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!!
DANCE THE WORLD COMPETITION
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