One of the definitions of propulsion is “a driving force.”

And sometimes the drive is so subtle the people don’t realize what’s happened until the force has passed until moments later.

It was that kind of subtlety that enabled Propulsion Dance Company to win the Mirror Ball Trophy and United Way of Central Mississippi’s fifth annual Dancing with the Vicksburg Stars. About 200 people attended the event at the Lady Luck Exhibit Hall to sample food from the casino’s kitchen and watch dance groups compete for the trophy.

Money raised by the program benefitted United Way’s LEARN Program to get books to third-grade students.

“This was an awesome night,” United Way president Linda Fondren said. “This gave people in the community the opportunity to participate in a fun event. It was an excellent way for people to enjoy themselves and give back to their community at the same time. We want to thank Lady Luck for their support.”

Four groups participated in the contest, each presenting special routines accompanied by musical selections based on hip-hop, rock and Broadway tunes. Propulsion’s performance was performed to a melody with a slower, relaxed tempo, offering a routine that featured modern dance movements.

“I think we are surprised,” said Amelia Brame, who spoke for the group. “We do this because we love to dance and want to bring more jazz dance to the community. We want to develop an appreciation for jazz dance.”

She said the group formed in February, “because it’s been a dream of ours for a while to get adults dancing together.”

Other winners included Dance From the Heart, which featured Madeline Lee and girls from Jacobs Ladder, who received the People’s Choice Award and finished second overall. The group received a standing ovation at the end of their performance.

Vicksburg Dance Studio finished third, and the team of Melanie Sanders and Dante Sanders received the Philanthropic Award.

“I think it went very well,” United Way executive director Michele Connelly said. “Everyone had a good time and we raised enough money to meet our goal for the LEARN Program. It was awesome.”