Virtuous Divine dance team is one of four teams invited to participate in the “Leave it on the Floor” competition at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Tougaloo College in Jackson.
The Greenwood dance troupe, consisting of 48 members, will go head to head against the Dancing Dolls, the Golden Dazzlers and the Protege Jackson All-Stars in the creative dance and stand battle categories.
“This is an honor, and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” said Fulvia Ford, director and main choreographer of Virtuous Divine. The teams are composed of three divisions: a baby squad for ages 3-5, a junior squad for grades K-6 and a senior squad for grades 7-12. Only the senior squads, however, will be competing at the event on Sunday.
The Dancing Dolls of Jackson recently gained nationwide fame as the featured dance team on the popular Lifetime show “Bring It!,” which takes viewers into the fast-paced world of hip-hop majorette dance competitions.
The Lifetime crew will follow the Dolls to the “Leave it on the Floor” competition and film the event for an upcoming episode of “Bring It!”
Admission is free and fans are encouraged to attend the event. Greenwood fans of Virtuous Divine can either commute to Jackson or reserve a seat on the bus with the dance team. Ford said there is a $15 fee per seat on the bus.
Virtuous Divine is also selling fan T-shirts for $12 and other items like pom poms. Ford also encourages those attending to make signs for the Greenwood team to bring to the competition.
Since the event will be filmed, those attending the event must sign a consent form and those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Although the competition starts at 1 p.m., audience check in begins at noon. Ford said that fans not riding the bus with the team should arrive early, in case there is a long line.
Virtuous Divine, formerly known as Virtue Dance Studio, was created by Ford five years ago. Since the team started competing more than a year ago, it has placed at almost every event. The junior squad was grand champion, the highest honor in the dance competitions, in December 2013.
“Greenwood is getting more involved and showing support, and it’s refreshing to us,” said Ford. “The team is so excited.”
To reserve a seat on the bus to the competition or for more information, call Ford at 299-3815.
•Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
