All Young Audiences artists are highly skilled professional teaching artists that have completed a rigorous interview and audition process. They are evaluated and selected annually based on their artistic excellence and ability to connect with young people.

* - Artists with this symbol are MSAC approved! MSAC funding may be available!

‡ - Artists with this symbol have arts integration training through YA’s Teaching Artist Institute!

* ‡ BALLET THEATRE OF MARYLAND (BTM)

Classical and Contemporary Ballet

BTM, Maryland’s only professional classical and contemporary ballet company, is housed at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis. In addition to performances, BTM provides a fully comprehensive training program in classical and contemporary dance, including an apprentice program that draws students from across the United States and abroad.

Jump to: Assemblies | Workshops | Residencies

* ‡ DISHIBEM TRADITIONAL CONTEMPORARY DANCE GROUP

West African Dance

Kwame Densu Opare, the leader of DishiBem (pronounced dee-shee-bem//translation: writing peace), began studying West African dance with traditional masters at the age of 13. At 14, he became a principal dancer with Kankouran West African Dance Company. Kwame moved to New York and established himself as a sought after instructor and choreographer. In 1998, Kwame began touring with the off-Broadway hit show “STOMP.” Kwame founded DishiBem in 2003 in an effort to bridge the gap between traditional West African and contemporary dance and music.

Jump to: Assemblies | Residencies

* ANNA MENENDEZ

Classical Spanish Dancer

Anna Menendez is an experienced Flamenco dancer and choreographer who has studied extensively in Spain. She was the 2003 recipient of the Artists’ Fellowship award from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for excellence in Flamenco dance. She has held dancing roles in many operas, and also performed with the “La Truco Flamenco” dance company in Madrid, Spain. Other credits include appearances with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and performances with Carmela Greco (daughter of late, great Jose Greco) in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Chicago.

Jump to: Assemblies | Workshops | Residencies

* NRITYA

Classical Indian Dancing

Lakshmi Swaminathan and Lavanya Thamire are the dancers forming NRITYA. Lakshmi’s passion for dance led her to establish Natananjali School of Dance, where she trains students in Bharatanatyam. Natananjali was awarded a citation
by the Governor of the State of Maryland in 2008 for dedication in promoting Asian culture through dance in the United States. Lavanya Thamire has been studying Kuchipudi with Guru Anuradha Nehru, artistic director and founder of Kuchipudi Kalanidhi since 2005. As a company dancer, she has performed at venues such as Wolf Trap and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Lavanya currently teaches Kalanidhi students at Kuchipudi Kalanidhi’s new branch in
Ashburn, VA.

Jump to: Assemblies | Residencies

Illstyle & Peace Productions

Hip-Hop Dance

Brandon “Peace” Albright and Forrest Webb founded Illstyle & Peace Productions in 2002. Their affiliations and performing credits include Crew Scanner Boyz, Boys II Men, Will Smith, LL Cool J, and Renee Harris Pure Movement. The company, based in Philadelphia, PA, is a multicultural, mixed-gender dance company whose work focuses on the movement and spirit of hip-hop with a variety of performance disciplines such as ballet, jazz, and tap. The company delivers a positive message of individual expression to worldwide audiences young and old.

Jump to: Assemblies

NEW! * ‡ SANKOFA DAnce THEATeR

African Dance Company

Sankofa Dance Theater is a national non-profit arts organization devoted to
presenting world-class, authentic African art in the form of dance, music, and folkways. The word “Sankofa” means to learn from the past in an effort to build for the future. Sankofa reaches back into the rich legacy of African culture and history to move forward into greater awareness for the community-at-large.
In addition to annual concerts, master classes, workshops, residencies, and youth arts programs; Sankofa has performed throughout the United States and internationally – from Japan to West Africa!

Jump to: Assemblies

Key

* - Artists with this symbol are MSAC approved! MSAC funding may be available!

‡ - Artists with this symbol have arts integration training through YA’s Teaching Artist Institute!