LOCAL DANCERS EARN HONORS AT ST. LOUIS WORKSHOP

The Royale Dancers of Royale Ballet in Cape Girardeau attended a dance workshop and competition in St. Louis sponsored by L.A. Underground.

During the two-day workshop, Davique Dumars received the "Distinguished Performer" award. One man and one woman dancer were selected from more than 500 students for the award. Dumars, 15, is the daughter of David and Marsha Dumars of Cape Girardeau.

Dance scholarships were also awarded through auditions. Roni Hayden, 10, daughter of Mike and Lori Hayden of Jackson, and Dumars were awarded L.A. Underground Convention scholarships.

Scholarship finalists were Lyndsey Cook, 11, daughter of Robert and Teresa Cook; heather Connell, 13, daughter of Byron and Vicki Connell; Jennifer Jones, 17, daughter of Ken and Carol Jones; and Jennifer Kaelin, 9, daughter of Dr. David and Angie Kaelin.

The 40-member Royale Dancers also competed and received $200 for the highest technical score for a large group and were given the "Distinguished Performance" award for the weekend.

The Hollywood instructors for the workshop have credits such as choreographing for the television show Roundhouse, and choreographing for stars like Janet Jackson, Prince, Sting and Paula Abdul.

Artistic director for the Royale Dancers is Gaymarie Tomlinson. The dancers will travel to St. Louis Feb. 11 and 12 for their next competition.