I’m so excited to be nominated not only for Best Hip Hop Choreographer, but Best College Dance Line as well (Virginia Union University) because this nomination was voted on by the dance community. That alone means the world, just to know the community is actually watching and respects and sees your hard work is an honor in itself.
Now I’m very particular about “community”: the way I serve communities, which communities of artists I’m a part of and how I impart knowledge about community on the people in my sphere.
Read More“ If you have a passion for something, do it. Do it big. Go all in. Don’t hesitate. Love it hard. That’s the only way to find the abundance and reward in it. I believe I’m living proof of that.”
Meet Sandi | Be Inspired
Read More“My story with dance seems to be one that has had an unlikely path. For a girl that received her formal dance training through a parks and recreation program, obtained an accounting degree and became a CPA, found purpose through the challenges of life, and is now leading a vision to give God glory through all of the arts . . . the one thing that I can say with assurance about my journey is that it is one of destiny. This is the path that I was always supposed to be on. It’s the path that God created just for me. I’m humbled daily and forever grateful for all the moments that God had me in “the right place, at the right time”. I look forward to this next season, just to see what God will do.”
Read More“Dogtown is everything to me. Watching the tremendous growth we’ve seen over the last three years since I became Director, I have truly come alive. The same ferocity of spirit that got me through the car accident filled inside of me, and I knew I was going to do whatever it took to make Dogtown successful, and something amazing for the dance artists in this community. Now, we have a year-round program dedicated to providing RVA artists with the resources they need to be successful. And everytime I see a new instructor fill a workshop, or a young company shine on the mainstage at Dogtown, I see my future. I know that even when that expiration date does hit, I will always be able to dance. Dogtown, and the artists that fill that space with so much love, energy, and spirit, will keep me dancing forever.”
“The power of dance is that it truly can be for every child to express every emotion and connect to every subject.” -Melissa Rickey, Binford Principal
Read MoreDance was the only thing I was able to count on to support me mentally and emotionally. I live my life not for myself, but for my family and family only. Dance is one of the things that allows me to have a reason to live my life for myself. Since I discovered this, my bond with dance has only become stronger and still continues to grow up to this very day. Whether I become well known or not is completely irrelevant to me. From now until the day my body can no longer move, it will forever be just me and the music.
Read More"Dancing is how I experience the world and all it has to offer. It’s cathartic, it’s invigorating, it’s demanding, it’s exciting, and it offers endless possibilities."
Meet Kara | Be Inspired
Read More"Through dance I began to find myself. Dance helped me build an identity for myself breaking all the stereotypes being forced upon me. Dance taught me self- discipline, commitment, and determination. Dance defines my existence as an artist."
Read MoreThe older I have gotten, the more I am living out what I was taught as a young dancer. I believe everyone can move. Dance can convey emotions and feelings to express what words cannot. This philosophy and who I am today as a dancer and teacher is hands down due to the inspiring, loving, and compassionate teachers and mentors of my past. Meet Laura | Be Inspired
Read More"My dance journey has come full circle. I started as an enthusiastic 6th grade student and now I teach 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. I love performing, choreographing, and teaching and I’m excited to inspire the next generation of dance artists."
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