What an unforgettable week at Dance The World Events Nationals in Walt Disney World!

Our dancers brought home incredible awards, including:

World Champion Top Scoring Group/Production with A Whole New World and a $1,000 Cash Prize!!

Multiple 1st Place Overalls, Ultimate Entertainment Awards, Finals Winners, and so many personal and team accomplishments!!

Article from The Lebanon Reporter

Talent Factory Arts and Dance Company of Lebanon traveled to Walt Disney World in Florida this week to compete against dance studios from around the globe.

Dancers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Spain, and South Africa will compete today at Epcot for the Dance The World Competition.

“We’ve taken on Nationals every summer, but now we’re going global,” Talent Factory co-owner Jim Kochert said. “Competing on the world stage for the very first time is a dream come true. And to do it at Disney, all while celebrating Talent Factory’s 10th anniversary is magical.”

Preliminary finalists will advance to the finals Saturday on the famous Beauty and The Beast stage in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

“These dancers have worked so hard all year long, and to see them shine on a stage like this is the ultimate reward,” said dance teacher Marigrace Brannon. “They’ve earned every moment of this experience, and we’re just so proud.”

Talent Factory students will dance down Main Street USA in a parade at Magic Kingdom. The parade will be live-streamed on Dance The World’s Instagram page.

The dancers will attend master class workshops at Epcot with Disney Talent/Entertainment Director David Houde, professional choreographer Geo Hubela, and “Dancing With The Stars” pro Brandon Armstrong.

The week will culminate with an awards gala at The World Showplace Pavilion in Epcot.

The team consists of 26 dancers who will compete with 23 routines, including their “Aladdin Musical Theater” production number. All of the routines were choreographed and directed by the Talent Factory staff, consisting of Jim Kochert, Madeline Kochert, Marigrace Brannon, and Paula Kochert.

Two former students of the Kocherts collaborated with the studio to offer their expertise. Jade Perry, a former Disney cast member, assisted Talent Factory in the final weeks of rehearsals to help get the dancers “Disney parade ready.”

“Performing at Disney is every dancer’s dream,” Madeline Kochert said. “Watching our students take that dream and turn it into reality at a world competition, no less, is absolutely magical. This will be a memory they’ll carry forever.”

Boone County native, AJ Jones was the costume designer and creator. AJ lives in New York City and is a Broadway costumer. His work has also been seen on “Say Yes To The Dress,” The Tony Awards, and Bubly commercials, among others.

“Our dancers and staff have spent over a year in preparation for this big week,” Talent Factory co-owner Paula Kochert said. “Our incredibly talented teachers have poured their heart and soul into each piece to showcase every dancer’s unique talents. We are so proud of everyone’s hard work, dedication, and passion for dance. We are honored to represent Boone County and cannot wait to watch our studio shine on the world stage.”

Competition Results

A Whole New World

WORLD CLASS DIAMOND

1st Place Overall Intermediate Teen Group/Production

1st Place FINALS WINNER Intermediate 13 & up Group/Production

ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT AWARD

WORLD CHAMPION TOP SCORING GROUP/PRODUCTION – $1000 CASH PRIZE

Gitchee Gitchee Goo

PLATINUM

2nd Place Overall Intermediate Petite Group

Villains

PLATINUM

Lost in Wonderland

PLATINUM

Emotion Commotion

WORLD CLASS DIAMOND

Grim Grinning Ghosts

WORLD CLASS DIAMOND

4th Place Finals Overall Advanced 13 & Up Group/Production

Zero to Hero

PLATINUM

10th Place Intermediate Teen Group/Production

Our Greatest Adventure

WORLD CLASS DIAMOND

Stepsister’s Lament

PLATINUM

2nd Place Intermediate Senior Duet/Trio

Your Personal Trash Man Can

PLATINUM

1st Place Intermediate Teen Duet/Trio

1st Place FINALS WINNER Intermediate 13 & up Duet/Trio

“Gene Kelly & Donald O’Connor Award”

Pink Friday Girls

PLATINUM

SOLO RESULTS

Touch the Sky – Nora G.

PLATINUM

8th Place Overall Intermediate Petite Solo

Feelin’ Real Good – Shaelynn D.

PLATINUM

UK Girl – Rylee P.

PLATINUM

Le Festin – Dorothy C.

PLATINUM

4th Place Overall Intermediate Junior Solo

I Knew It, I Know You – Blake L.

PLATINUM

6th Place Overall Intermediate Teen Solo

Introducing Me – Neo H.

PLATINUM

Be My Baby – Emily K.

PLATINUM

Dream Kitchen – Della Dininger

PLATINUM

Falling In And Out Of Love – Natalie M.

PLATINUM

Fly Girl – Hannah P.

PLATINUM

I Believe That We Will Win – Caiden G.

PLATINUM

3rd Place Overall Intermediate Senior Solo

I Don’t Dance – Eli S.

PLATINUM

A Little Wicked – Alexis S.

PLATINUM

6th Place Overall Intermediate Senior Solo