Those who participate in Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ dance programs already know what an exceptional leader Nicole Deming is. Now, the state knows it as well.
For her many efforts to promote dance education in AACPS and throughout the state, Deming, who has worked in the school system since 2005 and served as the Dance Education Teacher Specialist since 2016, has been named this year’s winner of the Outstanding Leadership in Dance Education by the Maryland Dance Education Association. The award is given annually to a dance educator who is committed to and promotes dance education on the local, state, and national levels.
“I am both honored and humbled to be recognized for this award,” Deming said. “As a dancer, choreographer, educator, and leader, my educational philosophy supports dance as a vehicle for all students to communicate, collaborate, and create. I am blessed to work for a school system that has afforded me the opportunity to grow our dance education program and recognizes the value of an arts-rich education. I believe dance educators utilize the brilliance of the art form to manifest in students for a lifetime.”
In her current role, Deming supports teachers and students in all dance programs from prekindergarten through 12th grade. She coordinates the countywide Dance Festival, which showcases the work of elementary, middle and high school students throughout the county over three weeks each year.
Prior to leading AACPS’ dance program, Deming taught at South River High School and Marley Middle School. In additional to her efforts to support Dance Education in AACPS, she also serves as the Middle School Dance Showcase Co-Chair and Treasurer for MDEA and volunteers much of her time to elevating dance education throughout Maryland and beyond.
“I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this year’s award,’ said Christiana Walsh, AACPS’ Coordinator of Health, Physical Education, and Dance. “Ms. Deming is truly one of a kind. Her vision to provide all students the opportunity to explore the creative process is evidenced in her tireless work with students and community stakeholders. She truly believes all students should have access to arts-rich education and has brought many inspiring experiences to the students of AACPS.”
The mission of the Maryland Dance Education Association is to serve dance educators and elevate dance in the State of Maryland as a creative process, discipline, and performing art that informs the human experience in a variety of environments including, but not limited to, dance studios, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, recreational, and community centers.
Deming received the award on Friday evening at the conclusion of MDEA’s “GRATEFUL for Dance Week” virtual celebration.