The French Academy of Performing Arts has made history once again, this time on a national stage in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona. Under the leadership of Director Miss Lea Scott, the academy’s talented young dancers represented the U.S. Virgin Islands at the prestigious Kids Artistic Revue Dance Convention and Competition in November, bringing home top awards and national recognition, the academy announced in a press release.
FAPA USVI, which operates under The French Ballet Theatre Inc., a nonprofit organization serving Virgin Islands youth for over 30 years, provides training in dance, gymnastics, and the performing arts. The academy’s mission is to expand artistic opportunities for local students and help them compete and perform on global stages, according to the press release.
At this year’s KAR event — one of the nation’s most competitive and prestigious dance conventions — FAPA USVI’s team of six participants, including three students ages 8 to 10, made a powerful impression. Their performances earned multiple national honors, including four Elite Top First Place trophies, two High Point Champion Medals, and two major titles: Miss Dance America and Miss Photogenic, the press release stated.
Ten-year-old Azalea Pearsall captured the Miss Dance America title for her solo “Liquid Gold,” while nine-year-old Nubia Richards won Miss Photogenic and earned both the Broadway Scholarship and Full Tuition KAR Scholarship. Eight-year-old Liliana Bryan-Malkani was recognized with an Elite Top First Place award and a High Point Champion Medal for her solo “Tropic Rouge.” The dancers also received the Hollywood Scholarship, securing their opportunity to attend national dance experiences in New York and California in 2026, the release stated.
Miss Lea Scott, who organized the first U.S. Virgin Islands Dance Travel Tour through KAR, said the experience was about more than competition. “Our mission has always been to give Virgin Islands youth access to world-class instruction and opportunities,” she said. “These students have shown that excellence from our small islands can shine on any national stage.”
Due to their success, FAPA USVI has been invited to one of six KAR Nationals in summer 2026 and will continue to represent the territory at other regional events across the country. The academy is now opening auditions for new students ages 4 to 17 for the upcoming competition season, the release stated.
The French Academy of Performing Arts and The French Ballet Theatre Inc. are also seeking community and corporate support to help fund travel, costumes, and competition expenses. Donations and sponsorship inquiries can be made through FAPAUSVI.com or by contacting the studio at 340-626-1545 or FAPAUSVI@hotmail.com.
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