I chose the word bloom because just like how a flower starts from a seed, and works its way into a bud and begins to blossom, I’ve been taking dance classes for years, yet somehow this is only the beginning. Dance has helped me to bloom and grow, and I’m excited to take everything that I have experienced and learned through the duration of my life with me to Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology, where I will continue to study dance.
Read MoreMy name is Ray and ever since I was little dancing has been a passion of mine. When I started dancing, I was a very shy person and didn’t express myself. Growing up I didn’t always dance. I did modeling, pageants, and karate but dance was always something I looked forward to doing. When I started middle school my love for dance faded. It didn’t feel the same anymore. Having that mental break during quarantine really helped me find who I really was. At the end of 2020 I started taking dance classes again at a new studio called Grace Arts and it made my passion spark.
Read MoreI saw The Nutcracker when I was 3 years old and as soon as the curtain went up, I was hooked. I was barely able to walk but somehow I could tell that dance was something I’d enjoy throughout my life. I joined a studio shortly after that and became even more interested in performing and learning about dance. When I was six, I auditioned for The Nutcracker and miraculously got in. The joy of performing onstage was exhilarating and I couldn’t wait to do it again the next year.
Read MoreMiranda 6th grade
My dance journey has been a really good time for me because I started dancing when I began going to Binford Middle School. I was really nervous to meet new people at first but then I started getting used to it because I had to, but it really wasn't that bad at the end of it. Dance and choreography means alot to me because I feel powerful when I dance and it gets me really excited. Sometimes it’s confusing to learn a new dance but I know I can do it. Dance really helps me to stay calm.
Read MoreMy name is Ama and I started getting into dance this year, but I always loved to dance and always had a passion for it. To me dance is a way you can express yourself or your emotions. Dance has always been a part of me since I was little and I will never stop loving dance. For this photo shoot I chose the word marvelous because it means extremely good or extraordinary and I’d like to think I am that. I have always been told that I was a star and it's ironic because my middle name is star too. I have always been told I was talented and had something special in me. If someone told me I would have been doing this a few years ago, I would’ve never believed you. Marvelous means to cause great things and I want to cause great things too. I would love people to say that I am a marvelous dancer and I am happy that my dancing is starting at Binford. Marvelous means a lot of different things but all of them have positive and encouraging meanings which is great because no one would want to describe their dancing as something negative, especially not me. I am so proud that I am in this amazing company and having such a marvelous time.
Read MoreNow, one of my biggest goals in life is to make people feel heard and to help others voice their feelings. I want people to know that I care for them and want everyone to feel like they have someone to talk to when they need anything! I’ve learned that being empathetic is a very important skill to have in life and I always want people to share their opinions and feelings with no shame! And that is my dance story!
Read MoreI have gotten to try different things like formations and group/partner work. For me dance is something that I can get my energy out with but also it's a way to express myself and my emotions. I chose the word dramatic because, well, I am very dramatic. The way I dance is also quite dramatic. I like to put lots of emotion and facial expressions into my dances. I am so grateful to get to be in Dance Company!
Read MoreMy dance journey started when I was three years old. I was in a ballet class and loved it! I remember always being excited to go. Skip ahead a few years to fourth grade. That's when I got introduced to Minds In Motion. I looked forward to those Thursdays before specials where we got to learn new moves and dance.
Read MoreThe word that I used to describe myself was Sparkle. I chose that word because I thought that it was a good word to describe my personality. I have been told I’m very outgoing and unique just like glitter! Plus who doesn’t love glitter!
Read MoreSierra 8th grade
Optimism in Dance
Dance brings me joy;
soaring leap
confident style
No matter the circumstances of the day;
hopeful stance
promising pose
I can express myself ;
positive movement
upbeat music
And always end on an optimistic note;
bright silhouette
daring pirouette
I am so grateful for Binford Dance Company;
loving family
caring friends
Read MoreI started dancing at the age of 12 with Ms. Perkinson. Before then I had been doing a few dance related things but nothing consistent. The first class I took was when I was about three. The class consisted of jumping around in leotards and moving however we wanted to in the moment, improvising. The next class I took was with Minds In Motion with the Richmond Ballet. They came to our school when I was in fourth grade, taught us a dance over the span of many months, and then we performed it for our family and friends. This was my first time performing dance and I loved it. I loved it so much that I took a Minds In Motion summer camp that summer.
