Dance St. Louis recently announced the winners of its 2014 Dance Career Awards. The Dance Career Awards are designed to identify and honor local high school students who are exceptionally motivated and talented in dance, and who show potential for a professional dance career.
The winners, selected from hundreds of students participating in the Monsanto Dance Education Residency Program, were presented their awards onstage at the Touhill Performing Arts Center by Michael Uthoff, artistic and executive director of Dance St. Louis, and Deborah Patterson, president of the Monsanto Fund.
The 2014 awardees were: Jazzmon Craig of Normandy High, Asha Garrison of University City High, Kimaiya Hall and Daryon Kent of Visual and Performing Arts High and Maia Sims of Grand Center Arts Academy. They participated in a three-week residency with teaching artists from the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Recipients of the Dance Career Awards will be offered guidance and support towards more intensive dance training and careers in the dance field. Awardees will also be assisted with preparation for auditions, counseling on college options and connections to the professional dance world. Dance St. Louis may also contribute financially and help awardees seek support from dance schools, colleges and professional dance companies.
The five recognized students were selected from a pool of hundreds of students who participated in the Monsanto Dance Education Residency Program — the largest of Dance St. Louis’ education outreach programs. Supported by past and current funding from the Monsanto Fund, the program consists of two intensive, three-week dance education programs offered each school year in six urban middle and high schools.
As part of the program, there is also a cross-curricular teaching guide in collaboration with the teaching artists of visiting companies. For students from underserved areas, it is often their first encounter with a professional dancer.
For more info, visit www.dancestlouis.org .Â
