DE Dancers Have A Magical Week in Disney at DMA Nationals

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them,” Walt Disney.

At the end of June 2025, four of our Dance Expressions dancers traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and continued to pursue their dance dreams! We are beyond proud of Grace Elizabeth Douglas, Bailey Rea Burtis, Lilly Ann Bailey, and Mary Grace Bailey. They each displayed outstanding courage, enthusiasm, and excellence throughout the week.

Dance Expressions teachers have been long standing members of Chapter 17 of Dance Masters of America. During Chapter 17’s local workshops and competitions this past year, many of our company dancers qualified to attend the DMA National Convention and Performing Arts Scholarship Competition.

Notably, in January, Bailey Rea Burtis was crowned the Junior Miss Title of Chapter 17 and was chosen to represent the chapter in the National Title Competition. The competition involved learning and performing an astounding opening number for the welcome party, four audition classes, an interview process, and a talent competition. During the dance competition Bailey performed her award winning lyrical piece, “One Wing,” choreographed by Ms. Pam Schrier. Bailey Rea was stunning in all of her formal wear and placed in the top 10 of America amongst her fellow Junior Miss Title Contestants!

When asked about her experience, Bailey Rea shared that, “DMA National’s was an amazing experience! I loved receiving a standout award for our Jazz duo, performing my solo, and meeting new people from all over the country. I cannot wait to go back again!”

All four of our DE dancers participated in the DMA National Convention Classes taught by fantastic dance professionals from all over the country. They also all competed in the Performing Arts Scholarship Competition.

Mary Grace Bailey performed her contemporary solo “Who You Are” choreographed by Ms. Pam Schrier and received a Platinum Award. She shared, “My favorite part about the DMA Nationals experience was the ability to dance and perform with other amazing DMA dancers from around the country! Everyone was so amazing and talented and it was so cool to watch. I am so grateful to have gone to DMA nationals this year and to have learned so much along the way!”

Grace Elizabeth Douglas performed her jazz solo, “I’m A Lady,” choreography, Ms. Pam Schrier, and received a Platinum Award, a Stand Out Award, and placed 18th overall. She also won first place in the Jazz scholarship audition class! In her words, Grace Elizabeth reflected that, “My experience at DMA Nationals was amazing and just so much fun. I had great classes and teachers that I learned a lot from. I didn’t just learn a lot from the teachers though, I learned a lot of things from the dancers that I can use to help my dancing!”

Bailey Rea and Grace Elizabeth also performed their duet “Fabulous” choreographed by Ms. Pam Schrier and received a Platinum Award, a Stand Out Award, and were invited to perform again in the Grand National Championship, where they placed 2nd Overall for the 12 and under duo/trio category!

Lilly Ann Bailey performed her contemporary solo “Beautiful Life” choreographed by Ms. Pam Schrier and received a Platinum Award, a Stand Out Award, and placed 6th Overall in the 13 and up solo category. She too was invited to compete in the Grand National Championship, in which she won 1st Place Overall! She was honored to be invited to perform once more at the DMA National Closing Banquet, where she was one of 3 dancers who received a scholarship and the invitation to represent the United States with World Performers next year at the Dance World Cup in Dublin, Ireland. Lilly Ann reminisced, “Attending the Dance Masters of America National Workshop and Competition was such an unforgettable experience. I was able to connect with other dancers who shared the same passion as me, and performing was such a fun and exciting part of it all. The classes really pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way, and I learned so much.”

The successful week at Nationals for our dancers is a true testament not only to their hard work and talent, but also to the entire DE faculty who trains and prepares all our dancers to be their best on any and every stage. The dancers truly appreciated all the love and encouragement they received from their fellow DE dancers back home. They returned home with grateful hearts and will always remember this truly magical week!

Bailey Rae Burtis and Grace Elizabeth Douglas

“Fabulous” Grand National Championship 2nd Place Overall 12 & under Duo

Lilly Ann Bailey receives invitation to the Dance World Cup

Bailey Rea Burtis, Chapter 17 Jr Miss DMA

Bailey Rea Burtis with fellow Title contestants

Mary Grace and Lilly Ann Bailey Attending Convention Audition Classes

Pam Schrier and Lilly Ann Bailey, Grand National Championship 1st Place Overall 13 & Up Soloist

DE Family sharing a magical week in Disney World at DMA Nationals!

Dance ExpressionsJuly 30, 2025