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Congratulations to DCNT scholarship recipient Kelsey Jane Conrad, our new Miss Denton County!

After 42 years of service in the Metroplex "dance staple" Mimi Robbins owner of Dance Etc Dallas! retires at end of year. FTA Productions, a company specialized in film, theatre and dance, has purchased and will use Dance Etc's existing location of 15757 Coit Road, and will provide more than just a dance studio but an outreach to adults, children and individuals with special needs to its customer. FTA Productions is in the process of implementing a new infrastructure including expanding its dance curriculum bringing in teachers from New York and California also including conditioning classes for dancers and drama and theatre classes with an intensity on auditioning  and making the business a career. "The integration of both companies will take place over the next three months. Our clients will continue to receive  the same high quality dance instruction, which they have come to expect," stated Jack Foltyn president of FTA Productions.


DCNT scholarship recipients Breanne Granlund, Courtlyn Hansen (Ballet Academy of Texas) and Claire Boren (Ballet Academy of Texas

The Buster Cooper Dancers celebrated with a reunion at Macaroni Grill. 

This summer, DCNT member George Chadick (age 11) attended the Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive in Westover, Connecticut for six weeks. At its conclusion, George was awarded a year long traineeship to the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. He is quite excited and will leave for Moscow in October. Earlier this year, George placed 3rd in the 2012 YAGP Dallas Regional Pre-Competitive Classical Division. Congratulations George!

Gillian Fitz placed first in the Junior Category at the American Ballet Competition held in Austin the first weekend in June. She also received a full scholarship to the Atlanta Ballet for their 2013 Summer Intensive program. Gillian is a student at Marina Almayeva School of Classical Ballet. Congratulations!


Congratulations to Bridget Moore—Booker T faculty member awarded a Princess Grace Award for choreography for a new work set on Dallas Black Dance Theatre!

Congratulations to South Dallas Cultural Center director Vicki Meek - the newest head of the board of the National Performance Network.
Read all about it here.

LakeCities Ballet Theatre receives permission to present George Balanchine's Concerto Barocco from the New York City Ballet and The George Balanchine Trust. Balanchine is a trademark of The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Nancy Loch Dancers from left to right are Alexandria Loy, Sarah Johnson, Blaine Quine and Nicole Votolato. Staged by Shawn Stevens.


Ballet Conservatory and LakeCities Ballet Theatre 2 dancer, Anastasia Tillman, recently won 2nd place in the Junior Classical category and Top 12 in the Contemporary Dance Category in the Dallas regional competition. She went on to compete in the International Finals at the Youth America Grand Prix where she advanced to the second round of the competition! Upon returning home, she was contacted by the YAGP organization that a talent scout was in attendance at the competition looking for ballet dancers for a possible new Broadway musical entitled "Little Dancer" about the life of famous artist, Edgar Degas. They asked Anastasia to fly out to New York for an audition! After a whirlwind week, Stasi auditioned several times and made it through ALL the call backs! She, along with 10 other little dancers, were told they would be notified in a couple of weeks if they are selected to be part of the "Little Dancer" Workshop project at Lincoln Center. The project will star NYCB dancer, Tiler Peck, to name a few big names and will be choreographed by famous Broadway choreographer, Susan Stroman!



Grapevine Faith 'Godspell,' wins big at Buckleys in Fort Worth— Best musical: Grapevine Faith Christian School & Best female featured ensemble: Kendall Lannin of Ballet Conservatory. Congratulations Grapevine Faith Winners!



Congratulations to 2012 DCNT scholarship recipient Calley Skalnik for making it to the Final Round of the Youth America Grand Prix!



Booker T Washington HPSVA student Stephanie Troyak has been named a Semi-Finalist in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.  Congratulations Stephanie!

DCNT scholarship recipient Taylor Rodman has been named a Semifinalist in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. She was nominated through YoungArts as one of 60 candidates and has made it to the last round before the Commission announces the Presidential Scholars. Congratulations Taylor and good luck!

