Meet Desmin | Best Jazz Choreography Nominee

Present day, I’m teaching more than ever while also hosting RVA Dance Life Series which gives dancers in RVA a chance to teach in a diverse lineup of teachers to new audiences. So far in this 6 year journey, I’ve learned so much about myself and what I’m capable of. However, I’ve only scratched at the surface. There are so many more incredible things in store for me, and I cannot wait to explore them. Also, my family is now one of my biggest supporters.

I am beyond thrilled and honored to be a nominee for best jazz choreography because I’ve been extra passionate about it in my classes in the past year. It’s such a fun style that I cannot get enough of sometimes.

RVA Dance Awards, RVA Dance CollectiveKatrina Taggart-HecksherDecember 17, 2019Jazz, VMFA, Dogtown Dance TheatreComment

Meet Lauren | Best Tap Choreography Nominee & Winner

Looking back over 16 years of teaching, it’s amazing to think back to those days when I was so fresh and wildly passionate, and perhaps a little naïve to the complexities of teaching. It lights a different fire in you because you want to share your passion and give your students more than you had been given. My teaching style is strongly influenced by music as it is the driving force of my craft. I pride myself on the challenges I create for my students, and love watching the development of their growth within those challenges. This is my drive to continue this journey. The music and complexity is my spirit coming out and it ignites my passion day after day.

TAP, VMFA, RVA Dance AwardsKatrina Taggart-HecksherDecember 15, 2019Tap Dance, chesterfield dance center, RVA Dance Awards, VMFAComment

Meet Lauren | Choreographer of the Year, Best Dance Studio, Best Studio Company Nominee

In this very moment, I could not be more proud to be a part of the Richmond dance community. Our small city holds such great talent and although we are all so unique and talented in our own way; we equally share an amazing passion and love for the art of dance and the avenues in which we are all contributing to our dance community. Thank you, RVA Dance Awards for creating the perfect storm for dancers, studio owners, choreographers, directors, and educators to come together and celebrate one another. I am extremely honored and grateful for my nominations as Choreographer of the Year and Best Artistic Direction. Being able to create, explore, and grow with my dancers is one of the most fulfilling pieces of my life…I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Meet Maggie | Dancer of the Year Nominee

I am excited to be nominated as Dancer of the Year because there are so many incredible artists in Richmond who could be included in this category and I am humbled to be considered among those chosen this year. As the dance world in Richmond continues to expand and grow, I am honored to be recognized even as a nominee for my contributions on the ballet stage.

Meet Carrie | Best Dance Studio | Best Dance Studio Performance

I am honored to be nominated for both Best Dance Studio and Best Studio Performance Company. As an educator, you hope to grow your students, but it is truly a privilege for that growth to be recognized. I believe that teaching children is a gift. There is no greater joy than to envelop a child into a world of creative expression, movement, and passion for the art of dance. Children are the next generation of dancers and without diversifying their training, dance would never evolve.

Meet Tony | Hip Hop Dancer of the Year | Best Collegiate Team Nominee

I’m so excited to be nominated not only for Best Hip Hop Choreographer, but Best College Dance Line as well (Virginia Union University) because this nomination was voted on by the dance community. That alone means the world, just to know the community is actually watching and respects and sees your hard work is an honor in itself.

Meet Starr | Choreographer of the Year | Best Dance Company

“It is an absolute privilege to be able to share my love for dance through teaching and choreography around the country for young and professional dance artists. If I am able to inspire young dancers to reach beyond their limits, believe in themselves and fulfill their dreams, then I consider that my greatest accomplishment.”

Meet Ashley | Best Lyrical Choreography Nominee

I currently teach lyrical at Prestige Dance Studio, Contemporary at Momentum Dance Center and various styles of dance at St. Catherine’s school. I absolutely love teaching dance and I’m glad to know that my students appreciate me and my wild ideas. I get goosebumps watching my kids on stage as they transform into these storytelling artists. Most of my student’s I have taught about 5 years or more so they really get me and my style, and I get to know them and what motivates and challenges them. We joked about my nomination because when I choreograph a dance and have to put it in a category I always refer to the “open” category. As a choreographer, my goal is to evoke some type of feeling from the audience and I leave the rest up to my dancer’s. They make my job easy. This nomination would not have happened without my amazing students and their ability to turn the lyrics into movement. Thank you, thank you, I’m honored. And congratulations to all of the other brilliant nominees. Way to go RVA!

VMFA, Prestige DanceKatrina Taggart-HecksherNovember 19, 2019VMFALyrical Dance, VMFA, RVA Dance Awards Comment

Meet Jamie | Dance Instructor of the Year Nominee

“After performing a ballet, you reappear on stage to the sound of applause. Your heart fills knowing that you have touched someone with your time on stage. As a teacher, we don't always receive that applause. This nomination feels like my "Bravo", my standing ovation. Class after class, I try to make a difference in a young dancer's life. But as all teachers know, it is sometimes hard to know if you are succeeding. To know that I was nominated for this award from students and parents means so much to me. I am very grateful.”

BalletKatrina Taggart-HecksherNovember 13, 2019VMFABallet, RVA Dance Awards, VMFA

MEET LIV | RVA DANCE AWARD NOMINEE | YOUTH DANCER OF THE YEAR

Hello RVA! My name is Liv Klingler, I’m fifteen years old, and I love to dance! I began dancing at age three and haven't stopped since. I decided to commit more to dance at age seven by joining the J'adore Dance Project, which I am still part of. I spend multiple hours training at my home studio, J’adore Dance each night. I train in ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and tap. I also spend my time as an assistant instructor and teacher at J’adore.

Meet Gabi | RVA Dance Award Nominee | Youth Dancer of the Year

“To be considered for this award is a huge honor, I would just like to thank the community of Richmond for nominating me for Youth Dancer Of The Year. I’m so excited to be nominated with all of the amazing dancers in our community because we are all equally dedicated to our craft. At different points on my dance journey, I have danced with all of the young ladies I am nominated with. I would have never thought that I would be considered for this award. It is so incredible to see that my passion, hard work, and dedication I put towards dance is showing.”

Ballet, VMFA, Modern DanceKatrina Taggart-HecksherOctober 29, 2019VMFARVA Dance Awards, VMFA Comments

Meet Taylor-Leigh

“I know that no matter what I do, dance will always be a part of me, affecting the way I think, feel, and experience. Everyone has a groove somewhere within them. Our stories are in the way we carry our vessels, the way we interact with others, with the soul of the world. That’s all I’m really here to do anyways.” - Taylor-Leigh , The BRAND

The BRAND - Year Two, Welcome Back!

“We have dancers of many different backgrounds, such as popping, breaking, contemporary, housing, locking, jazz, salsa and so on. Among the group, pretty much everyone is a hybrid of different dance styles, having experience in multiple forms. While much of The Brand’s time is spent dancing socially and inviting other party-goers to join in, we set aside time to train on our own to share our knowledge and skills with one another, and explore our creativity. “

VMFA, THE BRANDKatrina Taggart-HecksherDecember 31, 2018VMFA, Hip Hop, Modern Dance Photography SessionComment

Meet Daniella

"I dance because there is nothing more powerful than creating. Dance is an expression of art that allows anyone to feel all types of emotion through the movement of the body. It is so incredibly amazing to be able take a canvas of movement and create artistry. " Daniella of STAVNA Ballet

Dancers of rva is a heart project that shares the passion and stories of dancers in the richmond, va area.

Be | Inspired

email: dancersofrva@gmail.com