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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
University School of NSU Dance Educator Awarded Prestigious Fellowship
University School of NSU instructor Toranika Washington was one of only eight dance educators to win a fellowship to the internationally-recognized Bates Dance Festival Professional Training Program.
For three weeks prior to the start of school, Washington immersed herself in a program designed to renew high school dance educators’ passion for teaching and enhance their classroom and creative work. Bates’ faculty consists of world-renowned dance artists – teachers, performers and choreographers – and classes included technical skill development, creative process, instructional methods and health and wellness. Participants also attended performances and lectures, and created and critiqued new dance works.
Washington leads by example. Since starting Innovations Dance Theatre (IDT) during her first year at University School, she has worked hard to expose students to “as much dance as I possibly can.” Dance company members attend dance workshops, festivals and concerts in addition to performing in a variety of dance productions. She also established a National Honor Society for Dance Arts chapter to which IDT members can be inducted and earn awards based on their involvement.
A ballet and tap dancer by the age of four, Washington says she always knew that she was going to do something in the dance world. She added jazz and modern dance to her repertoire and later founded the Bailadora Dance Ensemble while in college, a move that allowed her to hone her choreographic skills.