CHICAGO – Faculty and students from Debra Collier's School of Dance in Warsaw attended the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters’ annual Ballet Forum, Dance and More, Training School and Convention held in Schaumburg, Ill. Studio owner and CNADM Past President Debra Collier, MDE, all of her faculty members and students, ranging from novice to advanced, attended the various workshops to improve their skills in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and modern dance. The attendees received instruction from a faculty of renowned dance professionals, according to a provided press release. CNADM provides three levels of certifications where a teacher’s knowledge and competence as a dance educator are measured and qualified. To gain membership, teachers must successfully complete written and demonstrative testing in various disciplines of dance. Teachers may then apply to become a certified dance educator by completing 240 hours of teacher training, passing written and oral testing and submitting a DVD of themselves teaching. Master Dance Educator certification may be acquired by an additional 160 hours of training and submission of a teaching portfolio. “Teacher certification is important in our industry,” explained studio owner Collier. “Many times you will see a dancer that is a talented and beautiful performer, but they do not have the training to break elements down and teach them to students. The CNADM certification program is a standard in our industry to assess teachers’ skills and abilities. It is imperative for a teacher to understand the proper progression of developing a student’s skills.” The CNADM awards banquet is a highlight of the organization’s summer events, the release states. Over 300 teachers and students joined together as they honored Chicago based choreographer Harrison McEldowney as the recipient of the 2015 Artistic Achievement Award. The event opened with a performance by the students of the CNADM Dance and More program, including two DCSD students, Abby Gibson and Claire Kois, with choreography by Indianapolis-based choreographer Diane Gudat. DCSD alumnus Jeremy Plummer presented the award to his mentor and friend, McEldowney. McEldowney is an acclaimed choreographer with such credits as choreographing for Carnegie Halls’ 125-Year Celebration of Musical Theater, the 1992 Barcelona Olympics Closing Ceremonies, as well as collaborating with such renowned companies as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, River North Chicago Dance Company and Ballet Met. “As a master teacher at our studio, as well as at CNADM, I have seen Harrison’s work inspire so many people. It was exciting to see that work recognized,” said Tammy Seibold, MDE. Eight DCSD students also attended the CNADM Ballet Forum where they were honored to work with world renowned teachers such as Valentina Barsukova, Vicki Barlow and Melissa Anderson. The students presented newly commissioned pieces at the Ballet Gala. Annie Petro and Rosalyn Miller were each selected as honorable mention recipients for the Merit Scholarships for Ballet Forum participants. Merit Scholarships are awarded based on attitude, ability to work with others, ability to accept corrections and dance ability. Students also attended the student sessions, where 12 DCSD students successfully completed student honors testing in ballet, tap and jazz. Each test required both written and demonstrative testing. Jasmine Anderson, Abby Gibson and Rosalyn Miller also were recognized at the closing ceremonies for having completed all levels of the student honors program. Debra Collier’s School of Dance is proud to be affiliated with CNADM, according to the press release. From continuing education for the studio’s faculty to numerous educational opportunities for students, the CNADM programs are designed to elevate the caliber of both educators and dancers. For more information about Debra Collier’s School of Dance or Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, call 574-267-7055 or visit collierdance.com
