ROCKLAND — They say that lightning never strikes in the same place twice. However, for the dancers of Studio Red in Rockland, Maine, that is not always the case. On March 23, 2018, while attending Groove National Dance Competition in Westbrook, two of the Studio Red dance team members were awarded $500 scholarships to the Hollywood Summer Tour in California.

Lorelei Rademacher, 12, of Rockport, and Preston Henderson, 11, of Lincolnville participated in a lyrical master class early in the morning prior to the competition events of that afternoon. It was during that class that both dancers were noticed by the instructor and Groove judge, Mallory Swanick. Out of the approximately seventy participants of the master class, only four were chosen for this special acknowledgement and two were from Studio Red.

The Hollywood Summer Tour is an invitation only commercial dance intensive for serious dancers looking to pursue a career in dance in the future. Menina Fortunato, a producer, dancer, and choreographer of world renown, started the tour in 2006 with the intention of educating and mentoring young talent in the pursuit of their dance goals. There are programs for kids, teens, and adults that focus on all aspects of the commercial dance world.

The Studio Red dancers chosen for this opportunity, while young, are not new to dancing. Both have been members of the Studio Red dance team since 2011 and have performed on many stages and in front of large crowds. The dance team competes in regional competitions and dance conventions around New England, has traveled to perform in Hershey Park in Hershey, PA and has even performed on the Disney World stage in Florida. Having the opportunity to train outside their home studio with master teachers and professional dancers has given these performers some insight into dance as a career.

Lorelei is entering her 7th grade year at Camden Rockport Middle School.

"Dance is my passion. It makes me happy and gives me a way to express all my emotions. It lets me share my feelings and be myself,” she said.

Preston is a homeschooled 6th grader whose older brother, Wesley, attended the Hollywood Summer Tour two years ago. Preston said she loves dance because "it is really fun and there is a new challenge all the time. I love to be different characters which helps me feel comfortable performing. It has also allowed me to travel to various places and make new friends."

While the scholarship is very helpful, the cost of the tour is still substantial. The team of young dancers came up with a fundraising plan that included dates at Dunkin Donuts, a bake sale at French & Brawn, three car washes, an ongoing bottle drive, and a GoFundMe page. With only two weeks left, they are more than halfway to their goal.

Studio Red is currently located at 143 Rankin Street in Rockland. They offer classes in many styles of dances for ages 18 months to adult. You can learn more about their programming at www.vkstudiored.com or like them on Facebook at VKStudioRed or Studio Red Competition Team.