Palmetto Center for the Arts wins big at Encore competition
Photos and story contributed by
Anne Richardson

Danielle Peters accepts her scholarship from Rhonda Marchant, Encore Competition President.

The Palmetto Center Dance students won the weekend of March 10 at the Encore Competition in Batesburg- Leesville, competing against 10 dance studios from across the state. In addition to winning numerous first place trophies, the group was singled out for the Spirit Award, which is given to the group of students who displays the best professional behavior backstage. The respect they displayed backstage towards the other dancers and backstage crew led to this distinction.

The students choreographed all solos, duets, and group dances unless designated.

Solos

Second Place: Rachel Milas, solo Prelude 12:21

First Place: Rachel Milas, solo Outside Looking In

First Place: Vanessa Burgess, solo Listen

First Place: Diadra Lewis, Right Now

First Place: Curtis Taylor, Reflections of You

Palmetto Center for the Arts Dance student winners

Top Senior Soloists

Third Place: Vanessa Burgess

First Place: Diadra Lewis

Super Seniors

3rd Place: Rachel Milas

Duets & Trios

Platinum First Place: Stephanie Cole and Holly Walters, Kiss Kiss

First Place: Erin Buchanan, London Knight, and Holly Walters, Luck be A Lady-choreographed by Ginny McElveen

Small Group

Third Place: Tainted Love, Choreographed by Diadra Lews

First Place: Different, choreographed by Vanessa Burgess

First Place: Closer, Choreographed by Jasmine Edney, PCA graduate Platinum

First Place: Stand, choreographed by Terrance Henderson, who also won Best Choreography

Vanessa Burgess, Diadra Lewis, Curtis Taylor, and Rachel Milas all won first place with their solos.

Top Five Duets and Trios

Fourth Place: Luck Be A Lady

First Place: Kiss Kiss- Holly Walters and Stephanie Cole

Top Senior Small Group

First Place: Closer, which won $75

Danielle Peters won the scholarship to the Finals Convention in Charleston, S.C. this summer. Recognition for outstanding dance technique by judges

Spirit Award

Palmetto Center for the Arts Dance Students

Anne Richardson is the program director for the Palmetto Center for the Arts Dance program.