FAPA USVI dancers are shown at various locations in Arizona during the KAR competition and convention, celebrating their performances, awards, and national achievements. Photo Credit: FAPA USVI DANCE ACADEMY
The FAPA USVI Dance Academy has returned from Arizona with an impressive sweep of national awards, after traveling to Phoenix and Mesa earlier this month to participate in the Kids Artistic Revue (KAR) Dance Convention and Regional Competition. The team earned multiple Elite Top First Place trophies, High Point Champion medals, national titles, and several scholarships from one of the country’s largest and most competitive dance organizations.
The trip, which ran from November 7–18, is part of the first-ever US Virgin Islands Dance Travel Tour organized by FAPA Director Lea Scott in partnership with Kids Artistic Revue, nationally known as “America’s Favorite Dance Competition.” The tour marks the first time a dance school representing St. Thomas has competed on the KAR platform.
KAR conventions and competitions are attended by dancers from around the United States and include masterclasses taught by industry professionals with backgrounds in Taylor Swift tours, Lady Gaga productions, Disney, and Broadway. For young Virgin Islands dancers, the experience provided national exposure and a pathway to scholarships within eight major dance companies affiliated with KAR.
This year’s FAPA USVI Dance Travel Tour included six participants:
• Three FAPA students, ages 8, 9, and 10
• Two teachers
• One additional participant
On November 15, the team received multiple recognitions at the KAR Regional Competition and Convention, including:
Awards
-
4 Elite Top First Place Awards (Highest Placement)
-
2 High Point Champion Medals (Top 15 overall)
-
Miss Dance America Title
-
Miss Photogenic Title
Scholarships
-
New York Dance Experience – Broadway Scholarship 2026
-
California Dance Experience – Hollywood Scholarship 2026
-
Full Tuition KAR Convention Scholarship 2026
Performance Breakdown
-
“Liquid Gold” – Junior Solo Acrobatic
Elite Top First Place — Azalea Pearsall, age 10 -
“Scotty, We Made It” – Junior Solo Contemporary
Elite Top First Place — Azalea Pearsall, age 10 -
“Island Referee” – Junior Solo Open
Elite Top First Place — Nubia Richards, age 9 -
“Tropic Rouge” – Petite Solo Open
Elite Top First Place — Liliana Bryan-Malkani, age 8 -
High Point Champion Medal — Azalea Pearsall (Top 15)
-
High Point Champion Medal — Liliana Bryan-Malkani (Top 15)
-
Miss Dance America — Azalea Pearsall
-
Miss Photogenic — Nubia Richards
-
Broadway Scholarship 2026 — Nubia Richards
-
Hollywood Scholarship 2026 — Azalea Pearsall
-
Full Tuition KAR Convention Scholarship — Nubia Richards
The strong showing resulted in Kids Artistic Revue inviting the FAPA USVI Dance Team to attend one of its six national competitions scheduled between June and July 2026.
FAPA USVI Dance Academy and its nonprofit partner, The French Ballet Theatre Inc., have served students in the U.S. Virgin Islands for more than 30 years. Director Lea Scott says the program’s mission is to expand access to dance, gymnastics, and performing arts while exposing young Virgin Islanders to higher-level learning opportunities and global platforms.
The academy plans to continue participating in regional competitions within KAR’s eight-company network and in masterclasses with renowned instructors throughout the year.
Call for New Dancers
Ms. Scott will be opening audition spots for the 2026 team, accepting dancers ages 4–17.
Auditions will be held at The French Academy of Performing Arts.
Registration: FAPAUSVI.com
Phone: 340-626-1545
Support for the Program
The French Ballet Theatre Inc. (501c3) is seeking community support to help cover convention, competition, costume, and travel costs. Fundraising events will continue throughout the year, with opportunities for businesses to sponsor the team in exchange for promotion on attire, online platforms, banners, posters, and more.
Businesses or individuals interested in sponsorship or donations may contact:
The French Ballet Theatre, Inc.
Director: Miss Lea Scott
Phone: 340-626-1545
Email: [email protected]
Studio: #30 Dronningens Gade, Suite 3-A, Main Street, St. Thomas
Mailing: P.O. Box 600389, St. Thomas, VI 00801
Advertisements