AUSTIN, Texas – March 15, 2012 – The Texas Cultural Trust and the Texas Commission on the Arts are proud to announce 15 students from across the state have been chosen as 2012 Texas Young Masters. The Texas Young Masters program is a joint initiative between the Texas
Commission on the Arts (TCA) and the Texas Cultural Trust, recognizing excellence in 8th through 11th graders in dance, literary arts, media arts/film, music, theatre, musical theatre, and visual arts. The state’s most talented young artists receive the title of “Young Master” and are awarded grants of $2,500 per year for two years to pursue advanced study in their artistic discipline. The 2012 class of Young Masters from the DFW area include Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts students: Mason Manning, McKinney; two-time DCNT scholarship recipient Ani Mayo, Plano (pictured); Michael Stromile, Dallas. Please join DCNT in congratulating them on this wonderul achievement!



Former Dallas Ballet Center dancer Julia Cinquemani performs as a corp member with LA Ballet in Swan Lake. 



Michael Serrechia, 2011 recipient of the Natalie Skelton Award reminisces with old friend Chita Rivera i

Joffrey Dance Company alums Lauren Ruse Drouin, Lisa Slagle, Cameron Basden and Donna Ross reunited at the showing of the Joffrey: The Mavericks of Dance documentary.

YAGP 2012 Dallas, TX Semi-Finals Results (local dancers only- highlighted dancers are DCNT recipients!)
SENIOR AGE DIVISION
CLASSICAL DANCE CATEGORY - WOMEN
3rd Place (tie) Courtlyn Hanson, 15 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
CLASSICAL DANCE CATEGORY - MEN
2nd Place Nathan Vendt, 18 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
TOP 24 - WOMEN
Katia Almayeva, 15 Marina Almayeva School of Classical Ballet, TX
Tiffany Byrd, 17 Texas Ballet Theatre School, TX
Courtlyn Hanson, 15 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
Rachel Kivlighan, 16 Texas Ballet Theatre School, TX
Rayleigh Vendt, 16 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
Allyson March, 17 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
Katie Cheng, 15 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
Madison McKay, 17 Ballet Conservatory, TX
Sarah Johnson, 18 Ballet Conservatory, TX
Bridget Polei, 17 Ballet Conservatory, TX
Shaye Galen, 15 Texas Ballet Theatre School, TX
CONTEMPORARY DANCE CATEGORY - WOMEN  
1st Place Katie Cheng, 15 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
TOP 12 - WOMEN
Katia Almayeva, 15 Marina Almayeva School of Classical Ballet, TX
Katie Cheng, 15 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
Courtlyn Hanson, 15 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
Sarah Johnson, 18 Ballet Conservatory, TX
Rachel Kivlighan, 16 Texas Ballet Theater School, TX
Rayleigh Vendt, 16 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
JUNIOR AGE DIVISION
YOUTH GRAND PRIX
Rachel Hutsell, 14 Allegro West Academy of Dance, TX
CLASSICAL DANCE CATEGORY - WOMEN
2nd Place Anastasia Tillman, 12 Ballet Conservatory, TX
3rd Place (tie) Breanne Granlund, 13 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
TOP 24 - MEN & WOMEN
Lily Bines, 12 The Dallas Conservatory of the Arts, TX
Claire Boren, 14 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
Gillian Fitz, 13 Marina Almayeva School of Classical Ballet, TX
Breanne Granlund, 13 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
Anastasia Tillman, 12 Ballet Conservatory, TX
Kathleen Uchal, 13 Ballet Conservatory
Masumi, Yoshimoto, 13 Ballet Academy of Texas
Yuki Takahashi 13 Ballet Academy of Texas
Chelsea King, 12 Marina Almayeva School of Classical Ballet
Kristen Wright, 13 The Dallas Conservatory for the Arts
CONTEMPORARY DANCE CATEGORY - MEN & WOMEN
TOP 12 - MEN & WOMEN
Whitney Hester, 14 Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Center, TX
Anastasia Tillman 12 Ballet Conservatory, TX
Madison Winter, 15 Ballet Academy of Texas, TX
PRE-COMPETITIVE AGE DIVISION
HOPE AWARD
Rachelle Rohrich, 10 The Dallas Conservatory for the Arts, TX
CONTEMPORARY DANCE CATEGORY
1st Place Emma Sutherland, 10 Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Center, TX
2nd Place Alise Newman, 11 The Dallas Conservatory for the Arts, TX
TOP 12 - MEN & WOMEN
Hannah Karim, 10 Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Center, TX
Alise Newman, 10 The Dallas Conservatory for the Arts, TX
Rachel Rohrich, 10 The Dallas Conservatory for the Arts, TX
Emma Sutherland, 10 Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Center, TX
CLASSICAL DANCE CATEGORY
2nd Place Alexandra McKelvey, 9 The Dallas Conservatory for the Arts, TX
3rd Place (tie) George R. Chadick, 11 Denton Ballet Academy, TX
TOP 12 - MEN & WOMEN
Isabella Ahmad, 11 Texas Ballet Theater School, TX
George R. Chadick, 11 Denton Ballet Academy, TX
Lauren Leb, 11 Marina Almayeva School of Classical Ballet, TX
Alexandra McKelvey, 9 The Dallas Conservatory for the Arts, TX
Anna Payer, 10 The Dallas Conservatory for the Arts, TX
Rachel Rohrick, 10 The Dallas Conservatory for the Arts, TX
Emma Sutherland, 10 Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Center, TX
ENSEMBLES
SMALL ENSEMBLES AND PAS DE DEUX
1st Place Marina Almayeva School of Classical Ballet, TX Sonnet
LARGE ENSEMBLES
3rd Place (tie) The Dallas Conservatory of Performing Arts, TX Penny Lane
                      Ballet Academy of Texas, TX Mazurka from Coppelia

