Dawn's School of Dance started our 30th Anniversary Celebration doing what we love...traveling and dancing! We kicked off the DSD Legacy Tour with an alumni trip to New York City. Nineteen alumni of all generations joined Dawn on a whirlwind weekend in the Big Apple that included a picnic in Central Park, singalongs at Ellen's Stardust Diner, quiet reflection at the 9/11 Memorial, a jaunt on the Staten Island Ferry to visit Lady Liberty, and loads of sightseeing along the way. They proved they've still got it when they dusted off their dancing shoes and took lyrical and hip hop classes at the Broadway Dance Center. The group also experienced the biggest blackout the city has seen since 1977 -- NYC just couldn't handle the power surge generated by the DSD Legacy Tour! Watch the video on our 30th Anniversary page.

DSD got Squirrely this June! Our Team and Company Dancers did an awesome job representing DSD at the Flying Squirrels game. They performed a 5-minute pre-game show right on the field and really got the crowd pumped for an exciting game! Afterwards the dancers joined their biggest fans (family and friends) and DSD took over a huge section in the stands. Hot dogs, peanuts, cotton candy, and shenanigans followed, and everyone enjoyed an awesome fireworks show to top off a great night!

​Six brave advanced dancers auditioned for the Rockette's Summer Intensive programs to start the year off with a high kick! All agreed that it was a great experience. We will hear back soon if any of these lovely ladies will have an opportunity to study with the Rockettes this summer. Previously, we have had two students attend the mini-intensive. 

​New York City was a great experience for DSD's seniors once again. They enjoyed watching the Rockettes dance at Radio City Music Hall, then had an opportunity to dance themselves at the Broadway Dance Center. In addition to seeing the sights, they went ice skating and paid their respects at the 911 Memorial.

​Our 7th trip to Walt Disney World featured a fabulous evening performance by...Dawn's School of Dance! Shortly after submitting our audition video, our Senior classes were  invited to participate in Disney Performing Arts Onstage, and asked to perform later than we ever have before on the Disney Springs Waterside Stage. The result was an awesome crowd and fantastic lights to make our show even more spectacular! Participants also visited Walt Disney World parks and had the opportunity to participate in a workshop taught by a professional Disney performer and choreographer. 

​DSD's Dance Team had an awesome showing at the Southeast Showdown Competition. The Musical theatre routine placed 1st, the Senior Lyrical placed 2nd, and the Junior Lyrical received Elite Gold placement. Kathryn Soule and Ashanti Ellis both placed in the top 8 out of 19 other soloist for their solo pieces. Isabella Deem’s solo placed 2nd and then also received the 2nd highest score for the entire day in her division (out of over 100 routines she placed 2nd!). Ashlee Powell and Kathryn Soule’s duet placed 4th overall in their category. Last but certainly not least, Samantha Martin, McKenzie Lockett and Kathryn Soule we’re all three awarded “Southeast Showdown Dancer” awards. This is a special award that provides them the opportunity to go in June and compete and audition for the chance to become a “Legends Dancer” which encompasses many great opportunities. Kathryn Soule and Isabella Deem also earned an opportunity to compete at Nationals with their solos. Way to go!

​Twelve members of our Dance Team took the field at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, performing in an awesome half-time show routine. Students traveled by van to Florida and spent the week rehearsing and taking master classes with world-renowed choreographers, icluding DMAC, Sandoz and GiGi Torres. The game was held at the Miami Dolphin's Stadium and the routine, choreographed by Cris Judd, was danced during a performance by Andy Grammer. Finally they enjoyed some down time on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale and took a super fun dinner and dance cruise. We are so proud of these fantastic dancers!!!

​Another great time visiting the Big Apple! DSD's seniors saw the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, then had an opportunity to take a class at the Broadway Dance Center. Ice skating in Bryant Park was another highlight, and they had a great time seeing all the sights and eating all the food!  

​Students of the year McKenzie Lockett and Samantha Martin auditioned for the Rockette's summer programs this winter, and then received an invitation to their mini-intensive. Both students were able to attend and travelled to NYC for the 3-day workshop June 22-24. They learned Rockettes routines as well as tips of the trade from their instrutors, who were veteran Rockettes. This awesome opportunity was a memorable trip! We are super proud of our mini-Rockettes!!!  

​Our All-Start Tap Team participated in the National Cherry Blossom Festival parade again this year. Over 400 dancers from throughout the country participated, learning a moving routine that delighted the crowd! A great day for DSD in DC!