Read MoreI have been a part of Binford’s Dance Company since the 6th grade. Dance has changed and inspired me over the past three years. I have created life long friendships and had amazing experiences at Binford and with the Dance Company. Dance taught me to get out of my comfort zone and explore new opportunities.
Read MoreHi there, my name is Iana. I'm in 8th grade and I've been dancing ever since I can remember. Dating back to some of the earliest years of my life, I've only been dancing. Now some may say, “That seems so repetitive!” Or a common question is, “Do you ever get tired of dancing?” My simple answer is no. I've tried other sports like soccer, track, and basketball. No other sport has had my complete dedication or peaked my interest like dance has.
Read MoreThe Binford Dance Company was established in 2016. It is an audition-based student dance company from Binford Middle School, an arts integrated school located in Richmond, VA. Company members study Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Improvisation, and Composition within the Binford dance program. The company has performed throughout the community including: The 2019 Superintendent’s State of the Schools Address, Generation Dream, Richmond Public Schools Fine Arts Festival, Strawberry Street Festival, Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology, Petersburg Home for Ladies, and Cedarfield Retirement Community. The company also had the opportunity to perform in the music videos “Have It All” and “Love Is Still The Answer” by Jason Mraz. The Binford Dance Company inspires students to find their own voice through performance and choreography while learning valuable skills in the rehearsal process including collaboration, respect, and confidence.
Read MoreWe are the Roots Cast and Choreographer of Brother General Gabriel (BGG). We are Ms. Julinda, Mena, Christine, Karlito, Monte, and MK. We come from diverse movement vocabularies and a strong collective of Richmond-based dance communities. We began dancing together in the late summer of 2019, and from the creative bonds built, plan to continue building together in future versions of BGG and beyond.
Read MoreFor over five years and counting, the members of Salsa Connection Dance Company, LLC (“Salsa Connection”) continue to provide quality instruction and performances to the Richmond community. Initially teaching and performing as a continuation of Latin Vintage Dance Company under the guidance of Julissa Cruz, co-owners Carey Mitchell, Candice Deisher, Crystal Bullock and Rudy St. Julien first offered instruction out of the Ezibu Muntu dance studio before permanently locating their classes to Dogtown Dance Theatre (“Dogtown”)!
Read MoreOpened in 2018, Fred Astaire Dance Studio Richmond offers lessons in ballroom, latin, and social dancing to dancers of all ages and abilities. The common goal that all of our students share is to have fun every time they come in, while developing the confidence to dance with any partner, on any dance floor, to any music. Committed to enriching lives physically, emotionally and socially through the positive, transforming power of dance, internationally acclaimed instructors create a “FADS Community” that is welcoming, 100% non-judgmental, and truly joyful. Internationally acclaimed instructors are certified in the Fred Astaire Curriculum, which presents the building blocks of partner dance in the way that people naturally learn. The instructors’ compassion, energy, and kindness combined with the studied and documented fact that dancing is the perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction and mental stimulation, makes Fred Astaire Dance Studio a perfect place to learn and hone a new skill.
Read MoreIt is such an honor to be included as a nominee again for the RVA Dance Awards. Being recognized in your hometown among your colleagues and peers whom you admire and respect is quite amazing.
Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I developed a deep passion for dance and the arts at an early age attending my first dance lesson at the age of 5. Since then, I have never looked back; dedicating the last 20 years to dance education and exploring choreography. Today, I am starting my 11th season as the Artistic Director of J’Adore DANCE and share in running the school alongside of my mother Alice and the most amazing team of faculty.
Read MoreHi everyone! I'm Madison Marshall and I am so excited and honored to have been chosen as one of the Youth Dancer of the Year Nominees. It is so amazing to be part of this awards program with such a talented group of dancers. As this year has seen so many challenges, changes, shutdowns and us having to change the way we learn to dance, I am so thankful to be able to continue to dance. I currently train in jazz, jazz funk, contemporary, ballet, pointe, acro, tap, hip hop and ballroom dance.
Read MoreI am so excited and honored to be nominated again this year for an RVA Dance Award for “Best Choreography”, “Dance Instructor of the Year”, and “Best Collaboration” with my girl Neo. Last year was a tough year for me professionally, but my dance kids helped me get through it. They constantly inspire me to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of. They have always trusted me and I am so grateful for my students both past and current. If there is one thing I have learned it is that kindness goes a long way and kids will always remember how you made them feel. I am just grateful that God has blessed me with countless opportunities to do what I love and share it with so many beautiful souls.
Read More
