursuing new goals, she can do anything she puts her mind into achieving.
But not only was her dance instructor Maxi there to help Katy feel prepared from the inside out and expertly styled from head to toe, our Daza Dance studio manager, Mario Recoba was also there to offer his support and encouragement. Thanks to their encouragement and guidance every step of the way through her first competition allowed Katy to enjoy and to be present at each moment of the event.
She not only felt amazing, but she also looked amazing in dresses with dazzling Swarovski Crystals accentuated with accessories that featured an elaborate headdress stoned by Maxi himself, perfect for the Vegas setting.
Her most proud and memorable instance was placing 3rd in the World Challenge American Rhythm Open without any actual Open Routines! Maxi felt she was up for the challenge, and even though Katy had doubts she stepped completely out of her comfort zone like a champion. She quickly realized that if she trusted Maxi she could blow past her own fears and expectations. The bonus was bringing home a huge trophy and a medals.
She felt her first experience competing was fantastic and could not have dreamed of a better one. She felt the whole event was flawless, from the venue that was beautiful, to the event staff, and other competitors who were genuinely some of the kindest people she’d ever met.
In Katy’s own words “…I would like to thank everyone who stopped to wish me well, texted support and luck, and just in general sent good vibes. I truly appreciate the love and support sent my way. I’d like to thank Antonio for always believing in me. I’d like to thank Mario for always, without fail, giving the best advice and motivation to see past an obstacle and see it as a steppingstone to my next goal. Lastly, I’d like to thank Maxi for believing in me when I didn’t, for knowing I could when I didn’t think I could. I love our beautiful little community and can’t imagine life without all of you…”.
So again, Congratulations to Katy and Maxi for continuing to expand their goals together while achieving greater and greater things. They say what “happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”, but Katy and Maxi’s accomplishments should be acknowledged and celebrated.
Maxi and Katy also won:
Top Newcomer Competitor
4th Overall Top Competitor
3rd Bronze World Challenge American Rhythm Closed
3rd World Challenge American Rhythm Open
2nd Bronze World Challenge American Smooth Closed
4th World Challenge American Smooth Open
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