Chilhowee Dance and Performing Arts Center’s 2012-13 Avant Garde Company dancers attended The 2012 Dance Masters of America Chapter No. 33 Fall Convention and Solo Performing Arts Competition in Birmingham, Ala., recently. The competition and convention took place at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center.

Dancers took master classes in musical theater, hip hop, jazz and contemporary. The master staff included Brooke Lipton, Jeremy Strong and Eddie Strachan, who were the judges for the solo competition, along with Pam Chancey of New York City, creative director for “The Pulse.”

Solo competition results were:

— Allie Reid (jazz solo) Platinum Medal and first Overall Mini Champion Soloist; crowned 12 and under Grand Champion Soloist.

— Shelbee Jordan (acro/lyrical solo) High Gold Medal.

— Lexi Valliere (contemporary solo) Platinum Medal and first Overall Junior Champion Soloist.

— Nisa Hooper, choreographer and artistic director, (“I’m in Here” solo) in Top Three choreographers.

— Emily Derrick (contemporary/acro solo) High Gold Medal and Top 12 finalist

— Caitlyn Lynn (jazz solo) High Gold Medal and Top 5 finalist.

CDPAC is owned by Dr. and Mrs. Charles M. Hooper III. In addition to Hooper, the artistic director, contributing staff includes director of public relations Tria Montgomery; assistant director Caitlyn Lynn; gymnastics director Bill Reid; and additional educators Abby Bowman and Allyson Valliere.

The center’s 2012 Winter Gala will be held Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. at The Dixon Center on Lee University’s Campus.