History
USTD is not just a competition anymore!
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Testimonials
“USTD is by far our favorite competition. Nice venues, fair judging, and you can count on the events to be organized and on-time. They also provide a professional family-friendly atmosphere that my students love.”
Linda Machado – Director
Horizons Dance Center
Brooklyn, NY
“USTD has become a studio favorite for Savage Dance Company. This was our third regional competition with Sean and his staff. My dancers absolutely loved being challenged to perform up close and personal with the judging panel. My dancers told me they felt as if “they had to raise their game” and “perform harder!” There are several aspects and USTD traditions which I applaud: 1) I respect the way you circle up all attendees to recognize your title winners; this sense of acceptance is noteworthy in the competitive world; 2) I greatly appreciate your fast moving awards assembly. Holding on to your OVERALLS until the last awards assembly is brilliant! 3) I appreciate your alert and responsive judging panel. It is nice to see judges smile and laugh and comment expressively throughout the competition; 4) The creativity and the time spent in organizing and recognizing the special awards are greatly appreciated; and 5) The fact that Sean (the USTD Director on site) found me and welcomed me the first day of competition is most recognizable! I cannot begin to share with you the number of comp venues I have attended where the director and/or owner does not find me to introduce himself/herself and thank me for bringing my students to their venue throughout the ENTIRE weekend. With so many options out there today, it is nice feeling appreciated and welcomed. I think this sense of “family friendly” competition is what I love most about the USTD competition! Keep up the great work! See you again next season!”
Nichole Savage – Director
Savage Dance Company
Sykesville, MD
“My studio has been attending USTD for several years! It is always my first choice for my dancers to receive the best competition experience. The judging is fair, accurate and encouraging. The staff is professional and personal all at the same time. The venues are always excellent. Every studio and dancer is important to Sean, the director as well as the rest of the staff. It is always the competition that my dancer’s look forward to and know they will get the best education.”
Tina Vittorioso – Director
Centerstage Dance Academy
Seekonk, MA
“Hey Sean, Natasha, and the USTD Staff, I just want to say thank you to everyone for an awesome weekend. The kids and their parents are still talking about it! All the new parents said they felt like they have been attending for years. They felt so welcomed and at home. You all really create such an amazing atmosphere for not only the dancers but their families too. One of my favorite qualities of USTD. Can’t wait for Nationals!”
Dana Senisi – Director
Triple Threat Performing Arts Company
Brooklyn, NY
“We have been competing at USTD for many years and keep coming back! The experience is by far exceptional. The director of the program is very professional. He personally takes the time to greet everyone and thank them. If you ever have a question or and issue he is always willing to help out. The entire staff is top notch and always willing to help out in any way that they can. The judges give wonderful critiques for the instructors to work from and they also make a point to let a dancer know that they stood out by giving special awards. This is our favorite competition because it is judged fairly and you have to work for the awards that you are given. Also I am a small studio and this is the one competition that I feel does not just let the big schools win everything. Thank you USTD for being part of our dance experience and our dance family!!”
Heather Cavanaugh – Director
Heather Bennett’s Dancin’ to the Rhythm
Horseheads, NY
“The Dance Connection, Binghamton, NY has competed with USTD for the past 15 years. We choose to attend USTD for numerous reasons, but the most important reasons are because of the level of integrity, professionalism, warmth and sincere love and commitment to the art of dance. Sean and Natasha Flanagan, along with their wonderful staff, continuously present both Regional and National dance competitions that provide qualified, professional judges, proper age/category for all levels of dance, an environment that supports camaraderie and continued learning and growth for the dancers. There are so many dance competitions to choose from., and we choose USTD! A class act in every way.”
Ann Szyannk – Director
The Dance Connection
Binghamton, NY
“Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance has been attending USTD for many years and we love it!! The competition is super organized and the entire staff is friendly and helpful!! My students and families love being apart of their (USTD) competition family!!”
Mary Carrow (Director) & Staff of Joan Condlin’s
Liverpool School of Dance
Liverpool, NY
“We as a school always enjoy your competition. Many of my students tell me that USTD is their favorite!!”
Kathy Hansen – Director
Kathy Hansen School of Dance
Owego, NY
“Performing Arts Academy has been attending USTD since 2009, and it has quickly become a favorite for our studio. Owners Sean and Natasha have a hands-on approach that is reflected in the quality and organization of the competition. They are always adding new events and activities for the dancers, which makes for a unique and exceptional experience year after year. The events always run on time, and the staff is friendly and professional. USTD has truly raised the bar in the field of dance competition – our dancers feel both challenged and encouraged when they attend this event. The judging is fair and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. We look forward to continuing to be part of the USTD family for many years to come!”
Dawn Laviola Schaub (Director) & Meghan Frayne
Performing Arts Academy
Pompton Lakes, NJ
“USTD events are held at beautiful venues and skillfully managed with an integrity and expertise that reflects director Sean Flanagan’s authentic commitment to the passion and artistry of all the young dancers in attendance.”
Lisa Emmi – Director
Northport Dance
Northport, NY