The Riverside Academy Southern Sweethearts took first place in the Open Category of the American All-Star Dance Competition held Jan. 13-14 at the University of Louisiana Lafayette.

The dance team defeated six other Division I schools to take the title. They also finished fourth in the Pom Category and fifth in the Jazz Category.

Earlier this month, the Sweethearts took several awards at the Dance Team Union regional competition at Live Oak High School. The ladies finished second in the Varsity Open Category and fifth in the Specialty Jazz Category. They finished fourth in the Spirit Showdown Performance and seventh in the Pom Category.

Team members are (as pictured) front row from left, Teryn Davis, Ella Champagne, Mia Saijas and Aimee Duhe. Back row, D’Nia Hammothe, Baylee Badeaux, Kye Bourgeois, Saylor Deroche and Noelle Cosse.

Team members Ella Champagne, Teryn Davis and Mia Saijas placed fourth in the Trio Competition at DTU. Baylee Badeaux and Noelle Cosse placed fifth and eighth place respectively in the youth solo category.