Overview: This class focuses on preparing students for a pointe assessment by sharing targeted exercises, as well as providing beginner tips and foundational techniques for those starting pointe work.

Fleur Colimore: I am a ballet teacher, director, and choreographer dedicated to inspiring dancers of all ages. With over 30 years of experience in choreography and instruction, I am committed to nurturing creativity, discipline, and artistry in every student. My career spans public school magnet programs, private schools, and private studios, where I have taught modern dance, ballet, RAD, and pointe to students ages 3–18. I enjoy guiding students at both introductory and advanced levels, helping them build strong foundations and grow as artists.

My choreography has been featured in numerous ballet productions, including The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, and my original story, The Fractured Fairytale. I am currently staging my version of The Nutcracker and remain devoted to fostering a love of ballet within my community.

I currently work full-time as the Director of Ballet at The Moving Company Dance Center in Cockeysville, MD. In addition to directing one of our performing ensembles, I assist the studio owners with day-to-day operations. Working with young dancers is truly my passion and life’s work. I feel humbled every day to collaborate with such talented colleagues and enthusiastic students.

Overview: Through a participatory conversation, educators explore maps for the creative and collaborative processes. The discussion centers around how understanding the stages of each process influences making work, partnering with others to make work, and facilitating student work. The activities in the session remind participants of who they are as artists so that they may share their own process in student learning environments. The session concludes with a model for understanding preparation, creativity, collaboration and contribution as the foundations of a successful arts education classroom.

Ken Skrzesz: Ken currently lives in the Hudson Valley where he serves as a nonprofit consultant for organizations on the East Coast. He was recently the theatre teacher for Apex Arts at Anne Arundel County Public Schools and continues to be an active master teacher of acting and dance throughout the United States. Until 2021 he served as the Executive Director of the Maryland State Arts Council emphasizing procedural equity as the path toward quality arts experiences for all Maryland residents. From 2014-2017, Ken was the Coordinator of Fine Arts for the Maryland State Department of Education, where he shared his vision of creativity and collaboration as the driving forces of success for all students.  Ken has designed and implemented arts education and professional development programs in numerous locations through standards development, curriculum writing, and assessment. His knowledge of all art forms, with a special emphasis on developing the creative and collaborative processes, has allowed him to strategically plan successful community partnerships, donor development campaigns, and recruitment programs with a unique commitment to serving economically challenged and historically resilient populations.  He has served as the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Teacher Specialist for Anne Arundel County Public Schools, the Executive Director of the Clear Space Theatre Company and Kinetics Dance Theatre, and the Director of Student Life for the School of American Ballet.  Long-term teaching posts include the Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Goucher College, Southwest Missouri State University, and the University of North Carolina. Ken’s former students have appeared on television (MAD MEN, SCANDAL, WILL AND GRACE), Broadway (MAMMA, MIA!, CHICAGO, THE WILD PARTY, SOUTH PACIFIC, THE LION KING, HAIRSPRAY, THE BOOK OF MORMON), and appear in numerous professional regional theatre and dance companies, movies, and national tours. Ken has danced, sung, acted, choreographed and directed both nationally and internationally.  He earned his Master of Fine Arts in dance from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro where he performed with the dance, opera, and theatre departments. He is a native Baltimorean where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Towson State University. Ken’s recognitions include the Baltimore Mayor’s Award for Distinguished Service in the Arts, distinguished alumni awards from Towson State University and from the University of North Carolina, a choreography commission from the National Endowment of the Arts, and multiple choreography awards from the Maryland State Arts Council. Ken is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. In 2016, Ken received the National Dance Education Association’s Outstanding Advocate and Champion of Dance Education award and in 2017 Ken received the Performing Arts Advocate of the Year award from the Scarborough Foundation. www.kenskrzesz.com

Overview: This class is designed to introduce age-appropriate progressions in ballet technique for students ages 6–10. It includes carefully selected exercises, suggested materials, and take-home resources to support the development of foundational ballet skills.

