Last weekend, Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Rhinestones Dance Academy travelled to Las Vegas to perform at the Allegiant Stadium during the Rugby League Las Vegas event as part of an international showcase of dance.
The event brought together 300 dancers from the UK, USA and Australia, performing collectively between the two NRL fixtures. The performance was choreographed by Alison Gadia of the Miami Dolphins and organised by LEAPX.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Dance Development Officer, Nicola Booth, joined the group on the trip, which began with all of the UK and Australian groups coming together at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for combined rehearsals, marking the first time the full international line-up had practiced side by side, before the group visited the Fremont Street Experience.
On the second day, rehearsals moved to the Allegiant Stadium, where they were joined by the groups from the US, giving the dancers the opportunity to practice at the venue ahead of game day. That evening, the team attended a pre-performance rooftop event at BrewDog Las Vegas on the Strip, organised by Elite Sports Travel, where they met dancers from other participating teams.
On game day, the group watched the Rhinos take on Hull KR before their performance. The routine brought together all 300 dancers in a coordinated display on the pitch. The trip concluded with a visit to the Bellagio Fountains on the final evening.
For the Rhinestones dancers, performing in an American stadium of that scale was a first and they said it was a once in a lifetime experience.
“My time in Las Vegas can only be explained as unreal and unforgettable,” said Rhinestones dancer Lola-May. “The highlight for me was dancing at the Allegiant Stadium, the energy on the pitch and the buzz from the crowd made our performance so exciting. Being a part of something so huge with dancers from around the world was like a dream. But the best part was being able to create once in a life time memories with the people I love most. Dance Vegas 26 will be an experience that stays with me forever.”
Fellow Rhinestones Dancer, Phoebe said: “A huge thank you to Nicola Booth for making the trip possible for us, I’m so grateful for it and I had the best time!
“I think one of the highlights of the trip for me was the pre-performance rooftop party. I met so many lovely people from other dance teams who I made the best connections with and hope to stay in contact with them in the future!
“Another highlight was of course our performance at the incredible Allegiant Stadium. With dancers from loads of different teams across three continents coming together as one to perform as one big team that presented the passion we all have for dance.”
Paul Kelly, a parent of one of our dancers spoke about the impact of the experience beyond the performance itself.
“Watching our daughter Freya travel with the Rhinestones to Las Vegas for five unforgettable days is something we’ll treasure forever,” he said. “For her, this isn’t just a trip, it’s the experience of a lifetime. Dancing at the incredible Allegiant Stadium is an opportunity most young people could only dream of, and we’re so proud she got to live it.
“Being part of the Rhinos and the wider Rugby League family has given her so much more than dance. It’s helped her grow in confidence, learn resilience, and feel the strength of belonging to a team that genuinely supports one another. She’s made friendships that will stay with her for years.
“We want to give a special mention to Nicola Booth, whose dedication, care, and leadership mean the world to us. Knowing she was there looking after our girl gives us complete peace of mind. Her commitment ensures the girls are safe, supported, and able to enjoy every moment of this incredible opportunity.”
Booth, who supported them through rehearsals and looked after them throughout the trip, said she was immensely proud of every dancer who made the journey.
“It’s a real privilege that I’ve been able to give the girls this opportunity, particularly this group, as they’ve all been with me a long time and are super dedicated to Rhinestones,” she said. “These dancers and their parents all go above and beyond for Rhinestones, every class, every competition, every pitch performance, every event they are there no question. So, to be able reward that with Dance Vegas 26, has been special.
“Las Vegas was everything and more! What an incredible place and an amazing opportunity for these girls. They absolutely smashed their Dance Vegas 26 performance at the Allegiant Stadium, I’m always proud of their performances but this one was super special.”
From everyone at the Rhinestones, we would like to say a huge thank you to all of our sponsors who made this trip possible for our dancers, we are incredibly grateful for your support and for being such an important part of our journey.
With special thanks to Spartan Resin Design, Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors, Sarah Louise Hair Salon, Yorkshire Ambulance Service Sports, Unify Cleaning Services, Evolve Construction Services, Hull Hydroponics, Bright House Group, Ambience Construction and Spectrum Comms.