Talents on display: Performers shine during annual Raise the Roof Talent Competition
Published 9:45 am Tuesday, April 4, 2017
- THEY’VE GOT TALENT: Students of Debra Franco School of Dance perform “Its Bitsy Spider” during last year’s Raise The Roof! Talent Search and Competition at Southern Cultural Heritage Auditorium. Deadline for this year’s competition is March 30.
Dancer Gabby Andrews of the Debra Franco School of Dance was named the grand champion at the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation’s second annual Raise the Roof Talent Competition Saturday.
She performed a solo to the song “Work,” and also performed as a member of multiple group dances.
“I didn’t think I was going to win,” Andrews said.
Nathan Mosely was named the first runner-up for his rendition of the song “Who’s loving you.” Mosely, who has been singing for five years, left the stage for a portion of his performance to present a rose to mom.
“I love her so much and she is the reason I am here today,” Mosely said of why he presented the rose to his mom.
Second runner-up was a group performance by dancers Jayla Hicks, JeLeyah Beeman, Caroline Taylor, Laura Bailey, Brelynn Beck, Helene Wallace and Andrews. The group performed to the song “Clap Snap.” Third runner-up was Anne Grant for her rendition of “My House.”
There were 19 total acts entered in the competition and the top 10 advanced to Saturday’s finals after which the winners were announced. The competition was held to help the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation raise the funds to match a grant to replace three of their five roofs.
“I thought it was great,” Stacey Massey said. “I think the kids that competed had a great time. We also had several adult competitors. The ages ranged from four to their 50’s.”
Andrews received a trophy and $500 for winning.
The other performers that placed each received a trophy. The People’s Choice Award was given to a large group ensemble from the Debra Franco School of Dance for performing to the song “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”