Dance troupe to honor educator

North Carolina Dance Theatre and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will honor its Dance Educator of the Year, Debra-Foxx-Simmons, on May 19 at the dance troupe's final season performance, "Rhythm & Moves."

The performance will be held at the Belk Theater in the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and awards will be announced prior to the performance.

The winners are chosen by N.C. Dance Theatre's education committee from nominations submitted from across the county. The committee comprises leaders from N.C. Dance Theatre and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

This year's honorees and information about them were provided in a press release:

• Debra Foxx- Simmons, dance educator at Piedmont Open IB Middle School

Award: Dance Educator of the Year

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 student performances.

• Natasha Bostok, eighth grade student at Cresdale Middle School

Award: Dance Student of the Year

Bostok has performed in dance concerts at Cresdale, 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. Natasha says her dream is to choreograph.

• 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."

• 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 theater performances have brought in thousands of dollars."

"Rhythm & Moves" includes the West Charlotte High School's drum line, funky bluegrass and Moroccan sounds. Three 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.