Five students in Baltimore County Public Schools' fine arts dance programs received the prestigious honor of being named All-State Dancers for the 2012-2013 school year. These students comprise one-fifth of this year's total All-State Dance corps.
The students are:

• Cristina Escobar of Towson, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology
• Amarachi Korie of Owings Mills, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology
• Kaiyla Ross of Owings Mills, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology
• Nia Williams of Pikesville, Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts
• Antonio Wright of Owings Mills, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology

The honor was announced at the Maryland Public High School Dance Showcase on Friday, January 4, 2013, at Goucher College in Towson. In its 24th year, the showcase brings together dancers from across the state for master classes and performances. This year, students from 35 high schools attended, with almost 500 dancers in class and on stage.
All-State dancers are selected through an audition process based on teacher recommendations, and they represent the top dance students from Maryland's public high school fine arts dance programs.

Congratulations to the following twenty-three students who have been selected as members of the 2012-2013 All-County Honors Dance Ensemble for Baltimore County Public Schools. These students, who were chosen through a highly competitive application and audition process, represent six of the nine BCPS high schools with fine arts dance programs. << click here for more >>

On Friday, October 21, 2012, Glenna Blessing was honored as the 2012 Dance Teacher of the Year for her outstanding service to the dance magnet program at the George Washington Carver Center for the Arts and Technology.  This annual award is designated by the Maryland Association for Health, Physical Education, and Dance at their annual convention held at the Marriott in Hunt Valley, MD. 

Glenna Blessing, Dance Teacher of the Year, pictured with Suzie Henneman, Dance Consultant for Baltimore County Public Schools, at the MAPHERD Gala Banquet on October 21, 2012.

Local, State, National Dance Calendar 2012-13

Towson University hosts Ailey II matinee Over four hundred fine arts dance students from Baltimore County Public Schools had the exciting opportunity to see Ailey II, the second company for the world renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, on Friday, September 14th at Stephen's Hall.  Ten schools attended either the 10 a.m. or 12 p.m. matinee as guests of the Towson University Dance Department.  Excerpts from Ailey's famous work, Revelations, as well as new choreography by guest artists with the company were part of the matinee performance emceed by Troy Powell, Artistic Director of the Ailey II Company.  Tyler Brown, a George Washington Carver Center for the Arts' alum, was one of the twelve performers in the company.  The performance was stellar and the audience was appreciative and enthusiastic as evidenced by their grand applause and standing ovation.
Thank you Towson University!

BCPS dancers visit sister school in England
Four fine arts high school dance students had the opportunity to visit with Windsor High School and 6th Form this summer in an artistic collaboration that took them across the pond and onto five stages.  Lia K, Kelly S, Anastasia, McK, and Rosemary P performed three pieces as well as solos in performances at Lutley Primary School, Netherbrook Primary School, Hillcrest Fine Arts Academy, Hasbury Primary Church of England School, and at the Arena Theatre at Wolverhampton University.  The dancers learned a collaborative piece with their host Windsor dancers titled Dance is A Universal Language.  Congratulations to these dancers for a job well done.    

 

Norwood Elementary School
Music and Movement Program

Sandy Plains Elementary School
5th grade Ballroom Stars Program

All-County Honors Dance Ensemble performs in  6th Annual Spring Concert

The 6th Annual All-County Honors Dance Ensemble was held at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts on Friday, June 1st at 7:30 p.m.

Twenty honors ensemble dancers performed three pieces by Stephanie Powell, artistic director and ten seniors in the ensemble performed solos.

Guest performers included Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts dance prime students, the Norwood Elementary School Music and Movement Program, and 5th Grade Ballroom Stars Program dancers from Sandy Plains Elementary School. 

The duet is Amarachi Korie and Michael West, Jr. from the Honors Ensemble.

 

The Sweet Beat That Moves Your Feet
By Jameliah Cunningham, dance student, New Town High School, member of All-County Honors Dance Ensemble.

Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce honors dance teacher, Claire Sweet

Congratulations to Ms. Claire Sweet, Dance Department Chair at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts for the Southeast Area Teacher of the Year award presented by the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce.  (The Waterfront Award) This ceremony is held each year to recognize educators in Baltimore County Public Schools who represent the best of the teaching profession.  The business community takes this opportunity to thank educators who guide and shape tomorrow's workforce.  Ms. Sweet meets and exceeds all of the criteria for the award including demonstration of a high involvement with the local school program, a caring and supportive attitude, a demonstrated commitment to student success and growth,and running a high quality instructional program.

Suzie Henneman, Dance Resource Teacher and Claire Sweet, Dance Dept. Chair Patapsco HSCFA at 26th Annual Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce Awards for Excellent in Education

May 7, 2012
Martin's West

Mary Poppins' cast members talk to dancers from Dulaney and Lansdowne High Schools. 

Dulaney and Lansdowne high school dance students recently attended master classes with members of the cast of Mary Poppins in the dance studios of the Hippodrome Foundation.  Approximately 40 students had the opportunity to learn authentic choreography  from the show including "Step In Time"  and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."  In addition to dancing, the students spent time asking questions and learning about the daily schedule of a dancer on tour.

<< more >>

BCPS Dance Students to perform with ClancyWorks Dance Company in gala anniversary concert. 

This concert, part of the 10th anniversary season of ClancyWorks, is a clear continuation of the mission of the company and mission of Baltimore County Public Schools fine arts dance programs. It will feature students from artistic residencies at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology and Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, a performance by The Collective, a Baltimore-based dance company, and some of Clancy's original works that span the 10-year existence of the company.

This performance manifests the major role that both physical and metaphorical partnering play in Clancy's work. Specific to Clancy's creative process is an exploration of architecturally informed partnering work that uses dance to further pedagogical practices by promoting tolerance, teamwork, community activism, and individual empowerment. Partnering is not only the artistic strength of the company, but also the baseline of their organizational work! From the partnering of physical objects, to the partnering of ideas, ClancyWorks: 10 Years in the Making features diverse dance works that embody Clancy's use of partnering work not only as an aesthetic statement, but also as a symbol of trust and support. 

Baltimore County is very fortunate to have had the opportunity to partner with ClancyWorks Dance Company over the past ten years. 

Three Dance Students Receive Honors at the ACT-SO Competition

The ACT-SO  (Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) Competition is a competition sponsored by the NAACP to encourage excellence, commitment, and dedication to the development of students of African descent in the arts, sciences, and technology.  Started by Vernon Jarrett in Chicago, this competition is sponsored by local chapters across the United States.  Gold medalist from the local chapters then move on to the National Convention where they will compete with students from across the U.S.  This year the National Convention will take place in Houston, Texas, July 5th- 9th . Students in dance are required to perform a solo no longer than five minutes in front of an impartial panel made up of dance professionals on the local and national levels. National awards are given out on July 9th in an elaborate ceremony honoring all of the participants.

Baltimore County Public Schools is proud to announce that three fine arts dance students received top honors in the dance portion of this year's competition.

Congratulations to:
Antonio Wright – Bronze medal – New Town High School
Amber Moreland – Silver Medal – George Washington Carver Center for the Arts and Technology
Amarachi Korie – Gold Medal – George Washington Carver Center for the Arts and Technology

Congratulations to GWCarver Center for the Arts and Technology dancers:

George Washington Carver Center for the Arts and Technology had the unique opportunity to attend the National High School Dance Festival in Philadelphia, PA at the University of the Arts.
Two pieces from Carver’s repertory of faculty and student work were performed for an audience of dancers and teachers from around the U.S. Several dancers were offered scholarships and summer study opportunities at the following institutions:

University of the Arts
University of Minnesota
this past March.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Hartt School
Linwood university
Bates Dance Festival and Summer Youth Program
Nashville Ballet
Pointe Park
University of Illinois
Colker College
Shenandoah
SUNY Brockport
Long Island university
Jacksonville University

Baltimore County Public Schools celebrate their 15th Annual County-wide Dance Festival 
This year’s festival will be held on Friday, April 13th at New Town High School.   The festival highlights the secondary fine arts dance programs in Baltimore County and features the All-County Honors Dance Ensemble.  Fine Arts dance students take master classes during the day and rehearse their pieces for the evening concert.    Master guest artists include Ken Skrzesz from Clearspace Productions, Timothy Fox from Goucher College, Tommy Parlon from CCBC, and Torens Johnson from ClancyWorks Dance Company.  An evening concert of faculty and guest artist work will be presented at 7 p.m. in the New Town High School auditorium.  Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and students. 

