LOCAL DANCERS EARN AWARDS

The Royale Dancers recently captured more than 15 first-place trophies at a talent competition sponsored by Starpower.

Starpower is a nationally recognized competition for dancers and singers.

The 36-member company performed 17 routines incorporating ballet, tap and jazz.

In a competition with 395 acts, an act entitled "Don't Give Up" won the high score overall for the entire weekend. The act included all 36 members of the company, who range in age from 5 to 17. Gaymarie Tomlinson, artistic director for the company, was awarded the choreography award for the best choreographed dance routine.

The Royale Dancers received a first place high score for a tap line entitled "Swing Line." A second place high score was awarded to a junior jazz routine called "Nine Babes," a third place was given to a senior jazz production called "Carry On," and a fourth place high score was awarded to a ballet production entitled "Rodeo."

Heather Connell, 13, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Byron Connell of McClure, Ill., won first place in the senior category for her jazz solo to the music "Don't Rain on My Parade." She also earned the eighth highest score of 93 senior routines.

Two Royale Dancers earned scholarships for upcoming conventions, Marisa Uzoaru, 12, daughter of Ben and Nancy Uzoaru, and Kim Crader, 12, daughter of Bob and Debbie Crader.

Sally Dickerson, 15, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matt Siemers, and Uzoaru received modeling offers from Weissman's Costume Co. They will model new costumes for the 1995-96 catalogs to be distributed to more than 10,000 dance studios in the United States.

The Royale Dancers have qualified to compete at two national competitions and will compete at several regional contests. They will also perform a recital at Academic Auditorium on May 12.