Dance Industry Performing Arts Center congratulates all 9 of their teen dancers who auditioned for ABT's (American Ballet Theater) Summer Intensive and were accepted!! NY - Kaylin Sturtevant; TX - Brooke Thimmig, Maggie Joy, Alex Brooks, Ellie Bauder; CA- Andrea Salinas, Tori Jennings, Leah Messinger; AL - Mykayla Hicks.

Congrats to Young Arts Finalists: Skylar Boykin, Plano, TX / Plano West Senior High School for Modern; Taylor Rodman, Coppell, TX / Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts for Choreography; Stephanie Troyak, Plano, TX / Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts for Choreography; Karissa Royster, San Antonio, TX / James Madison High School for Tap. Honorable Mention: Emily Bernet / Choreography, Plano, TX / Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts; Summer Myatt / Ballet, Keller, TX / Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts; Skylar Boykin / Choreography, Plano, TX / Plano West Senior High School.

Andrew Parker is the new Artistic Director of Quinte Ballet School of Canada. He is currently in Belleville working passionately to prepare for the upcoming school year and feels so blessed to have the opportunity to serve the art of ballet along with many future aspiring young dancers called to a life in dance.

DCNT scholarship recipients recently spotted taking class together: Becca McManis

Congrats to 2008 Jerry Bywaters Cochran scholarship recipient Amanda Adams, newest company member of Donna Sternberg & Dancers, a Santa Monica based modern company.

2007 Jerry Bywaters Cochran

to Jessica Hendricks, 2009 recipient of DCNT's CC Rising Star Scholarship! She is one of 15 finalists chosen out of 300 entries for Capezio's Ace Choreography Award who will now go to New York this summer to compete against the other 14 finalists for the award. Good luck Jess!



Andre Kaltenrieder plays the priest in Texas Ballet Theater's Don Q.

2007 Charles Kulp Memorial Scholarship

Texas Ballet Theater (Dallas campus) recently flew to Indianapolis to compete in the Youth America Grand Prix regionals. Tiffany Byrd placed 

Adam Hougland, graduate of Booker T. Washington HSPVA and The Juilliard School, was selected by Marcelo Gomes for Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch. Adam is the Principal Choreographer for The Louisville Ballet and was recently named Resident Choreographer for Cincinnati Ballet.

Emily McDaniel, Booker T. Washington HSPVA dance senior, was named a 2011 Finalist in Choreography by YoungArts. Hosted by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, Emily and 20 other of the nation’s most talented 17-18 year old dancers were invited by YoungArts to Miami, Florida for a week of master classes, workshops, and performances. Emily’s choreography, Discovery, was presented at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts on January 12, 2011.

The NYC Dance Alliance Foundation hosted a fundraiser benefiting their new College Scholarship Program on December 27, 2010 event at the Joyce Theater. With their partners, NYCDAF plans to award $1,000,000 in College Scholarships in July 2011. Booker T. Washington HSPVA dancers who performed at the event are: Jonathan Campbell, Austin Goodwin and Ida Saki.

Gesel Mason is one of six choreographers selected by the Joyce Theater for a Rockefeller Residency Inititative. The residency covers the cost of rehearsal space, and provides an opportunity for Booker T. Washington HSPVA Alum, GeselMason, to collaboratewith dramaturg, Morgan Jenness.

