The trip to Orlando was an unforgettable experience for Bermuda Dance Academy’s International Performance Team. After auditioning for the chance to participate in the Revive Dance Convention & Competition, ten students departed for Florida, eager to “showcase their hard work and passion for dance”, February 12 to 14. By all accounts, it was a resounding success.

Some dancers returned home with scholarships, while all were grateful for the opportunity to represent Bermuda on an international stage.

A highlight for everyone was having Pass That Dutch selected by the judges for the convention showcase.

The hip-hop piece, choreographed by Makaylie Smith — an S4 student at The Berkeley Institute and a Bermuda Dance Academy teacher — was performed by the entire team.

“I felt so proud watching my students perform; their hard work showed in every routine. It was heart-warming to see them express themselves and show their skills on stage,” she said.

“I also loved watching other dance schools perform, which helped me learn about different styles and techniques. Each performance inspired me and rekindled my passion for dance, giving me fresh ideas to share with my students.”

Parents held weekly bake sales and other events to raise funds for the trip. Among the party of 30 that travelled to the US were 17 “supportive family members”.

Makaylie expressed her “heartfelt gratitude” for their support.

Tjaia Butler was the lead dancer in Pass That Dutch and a second piece, Forest. Both were awarded “high platinum” scores.

“I encouraged [the other dancers] and brought the energy that I needed to support them,” said the 13-year-old, who began dancing lessons at the age of 2.

One of the convention’s biggest highlights for her was receiving a “wild card” — a special invitation from the judges to perform a favourite dance again, in the final showcase.

Tjaia embraced the challenge of stepping on stage, knowing the group had to outshine their first performance.

Riley Evans, 9, loved that the trip was a little longer than ones she had previously been on with Bermuda Dance Academy.

“This year I had more confidence, I was more prepared before we went on. I knew what number we had, so I could get ready before we had to start,” she said.

“I had more energy and I was more focused and I got a scholarship to go back next year to [another] convention.”

Tessanne Williams studies hip-hop, ballet, jazz and modern dance. The ten-year-old also received a scholarship because of her performance at the convention this year.

“It was great because I got an opportunity to have a better experience at dancing. I feel my experience with Bermuda Dance Academy taught me the skills [I needed to be able to perform in the convention].”

Yannick Rogers enjoyed the classes organisers put on for dancers at Revive Dance Convention & Competition.

The 14-year-old was also happy that there were lots of people her age, taking the lessons with her.

“I liked seeing the different dance styles they did,” she said. “I feel like I'm more flexible now, or at least more flexible between genres in dance. I hope I go back next year.

“My favourite part of the convention is probably actually the classes, because I like learning different styles of dance, and seeing other kids — who are around my age — do similar styles and see how the choreography looks different on them.”

Nikia Manders, the owner, director and head teacher of Bermuda Dance Academy, was thrilled that the girls had the opportunity to compete off island.

“Overall, we competed in more dances this year than last year and because we competed in more dances, we placed in more dances,” she said. “So it was definitely a big improvement for the students in terms of the choreography, in terms of their versatility and execution. It was a great experience for them internationally.

“They spoke about how wonderful it was for them to be around other students that really eat, speak and dream dance, and they found that very inspiring.

“In Bermuda, we don't necessarily get to compete as often as the students overseas do. They had the opportunity to compete with them, and I feel they did very well.

“However, they also felt if they had the opportunity to compete more often, then they'd be able to improve even more.”

The group had two “jam-packed, busy days” and then spent time at Disney World as a team.

“So we had the opportunity to have fun and celebrate afterwards,” Ms Manders added.

To attend the convention dancer first had to audition and, if successful, complete Bermuda Dance Academy’s Summer Intensive programme. They also had to meet class requirements based on their age group.

The International Performance Team ranged in age from 7 to 14 and included Tjaia Butler, Nia Cross, Savannah Denkins, Riley Evans, Essence Lewis, Aanya Mills, Aviya Mills, Sanziniah Raynor, Yannick Rochester, and Tessanne Williams.

• For more information, visitbermudadanceacademy.com