PARENTS

1. “UPA deserves high praise for their Eclipse Cup! As a parent I appreciated the organization and professionalism of the staff. The dressing rooms were well laid out, the venue was beautiful, the event ran on-time and the judging was excellent. I appreciated that the judges awarded scores from silver to platinum. My kids knew they had to work hard to receive top marks and it was wonderful. The Purple party was a blast and a great place to meet other parents and dancers. We also appreciated the thoughtful and helpful comments on the judges sheets. Each judge took the time to explain areas to work on and noted strengths. My kids were able to apply these critiques in their lessons this week and I know it will help them grow as dancers. UPA has created an event we hope to attend for many years to come! Congratulations on an excellent event.”
- Kristen McHargue

2. “I was impressed by the bleacher seating, awards ceremonies spread out throughout the day, friendly staff and large venue. I don’t have any comments to make it better. I thought everything was great. I have recommended this to friends of mine who have children at other studios.”
- Penny Jesperson

3. “I thought the UPA Eclipse Cup was organized and run very nice. We’d like to go back. The judging was tough but fair. It’s good for the girls. They are ready for that. We really had fun. It was a great start to a great year.”
- Suzi Imp

4. “The dance competition this weekend was the best we’ve been to. Very organized and right on time. Girls had fun.”
- Jeff Berrington

5. “I loved UPA. It was so organized and the dressing room layout was nice. I hope we can go back next year!” -
Shayna Sinavara

6. “The UPA competition was a great experience. Loved it! Mariah and all the Starburst dancers had a great time. It should be a definite competition for next year. Thanks for all the fun.”
- Michele Byl

7. “My vote would be to compete at the Eclipse Cup again.”
- Terri Steenblock

8. “Overall, awesome!! Loved the novice, intermediate and advanced divisions, mixing up the styles as they performed, the awards pins, organization, on-time schedule, calm environment, shorter awards programs and great comments from the judges. Nicely done!”
- Sara Bauer

9. “I really liked UPA. I felt it was super organized and very well ran.”
- Sheri Bilbrey

10. “Loved the event set-up, exhibit hall, schedule, staff, pictures and purple party.”
- Megan Olson

11. “Eclipse Cup was amazing. You guys rock.”
- Steve McHargue

12. “I thought this competition was really good. Things ran on time and it was well organized.”
- Julie Rice

13. “We had an AMAZING time. It was fabulous. Katelyn had so much fun at the free Purple Party and a lot of the other parents thought it was genius. I hope we come back.”
- Kristen Butterfield

14. “The motto of my daughter’s studio is ‘more than just great dancing’. It was refreshing to see that UPA is also more than great dancing. The positive influence that UPA provides young dancers is fantastic. The dancers will carry these life lessons with them throughout their lives.” - Terry Bauer

TEACHERS/DIRECTORS/OWNERS

1. “This is the only on-time event I’ve ever attended. Parents knew what to expect and when to be where, which made them calm, and which made me able to enjoy the event. The action photography and back stage pics were classy touches. Your staff is friendly and approachable and the judges were great. They provided good quality comments. Thanks for not giving away the platinum and high gold awards. It made my kids work to earn these honors. We’re not doing kids any favors by sugar coating things and telling them they’re great at everything all the time. It’s ok that some of my kids got High Silvers. It’s what they earned. Oh, and I loved the free hotel room. My studio motto is ‘more than just great dancing’ so I consider it one of my highest professional achievements to have received the UPA Spirit Award this weekend. It really backs up what I’ve been promoting and trying to model to students and families for the past 12 years. Thank you for making character count at your event and thanks for a great weekend.”
- MISTY LOWN, Misty’s Dance Unlimited

2. “The judging offered a great learning experience for my dancers to earn true marks. I think your judging standard is going to set the Eclipse Cup apart from all other competitions in Minnesota. I want my dancers to get a real competition feel from real scoring. You did that.”
- STEVEN KINCAID, Energy Dance Center