Baltimore County Public Schools Student Choreography Showcase
More than 100 dance students from five schools participated in the daylong Annual Baltimore County Public Schools’ Student Choreography Showcase.  During the day, members of the ClancyWorks Dance Company taught master classes in composition, improvisation, and partnering. Dance company members adjudicated the rehearsal and provide feedback to support student choreographers in refining their works. The showcase day concluded with an evening performance of twenty one student-created pieces. Participating students will represent George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Hereford High School, New Town High School, Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, and Sudbrook Magnet Middle School.

Adrienne Clancy or ClancyWorks Dance Company provides feedback to student choreographer.	Two high school dancers demonstrating counterbalance.
Dancers work on partnering techniques in Improvisation to Choreography master class.	Student choreographer reviews flip cam video of rehearsal to help her refine her piece.
Torens Johnson (ClancyWorks) provides feedback to student choreographer.	Natalia and Allison (ClancyWorks) teach the Improvisation master class.
Maria Royals (Sudbrook MMS) presents a Costuming for Dance workshop.

All-County Honors Dance Ensemble helps Shady Spring Elementary School celebrate achievement. 
The All-County Honors Dance Ensemble was invited to perform in the Achievement Awards Assembly at Shady Spring Elementary School on February 6, 2012.  The ensemble comprised of twenty dancers from six high schools represent a high level and standard of artistic and academic achievement in fine arts dance in the county.  The dancers performed New Dawn, with choreography by Artistic Director, Stephanie Powell, three solos choreographed by dancers Antonio Wright, Taylor Lewis, and Michael West, Jr titled Dreamer, Mary comes to Jesus, and The Chairman’s Waltz respectively.  Ms. Powell and the dancers conducted a flash mob dance with the entire student body, teachers, administrators, and parents to emphasize the power and fun of dancing.

Honors Ensemble members invite students up to learn the flash mob dance.	Ms. Stephanie Powell, artistic director, prepares the audience for the flash mob dance.
All students, teachers, parents doing the flash mob dance.	Honors Ensemble members introduce themselves to the audience.
Honors Ensemble 2011-12

School-based ballroom dance program doubles in size – again
26 Baltimore County schools to participate this year

TOWSON, MD – The Fifth Grade Ballroom Stars dance program in Baltimore County Public Schools has grown from 13 participating schools last school year to 26 this school year. 

Through this weeklong program, students in participating schools spend their physical education periods learning dances like the merengue, tango, swing, and cha-cha from professional dancers and teachers. At the end of the program, parents are invited to see the students demonstrate their dance moves and then to dance with them.

The program is being held for the first time this school year in the following elementary schools:

Gunpowder
Jacksonville
Kingsville
Middlesex
Oliver Beach
Orems
Owings Mills
Pot Spring
Prettyboy
Riverview
Rodgers Forge
Sussex
Woodholme

The elementary schools that are continuing the program from previous years are:

Charlesmont
Chesapeake Terrace
Cromwell Valley
Elmwood
Hillcrest
Mars Estates
Norwood
Pleasant Plains
Relay
Sandalwood
Sandy Plains
Shady Spring
Vincent Farm

According to BCPS resource teacher Suzanne Henneman, the program has doubled in size each year for the last few years due to increased demand from schools.

The Grade 5 ballroom program is part of a larger initiative from the Offices of Health, Physical Education, and Dance addressing the need for students in Grades 5, 8, and 9 to develop respectful behaviors as well as knowledge and skills on the dance floor.

“The kids love it,” Henneman said. “Because of television shows like ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ ballroom dance has a more popular image. But at the same time that the students are having fun, they are also learning multiple lessons about respect, self-esteem, how to carry themselves…. There is a lot more to it than just learning the steps.”

