This week saw the first ever Elite Team presentation evening for our Rhinestones Elite Team dancers, recognising and celebrating those who have shone throughout the year.
The aim of Rhinestones has always been to give young people the opportunity to access high quality dance classes at an affordable price – offering specialist training, led by highly experienced coaches, for aspiring dancers across Leeds.
With sessions delivered in a safe and welcoming environment, Rhinestones prides itself on inspiring self-confidence, discipline, and camaraderie amongst its members, who throughout the year will be offered many exciting performance opportunities – both on stage and live in front of thousands of Rhinos fans at Headingley Stadium during Super League matches.
The programme continues to grow from strength to strength every year, and the Elite Team classes are part of the 10 classes per week across the city. This year has been an extremely successful one for our Elite team dancers who have taken part in numerous competitions across the north of the country and this award ceremony was a great way to celebrate every single dancer and their achievements.
Our Dance Coordinator, Nicola Booth, said “The Elite team dancers and their families are super committed and dedicated to their dancing and the team, they do lots of training, performances and competitions so it’s important that their hard work is recognised and celebrated.”
“The Awards presentation gave each dancer the chance to feel like a star, the red-carpet entrance was such a great touch. Dancers were able to feel proud of their personal wins and support their teammates successes too. I am unbelievably proud of all of them for what they have achieved.”
“It was the first presentation of this kind for us, I’m so grateful for all the support I received to bring it all together. The night was a huge success, so we will definitely be doing it annually from now on.”
The awards presented throughout the evening were as follows:
The Elite Team Service Awards – awarded based on dedication and length of service to the Elite Team.
The Long Service Awards – awarded to those who have completed 7 or 8 seasons with the Elite Team.
Mega Long Service Award – this was awarded to mother and daughter, Helen Storey and Hannah Suggitt, whose Rhinestones journey started 13 years ago with Hannah joining Rhinestones aged 7. They have since gone on to play key roles within the Rhinestones.
Junior Cheer Dancer of the Year Award – aged 11 and under – Olivia Wetherill
Senior Cheer Dancer of the Year Award – aged 12 and over – Phoebe Asher
Junior Street Dancer of the Year Award – aged 11 and under – Lily Bell
Senior Street Dancer of the Year Award – aged 12 and over – Lacey Phillips
Leadership Award – Student Teacher – Daisy Pitts
Most Improved Award – Poppy Maeer
Dancers Dancer Award – Lilly Orchard
Denise Laura Award – this award is named after and is in memory of Nicola’s mum and was awarded to a dancer with heart, spirit, resilience, and dedication – Freya Kelly
We would like to say a massive congratulations to all of the award winners and to every single dancer who is a part of the Rhinestones Elite Team for their hard work and passion week in, week out.
We would also like to say a huge thank you Leeds Rhinos first team players, Richie Myler and Luis Roberts for taking the time out of their schedules to come and present the awards on the evening.
The evening could not have been a success without the following people, who we also show our appreciation to:
Leeds Rhinos – for the Rhinos Bundle raffle prize.
Neil Wilson at Chadwick Lawrence – for providing several, fantastic raffle prizes.
Wilkies Flooring – for providing a special red carpet for our dancers.
Our amazing Elite Committee – Hayley, Sarah, Nathalie, Amanda and Holly who helped to organise this event and for all of the work behind the scenes.
If you are interested in our Rhinestones dance classes and would like to get involved, please contact Nicola.booth@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.