Anabelle Copeland (13) of Ballet Conservatory in Lewisville, auditioned in December 2010 and was accepted on the spot and offered a Merit Scholarship to Joffrey's (NYC) year round program. Way to go!

Congratulations to Lily Bines of The Dallas Conservatory for the Arts / Park Cities Dance for receiving a $1,000 Merit Scholarship to Boston Ballet School’s 2011 Summer Dance Program – Newton! 

Andrew Parker is now Ballet Master of La La La Human Steps in Amsterdam. Congrats!

The Drawback's Youth Tap Ensemble celebrated Buster Cooper's 87th birthday with a surprise party after their Sunday choreography rehearsal. Happy Birthday Buster!

Texas Ballet Theater will be moving to their new location at 1600 Green Oaks Rd. Fort Worth, Texas 76116 August 27.

Laine Habony in Serenade, choreography by George Balanchine performed by LakeCities Ballet Theatre with permission of the George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Nancy Loch
Laine Habony, Ballet Conservatory student and LakeCities Ballet Theatre member, attended SAB this summer on a full merit scholarship. Upon completion of the summer term, Laine received an invitation to study at SAB full time on scholarship. She will begin the winter session in September and will continue her academic education at the Children's Professional School in New York City. Laine, 14, is a 2010 Dance Council Scholarship recipient and was awarded first place in the Junior Classical Division in the Youth America Grand Prix Competition.

 
The very first years of the DCC were well represented! Carrie (1972), Vicki Woodlee (1973) Beverly Gallagher (1973) and Carla Byrum (1974)

ESPN is honoring the top 50 icons of football in honor of the NFL 90 year anniversary and group leaders of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders from 1972 to present were asked to be part of the celebration. The DCC were the first NFL cheerleading squad in the country. Read the story here:
www.neighborsgo.com

Claire Boren and Courtlyn Hanson photos by Cathy Vanover

Abby Lett, a student at the Ballet Academy of Texas and BTWHSPVA has received the honor of becoming one of the "Elite Proteges" for 2010/11 of the PULSE organization, which regularly holds weekend conventions in training and performing with such noted teachers and choreographers as Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio, Wade Robson, and Brian Friedman. "Elite Protégé" is the highest form of scholarship offered at the PULSE. Abby will travel to 13 cities as an assistant for their faculty and attend all PULSE events for FREE for an entire year with PULSE handling all travel arrangements and accommodations. Congratulations Abby!



Tauna Hunter, who danced professionally with Ballet West, Colorado Ballet and Dallas Ballet, will receive Chautauqua Dance Artist Teacher's Award at Chautauqua Institute on July 26. Tauna was President of Dallas Dance Council Board of Directors during the early 1990s. With Tauna's leadership Dance Council rented office space for the first time. Tauna Hunter is head of the Dance Department at Mercyhurst in Pennsylvania. www.mercyhurst.edu



Congratulations to past DCNT scholarship recipient Diana Herrera– one of the newest members of Dallas Black Dance Theatre!

Lisa Slagle, Director of Ballet Academy of Texas (home of Ballet Ensemble of Texas), is proud to announce the addition of a Professional Ballet Dancer Preparatory Program! Intensive Training, 3-mornings per week for the DFW area, home schooled student or high school graduate, aspiring toward a career in Ballet. The pro...gram will meet on Tuesday-Thursday mornings from 10am – 1pm. A two-hour technique class will be followed by an hour of Pointe, Pas de Deux, or Men’s Ballet. Classes will be taught by Mr. Clarence McDorman, an affiliated teacher of American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum and new full-time staff member of the Ballet Academy of Texas and Ms. Lisa Slagle, director of Ballet Academy of Texas and Advisory Board Member of American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum.


Park Cities Dance is moving into their new studios August 23, 2010. "It's a Little Bit of New York in Dallas!" New location: 7979 Inwood, Suite 201, Dallas, TX (NW corner of Lovers & Inwood above Blockbuster).