Fleur Colimore: I am a ballet teacher, director, and choreographer dedicated to inspiring dancers of all ages. With over 30 years of experience in choreography and instruction, I am committed to nurturing creativity, discipline, and artistry in every student. My career spans public school magnet programs, private schools, and private studios, where I have taught modern dance, ballet, RAD, and pointe to students ages 3–18. I enjoy guiding students at both introductory and advanced levels, helping them build strong foundations and grow as artists.

My choreography has been featured in numerous ballet productions, including The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, and my original story, The Fractured Fairytale. I am currently staging my version of The Nutcracker and remain devoted to fostering a love of ballet within my community.

I currently work full-time as the Director of Ballet at The Moving Company Dance Center in Cockeysville, MD. In addition to directing one of our performing ensembles, I assist the studio owners with day-to-day operations. Working with young dancers is truly my passion and life’s work. I feel humbled every day to collaborate with such talented colleagues and enthusiastic students.

Overview: This presentation is a sharing of a two-year action research project conducted under the guidance of the Connected Arts Network (CAN) Dance Professional Learning Community. The goal of this project was to develop self-esteem, a sense of community while also developing personal artistry for middle and high school aged dance students. The presentation will review the process of identifying an area of need with the students, year one of the project. Year two of the project was the implementation of the lesson plans focused on developing self-esteem, community and artistry. Workshop participants will view the lesson plans, student and instructor feedback as well as see the culminating dance performance from the project. There will be time allotted for questions and discussion.

Toni Duncan: Toni Duncan has a BA in Dance and a BS in Marketing from DeSales University and a MA in Dance Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She has taught at Feet First Dance Center in Phoenixville since 1998, and has been a full-time dance faculty member at the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School’s Center for Performing and Fine Arts in West Chester since 2011. Toni is an active member of the National Dance Education Organization, participating as a mentor in their teacher mentorship program, serving on several award selection committees, and a 3-time presenter at the National Conference starting in 2017. She has presented original modern dance works at the 2013 and 2015 PA State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Eastern District Conference. She presented her integrated arts lesson plan What’s Your Angle? Lessons Learned from Mixing Geometry and Dance at the Philadelphia Dance Project’s Dance TAG workshop series in March 2020. Toni is PADEO’s National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) liaison and the founding chapter sponsor for NHSDA at her school.

Overview: Preparing dancers to perform variations for  ballet performances or ballet competitions remains an important element of our job as dance educators.

Overview: Dancers face a set of uniquely intersecting challenges when navigating career decisions. From collegiate paths, to freelance periods, to contract work, to parallel vocations–dancers carve curvilinear, layered pathways with both rewards and challenges embedded. Many pre-professional dancers, however, approach these choices with a narrow view of success, often defining their “dreams” in limiting terms.  While dance teachers serve as vital role models and guides, the insights we share are frequently rooted in our own experiences rather than in strategies that best prepare students to shape careers aligned with their individual strengths.  In this workshop by Ashley Thorndike, a dance educator and licensed psychotherapist, you’ll learn how to frame careers in and through dance using the concept of Psychological Flexibility to nurture your student’s passion for dance and prepare them for many possibilities aligned with their strengths, as they launch into the world.

Ashley Thorndike: Ashley Thorndike, LGPC, is a licensed psychotherapist in the state of Maryland. She is the owner of Small Space Education and Therapy and co-director of Dance and… College Counseling. Ashley holds a BFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah, a MEd in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia, and a PhD in Dance Studies from The Ohio State University. Passionate about psychoeducational dance practices, Ashley is the author of Dance Friends, a free SEL curriculum for dance studios. She offers frequent workshops on Career Strategy for Dancers, Mental Health for Dances, and Floorwork for Therapists. She is also the mother of two and is an advocate for maternal mental and physical health.

