“Lest We Forget,” performed by the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ City Dance Theatre, earned top awards for the young dancers. Photo Credit: Curtis White

A Richmond youth dance troupe swept away several awards at a state dance competition held in early March in Portsmouth. Out of 12 dances, City Dance Theatre, which is part of the city of Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, received ten first place trophies and two second place trophies at the DanceAmerica Regional Competition.

Because of their hard work, the troupe is eligible to compete in the national DanceAmerica competition in Chicago.

“I am extremely proud of the City’s Dance Theatre youth and instructors,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “Their dedication, determination and commitment to excellence has aided them in winning these awards and recognitions in the DanceAmerica Regional Competition. It is my hope that all residents recognize the accomplishments of these youth and wish them well as they travel to the national DanceAmerica competition.”

Three girls received individual accolades. Keola Jones was named as the highest scoring junior female soloist, and Monay Boisseau was named highest scoring senior female soloist; both girls will be able to compete for the Best Dancer of the Year title in Chicago. In addition, Trenna Johnson will be qualified to compete in the Ethnic/Folkloric category in the nationals.

In addition to the 12 awards, City Dance Theatre also received:

• Judges Overall High Score Award for “Lest We Forget
• Best Emotional Execution for “Lest We Forget”
• Best Costume for “Metemorphose”
• High Score, Intermediate Large Group Modern, for “Run Mourners, Run”
• High Score, Intermediate Small Group Lyrical, for “For All We Know”
• High Score, Intermediate Duo/Trio Lyrical, for “Precious Lord”

Rodney L. Williams and Talita Jackson, who teach for the department’s City Dance Program at its Pine Camp Cultural Arts and Community Center, choreographed the dances.