Success a step away for Starlight Performers > Belfast-based dance troupe making a name for itself in appearances at home, around the country

BELFAST – Fresh from appearances in Florida, the Starlight Performers were back in a local studio last week rehearsing routines for future shows.

The six-member Maine troupe spent part of July performing on a Carnival Cruise ship and at Walt Disney World. Their next big event will be a series of workshops on Broadway in New York.

“It’s going to be great,” dancer Scott Smith, of Brooks, said during a break in rehearsal Wednesday. “My dream right now is Broadway. That’s what I want.”

Directed by Nedra Cioffi, of Stockton Springs, the dance group has performed in national competitions. Founded by Cioffi’s daughters, Elyse, 14, and Alexandra, 11, the group’s makeup has changed over the years.

The addition of 15-year-olds Smith and Adam Hall of Brooks marks the first time males have been part of the troupe. The boys connected with the Starlight Performers during a workshop with Young America and decided to join. Other members are Ashley Wood, 16, of Belfast and Katie Porter, 15, of Bangor.

“We’re very fortunate to have the guys,” director Cioffi said. “The make it more exciting.”

The group’s performances covers the range from early Broadway show tunes to modern song and dance. Their routines include jazz pieces, hip-hop, and modern dance. The dances are choreographed by Elyse Cioffi. The dancers conducted grueling four-hour rehearsals daily in preparation for the trip to Florida.

“It was non-stop dancing,” Smith said. “The people down there couldn’t believe we could dance for 20 minutes in that Florida heat but we were ready.”

During the next few weeks the group will perform at the Rockland Arts Festival, Blue Hill Fair and conduct dance workshops for area children.

“We have a lot of performance hints that we want to share with everybody,” Cioffi said. “Dancing helps kids build their self-confidence and we want to give back some of we’ve learned.”