Contact: Logan McSwain, communications manager, 704.372.0101 x 107, lmcswain@ncdance.org
April Berry, director of education and outreach, 704.372.0101 x 109, aberry@ncdance.org
North Carolina Dance Theatre And
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Honor Dance Educators
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Charlotte, N.C. (May 7, 2007) – North Carolina Dance Theatre (N.C. Dance Theatre) and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will announce the 2007 Salute to Educators Awards, on Saturday, May 19, 2007, at N.C. Dance Theatre’s performance of Rhythm & Moves. The performance will be held at the Belk Theater in the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The awards will be announced prior to the performance.
About the Salute to Educators Awards
The awardees are chosen by North Carolina Dance Theatre’s education committee from nominations submitted from across the county. The committee is comprised of leaders from NC Dance Theatre and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Awardees and their families will be honored with a reception given by the Corps de Ballet, an auxiliary group of N.C. Dance Theater, before Saturday’s performance.
The Salute to Educators Awards are given annually and aim to recognize individuals for excellence in dance education. North Carolina is among the top states in the nation for dance education, and currently 32 certified dance specialists teach in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. “North Carolina Dance Theatre is fortunate to work in partnership with a school system with such strong dance education programs, and we are happy to celebrate the excellent work being done in our community. We hope this salute helps to foster increased awareness and continual development,” says April Berry, director of education and outreach for N.C. Dance Theatre.
N.C. Dance Theatre’s Department of Education and Outreach provides programs that bridge the community with the cultural arts. By offering special school performances, residency programs at schools, behind the scenes tours and workshops, N.C. Dance Theatre gives students and teachers opportunities to learn about dance as an art form.
This year’s honorees include:
Debra Foxx- Simmons, dance educator at Piedmont Open IB Middle School
Award: Dance Educator of the Year
Ms. Foxx-Simmons has been teaching at Piedmont for 17 years, during which time she has hosted guest artists, supervised student teachers, coordinated field trips for students, and staged numerous student performances. In the words of Piedmont Open IB Middle School Principal Dee Gardner, “Ms. Foxx-Simmons works daily to instill a love and appreciation for dance in each student she teaches. She is a consummate professional and an inspiration to all.”
Natasha Bostok, eighth grade student at Crestdale Middle School
Award: Dance Student of the Year
Bostok has performed in numerous dance concerts at Crestdale, where she has demonstrated strong character and leadership. Her dance teacher, Mojdeh Narula, has praised Natasha’s creativity, passion for dance and ability to work with other students. About her dance classes, Bostok says, “I love to dance. Dance is very important to me. It is a way to let out my emotions. My dream is to choreograph and I plan to do everything I can to reach my goal.”
Davida Moore, eighth grade student at Randolph Middle School
Award: Dance Student of the Year
Moore has had no previous experience with dance before participating in her school’s dance program. Her dance teacher Rebecca Hill says, “She is always working hard and is prompt for class, trying her best to improve her natural ability in dance. Davida is a strong leader and role model for other students and what she lacks in technique, she makes up in passion—she is an inspiration to others.”
Lisa Hart, parent at Dilworth Elementary School and President of the PTA
Award: Dance Champion of the Year
Melissa Current, dance educator at Dilworth Elementary says, “Without Lisa the dance room would have no sound system and dance floor. Her fundraising efforts for the theatre performances have brought in thousands of dollars.” The entire school has appreciated Hart’s efforts on behalf of Dilworth students’ in enriching the arts programs through fundraising and field trips.
About Rhythm & Moves
Rhythm & Moves includes the dynamic combination of West Charlotte High School’s drum line, funky bluegrass and Moroccan sounds. Three acclaimed choreographers will have their works featured: Uri Sands, artistic director of TU Dance; Mark Diamond, N.C. Dance Theatre 2 program director; and Alonzo King, artistic director of LINES Ballet. Rhythm & Moves will be presented on May 17, 2007, at 7:30 p.m., and May 18 & 19, 2007, at 8 p.m.
Tickets
Single tickets for Rhythm & Moves range from $10 for students and $27 to $56 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased by calling the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center box office at 704.372.1000 or by visiting the box office, located in Founders Hall of the Bank of America Corporate Center, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Senior, student and group discounts are available. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.ncdance.org.
Parking
Prepaid, $5 discount parking vouchers are available for advance ticket buyers only. Five lots are available at this rate: Bank of America Corporate Center, Hearst Tower, 201 N. Tryon, Trade Center and Seventh Street Station. Vouchers must be presented upon entrance to the parking garage.
Details
North Carolina Dance Theatre has established itself as one of America’s premier dance companies. Led by internationally acclaimed President and Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, N.C. Dance Theatre is based on strong dancers, high energy and a versatile repertoire that ranges from classical ballet to bold contemporary works. The School of N.C. Dance Theatre parallels the professional company’s tradition of excellence.
North Carolina Dance Theatre is supported by individuals, the Arts & Science Council-Charlotte/Mecklenburg, Inc., corporations, local and national foundations, the North Carolina Arts Council, ArtsTeach and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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