Young Virgin Islanders Shine at Dance Competition, Bringing Home Top Honors

Azalea Pearsall and Nubia Richards, students of FAPA USVI Dance Academy, achieve remarkable success at the Artistic Dance Exchange in Jacksonville, winning multiple awards and scholarships.

Two young Virgin Islanders have come home covered in accolades following their successful participation in a recent dance conference in Jacksonville, Florida. Azalea Pearsall, age nine, and eight-year-old Nubia Richards, students of the FAPA USVI Dance Academy, traveled to Jacksonville in late October for Season 8 of the Artistic Dance Exchange (ADE) Regional Competition & Convention. There, Azalea earned two first place awards; top overall solo in the mini beginners to intermediate category, and top overall solo in improv dance. She was also awarded best in show for mini beginners to intermediate open choreography, and judge's choice in the same category.

Nubia was awarded third place for her solo entry in the mini beginners to intermediate competition. She also earned a scholarship to the 2025 Nationals. Both girls were awarded gold medals for their excellent performances. The FAPA USVI Dance Academy team is now preparing for the ADE National competition in Orlando in late June/early July 2025. Between now and then, they will also be competing in other regional events, says Academy Director Lea Scott. She expressed immense pride in her young dancers, calling Ms. Pearsall and Ms. Richards “the best competitive dancers on St. Thomas.”