LOCAL DANCERS SCORE RECOGNITION

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Dancers from the Royale Ballet School of Performing Arts in Cape Girardeau recently won awards at a national dance competition in Nashville, Tenn.

The competition was sponsored by Joe Tremaline studios of Los Angeles, Calif.

Two Cape Girardeau girls were awarded dance scholarships: Kathy Gilliland, 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Newt Gilliland; and Leigh Lindley, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Keonig.

Included in the 12 finalists for the scholarships were Heather Connell, 9, Jun Jun Allego, 11, and Christy Wong, 14.

Another student, Jennifer Jones, was recognized for outstanding ability. Jones was also recommended for a summer scholarship at the Ruth Page Foundation in Chicago for the Chicago Ballet.

Acting as demonstrators for the competition were Allego, Kara Vogelsang, Jones, Gilliland and Jessie Fluegge.

In an exclusive dance competition with entrants from as far away as Detriot, Mich., and Birmingham, Ala., the Royale dancers brought back four trophies for their dance routines.

The winning routines were entitled "Clownin' Around," a tap number called "The Race," a jazz piece called "Strike It Up" and a tap ensemble called "Fine Time."

All of these routines will be performed in Cape Girardeau March 1, when the Royale dancers join in the celebration of Cracker Jack at West Park Mall.

The Royale dancers are instructed by Gaymarie Tomlinson.