Ida Saki (modern dance) and Austin Goodwin (choreography) travel to Washington DC, to receive their honors and perform for the president of the US, on behalf of the NFAA Young Arts Competition where they both were awarded the Presidential Scholar in the Arts Award! 20 US Presidential Scholars in the Arts are being honored in Washington D.C. during National Recognition Week in this highly anticipated White House-sponsored ceremony this coming week, alongside 121 academic scholars. US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said that the 141 outstanding high school seniors as 2010 U.S. Presidential Scholars have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community. U.S. Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments in Washington DC, from June 19-22.
"These student leaders and scholars show that setting high expectations and striving for excellence pays off," Duncan said. "Their academic and artistic achievements reflect a sense of purpose that we should seek to instill in all students to prepare them for college, careers, civic responsibilities, and the challenges of today's job market." The artists will exhibit their artwork at the Smithsonian American Art Museum on Sunday, June 20, and performances will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, June 21.

Now that the new season of SYTYCD has started, check out their page: Listed as the The Best of Best:
Ida Saki: Ida's audition showed off the perfect mix of palpable emotion and flawless technique. Her Schindler's List inspired (seriously) audition deserves a permanent space in your DVR for those moments when you think nothing beautiful comes out of pain and that perfection doesn't exist.
 

The Friends of BTWHSPVA Dance (a.k.a., the Dance Guild) presented scholarships for Summer Enrichment in Dance Studies to the following students: Ida Saki, Lauren Kravitz, Evelyn Roberts, Caitlyn Johansen, Samantha Noell, Niesha Smith, Melissa Nesmith, Hailey Turek, Sergio Tapia-Fikes, Meagan Ward, Avery Andrews, Heather  Dods, Erica Messonnier, Rebekah Adkins, Emily McDaniel, Chaslen Osler, Madison Magnall, Heather Smith, Ani Mayo, Diarra Payne, Haley Webb, Victoria Caffey, Omar Humphrey, Cassidy Pinkston, Kia Hensley, Kylie Cantu, Shahla Walker, Sage Watson. Congratulations to all of these students!
 

Newsy tidbits from Texas Ballet Theatre: Company members Heather Crosby and Alexander Kotelenets will be getting married on Saturday, May 22 in Flower Mound. Erin Witt will be tying the knot on July 10 in Illinois. Leticia Oliveira and Carl Coomer are engaged! We congratulate them and wish them a world of happiness on their upcoming nuptials.
 


First place recipient Brittney Dito
The results of the first Dallas dance-Off are in! First Place: 2008/09 DCNT scholarship recipient and Ballet Academy of Texas dancer, Brittney Dito ($750 prize); second place: Montana Michniak of Booker T Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts ($500 prize); third place: 2008 DCNT scholarship recipient and Next Step Dance Performing Arts Center tapper Tyler Spearman ($250 prize). Congrats to all!
 
Congratulations to Collin County Ballet Theatre dancers who received the following  2010 Regional Dance America/Southwest Festival Scholarships: Monica Hernandez - Jane Combs Full Dancer RDA, SW Scholarship to the Craft of Choreography Conference, Columbia City Ballet Summer Intensive; Jessi Gorman - Interlochen Summer Program; Ashton Leonard -  Full Scholarship, International Ballet Competition Summer Intensive; Sarah Pearce  -  Merit/Talent Scholarship Joffrey, San Antonio; Anna Westby -  Merit/Talent Scholarship Joffrey, San Antonio.
 

DCNT congratulations to 2009/10 Scholarship recipient Ida Saki (Modern) and Austin Goodwin (Choreography) of Booker T Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts! Both are 2010 Presidential Scholars— a major accomplishment as out of 8,000 applicants, only 20 are chosen. Read all about them by clicking here.
 
Tracy Jordan is now Facility Manager at the historic Majestic Theatre, downtown Dallas. Congrats!
 

The Chaplin Cotillions under the direction of Joe Cutaia and Ann Briggs-Cutaia are holding their end of the year dances. The Rockwall party gave the students, 4th and 5th graders, an opportunity to show what they have learned. Boys were in suits, or sport coats and slacks, complete with white shirt and tie. Even the dads in attendance were wearing ties. The girls were dressed in their spring frocks and new shoes with their hair shining almost as much as their eyes. The boys demonstrated the correct way to ask a lady to dance, to escort a partner on the floor and dance etiquette. The girls twirled and looked at ease. The students danced the Texas Two Step, the Fox Trot and even the Waltz and the Twist. Most heartwarming was when the young students formally asked one of their parents, sibling or other family member to dance. The pride in the faces of the moms shone like the Texas summer sun. Dads were cool. Once in awhile the realization that their little kid is growing up crossed their faces. Great fun.



