Thirteen county high school dancers earned All-State honors, four others earned honorable mention, and Annapolis High School scored a top award at the 28th annual Maryland Public High School Dance Showcase on January 6 at Goucher College.
The All-State dancers, who earned their spots through auditions after being nominated by their dance company directors, are:
- Sarah Bentov-Lagman, Annapolis High School
- Ella Collins, Severna Park High School
- Cassie Curry, Old Mill High School
- Sarah Davis, North County High School
- Erin Diehl, Severna Park High School
- Kaylie Gonzalez, Old Mill High School
- Elizabeth Hines, Severna Park High School
- Andrea Johnson, Arundel High School
- Jenna Kasten, Severna Park High School
- Amy Novak, Glen Burnie High School
- McKenzi Priest, Northeast High School
- Austin Ubannwa, Annapolis High School Performing and Visual Arts Magnet
- Allison Wijntjes, South River High School
The following dancers were named Honorable Mention All-State:
- Madeline Ostenso, Annapolis High School
- Kailee Coru, Annapolis High School Performing and Visual Arts Magnet
- Erin Daniel, South River High School
- Rachel Shrier, Arundel High School
In addition to the individual honors, Annapolis High School earned the prestigious Performance and Professionalism Award. The award is one of two given each year to schools that are observed during master classes and tech rehearsal and cited as being the most professional in dress, behavior, attitude toward other dancers, cohesiveness of their Dance Company, and performance qualities.
“I am just so proud of the effort our dancers and dance company directors put into being the best they can possibly be,” said Nicole Deming, AACPS’ Dance Teacher Specialist, who oversees the county’s dance program. “We have a legacy of excellence when it comes to dance in Anne Arundel County and our dancers upheld that legacy impeccably once again.”