Faculty and students from Debra Collier's School of Dance in Warsaw attended the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters' Workshop, in Schaumburg, Ill.
Studio owner and CNADM Past President Debra Collier, MDE, five faculty members and students ranging from novice to advanced, attended the two-day event to improve their skills in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, Bollywood and modern dance. The attendees received instruction from a faculty of renowned dance professionals, according to a news release from the School of Dance.
"As dance educators, we take seriously our responsibility for the proper development of each of our students. Attending CNADM allows us to learn the newest teaching techniques, theories and choreography," said Collier. "CNADM also provides wonderful opportunities such as Student Honors and the College & Career Fair for our students."
CNADM hosted over 35 colleges and universities for multiple audition classes for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing further dance education and careers. Panel discussions were also held for teachers, parents and students addressing what families need to know when entering college dance programs and how to create a sustainable career in dance arts. College representatives were also able to select students they wanted to speak with further, offering feedback, as well as scholarships and offers of department acceptance.

    Student Honors Award recipients pictured (L to R) are, first row: Annabel Clark, recipient of Student Honors Emeritus Award; Makenna Miller, Alexis Cochran, Kayanna Secrist; second row: Alexis Reece, Reagan Ross, Mya Heaton, Natalee Stetzel and Dakota Gardner. Photo Provided.
  

“Each season CNADM has offered the College and Career Fair, we have had DCSD students receive multiple invitations to join various college dance programs and scholarships for summer intensives and full school years. It is a wonderful opportunity for dancers to audition for dozens of schools simultaneously,” explained Tammy Seibold, MDE. “Each university faculty member was available to discuss their programs and the various aspects of their campuses, academic opportunities and career paths.”
CNADM offers a Student Honors program exclusively to the students of CNADM members. The program includes five levels of written and demonstrative testing in ballet, tap and jazz. Nine DCSD students passed their current level and graduating senior Annabel Clark completed her final level and was awarded a Student Honors Emeritus plaque.
DCSD instructor Katie Jones was accepted into membership by the organization after completing comprehensive written and oral testing.
For more than 100 years, CNADM has been a trusted source for professional development for dance teachers and their students. DCSD is proud to have five CNADM members on faculty, as well as an instructor who is a Certified Dance Educator and three who are certified as Master Dance Educators through the organization, the release states.