LAFAYETTE — The Riverside Academy Southern Sweethearts dance team excelled in the American All-Star Championship dance competition Sunday, a testament to the leadership abilities of the seniors.

While most schools hire outside help to choreograph each dance, co-captains Victoria St. Martin and Madison Tassin choreographed two of the Southern Sweethearts’ three performances.

Riverside Academy took home third in pom and second in the open category, which included a mix of high-energy kick, jazz and contemporary songs set to a Carnival ball “Sweet Dreams” theme.

The Southern Sweethearts also earned fourth in jazz, according to director Darryl Clement.

“Something they did really well with was their showmanship and their facials,” Clement said. “They projected themselves really well to the audience and the judges, and they kept their stamina up throughout the routine. They really performed at their top, so I couldn’t ask for more.”

Clement said the girls can continue to improve in technique by keeping their toes extended and mastering leaps and turns.

Clement and Kristin Roccaforte lead the Southern Sweethearts throughout the year, from football season performances to competition season, appearances in school functions and travel with the Marching Pride of Riverside band.

Southern Sweethearts team members include St. Martin, Tassin, Patience Pray, Jaci Remondet, Gracie Heltz, Lexi Heltz and Jaycee Bennett.

St. Martin and Pray also performed solos during Sunday’s state competition. Though they did not place, Clement commends their bravery and effort.