Dance is part of the rhythms and dance unit in the physical education curriculum. The program is funded at the local school level by school funds, parent/teacher/student associations, or Grade 5 parent boosters, and it is facilitated by the Office of Dance. << more >>

Maryland Public High School Dance Showcase 2012
Six high schools have been selected to perform in the 23rd Annual Maryland Public High School Dance Showcase on Friday, January 6, 2012 at Goucher College. The formal concert at 7:30 p.m. will include dancers from Hereford HS, New Town HS, and George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology performing “When Women Gather”, “Just at the Edge”, and “Odyssey” respectively. The informal concert at 5:00 p.m. will include dancers from Lansdowne HS, Dulaney HS, and Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts performing “Castoff”, “Last Wishes”, and “Deep Fear” respectively.

Congratulations dance teachers and students. Tickets are available at the door for the 7:30 concert in Kruashaar auditorium. No tickets needed for the 5:30 concert in the Athenaeum.

All-County Honors Dance Ensemble auditions were held this fall at George Washington Carver Center for the Arts and Technology.  Ms. Stephanie Powell, artistic director, and Mrs. Suzanne Henneman, managing director, along with a panel of distinguished judges representing dance in higher education and the private dance sector, selected twenty dancers representing six high schools fine arts dance programs for this year’s honors ensemble. The ensemble will represent Baltimore County Public Schools at the MSDE Fine Arts Briefing in April, at area elementary school assemblies, be featured in the BCPS Countywide Dance Festival, and hold their 6th Annual Concert in June of 2012. 

Congratulations to all of the nominated students on a fine audition and to the twenty dancers representing Dulaney, George Washington Carver Center, Hereford, New Town, Parkville, and Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts.   << County Honors Dance Ensemble list >>

Mrs. Erin Norton, dance teacher at Hereford High School was named the 2011 Dance Teacher of the Year for the state of Maryland.  Ms. Norton received the award at the Maryland Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance’s  (MAHPERD’s) annual awards banquet on Friday, October 21, 2011 at the Marriott in Hunt Valley.  Ms. Norton’s was presented the award based on her dedication to the field of dance education, professional  growth as a teacher and dancer, and commitment to nurturing and developing young dancers and building exemplary programs at both New Town High School and now Hereford High School .

On Saturday, November 12th, the Hereford Theatre and Dance Programs took their annual fall trip to New York City. Theatre students toured NBC Studios while the dancers took a precision class from the Rockettes at Broadway Dance Center. Then, the groups met at the Imperial Theatre to see Billy Elliott on Broadway. After dinner in Times Square, and lots of sightseeing and pictures, the group headed back, inspired for Performance Season.

Baltimore County dance students to attend Ailey II performance

Baltimore County fine arts dance programs have been invited to a special matinee of the Ailey II Dance Company on Friday, September 16th hosted by Towson University Dance Department.  Three hundred and forty (340) BCPS dance students from eight fine arts dance schools will be in the audience for this exciting opportunity. 

Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Under the artistic direction of Sylvia Waters, Ailey II has flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the country, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. These extraordinary artists have earned the title “Cultural Ambassadors of the World.” Towson University has been gracious and generous in offering BCPS students free seating for the matinee performance.

The company will be performing excerpts from their evening program which will include:
Echoes - Choreographer - Thang Dao
Splendid Isolation - Choreographer - Jessica Lang
The Hunt - Choreographer - Robert Battle
Revelations - Choreographer - Alvin Ailey

Baltimore County is proud to announce:
Elizabeth Washington, George Washington Carver Center for the Arts and Technology class of 2008, and a former member of the All-County Honors Ensemble will be peforming as a member of the Ailey II Company in New York City. 

To see Elizabeth's announcement click on the link below. 
http://www.alvinailey.org/elizabeth-washington

Baltimore County dance teachers to present at national dance educators conference

Two Baltimore County dance teachers will represent the school system’s fine arts dance programs at the National Dance Education Organization’s (NDEO) annual conference in Minneapolis this October.  Ms. Claire Sweet, Dance Department Chair, for Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, and Mrs. Suzanne Henneman, Dance Resource Teacher will present Creating the Path:  Models for Collaborative and Creative Pathways for Mutual Success in collaboration with ClancyWorks Dance Company.  ClancyWorks Dance Company and the Office of Dance and Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts have been working in partnership for several years on the Student Choreography Showcase, the Dance Educator’s Training Institute and the DARE Dance program, and the ClancyWorks Aspire program that places guest artists and choreographers in schools. 

