Sunday November 9th
Youth Showcase - 5:30 pm
Meet the Artists
THE DANCE INSTITUTE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON is a pre-professional ballet-based program founded in 1967, nationally recognized for its curriculum which prepares students for careers in both dance performance and dance education. Directed for 28 years by Gena Carroll and for 14 years by her daughter, Lana Carroll Heylock, Dance Institute established a heralded reputation for training and performance excellence. The University of Akron is an institutionally accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). The mission of Dance Institute is to teach dance as an art form for all students, inspiring them to reach their full potential in the dance studio and beyond.
FAIRMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS in a non-profit community arts center that provides classes in performing and visual arts. The Fairmount Dance Company, FDC for short, is a pre-professional student company with a contemporary ballet foundation composed of the top Fairmount Center for the Arts (FCA) dance levels (Intermediate-Advanced). The goal of FDC is to give committed students increased performance opportunities through community engagement and to provide exposure to varying movement styles that go beyond the offerings of the standard FCA curriculum.
TUSCARAWAS DANCE ARTS CENTER is a studio located in Dover, OH and has been under the direction of Shelly Beitzel for the past 35 plus years. They offer a variety of styles of dance with a focus on their ballet and modern programs. The studio prioritizes creative development of their students. TDAC is a staple of the community that continuously promotes and brings awareness to the arts and arts education.
BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS is a non-profit, performing arts and arts education organization dedicated to inspiring and enriching the quality of life for Northeastern Ohioans. We combine professional theatrical productions with comprehensive curriculum-based arts education in Creative Arts Therapies, dance, music, theater, and visual arts, serving over 60,000 annually in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Medina, and Summit Counties. Crain's Cleveland Business named Beck Center the 11th Largest Cultural Attraction in Cuyahoga County.
THE DANCE CENTRE
Founded in 1989, The Dance Centre in Rocky River, Ohio’s mission was to create a space that emphasized high quality dance instruction while also encouraging giving back to the community, leadership skills, and wellness education. This performance ensemble, Core Creative, is built on the principles of teamwork, choreography-building, and improvisation. TDC’s legacy continues on with the current owner and director, Kayleigh Feldkircher, in addition to providing quality dance instruction.
TITANS DANCE COMPANY- LORAIN HIGH SCHOOL is in its second year of production. Housed at Lorain High School in Lorain, Ohio- Titans Dance Company members as well as students participating in Dance Course work, have the opportunity to participate in master classes and residencies throughout the year. In years past student have worked with GroundWorks, Inlet Dance Theatre, OhioDance, Lloyd Knight, Universities and other leading Industry creatives. This programming allows students to curate their own artistic voice; walking into the industry upon graduation with a foundation for creation.
BARD HIGH SCHOOL EARLY COLLEGE (BHSEC) is a center of intellectual energy and community. From our Writing and Thinking Workshops, which begin the academic year, to our Seminar Sequence, to college electives in humanities, mathematics, sciences, and the arts. All of our students enjoy the benefits of a well-rounded, liberal arts education within a close-knit environment of supportive faculty. Through the partnership between Bard College in New York and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, BHSEC makes it possible for students to earn both a high school diploma and an Associate in Arts degree from Bard College within four years.
SHEENA’S PLATINUM MOVEMENTS Founded in 2013, Sheena’s Platinum Movements is a non-competitive dance studio that offers training in ballet, tap, jazz, and modern. We embrace the individuality of each dancer, providing age-appropriate instruction and a quality dance education that nurtures both skills and confidence. At Sheena’s Platinum Movements, the dancer always comes first. Our mission is to empower students in a loving and inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, creativity is encouraged, and joy is at the heart of every class. We believe dance should be fun, uplifting, and transformative. As a certified YPAD (Youth Protection Advocates in Dance) studio, we are deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our dancers. We stand firm in the principle that no accolade, trophy, or recognition takes precedence over the protection of youth. Our top priority is the emotional, physical, and sexual safety of every student we serve. At Sheena’s Platinum Movements, the goal is not perfection but progress—measured in growth, empowerment, and the confidence that comes from expressing one’s true self. We stand for inclusion and kindness, honoring the unique differences that make each dancer and family a vital part of our community.
SUPERIOR SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (SSPA), formerly known as Superior Elementary, was reopened as an arts school in 2021 for grades 3 through 8. Under the leadership of principal Monique Ceasor, SSPA strives to enrich the lives of all students while exploring the arts. As SSPA is entering our fourth year of being open, we are excited for the opportunity to dance at Cleveland Dance Fest for the first time! We can't wait to share the grit, talent, and excellence that resides in East Cleveland.