Overview:

1. Pros and Cons
2. Mission and Vision
3. Board Members
4. Partnerships
5. PR, Marketing, Advertising

Amelia Riley: Ms. Riley studied dance at the Chautauqua Institution in NY, Point Park University, and the PA Governor’s School for the Arts at Mercyhurst College. She received a BA with Honors in Dance, focusing on Dance History and Criticism, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Goucher College. While at Goucher, she completed a study abroad course in London, interned at the NYPL Performing Arts/Dance Archives division, wrote for the Goucher Dance Newsletter and the Chautauquan Daily newspaper, co-produced a wheelchair dance workshop and performance, and was a member of the dance-history performing ensemble, Choregraphie Antique. 

She received her MPA in Public Management from American University in Washington, DC, where she served as a graduate research assistant scholar in the School of Public Affairs, working with professors from the Key Executive Leadership Program, Justice, Law & Society department, and distinguished SPA Dean Dr. Walter Broadnax. 

Ms. Riley completed the Pilates Method instructor certification program in NYC and returned to Goucher College to teach in the Pilates Center of the Dance dept, later serving as its Director. Additionally, she completed M.Ed. courses in K-12 Guidance and Counseling at Loyola University Maryland and worked at the Harford County Education Foundation and in the county’s public schools.  Most recently, she completed a Women in Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. 

Having volunteered and worked with the non-profit MD Center for the Arts in various administrative and coordinator roles since 2022, she is currently serving as the Director of Cultural Events.

Ms. Riley is passionate about her community work, having hosted exchange students from Spain, served as vice-chair of the Harford County Cultural Arts Board, and volunteered with Bel Air Rotary, Moms Club of Fallston, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the YBES PTA. 

Overview: This discussion will explore strategies for helping students find a love for the demanding process of studying ballet. Having taught ballet in pre-professional musical theater conservatories, college musical theater degree programs and neighborhood dance studios where ballet was never the students’ primary interest or focus, I have developed some strategies for helping students cope with ballet’s demands and hopefully find some joy in the process. I have had some successes; and some failures that I would like to share. I would also like to keep this session open to discussion so that the participants can engage in an exchange of experiences in coping with this challenge.

William Waldinger: Bill Waldinger is a regular faculty member at The Joffrey Ballet School, Ballet Academy East, Broadway Dance Center (regular guest artist), New York Film Academy and the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. He has also taught at The Kanyok Arts Initiative, Molloy College's CAP 21 Musical Theater Program, The Manhattan Ballet School (Director of Jazz), the contemporary company Cora Dance (Director of Ballet), and Hamilton Dance (Director of Ballet). Bill frequently travels the world as a guest Teacher, teaching both classical Ballet and Jazz. Most recently he taught for the Irish National Ballet and the Phoenix Performing Arts College, both in Dublin, Ireland. In addition, he has developed absolute beginner “Dance Classes For Singers" at The Singers’ Forum. Certified by Luigi to teach the Luigi Jazz Technique, Bill has been interviewed and taught on camera for the feature film Uprooted, The Journey of Jazz which chronicles the history of Jazz Dance (this film currently streams on YouTube). He has taught Luigi Jazz workshops for the New Rising Sun Dance Project at DANY Studios/Joyce SoHo and has coordinated workshops bringing together the techniques of Luigi and Matt Mattox with classic musical theater choreography.

As a performer, Bill has appeared in musical theater, concert dance, commercials, music videos, television and industrials. Highlights include regional and Off-Broadway productions of A Chorus Line (Paul in the first regional production), Carousel (Carnival Boy), Kismet, Drood, Oklahoma! (Dream Curly), A Funny Thing..., Guys and Dolls and Godspell. He was a company member of The David Storey Dance Works and the Labyrinth Dance Theater. He has danced in commercials for Time-Life, music videos for the group Fila-Antoine, was a featured dancer on the television show Soul Alive and appeared in videos for the Theater Dance Workshop.

