by Chris Moffitt
Hidden amongst the seemingly fading, desiccant walls and mundane appearance of TPA lies a spark of originality, a tint of imagination, a glimmer of artistry — two adept dancers. “To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking.” —Agnes de Mille
Anthony and Phillip Giandiletti are of the select few who decided to take this profound “power” and “glory” that dance brings and not only keep it for themselves, but share it with others.
Anthony (freshman) and Phillip (senior) Giandiletti both began dancing when they were just five years old, and since then have gone through about 30 hours of intense practicing every week. Noting these difficult, sweaty, time consuming practices along with the occasional tease from their sincere supporting peers, one wonders what drives them to continue. What’s so great about dance?
Answering this question, Anthony eloquently responds: “When I’m dancing, I’m able to lose all other thoughts and worries as I get lost in the music and the motion and the entire experience.” Phillip loves dance because “It’s a time where I get to just have fun and goof off, but also feel like I’m accomplishing great things through hard work and determination.”
The brothers throughout their dancing careers have both earned an impressive number of awards. Most recently, Anthony became 2012’s Mr. Teen Dance of Arizona and Phillip became 2012’s Mr. Dance of Arizona. These titles led the brothers to the National Competition where they competed against the winners in each state. Here, they again came home with impressive results: Out of the entire United States of America, Phillip placed fifth in his division, and Anthony third.
Describing his feelings upon receiving these national honors Anthony says, “I felt very proud of myself and was very honored because for people to think of you as a great dancer is amazing.”
This past summer, the Giandiletti brothers’ dancing careers led them both to Europe where they were able to travel and perform in many countries including France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Germany. Phillip describes the tour as being a “once in a lifetime opportunity”, adding that he had an “amazing time not only visiting all the unique and different countries, but also being able to perform for so many people from all around the world — and of course eating as much European food as possible!”
Through the success and achievements of these two talented and hardworking individuals, and the large number of other talented and hardworking TPA Knights, one sees that though our walls be ordinary, and our uniforms mundane, TPA has not just a few glimmers, but floods of talent and genius.
Keep it up Knights!