
Jaliah Nairn recently captured international attention at this year’s StarQuest Dance Competition in Galveston, Texas. Competing as a Just Dance Bahamas company member, the 15-year-old placed fourteenth out of nearly one hundred soloists in the senior category. This marked her debut in that division, where she stood out despite competing against significantly older and more seasoned dancers.
Jaliah’s participation was made possible with the support of Consolidated Water (Bahamas) Ltd. (CWCO). The water supplier proudly contributed to her travel and competition expenses for the event, which is more than just a contest. Beyond the stage, dancers participate in daily workshops led by industry veterans and engage in immersive training experiences.
CWCO’s General Manager, Henderson Cash, said, “Jaliah’s achievement speaks volumes about her dedication and potential. We are proud to support her and other young Bahamians as they pursue excellence and make their mark internationally.”
Jaliah’s success was part of a string of impressive performances by Team Bahamas. The team went on to deliver a clean sweep of top placements across multiple group routines. Their five Senior Large Group Classic routines saw Snow place 1st overall (Lyrical), Ring Dem Bells 2nd (Musical Theater), Let’s Work 3rd (Jazz), Din Da Da 4th (Tap), and Baby Boy Sean Paul Mix 8th (Hip Hop). Their Senior Small Group routine, Sunglasses, placed 1st overall, and their Senior Classic Duet, Adolfo, also took 1st place.
Cash added, “Their collective performance at StarQuest reflects the discipline, creativity, and spirit that continues to define Bahamian youth on the world stage.”
Capping off their remarkable run, the team earned the Apogee Award for Top Studio along with a $1,000 cash prize, while teacher and choreographer Nonny Price received the Choreography Award. In solo categories, the Just Dance Bahamas dancers captured six Top 20 placements, including 1st place by Morgan Sands, 2nd by Isabella Bonetti, and other strong finishes by Pengshulin Cartwright, Ruby Tyler, Sophia Reid, Jaliah Nairn, and Aubrie Smith. Their only Junior Teen entry, Riley Nixon, secured 2nd place overall, while 9-year-old Zainya Davis won 1st place in the Petite/Mini Solo category.