About Us
American Dance Awards was founded in 1979 with the concept that competition would be an educational tool to inspire dancers and their teachers to be the best they could be. As we enter the thirty third season, our philosophy still remains the same. Competing at American Dance Awards is all about opportunities. From cash scholarships to special awards, the priceless critiques offered by our highly respected panel of judges, and the chance to perform with some of the most talented dancers in the USA and Canada. The emphasis isn't on winning but personal gain. ADA encourages the dancers to meet dancers from other studios. Some remain friends for a lifetime. It's about camaraderie, not the color of the ribbon. A great opportunity is "America's Dancer of the Year" Competition. Open to all solo dancers free of charge. The winners in each city come together at the national competition to win the most prestigious dance title in the country. Dancers come year after year to experience the process and the learning experience it has become over the years. You can see many ADA national winners dancing professionally. American Dance Awards prides itself on a fair realistic scoring system. Each routine is adjudicated by three judges, plus one designated special awards judge who recognizes special qualities in the dancers. When all the medals and trophies have been distributed, studios return for the friendly, organized atmosphere. In the early days, we were one of only a few competitions; today we are one of many. High standards have kept us on top for many years. The quality and friendly service as well as a focus on education are what we are all about and those traits we look forward to continuing in the future.
Gloria Jean Cuming - Executive Director
Is one of the most successful dance educators in the country. She has owned and operated 3 very successful studios in Connecticut. Her training and choreography have received honors at the regional, national and international level of competition. She has served as a board Member, Officer, Master Teacher and Adjudicator for several dance organizations. She has been tested and certified to judge on an international level by the International Dance Organization.
She and Bill Fowler served as the National Directors of the North American Dance Championships, a preliminary for the World Tap and Jazz Championships held in Germany, Slovenia and Canada and Poland.
Gloria Jean has traveled the United States with co-founder Rhee Gold, presenting Project Motivate, sharing her teaching philosophies and business strategies with dance educators. Her dancers have been named the “World Tap Dance Championship” 10 times since 1996. Her award winning dancers have been seen on Good Morning America, The Donny and Marie Show and the Early Show as well as many other guest appearances.
Other students have performed on Broadway, in ballet companies, on television and throughout the entertainment industry. She was one of the first participating teachers at the American Dance Awards. Her students competed for 20 years. During those years, she received “The Gold Family Award of Excellence” five times. Respecting the philosophies and the integrity of American Dance Awards she was thrilled to become a director in 1999 to bring her “teacher” perspective to the competition with the dance studio owners and their dancers being the first priority.
Bobby DiNicola - Tour Director
Has been with American Dance Awards since 1999. His background in Business Management has helped American Dance Awards be on the leading edge of Dance Competition Technology including online registration, always on-time schedules, tabulation programs, CD critiques now DVD's and much more. With training of all ADA employees, and a fool proof computer tabulation program, human error in results have not been an issue.
Bobby takes great pride working with his Mom, Gloria Jean in creating a competition experience that is built on integrity, education and inspiration!