Bill began his dance training with the legendary jazz master Luigi. Bill also studied jazz under Chris Chadman, Natasha Barron, Cecelia Marta, Richard Pierlon and Lynn Simonson. Bill studied ballet with Gabriella Darvash, Dick Andros, David Howard, Dorothy Lister and Douglas Wassell and modern dance with Bill Hastings and David Storey.

Overview: In this lecture, we will be exploring the opportunities and variety in different teaching settings. Based on her experience and expertise, Liz will be presenting on teaching dance in private studios, public recreational programs, K12 schools, and higher education. We will discuss what the common requirements are to teach in different settings and how to plan for those pathways. We will also look at how each of these contexts present challenges and how each of them is rewarding in its own way!

Elizabeth Osborn: Liz Osborn is a dance artist and dance educator originally from Rochester, NY. She holds a BA in Dance and History from the University at Buffalo, and an MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from SUNY Brockport. Liz teaches contemporary modern dance, tap, jazz, ballet, and improvisation. She has taught in private studios, recreational programs, conservatory programs, in K12 schools, and in higher education. She is currently the Director of Dance at the Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy in Winder, GA. Liz lives in Athens, GA, where she just completed a PhD in Learning, Leadership, and Organizational Development from the College of Education at the University of Georgia.

Overview: Are you ready to stop dreading your preschool classes and start mastering the art of teaching your youngest dancers?

Preschool dance is foundational, but navigating the 3- to 5-year-old classroom often feels like a high-energy exercise in chaos. Join this informative and engaging masterclass designed to turn your biggest challenges into moments of joyful teaching.

In this seminar, preschooler-whisperer Casey Royer will provide a practical, brain-based blueprint for success, covering the essentials you need to make a lasting impression:

• Development Demystified: A clear and insightful look at the key developmental milestones for this age, uncovering why they do what they do and how to guide them effectively.
• Curriculum That Clicks: Concrete, adaptable curriculum content and sequencing tips that keep little attention spans engaged and learning.
• The Confidence Toolkit: Time-tested teaching tips for everything from managing "wiggles" to communicating with parents, ensuring you leave with renewed confidence and classroom control.

You’ll leave this seminar with practical strategies and a fresh perspective that will transform your preschool program into a focused, fun, and highly effective success story.

Casey Royer: Casey Royer is a seasoned dance educator, choreographer, and consultant with over 20 years of experience teaching and leading. As the former owner of the successful Arts In Motion Dance Academy for 13 years, Casey is an expert in foundational training for young dancers. Her teaching approach is rooted in her BFA in Dance & Choreography from VCU and her training in kinesiology and child psychology. Beyond the studio, Casey coaches creative entrepreneurs to help them get un-stuck, build robust business systems, and live more balanced lives. Known for her humorous, engaging, and informative style, Casey is passionate about helping teachers gain the confidence and concrete tools necessary to master the preschool dance classroom.

Overview: Low Energy Availability (LEA) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) are underrecognized but widespread issues impacting dancer health, development, and performance. This session will introduce educators to the basics of LEA and RED-S, signs to look for in the studio, and simple ways to support early intervention—all within your scope as a teacher. You’ll leave with practical tools and language to better support your dancers’ long-term well-being and performance, and a clearer understanding of when and how to refer dancers to a licensed nutrition professional.

Melissa Lineburg: Melissa is a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and professional ballet dancer who specializes in performance nutrition for dancers and athletes. As the founder of eMpower Performance Nutrition, she empowers dancers to fuel with confidence, energy, and balance—without restriction. Melissa blends science-backed expertise with lived experience in the studio, offering a unique perspective on fueling for both longevity and artistry. She works with dancers of all levels through one-on-one nutrition coaching, workshops, and her signature program, The Dancer’s Edge. Her approach emphasizes body neutrality, food freedom, and sustainable performance at every stage of a dancer’s career—on stage, in the studio, and beyond.