When I first found out about the Dancer of the Year award, I thought someone nominated me as a joke. I immediately thought about all the people who I thought were more deserving of it. But as a few days passed and people started to congratulate me, I realized that it’s real, and it is an honor to be among 5 phenomenal nominees in the city of Richmond, where dance is becoming more and more prevalent. It made sense to me that The Brand would get nominated because people know us, and we put out digital content for people in Richmond to see, and to be inspired to dance. And it’s exciting because we came together and started doing what we do not only for the clubs, the community, and the DJs, but for ourselves as a collective. To give us something to belong to, a home. 

But as for me? I clearly wasn’t giving myself enough credit. Truth is, I am so fortunate to be connected to many different dance communities here, and I had that realization when we had the back to back photo shoots for the RVA Dance Awards. I had one of those “I am so thankful for dance” moments because of all the familiar faces I was being reunited with, each with such a unique presence. Another special moment came when Carrie, Kat, Lauren, and Tony all rolled up from Chesterfield Dance Center, and it felt like my past and present selves were being reconciled. As a transforming teenager, a lot happened at CDC. It was not only where I first started to become a dancer. It was where I first started to become myself. 

“It is an absolute privilege to be able to share my love for dance through teaching and choreography around the country for young and professional dance artists. If I am able to inspire young dancers to reach beyond their limits, believe in themselves and fulfill their dreams, then I consider that my greatest accomplishment.”

I currently teach lyrical at Prestige Dance Studio, Contemporary at Momentum Dance Center and various styles of dance at St. Catherine’s school. I absolutely love teaching dance and I’m glad to know that my students appreciate me and my wild ideas. I get goosebumps watching my kids on stage as they transform into these storytelling artists. Most of my student’s I have taught about 5 years or more so they really get me and my style, and I get to know them and what motivates and challenges them. We joked about my nomination because when I choreograph a dance and have to put it in a category I always refer to the “open” category. As a choreographer, my goal is to evoke some type of feeling from the audience and I leave the rest up to my dancer’s. They make my job easy. This nomination would not have happened without my amazing students and their ability to turn the lyrics into movement. Thank you, thank you, I’m honored. And congratulations to all of the other brilliant nominees. Way to go RVA!

“I’m honored to be nominated as Best Ballet Choreographer. My passion is telling the audience a story through innovative ballet. I’m humbled and amazed to be recognized in the RVA dance community, with such a talented group of artists. “

“After performing a ballet, you reappear on stage to the sound of applause. Your heart fills knowing that you have touched someone with your time on stage. As a teacher, we don't always receive that applause. This nomination feels like my "Bravo", my standing ovation. Class after class, I try to make a difference in a young dancer's life. But as all teachers know, it is sometimes hard to know if you are succeeding. To know that I was nominated for this award from students and parents means so much to me. I am very grateful.”

I am from Colombia, South America. My grandmother was a poet, my mother a dancer and my father was a doctor who treated  everyone regardless of their ability to pay.  I LEARNED FROM THEM the importance of HELPING OTHERS while promoting ARTS AND CULTURE. 

“When I came to Richmond 24 years ago to marry my husband, William King, I knew very little English but it was easy for me to adapt to a new culture. It was very hard for my daughter who was 12 years old. She was placed in an ESL class and was very unhappy until she was asked to write an essay about her culture.  She made a video of herself dancing SALSA.  With her presentation not only did her pride return, but her confidence, security and motivation – all major keys for a happy, successful life.”

Hello RVA! My name is Liv Klingler, I’m fifteen years old, and I love to dance! I began dancing at age three and haven't stopped since. I decided to commit more to dance at age seven by joining the J'adore Dance Project, which I am still part of. I spend multiple hours training at my home studio, J’adore Dance each night. I train in ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and tap. I also spend my time as an assistant instructor and teacher at J’adore.

“To be considered for this award is a huge honor, I would just like to thank the community of Richmond for nominating me for Youth Dancer Of The Year. I’m so excited to be nominated with all of the amazing dancers in our community because we are all equally dedicated to our craft. At different points on my dance journey, I have danced with all of the young ladies I am nominated with. I would have never thought that I would be considered for this award. It is so incredible to see that my passion, hard work, and dedication I put towards dance is showing.”

The Binford Dance Company was established in 2016. It is an audition based student dance company from Binford Middle School, an arts integrated school located in Richmond, VA. Company members study Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Improvisation, and Composition within the Binford dance program. The company has performed throughout the community including: The 2019 Superintendent’s State of the Schools Address, Generation Dream, Richmond Public School’s Fine Arts Festival, Strawberry Street Festival, Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology, Petersburg Home for Ladies, and Cedarfield Retirement Community. The company also had the opportunity to collaborate with the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community (SPARC) students to perform in the Jason Mraz music video “Have It All.” The Binford Dance Company inspires students to find their own voice through performance and choreography while learning valuable skills in the rehearsal process including collaboration, respect, and confidence.

“My individual choreography career started expanding, I wanted to help other dancers explore these same opportunities, if they also desired growth in their dance careers. So I started to focus my attention on home and founded/relaunched STUDIO 4 DANCE COMPANY..”

Now I’m very particular about “community”: the way I serve communities, which communities of artists I’m a part of and how I impart knowledge about community on the people in my sphere.

“When I started dancing my junior year of high school, I would’ve never thought I’d be where I am today.”

“We arrived at the recital only for me to see and hear tap dancing for the very first time. Immediately I was captivated. I looked up at my mom and said “Mama, I want to make that sound”.  - Chelsea,

“ If you have a passion for something, do it. Do it big. Go all in. Don’t hesitate. Love it hard. That’s the only way to find the abundance and reward in it. I believe I’m living proof of that.”

Meet Sandi | Be Inspired

“I know that no matter what I do, dance will always be a part of me, affecting the way I think, feel, and experience. Everyone has a groove somewhere within them. Our stories are in the way we carry our vessels, the way we interact with others, with the soul of the world. That’s all I’m really here to do anyways.” - Taylor-Leigh , The BRAND

”What helped me to fall in love with Richmond was the abundance of arts and culture everywhere. “ - Jason S.

“We have dancers of many different backgrounds, such as popping, breaking, contemporary, housing, locking, jazz, salsa and so on.  Among the group, pretty much everyone is a hybrid of different dance styles, having experience in multiple forms. While much of The Brand’s time is spent dancing socially and inviting other party-goers to join in, we set aside time to train on our own to share our knowledge and skills with one another, and explore our creativity. “

I don't know if I have ever shared with you how this project really began. I know I have always shared the story of doRVA's birth with all my dancers, but never with all of you. Well, if you don't mind sticking with me, I would like to share.

“When I dance, nothing else exists; I am able to leave the whole world behind me. Dancing heals my soul.”

My dance journey began like many others. I begged my Mom to sign me up for a local ballet class. I wore the leotard and tights around the house for weeks, months, maybe even years but I never did get into the class. I remember asking my Mom years later and she said she tried but the class was full. Meanwhile, I never lost my desire to dance. I explored moving on my own. I would dance in front of mirrors and make up routines with friends. I would watch Madonna on MTV and try to mimic her moves. 

“My story with dance seems to be one that has had an unlikely path. For a girl that received her formal dance training through a parks and recreation program, obtained an accounting degree and became a CPA, found purpose through the challenges of life, and is now leading a vision to give God glory through all of the arts . . . the one thing that I can say with assurance about my journey is that it is one of destiny. This is the path that I was always supposed to be on. It’s the path that God created just for me. I’m humbled daily and forever grateful for all the moments that God had me in “the right place, at the right time”. I look forward to this next season, just to see what God will do.”