BALLET THEATRE ASHTABULA provides students with a strong technical foundation in ballet via expert instruction and personal attention, in a professional nurturing environment. Welcoming students of all levels as well as providing preprofessional training. Aspiring students participate in YAGP and have been accepted to prestigious programs including Juilliard, the Ailey School, George Mason University, North Carolina School of the Arts, and Wright State among others. Annual performance opportunities for all student levels, including The Nutcracker and Spring Dance Concert.
MILLER SOUTH SCHOOL FOR THE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS is located in Akron Ohio serving students in grades 4-8. At Miller South, the creative and curious learn to challenge, support, and inspire each other. The unique environment focuses on the Arts and Academics, while empowering students to use innovative skills to flourish as people and professionals.
Dancers at Miller South participate in daily classes that encompass technique, history, composition, and performance. These dedicated performers make up the Miller South Dance Ensemble, which has graced numerous community venues, including the Akron Public Library, Firestone High School, the Akron Art Museum, E.J. Thomas Hall, and the Mimi Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square.
Moreover, the ensemble has had the privilege of collaborating with distinguished Professional Dance Companies such as Inlet Dance Theatre, Groundworks Dance Theatre, and The Movement Project, in addition to partnering with the Tuesday Musical Association. Miller South Dance Ensemble has also established partnerships with Kent State University and the University of Akron.
The Akron Public Schools enrollment period for the 2026-2027 school year is now! For enrollment and audition information, please visit our school website: millersouth.akronschools.com
NATYA NIRVANA, MUCAI ACADEMY, NRITHYANJALI DANCE SCHOOL
MUCAI Academy is a non-profit performing arts studio offering classes in dance, theater, and fitness for over 15 years in Worthington, OH. Students ages 3 through adults receive inclusive instruction and performance opportunities regardless of socio-economic status. MUCAI Academy focuses on cultural diversity. At MUCAI Academy, Dance is for Everybody.
Sukanya Chand is a dance practitioner who specializes in Bharatanatyam and Odissi, two of the eight Indian Classical Dance forms. Sukanya received her dance foundation in India and she explored the basics of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Flamenco, Theater, and Modern dance when she moved to US. She enjoys choreographing solo and collaborative pieces that highlight the elements of Indian Classical, folk dances, creating traditional and contemporary pieces. Performances, master classes, workshops are provided through her dance company ‘Natya Nirvana’ with the mission to educate, enrich the Central Ohio community through arts education while creating multicultural awareness and cultivating local talent. She is currently an instructor at MUCAI Academy in Worthington, Ohio.
Brinda Ramasubrmanian, well-versed in three Indian classical dance forms: Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kuchipudi, each known for its unique history, intricate footwork, and expressive storytelling through gestures and facial expressions. Brinda is a the founder of Nrithyanjali Dance School. She finds immense joy in teaching, molding the next generation of dancers with patience, precision, and a deep understanding of the art. The school primarily focuses on teaching Bharatanatyam, a dance form known for its powerful rhythms and spiritual roots. Under her guidance, students of all ages learn the technical rigor, emotional expression, and cultural significance of Bharatanatyam, while also receiving exposure to Mohiniyattam and Kuchipudi. The mission of Nrithyanjali is to build a nurturing environment where students not only excel in dance but also gain an appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of India.
CLEVELAND SCHOOL OF THE ARTS Dance Company is an honors course focusing on performing available to Dance majors at the school through an audition process each academic year. It is a part of the Dance Program at CSA, which is a part of Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The company welcomes guest artists and represents our department at off-campus performances. Students have the opportunity to perform at festivals, with local music organizations, and more.
THE MOVEMENT PROJECT SUMMER INTENSIVE GUEST ARTISTS
The Movement Project's Summer Intensive is a one week program geared for serious-minded dancers interested in furthering themselves as creative artists and who wish to deepen and grow their technical and performance knowledge. This intensive provides a rigorous daily schedule in professional training, creative practice and rehearsals taught by TMP artistic directors, company members, as well as notable guest artists in the dance community. The program will focus on modern dance technique, contemporary, ballet, improvisation, composition, injury prevention and somatic practices. In addition to movement courses, the program includes courses designed to prepare young artists for a career in dance, such as, resume building, dance on film and marketing. As part of our marketing course, each artist will receive dance action shots for their portfolio.