Timberland Dancer Moves to Semi-Final Round of Teen Talent Competition

Nalini Jones, 16, a dancer from Timberland High School, has moved on to the semi-final round of the 3rd Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition. 

This showcase of talented teen performers was first produced at the Fox Theatre in 1985 and 1986. In 2011, it was given new life by the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation. The competition spotlights singers, dancers, musicians, comedians and circus arts performers.

Jones is performing with Melvin "Melle MoRell" Williams, a singer from Riverview Gardens. The pair's performance will include singing, dancing and acting. "It's very contemporary," Jones said of her dancing, "It combines lyrical with hip-hop."

The Timberland sophomore has been dancing since she was four years old. She is currently on the Timberland Varsity dance team and is a member of DECA. Jones plans to major in fashion merchandising in college, and dreams of someday opening her own performing arts school.

Jones and Williams will compete in a semi-final found on Sat., March 2 with 36 other acts that were chosen from 155 acts who registered to compete.

Finalists who are chosen at that competition will perform at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Fri., April 12 and will be eligible for scholarships, special awards and prizes.

Finalists are also given additional performance opportunities. Last year's finalists performed at The Muny, the Shakespeare Festival, Webster’s Art & Air Festival, Dancing in the Street and the National Dance Week Celebration at Union Station.    

Mary Strauss, President of Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation Board of Directors, said that the judges were "blown away" by the talent at this year's competition.

"The judges had a difficult time narrowing the field to the current 37 semi-final acts," Strauss said. "I’m looking forward to the semis to see who makes it to the finals on the Fox Stage.  The final competition and show is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to see great talent on the Fox stage free of charge."

The Nine Network will once again broadcast an hour-long program on the 2013 competition with support from St. Louis Community College.