Mrs. Henneman will also be co-presenting with Rima Faber, former NDEO Educational Director and founder of Primary Movers, on the K-8 Science with Dance in Mind professional development training model.  This program was funded by a grant from Hands on Science.  The two year program included a professional training for classroom and fine arts dance teachers in arts integration lesson and unit planning.  A fine arts dance teacher and a classroom teacher were paired to create integrated lessons that taught both the science and the dance curriculum in the elementary school.  The lessons were then delivered to students at Ft. Garrison Elementary and Chatsworth Elementary Schools. Ms. Faber an Mrs. Henneman will present   Science With Dance in Mind: A Project with Baltimore County Public Schools as a model for professional development in developing units and lessons using arts integration strategies for teaching curriculum in engaging and exciting ways. 

Sudbrook Magnet Middle School receives national award!
The fine and performing arts programs at Sudbrook Magnet Middle School was named one of five schools in the nation for the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education’s Schools of Distinction Award.  Sudbrook was presented their award at the June 10, 2011 Arts Education in Maryland Schools’ annual CAFÉ conference, held at Towson University.  Awardees are invited to perform for the CAFÉ participants and this year’s 400+ audience witnessed the magnificent talents, passion, and an ensemble presentation of excerpts from One on this Island.  6th,7th, and 8th grade students transformed the stage with their professionalism, artistic talent, and performance of dance, music, vocals, and acting. 
Ms.  Maria Royals, dance teacher and choreographer of the musical is commended for her undying dedication to the dance program and the community of Sudbrook Magnet Middle School.   
Bravo Sudbrook! 

George Washington Carver Center for the Arts Dancers go to Nationals
GWCCAT was selected again for the National High School Dance Festival. (NHSDF) Students from the Carver dance prime will travel to Philadelphia, PA March 8th to the 11th to take master classes and perform two pieces, one student work and one faculty work. Selection for the NHSDF is by video audition and the criteria quite rigorous.  Congratulations to Ms. Glenna Blessing, Ms. Stephanie Powell, Ms. Elizabeth Ahearn, and all of the dance prime students at GW Carver CAT.

Windsor High School and 6th Form, Halesowen, UK invites dancers to England
Dancers from the All County Honors Dance Ensemble will be visiting Windsor High School and 6th Form in Halesowen, UK from June 15 - 25, 2012.  Windsor High School and 6th Form dancers, teachers, and administrators  visited BCPS dance programs in the fall of 2005 and the spring of 2011 as part of a cultural collaboration with the fine arts dance programs in the county.  Select ensemble dancers will be performing as the Baltimore County Honors Dance Ensemble for three primary schools, one secondary school, and a community college as well as in the Summer Dance Festival at Windsor High School.  Ms. Stephanie Powell, artistic director, Ms. Claire Sweet, Dance Department Chair at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, and Mrs. Suzanne Henneman, Dance Resource teacher will be teaching and presenting at local schools while on the cultural collaboration trip.

EDSteps – Online opportunity to share creative student work
The EdSteps Creativity project is on line and ready for work samples.  EdSteps is one of four projects being funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - people from industry, education and research were charged with defining creativity and coming up with a model that is on line and viral.   Teachers are encouraged to submit samples of students’ creative work. Examples could include poems, choreography, studies, research, etc.

• Article
• Overview
• Creativity

BCPS teachers and students present Red Hot Swing!
Mrs. Suzanne Henneman, dance resource teacher, and Mr. Bob Russell, physical education teacher from Cockeysville Middle School, presented Red Hot Swing to middle school students at Gilman and Roland Park Country School on Tuesday, November 8, 20122.  Mr. Russell’s 68 members of the Swing Dance Club at Cockeysville Middle School assisted in demonstrating swing steps and combinations to over 200 students from both schools in as a way to promote healthy and appropriate partner dancing.