Miami City Ballet School increasing talent pool worldwide. Read about how Carter Alexander has transformed the school: www.miamiherald.com <http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/03/1560226/troupe-of-tomorrow-miami-city.html#ixzz0kMK0yHCt>



Laine Habony
Great news from Ballet Conservatory at YAGP Finals in New York: DCNT members Sally Scweitzer received a scholarship to Juilliard's summer program and 2010 Sally Williams Memorial Scholarship recipient Laine Habony received scholarship offers for summer & full year from Nat'l Ballet of Canada, Stuttgart Ballet & Monte Carlo.
 

The international American Ballet Competition for students ages 9 - 19, held their annual competition in Austin March 27 - 28. Close to 100 young dancers attended from as far away as Singapore and Brazil. The competition was hosted by Ballet Austin at their state-of-the-art studios and theatre in downtown Austin and the dancers were judged by directors of the top ballet schools in the United States, such as the Washington School of Ballet. 
 

Coppell-based Ballet Academy of Texas received many top awards, including “School Recognition Award”; Classical Ballet division: Rayleigh Vendt (age 14) – 2nd plac, and Courtlyn Hanson (age 13) – 3rd place; Contemporary division: Brittney Dito (age 16) – 1st place and Julia Nicholson (age 13)  - 2nd place; Outstanding Ensemble Performance Award for their entry, “La Vivandiere Pas de Six”. In addition, the following BAT students were awarded scholarships to various prestigious schools throughout the nation for summer intensive study: Claire Boren (age 13), Courtlyn Hanson, (age 13), Julia Nicholson (age 13), Rayleigh Vendt (age 14), Abbie Feller (age 15), and Brittney Dito (age 16). 
 

Film documentaries of two Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts dance seniors' choreography premiered April 10, 2010 at the Angelika Theatre as part of the Dallas International Film Festival. Rebecca Blackwell's Sleep Dis-Order and Shonjia Hairston's Seven Deadly Sins were the subject of two BTWHSPVA's Film Club entries in the short documentaries category.



Ida Saki, a dance senior at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, was presented the Outstanding Student Choreography Award at the 2010 National High School Dance Festival. Her choreography was selected and showcased in the Gala Concert at the Gussman Theatre in Miami, Florida March 20, 2010.
 
Beckles Dancing Company has been accepted into the Community Arts Program (CAP) for the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs. The goal of CAP is to provide support and opportunities for ethnic artists cultural organizations to teach, perform, and exhibit at host facilities in Dallas Neighborhoods. This helps promote cultural awareness, heightens citizens' understanding of art forms and celebrates the various traditions that contribute to the composition of this city.
 
The Texas Commission on the Arts and the Texas Cultural Trust recently announced its 2010 class of Young Masters, a grant program that provides exemplary art students with financial aid to pursue advance study. Each receives up to $2,500 per year, up to three years, to pursue his/her chosen discipline.
Nine of the 22 students are from North Texas: Alysia Johnson, Kyle Morrow and McKinley Willis from Dallas; Skylar Boykin and Ida Saki from Plano; Maddie Bueter from Frisco; Eun "Jinny" Seo from Euless; Alexandra Switala from Grapevine; and Michael Taylor from Arlington. Way to go!


Recently in the The New Yorker: "The dancers looked marvelous.... Domingo Estrada, Jr., the company's newest member, quick and happy, like an animal.... In New York today, there are several companies so good that you gasp when you look at them: the Morris, Alvin Ailey, and Paul Taylor companies, plus American Ballet Theatre. I do not expect ever to see a dance troupe more accomplished than these. But none is more of a piece -- one instrument -- than the Morris company."
 -- Joan Acocella, The New Yorker, March 15, 2010
Domingo Estrada, Jr. is the 2002 recipient of DCNT’s Jerry Bywaters Cochran Scholarship.


Congratulations to DCNT board members Troy and Delilah on the birth of their son, Lennon Wolfgang Gardner, born March 11
 
Buster Cooper recently ran into Griff Braun, DCNT's 2003 Natalie Skelton Scholarship recipient. Griff is in Dallas because his wife is in the cast of "Phantom of the Opera" at the Music Hall through March 12. 


