Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ dance program has long been regarded as one of the state’s best, so it’s only natural that individual dancers shine when it is their turn in the spotlight.
Eighteen county students have been named All-State Dancers, ranking them among the 25 best in the state, and four others received honorable mention honors. The All-State dancers were selected through audition by a panel of professional dancers and college/university dance faculty based on technique, musicality, professionalism, performance, attitude, and likelihood of future success in dance.
County dancers who were selected are:
- Hope Aperfine, Chesapeake High School
- Kailee Cornu, Annapolis High School (PVA)
- Kaitlin Cossentino, North County High School
- Sylvia Dean, Broadneck High School
- Amber Hodak, Old Mill High School
- Christina Kulp, Broadneck High School
- Jemma Lehner, South River High School
- Rachel Moore, Severna Park High School
- Madeline Ostenso, Annapolis High School
- Julia Poerio, Broadneck High School
- Giavanni Powell, South River High School
- Caitlyn Powers, Glen Burnie High School
- Holli Schadt, Old Mill High School
- Benjamin Shepard, Annapolis High School
- Hannah Strother, Annapolis High School
- Sarah Taylor, Severna Park High School
- Melissa Valente, Broadneck High School
- Nastasia Vasconcells, North County High School
Those earning honorable mention are:
- Amanda Clevinger, Meade High School
- Megan Donaldson, Old Mill High School
- Danielle Draper, Broadneck High School
- Hannah Tucker, Southern High School
Earlier this school year, Annapolis High School dance teacher Jillian Barber was named dance instructor of the year and North County dance teacher Chase Haglund received the Simon McNeely Award for outstanding contributions to the profession from the Maryland Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.