Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007 • Local college student wins national title
Publisher’s note: This story originally appeared in the Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007, edition of the Lassen County Times.
Over the summer, Seanne McElrath, of Susanville, proved he is one of the best hip-hop dancers in the nation.
Seanne McElrath holds his winning trophy after being chosen as the National Hip-Hop Solo Artist for 2007 at the Showstoppers National Dance finals. Well-known Broadway singer and dancer and family friend Julian Thorn announced McElrath as the winner.McElrath earned the title National Finals Hip Hop Solo Artist in July at the Showstoppers National Finals Dance Competition held at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
McElrath spent every evening during the week of competition rehearsing for the opening number for the competition’s finale held on July 22. According to his father, Dennis, the opening number was “absolutely stunning, a knockout performance, which aired on a live Web cast worldwide.”
Rehearsing for the opening number gave McElrath a chance to hone his skills while working with other dancers. He was also able to work with accomplished dancers including hip-hop performer Dena Rizzo, entertainer Rachel Ross and choreographer Hayley Mac.
Seanne McElrath leaps above dancers’ heads during the opening number of the July 22 finals at Showstoppers. Renowned choreographer Hayley Mac worked with all solo dancers to put on an “amazing” dance.Mac choreographed the opening number with amazing speed, grace, style and proficiency, McElrath said of his experience.
Julian Thorn, Broadway and international celebrity, presented McElrath with his national champion trophy, which made the winning more special. In the past couple years Thorn has become a family friend, said McElrath.
McElrath won the West Coast Region Solo Artist title in March in San Mateo, California. His fellow J&J Performing Arts teammates and Classified Dancers also competed in March and placed well in both solo and team competitions.
According to McElrath, the opening number and his solo act can be viewed on the web at showstopperonline.com.
Seanne McElrath performs a exciting hip-hop move during Showstoppers National Dance finals in July held in Disneyland.McElrath is getting ready for next year’s competition and said his brother Alexander may compete in the same category.
“The boys have been dancing since they were little, like most kids,” said McElrath’s father. He added the two brothers work together on moves and both teach dance in the area.
“Seanne may need to work extra, extra, extra hard to defend his title next year because his brother is pretty good,” said the elder McElrath.
“It was an incredible experience and I want to thank everyone in my life who helped me achieve this goal,” said the solo artist.
The Showstopper National Finals is the largest and most prestigious dance competition in the country. This year’s competition even hosted more than 100,000 talented dancers from nearly all 50 states, Canada and abroad.