In February Colleen Kelly Beaman, recognized with the 2010 DCNT Natalie Skelton Award, socialized and entertained at the 65th Anniversary of Iwo Jima Veterans Reunion in Wichita Falls, Texas. She then spent a few days in Dallas and taught master classes for the dance department at SMU, at Stacia's School of Dance (Cedar Hill), Sway Dance Center (Richardson), Dana's Dance Academy (Irving) and Stage Door Dance (Mesquite) among others.


McKenna Karnes (left) never imagined going away to New York City for five weeks to attend SAB’s summer program. (Photo courtesy McKenna Karnes) Check out Life at Lincoln Center by DCNT member McKenna Karnes (Chamberlain School of Performing Arts) in February's edition of Dance Studiolife Magazine: www.dancestudiolife.com <http://www.dancestudiolife.com/2010/02/ballet-scene-ballet-in-the-big-city/>  


Vicki Woodlee, whose son Zach Woodlee is the Co-producer and Choreographer for the Fox Series GLEE, has started a Facebook page (Dance Studios in the 1950s and 1960s <http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=324640751925&amp;v=info> ) dedicated to the North Texas Dance Studios of the 1950s and 1960s, so all those classic places of dance will not be forgotten. The studio she once owned is closed, but it is where Zach received his training. The goal is to get all the old students to reconnect and the response has been amazing—over 200 members. www.facebook.com/vickiwoodlee <http://www.facebook.com/vickiwoodlee> She has a page totally dedicated to Texie Waterman School of Dance since that is her alma mater and is pleasingly surprised at the response she has received from members who will post old photos!
 
Tom Keerikoolparn, tap dancer and member of the Hoofin Crew will work as a Walt Disney World® Resort intern in Orlando, Florida from May 2010 until early January 2011. We'll miss seeing you, Tom!
 
Congratulations to local winners of the YAGP 2010 Dallas, TX Semi-Finals
 
SENIOR AGE DIVISION
CLASSICAL DANCE CATEGORY - MEN & WOMEN
3rd Place (tie)  Tiffany Byrd, 15 (Texas Ballet Theater School)
3rd Place (tie)  Kaya Aman, 17 (Ballet West Academy)
TOP 12 - MEN & WOMEN
Kaya Aman, 17 (Ballet West Academy)
Tiffany Byrd, 15 (Texas Ballet Theater School)
Brittney Dito, 16 Ballet Academy of Texas
Tessa Moore, 16 (Ballet Center of Forth Worth)
Sally Schweitzer, 16 (Ballet Conservatory)
Jarred Tennison, 18 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
Nathan Vendt, 16 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
 
CONTEMPORARY DANCE CATEGORY
3rd Place (tie)  Brittney Dito, 16 Ballet Academy of Texas
TOP 12 - MEN & WOMEN
Kaya Aman, 17 (Ballet West Academy)
Brittney Dito, 16 Ballet Academy of Texas
Tessa Moore, 16 (Ballet Center of Forth Worth)
 
JUNIOR AGE DIVISION
YOUTH GRAND PRIX
Katia Almayeva, 13 (Marina Almayeva School of Dance)
CLASSICAL DANCE CATEGORY - MEN & WOMEN
1st Place  Laine Habony, 13 (Ballet Conservatory)
2nd Place  Courtlyn Hanson, 13 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
3rd Place  Rayleigh Vendt, 14 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
TOP 12 - MEN & WOMEN
Katia Almayeva, 13 (Marina Almayeva School of Dance)
Katie Cheng, 13 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
Laine Habony, 13 (Ballet Conservatory)
Courtlyn Hanson, 13 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
Audrey Lawrence, 12 (Dallas Ballet Center)
Julia Nicholson, 13 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
Hannah Schoendorf, 14 (Denton Ballet Academy)
Hannah Snowden, 14 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
Natalie Tsay, 14 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
Rayleigh Vendt, 14 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
 
CONTEMPORARY DANCE CATEGORY
 1st Place  Katie Cheng, 13 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
 2nd Place  Rayleigh Vendt, 14 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
 TOP 12 - MEN & WOMEN
 Katia Almayeva, 13 (Marina Almayeva School of Dance)
 Katie Cheng, 13 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
 Laine Habony, 13 (Ballet Conservatory)
 Courtlyn Hanson, 13 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
 Rachel Kivlighan, 14 (Texas Ballet Theater)
 Rayleigh Vendt, 14 (Ballet Academy of Texas)
 
