PARIS – The Maurice Dance Theatre Performance Team was awarded first place at a recent Dance America Competition in Boston. Participants came from New England, New York and New Jersey. There were 177 entries in eight separate categories.

The MDT Performance Team placed first in the Hip-Hop/Street Funk Category in its first formal competition. They also were named first runner-up for the Precision Award, losing to an all adult team by only one point.

The dance team consists of eight girls, ranging from 11 to 17 in age. Members include Heather Herrick, Kelsey Chamberlain, Danielle Richards, Precious Gaudreau, Leeza Berriault, Whitney Rolfe and Mariah Colby.

They are trained and choreographed by Allyssa Maurice and Jennifer Farantino, instructors at Maurice Dance Theatre South Paris.

Members raised the money for their Boston trip by collecting bottles, making Christmas greenery, holding bake sales and selling raffle tickets.

They will be performing their award winning number, “Move It Like This,” at the MDT spring recital “Spirit Of America,” May 30 and 31 in the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School auditorium. For additional information, or to have the team perform for your event, call Allyssa or Jen at 743-3848.