Boys & Girls Club of Alton Dance Team Earns Top Honors, National Invitation at StarPower

Club youth showcase talent, creativity, and discipline in multiple award-winning performances.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:27pm

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A bold, abstract illustration composed of jagged, geometric shapes in vibrant blues, greens, and yellows, conceptually representing the energy and creativity of a youth dance performance.The Boys & Girls Club of Alton Dance Team's award-winning performances showcase the transformative power of arts education and mentorship.Collinsville Today

The Boys & Girls Club of Alton Dance Team delivered an outstanding performance at the StarPower Dance Competition in Collinsville, Illinois, earning multiple top honors, special awards, and a prestigious national invitation to the World Dance Championship in New Jersey.

Why it matters

The Dance Team's accomplishments at StarPower highlight the impact of quality arts programming and dedicated mentorship at the Boys & Girls Club, providing young people opportunities to explore the arts, build confidence, and achieve success both on and off the stage.

The details

Under the direction of Ms. Jamirah Meeks, the Club's dance instructor, the team's group performance 'Show Da World' earned the Entertainment Excellence Award, placed 5th overall, and received a Golden Ticket invitation to the World Dance Championship. The small hip hop group 'Get Like Us' earned the Swag for Days Award and placed 9th overall. The trio performance 'Super Sonic' captured 1st Place Category Champion and placed 4th overall, while the duet 'Better Together' received the Lit Up The Stage Award. Individual dancers Jordyn S., Amirah M., and Mila W. also earned recognition for their solo performances.

  • The StarPower Dance Competition was held from March 19-22, 2026 in Collinsville, Illinois.
  • The Boys & Girls Club of Alton Dance Team will compete at the World Dance Championship in New Jersey in July 2026.

The players

Boys & Girls Club of Alton

A youth development organization that provides opportunities for young people to explore the arts, build confidence, and achieve success.

Ms. Jamirah Meeks

The Club's dance instructor who choreographed all of the team's award-winning routines.

Makayla Blankenship, Jae'Auna Edwards, Ivy McElroy, Amyrah Meeks, Zoe Phillips, Jordyn Smith, and Mila Wallace

Members of the Boys & Girls Club of Alton Dance Team who performed in the group routine 'Show Da World'.

Avaya Ewing and Amoura White

Dancers who performed the duet 'Better Together' in the 8 years old and under category.

Jordyn S., Amirah M., and Mila W.

Individual dancers from the Boys & Girls Club of Alton Dance Team who earned recognition for their solo performances.

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What they’re saying

“These young performers represented our Club and our community with excellence, confidence, and heart. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the leadership of Ms. Meeks in developing their talent.”

— Al Womack Jr, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Alton

What’s next

The Boys & Girls Club of Alton Dance Team will compete at the World Dance Championship in New Jersey in July 2026 after receiving a coveted Golden Ticket invitation.

The takeaway

The Boys & Girls Club of Alton's dance program provides transformative opportunities for young people to develop their artistic talents, build confidence, and represent their community with excellence. The team's success at StarPower demonstrates the power of quality arts programming and dedicated mentorship to help youth achieve their full potential.