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SIMPSON BAY:--- On May 2nd Co-Director of National institute of Arts Arlene Halley and dancers Dashaun Prince, Jeremiah David, Keona Inguenaud, Kiara Vanterpool, and Naomi Warsop left for France to join NIA teacher Peggy Oulerich and Team mates Lian Borsje and Zoe van Zadelhoff for the National Confederation de Danse, in Dijon France.

“I would like to congratulate the Directors, Teachers, parents and especially the students on this accomplishment,” said Minister of Culture Silveria Jacobs. Minister Jacobs also encouraged the dance team to strive for gold in France.

The trip was made possible through generous donations from the private sector and the Government of Sint Maarten, Department of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports. NIA would like to extend profound gratitude to GEBE, Sint Maarten Development Fund, Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), Dow Musical Foundation, Henderson Insurance, Marlene Mingo, Seven Seas Water Corp., Meredith Boekhoudt, Norman and Sue Wathey, Island Gems, Ministry of Education, Culture Youth and Sports Affairs and Travel planners for lending their financial support. Getting to this point was not an easy task. Beginning with St. Barths, the dancers and their parents worked diligently to raise donations close to $10,000. 00 of the total $28,000.00 dollars needed to compete in both the Regionals in St. Barths and at the National level in France.

The Minister of Culture also expressed that, ”Sint Maarten is proud of you as Ambassadors of dance representing our Country in Europe and The Government of Sint Maarten is very happy that its contribution was key in making the trip possible.”

In total 7 students qualified to compete in the National Competition In France. The competition will take place on May 4th to 7th in Dijon France. NIA students will be competing in the 4-day event that features over 2500 entries from French Federation. Judged by international Dance professionals, Carl Portal in modern contemporary, Oliver Coste in Classical Ballet and Bruno Vandelli in Jazz.

NIA students were awarded to following prizes in March during the competition in St. Barths.
10 gold medals, 1 silver, 1 bronze, 7 students qualified for the National competition In France

Please find under the results of all the categories:
Contemporary solo category 3: Lian Borsje, Gold Medal-1st Prize National Level
Contemporary duet category 2: Lian Borsje & Zoe van Zadelhoff, Gold medal-1st Prize National Level
Mandatory Jazz solo category 2: Zoe van Zadelhoff, Gold medal-1st Prize National Level
Contemporary Group Category 2: Gold Medal-1st Prize National Level.