Bermuda Dance Team Wins International Honors

The Bermuda Dance Academy International Performance Team, directed by Nikia Manders, returned last month from the Revive Dance Convention and Competition in Orlando, Florida, with outstanding results and a renewed sense of pride.

A spokesperson said, “The team traveled with 12 dancers—Kennedy Steeves, Sanziniah Raynor, Tjaia Butler, Aanya Mills, Nia Cross, Tessanne Williams, Riley Evans, Essence Lewis, Gerney Gibbons-Boyles, Aviya Mills, Isabella Lindsay, and Alena Hassell—and four teachers: Makaylie Smith, Imani Edwards, Jaidah Bailey, and director Nikia Manders, along with 14 accompanying family members.

:This event marked the team’s first-ever category win; they were the highest-scoring large group in the Junior Division and clinched the Under-12 Hip Hop category title. “Too Lit” was also selected to perform in the final weekend Wildcard Showcase. Special recognition goes to the hardworking hip-hop instructor Makaylie Smith for her pivotal role in guiding the group to victory. The team also earned the Under-12 Judges’ Choice Award for Incredible Energy Award for “MJ.” While the judges delivered rigorous scores, the majority of our dances secured top-10 placements. Riley Evans and Alena Hassell earned scholarships to return next year, showcasing the individual talent within our ensemble.

“This milestone showcases the dedication, discipline, and artistry of Bermuda’s young dancers on an international stage and enhances our reputation for rigorous training, supportive teamwork, and competitive excellence. We are inspired to build on this success with enhanced programs, more scholarship opportunities, and expanded chances for our dancers to shine globally. Our gratitude extends to all 12 dancers for their hard work, resilience, and teamwork, as well as to our dedicated local teachers and staff. We also deeply appreciate the families whose support makes performances like this possible.

“We are truly impressed with our team’s results below. Our dancers worked exceptionally hard and performed their best.

Too Lit

• 1st Place Junior Division Large Group
• 1st Place Junior Division Hip Hop
• Score: Platinum
• Sanziniah Raynor, Tjaia Butler, Aanya Mills, Nia Cross, Tessanne Williams, Riley Evans, Essence Lewis, Gerney Gibbons-Boyles, Aviya Mills, Isabella Lindsay, Alena Hassell

Barbie Extra

• 5th Place Junior Duo/Trio Jazz
• Score: High Gold
• Nia Cross and Tessanne Williams

MJ

• 6th Place Mini Small Group Tap
• Score: High Gold
• 12/Under Judges Choice Incredible Energy Award “MJ”
• Nia Cross, Tessanne Williams, Riley Evans, Essence Lewis and Gerney Gibbons-Boyles

Party Time

• 8th Place Teen Duo/Trio Tap
• Score: High Gold
• Sanziniah Raynor and Kennedy Steeves

Work It

• 9th Place Teen Duo/Trio Hip Hop
• Score: High Gold
• Tjaia Butler and Aanya Mills

25

• 9ᵗʰ Place Teen Small Group Contemporary
• Score: High Gold
• Sanziniah Raynor, Kennedy Steeves, Tjaia Butler and Aanya Mills

Shake the Room

• Mini Jazz Solo
• Riley Evans
• Score: High Gold

Single Convention Scholarships for 2026/2027

• Alena Hassell
• Riley Evans

“Bermuda Dance Academy is committed to delivering high-caliber dance education and performance opportunities for dancers of all ages. Our international performance team trains with passion, discipline, and a collaborative spirit, representing Bermuda on the world stage.”

#Dance #GoodNews

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