 PRE-COMPETITIVE AGE DIVISION
 HOPE AWARD
Gillian Fitz, 11 (Marina Almayeva School of Dance)
1st Place  Anastasia Tillman, 10 (Independent)
TOP 12 - MEN & WOMEN
Gillian Fitz, 11 (Marina Almayeva School of Dance)
Anastasia Tillman, 10 (Marina Almayeva School of Dance)
 
ENSEMBLES
1st Place (tie)  Excerpts from La Viviandere (Ballet Academy of Texas)
1st Place (tie)  Capriccios (Ballet Academy of Texas)
 
SPECIAL AWARDS
OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHER AWARD  Trinette Singleton
OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD  Kelly Lannin
OUTSTANDING SCHOOL AWARD  Ballet Academy of Texas
 
PAUL TAYLOR DANCE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES RESTRUCTURE
NEW YORK – February 1, 2010 – The Paul Taylor Dance Foundation, which manages the world- renowned Paul Taylor Dance Company and Taylor 2 modern dance companies, announces an administrative restructuring in order to streamline management and carefully control expenses in the current economic climate. Paul Taylor and the Foundation’s Board of Directors have appointed John Tomlinson Managing Director, charged with leading the staff of the Foundation and overseeing the organizational realignment. Mr. Tomlinson joined Paul Taylor Dance Company as Company Manager in 1992, became Director of Operations in 1995, and has been General Manager since 2000.As the Paul Taylor Dance Foundation concludes a multi-year acquisition and renovation of its new home on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and focuses on the last year of the accompanying capital campaign, special attention is being paid to ensuring the strong fiscal health that the Foundation has sustained for many years.
 
Congratulations to Tracy Jordan: 2010 Column Award Nominee for Best Choreography – Equity (Lyric Stage’s production of Funny Girl)
 

Gwen as a TV Topper

Gwen with current cast members Claire Brownell, Eric Hisson (left) and Scott Parkinson
Copyright Christian Waits Photographer  www.prophotography.com <http://www.prophotography.com/dsm>  
who knew??? Gwen Owens, Owner/Director of London School of Dance in Garland recently emailed: The 39 Steps is opening at the Majestic this week. It's a hilarious spoof on the Hitchcock Film, I saw it in London about 3 yrs ago. A handful of Actors play all the roles, with a couple of chairs and a few boxes. However, I was actually in the 1957/8 version of the movie with Kenneth Moore. The action is in a Vaudeville theatre and when the actor is shot - the line is "Bring out the Dancing girls!". I was in the chorus line that dances out (and I have the video to prove it) I was dancing with the TV TOPPERS, a company of dancers under contract to the BBC. Black and white, live TV in those days. In this stage show they bring out a string of high-kicking puppets for a big laugh when they say "bring out the dancing girls" I'm definitely going to the performance, I was thinking I might try to get a note to the Actors - they might get a 'kick' out of that.
 A note was sent to Patrick Barlow, Adapter of "39 Steps." His reply: Thank you for this delightful message. The 1957/8 Kenneth More version of 39 Steps was one of the first movies I ever saw. It made an indelible impression and can still see Mr Memory's face (James Hayter) as he's shot by the villain. I'm sure it fed into my own adaptation so many years later. And of course I remember the TV Toppers! My dad's favourite thing on the telly. If you are in touch Gwen Owens, I'd be delighted for you to send her this. Also to say she absolutely must get a note to the actors! Best, Patrick
Amanda Stone arranged for Gwen to meet the actors during a media interview session Wednesday morning where she was videotaped with Eric Hissom (Man #1) and Scott Parkinson (Man #2). Gwen also had an opportunity to chat with Claire Brownell of the cast.
  
Coppell Dance Centre Announces Ballet Director Evgeny Lushkin & Cutting Edge Ballet Program for 2010 - Coppell Dance Centre is pleased Evgeny Lushkin (as Ballet Director) and Kayla Giard (as Ballet Instructor) will train dancers at every level. They look forward to working together to impact the growth and excellence of the program.
 
Congratulations to Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts YoungArts semi-finalists who have made it to the next round and have been nominated as candidates for Presidential Scholars:
Austin Goodwin, Choreography
Ida Saki, Modern Dance
Victoria Caffey, Jazz Dance
 
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