3. “I really liked the realistic judging. It was fair and right on. The judges seemed to be very fair and consistent with what I saw.”
- JACKIE NOELTZELMAN, Dancin Off Broadway

4. “Congratulations on a fantastic competition. Every studio owner I have talked with so far had wonderful things to say about the weekend. Way to go! I know it’s very difficult to start up a new event – especially in these economic times. It sounds like you hit it out of the ballpark!”
- MARY PLEIN, Fusion Dance

5. “Liked the stage, chute and pictures. We had great fun at the purple party mixer and wish we could’ve gone earlier. We understood why we got the scores we did and thought they were fair.”
- CHANDRA SAIGN, City Scape Dance

6. “I’m on my way to the airport but wanted to send a quick note your way. I loved the event. Thank you. Book us for next year. We’ll be back!”
- DIANNE MARTIN, DD’s Dance

7. “We had a great time at the competition. We’ll definitely be back next year.”
- ZINA NESLER, Dance Factory

8. “The online registration system is amazing. Really user-friendly. I’m so impressed with everything. You haven’t missed a beat.“
- MARY EIDE, Energy Dance Center

9. “Great job! The Eclipse Cup was everything you promised. From your amazing staff on hand at check-in to helping my first-timers at the competition scene, everything was great. Thank you - Thank you - Thank you.”
- ANDREW WORM, Dance Factory

10. “Impressive event set-up. The judging was tough, but I liked that. The competition was run very smoothly.”
- JOE MEYER , Northern Force

11. “Lisa, let me pass on a compliment. My administrator, Shayna, is getting our next competition details worked out right now (ie: calls and emails to the director). Last night she said to me, “Well, lets just say that this guy is the polar opposite of Lisa and it’s not too much fun.” High praise from someone who loves details and highlighters.”
- MISTY LOWN, Misty’s Dance Unlimited

12. “Thank you Lisa. Attending the Eclipse Cup was amazing. No wonder you are so successful. You know how to put on a great event!”
- JENNIFER TELL, Dance Factory

13. “The schedule works for us. Thanks for accommodating our requests.”
- BUFFY JOHNSON BREEN, Woodbury Dance Center

14. “Loved the VIP area. We didn’t expect to get much and were totally surprised to have complete meals provided free for us. The backstage chute process was genius. It was nice having only dancers and studio personnel back there.“
- JACKIE NOETZELMAN, Dancin Off Broadway

15. “My teachers kept talking about how nice it was to get away and get a nice and free hot meal. It was also a nice chance to get to meet other studio directors.”
- SHAYNA STELLFLUE, Misty’s Dance Unlimited

16. “We were so excited for the Eclipse Cup. It was great!”
- STACEY BEACH, Dance Impressions

17. “Eclipse Cup was great. Our kids loved it too.”
- KATHY MUELLER, Woodbury Dance Center

 

FROM STUDENTS/DANCERS

1. “I liked it but it was tough. It makes me want to work harder.”
- Amanda Silbrey

2. “Thanks for an amazing weekend. It was so much fun!”
- Annie Oslin

3. “It was so much fun!!!!!”
- Ashley Imp

4. “The Eclipse Cup was fantastic. Loved everything about it.”
- Corin McHargue

FROM THE JUDGES

1. “I’ve judged a lot of studio events and the Eclipse Cup was the most organized, smoothly run and on-time competition I’ve ever judged. The atmosphere is fun for the kids and the judge requirements are fair. Look forward to working with you and UPA in the future.”
- LISA SCURLOCK, Illinois

2. “The talent level was amazing. Can’t wait to see what’s on stage for 2011.”
- WANDA BROWN, Washington

3. “This event is going to get big really fast. UPA runs a well organized and fair competition.”
- BECKY EWING, California

4. “Overall, this is one of the best competitions I’ve ever worked.”
- NANCY PEZZO, Canada

5. “The quality of the judging panel specializing in all the styles was brilliant. The Eclipse cup will become THE studio event to attend.”
- CHEETAH PLATT, California