Zabava Performing Arts School had an exciting spring competition season, earning standout dance competition awards at StarQuest Dance Competition in Lauderhill and On Stage America in Coral Springs.
At StarQuest, the Teen Small Group routine “Just A Girl” received Platinum Plus, 1st Place, and Highest Score. Zabava dancers also earned Platinum Plus and Platinum awards across solo routines.
Earlier in the season, Zabava competed in the Advanced category at On Stage America for the first time and received Platinum awards for all three entries. These results reflect the dancers’ hard work in the studio, their growth on stage, and the dedication of Zabava’s teachers and families.
Dance Competition Awards at a Glance
Competition | Date and Location | Zabava Highlights |
StarQuest Dance Competition | May 23-24, 2026 | Zabava dancers earned Platinum and Platinum Plus awards, including 1st Place and Highest Score for “Just A Girl.” |
On Stage America | April 24-26, 2026 | Zabava entered the Advanced category for the first time and earned three Platinum awards. |
StarQuest: 1st Place, Highest Score, and Platinum Plus Awards in Lauderhill
Zabava dancers had one of their biggest moments of the competition season at StarQuest Dance Competition 2026, held May 23–24 at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. The team competed in solo and small group categories, earning Platinum and Platinum Plus awards across multiple entries.
Zabava’s StarQuest results included major wins in both solo and small group categories. The weekend was highlighted by “Just A Girl,” which earned Platinum Plus, 1st Place, and Highest Score, along with strong solo results from Sasha Benton, Seanna Keable, and Zara Dahabra.
StarQuest Dance Competition 2026 Results
Routine | Dancer(s) | StarQuest Division / Entry | Award / Recognition |
“Just A Girl” | Mia Avakyan, Sasha Benton, Diana Kukosyan, Evelyn Petrossov, Anna Severin | Teen Small Group Open | Platinum Plus |
“Diana and Actaeon Variation” | Sasha Benton | Teen Solo Ballet | Platinum Plus |
“Lean On Me” | Seanna Keable | Junior Solo Open | Platinum |
“Wide Awake” | Zara Dahabra | Petite Solo Open | Platinum |
Small Group, Big Win: “Just A Girl”
One of the biggest highlights of the StarQuest weekend was Zabava’s small group routine “Just A Girl.” The group earned 1st Place, Platinum Plus, and the Highest Score.
This was a major moment for the dancers and for Zabava. Small group routines depend on clean timing, spacing, trust, and shared energy. The award recognized not only the dancers’ individual preparation but also how well they performed together as a team.
A huge congratulations also goes to their teacher, Shauna Kirschman, who continues to guide, challenge, and inspire our dancers every step of the way.
Platinum Plus for Ballet Solo
Sasha Benton also had a standout solo performance at StarQuest, earning a Platinum Plus Award for “Diana and Actaeon Variation” in the Classic Teen Solo Ballet category.
This result was especially meaningful because Sasha performed the same variation at both competitions, earning Platinum at On Stage America and Platinum Plus at StarQuest.
Her progress across the season showed consistency, grace, and strong classical preparation.
More StarQuest Solo Success
Zabava also celebrated two additional StarQuest solo achievements. Seanna Keable competed in the Junior Solo Open category with “Lean On Me” and earned a Platinum award.
Zara Dahabra competed in the Petite Solo Open category with “Wide Awake.” This was Zara’s first competition, and she earned a Platinum award. For Zara, earning Platinum at her first competition made the moment even more memorable.
Solo performances require dancers to carry the full routine on their own, from the first count to the final pose. Seanna and Zara both showed the preparation and confidence needed to succeed in that setting.
On Stage America Dance Competition: A Strong Advanced Debut in Coral Springs
Earlier in the spring, the On Stage America dance competition in Coral Springs was a major milestone for Zabava Performing Arts School. Held April 24-26, 2026, at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, the event marked Zabava’s first time entering dancers in the Advanced category.
The Advanced category requires more training hours, stronger technique, and a higher standard of performance.
Dancers are judged with higher expectations for technique, execution, artistry, and overall presentation. At the On Stage America dance competition, Zabava earned Platinum awards for all three Advanced entries.
These dance competition awards were especially meaningful because Zabava competed in the Advanced category for the first time. Each routine was judged against higher expectations for technique, execution, artistry, and overall presentation.
Routine | Category | Award |
“Down” | Advanced Junior Solo Open | Platinum |
“Just A Girl” | Advanced Teen Small Group Open | Platinum |
“Diana and Actaeon Variation” | Advanced Teen Solo Ballet | Platinum |
A Closer Look at the On Stage America Routines
“Down”: Advanced Junior Solo Open
In the Junior Solo division, dancers ages 10 to 12 perform as soloists in front of trained judges. Earning Platinum at the Advanced level shows strong preparation, confidence, and control. Because the Open category is not limited to one dance style, musicality, choreography, and performance quality are especially important.
“Just A Girl”: Advanced Teen Small Group Open
Small group routines require every dancer to contribute to the final result. Timing, spacing, synchronization, and group energy all factor into the performance. A Platinum award in the Advanced Teen Small Group Open category reflects strong teamwork and a unified stage presence.
“Diana and Actaeon Variation”: Advanced Teen Solo Ballet
At On Stage America, “Diana and Actaeon Variation” was performed by Sasha Benton. Classical ballet reveals every detail of a dancer’s technique. In “Diana and Actaeon Variation,” Sasha had to show control, musicality, strength, and clean technique from beginning to end.
What These Wins Mean for Zabava
For Zabava Performing Arts School, these dance competition awards show steady progress across both solo and group training. The dancers competed in demanding categories, performed in professional venues, and received recognition from two established dance competitions.
Just as important, they gained experience that will help them continue improving: performing under pressure, applying corrections, supporting teammates, and bringing their classroom training onto the stage.
Awards are worth celebrating, but the bigger achievement is the growth behind them.
Congratulations to Our Dancers, Teachers, and Families
Congratulations to all Zabava dancers who performed at StarQuest and On Stage America 2026.
To our soloists, your courage, preparation, and stage presence showed. To our group dancers, your teamwork and unity made a powerful impression. To our teachers, your guidance is reflected in every performance. To our families, thank you for supporting rehearsals, costumes, travel, and every moment behind the scenes.
We are so proud of our dancers and grateful to celebrate these special achievements together. Please help us congratulate our Zabava team on an incredible competition season.
Looking for Dance Classes in Boca Raton?
Zabava Performing Arts School offers dance classes and competitive dance training for children and teens in Boca Raton.
Whether your child is new to dance or ready for the competition stage, Zabava helps students build technique, confidence, discipline, and performance experience in a supportive environment.
Contact Zabava Performing Arts School to learn more about dance classes, competitive programs, and class placement in Boca Raton.
