Pictured in the front low, from left, are: Mila Collier, Vesper Vega, and Brooklynn Heimann. Pictured in the middle row, from left, are: Kristina Collier, Emilia Vallejo, Charlotte Augustine, Kinley Sleighter, Brooklynn Rolson, Madilyn Bender, and Deb Collier. Pictured in the back, from left, are: Rebecca Sherman, Aralynn Etchason, Reagan Ross, Alexis Reece, and Dakota Gardner. Photo provided.

News Release

SCHAMBURG, ILL. – 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, three 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, and modern dance. The attendees received instruction from a faculty of renowned dance professionals.

“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 and Career Fair for our students.”

CNADM hosted over 40 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 creating a sustainable career in dance arts. College representatives were also able to select students they wished to speak with further, offering feedback, as well as scholarships and offers of department acceptance.

“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 Kristina Collier, 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 seniors Madilyn Bender, Hailey Borsa, Dakota Gardner, and Alexis Reece, completed their final level and were presented with Student Honors Emeritus plaques.

DCSD instructor Annabel Clark attended her first Teachers Workshop since being accepted into membership by the organization after completing comprehensive written and oral testing this summer. 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 two instructors who are certified as Master Dance Educators through the organization.

Pictured in front, from left, are: Brooklynn Rolston, Kinley Sleigher, Charlotte Augustine, Brooklynn Heimann, and Reagan Ross. Pictured in back, from left, are Student Honors Emeritus honorees: Alexis Reece, Madilyn Bender, Hailey Borsa, and Dakota Gardner.
Photo provided.