CROWLEY - This weekend, the Historic Rice Theatre in Crowley will play host to the Exhibit Dance Collective’s “Taking it to The Roots,” allowing local youths to share the stage with a Dallas-based performance dance company.

On the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 24, theatre goers will enjoy three phases of entertainment.

First, the Exhibit Dance Collective will celebrate black history by focusing on the African diaspora and its contribution to music and dance, with a specific focus on New Orleans and second line parades. The Collective will perform under Artistic Director and Choreographer Michelle Gibson.

Afterwards, there will be a special guest appearance by the New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies under the direction of Millisia White. The Baby Doll Ladies were the first all-female masking group in New Orleans and originated in 1912.

Finally, local youths aged 9 through 18 will take the stage for the Cultural & Creative Arts 2nd Annual Talent Competition. Contestants are:

- Caleb Allen, Jennings Middle School, seventh grade;

- Bryce Anthony, Jennings Middle School, seventh grade;

- Brylan Ardoin, Ross Elementary School, fifth grade;

- Maylaysia Augustus, Ross Elementary School, fourth grade;

- Raquera Brantley, Jennings High School, 11th grade;

- Bre Ann Davis, Jennings High School, ninth grade;

- Rontrevius Foreman, Crowley High School, 12th grade;

- Jonathan Guidry, South Rayne Elementary, fifth grade;

- Tyren Gordon, Rayne High School, 10th grade;

- Hailey Johnson, Rayne High School, 12th grade;

- Malik Joseph, Jennings Middle School, seventh grade;

- Zenetta Lee, Jennings High School, 10th grade;

- Revon Lowdins, Jennings High School, 12th grade;

- Johnathan Moore, Crowley High School, 11th grade;

- Nicole Needham, Jennings High School, 12th grade;

- Tyla Shelvin, Crowley High School, 10th grade; and

- Jamie Thibodeaux, Jennings High School, ninth grade.

The Rice Theatre is located at 425 N. Parkerson Ave. in Crowley. The performance starts at 3 p.m., and tickets are $10 apiece.

Tickets can be purchased prior to the event by calling (504) 239-0126 or at the box office on the day of the show.

The performance is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development and the Lieutenant Governor’s Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts.