Pictured from left in the front row: Kayanna Secrist, Makenna Miller, Claire Kois and Lily Kincaid. From left in the back row: Annabel Clark, Mya Heaton, Malori McDaniels, Alexis Reece, Olivia Mabee, Dakota Gardner and Deb Collier. Not pictured: Madilynn Bender, Rebecca Sherman, Tammy Seibold

News Release

WARSAW — Faculty and students from Debra Collier’s School of Dance in Warsaw, attended the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters’ Workshop, held 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 studio owner Debra Collier. “CNADM also provides wonderful opportunities such as Student Honors and the College and Career Fair.”

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 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 at the same time,” explains Tammy Seibold, MDE. “Each university faculty member was available to discuss their various programs and what their college had to offer. I really appreciated the opportunity to hear about the various aspects of their campuses, academic opportunities, and career paths. It gave me knowledge to help our graduating dancers as they make important decisions.”

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. Eight DCSD students passed their current level and graduating senior, Olivia Mabee, completed her final level and was awarded a Student Honors Emeritus plaque.

The Chicago National Association of Dance Masters is a non-profit educational association serving dance educators and their students across the U.S. and Canada since 1912. For more information, visit www.cnadm.com.