Applications for the NDEO Conference Scholarship are OPEN! 📣
Provided by NCDEO, the selected applicant will receive free Early Bird registration to this year’s national conference September 24th- September 27th at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.
Applications will be adjudicated using a rubric system created by the NCDEO Awards Committee. The application deadline is May 21, 2026 in order to receive the Early Bird rate. Qualifying applicants are active members of NDEO, and will be able to provide proof of travel/hotel bookings.
This is a registration scholarship and does not include travel and hotel accommodations. Apply NOW! 💫 LINK IN BIO!
ATTENTION MEMBERS! 📣 It’s time to VOTE for the 2026-2028 NCDEO Board! Make your voice heard and take 30 seconds to complete the short (but important) slate approval form. The ballot closes at 11:59pm on FRIDAY 4/24. Jump in and VOTE today!
LINK IN BIO ✨🗳️✨
Member News! 📣 Join Uprooted Jazz Dance Education for an exhilarating Jazz Dance Workshop designed specifically for all dance educators eager to refine their teaching methodologies, expand their movement vocabulary, and deepen their understanding of jazz dance pedagogy. This dynamic program offers a comprehensive exploration of musicality, movement quality, and progressive lesson planning, equipping instructors with fresh ideas and practical tools to enhance their classes. Led by renowned industry professionals and members of the Uprooted Educational Team, this workshop will provide hands-on training in jazz and African dance techniques, improvisation, and ensemble practices, ensuring participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical strategies to engage students at various levels.
Uprooted Jazz Dance Workshop
July 16th - 19th | @uprooted.film
/teachers-2026
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NCDEO members can share news and events with our community via our Social Share Form — LINK IN BIO!
Happy Saturday and Happy Spring! 🌼 We are also happy to introduce our March Member of the Month — Erika Lindbloom Bennett @balletbyerika / @houghdance !
Mrs. Erika Lindblom Bennett, MA, is a dance educator, choreographer, and director with over two decades of experience teaching in both the private studio sector and in public education. She is currently the Dance Lead for grades 6-12 for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, the Dance Director at William A. Hough High School, Artistic Director of the Hough Dance Company, and is the Head Coach of the Hough Varsity Dance Team. She earned her Master’s Degree in Dance Education from the University of Northern Colorado where her graduate work strengthened her commitment to the development of more inclusive dance programs that support both technical excellence and student well-being. She is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique, serves on the board and dance committee for North Carolina Association for Scholastic Activities, and is a member of the National Dance Education Organization in addition to serving as the advisor for her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.
💫 Why did you join NCDEO?
I initially joined NDEO for networking and to gain access to professional development opportunities. I never anticipated that joining would inspire me to go back to school and pursue my Master’s degree as a working mom! When I transitioned from teaching dance in a private studio setting to teaching dance in public education, NDEO/NCDEO truly helped bridge the gap between the studio and the classroom. The OPDI courses I took prepared me for this transition and the ongoing support I’ve received over the years from NCDEO has allowed me to elevate my teaching practice and confidently lead my students with the most current, research-based strategies in the field.
Happy Friday! 🙌 We are proud to announce our 2026 Outstanding Educator Award recipients — Darius Anthony (K-12) and Marissa Nesbit (Higher Education).
💫 Darius Anthony is a teacher, choreographer, and filmmaker dedicated to cultivating artistry, discipline, and self-expression in young artists. A native of Kannapolis, North Carolina, he earned his BFA in Choreography and Performance with K–12 Teaching Licensure from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. @millbrookhsdance@heyimdarius_
💫 Marissa Nesbit, PhD, MFA is deeply committed to the idea that all children should have the opportunity to attain an excellent dance education centered in the arts. Named as 2024 Outstanding Dance Educator in Higher Education by the National Dance Education Organization, Dr. Nesbit’s approach to teaching centers the meaning that students create through encounters with creative practices in a dynamic and connected classroom community. @marissanesbit
Congratulations to these two standout educators!
We are still coming down from the excitement of our 2026 conference! A full recap is in the works, but first we are thrilled to announce our 2026 Ashley Cartledge Inclusive Dance Education Scholarship Recipient, Connie Pearce!
🏆 Connie Pearce is a North Carolina–based dancer, choreographer, and dance educator who is endlessly curious about how movement can change people. She loves teaching because it lets her watch students discover their strength, their confidence, and their love for dance. About receiving this award, Connie says:
“Being selected as a scholarship recipient by the North Carolina Dance Education Organization is an exciting and meaningful milestone. It represents not only support for my growth as an educator, but also my belief that dance education can be joyful, rigorous, and deeply impactful. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to continue learning, teaching, and building creative, encouraging spaces for dancers across North Carolina.”
Join us in congratulating @conniepearce04 ! 👏👏👏
LAST 👏 DAY 👏 TO 👏 APPLY!
NCDEO is currently seeking nominations for FOUR Board positions:
⭐️ Treasurer (2 Year Term)
⭐️ Member at Large Advocacy (2 Year Term)
⭐️ Member at Large Conference Support (2 Year Term)
⭐️ Member at Large NHSDA (2 Year Term)
This is a SELF-nomination process. You must be a current member of NDEO/NCDEO in order to serve in a Board position. We encourage people from all parts of North Carolina and from all dance education settings to apply so the Board may best reflect the diverse membership it serves. All positions require a two-year commitment of service and attendance at monthly one-hour virtual meetings. Additional job responsibilities are outlined in link. Applicants may apply for more than one position.
Terms begin May 1, 2026 and end April 30, 2028. Nominations close TONIGHT at 11:59pm!
MORE INFO + LINK IN BIO ⭐️
We have reached the final day of DANCE A DIFFERENCE week! ✨ To wrap up, share your passion and talent with your community. Even though the week has come to an end, you can ALWAYS make a difference through dance. Keep moving!
#danceadifference #nhsda #ncnhsda @nhsda.dance
HAPPY FRIDAY! 🙌 Today, you are encouraged to FIND YOUR FIT by hosting a clothing swap with friends and peers. As we near the end of DANCE A DIFFERENCE week, how are YOU making positive changes in your community?
#danceadifference #nhsda #ncnhsda @nhsda.dance pc: @nwsa.dab Northwest School of the Arts
We’re over halfway through DANCE A DIFFERENCE week, and today is THANKFUL THURSDAY! 🙏 How do YOU show gratitude to the dance educators and leaders in your community?
#danceadifference #nhsda #ncnhsda @nhsda.dance pc: @coxmilldance
It’s WISHFUL WEDNESDAY! ✨ Being a successful artist includes helping others step up and keep moving as well. How are you lending a hand during DANCE A DIFFERENCE week?
#danceadifference #nhsda #ncnhsda pc: @coxmilldance
Today is TURN UP TUESDAY! 💥 Offer a dance class in your community for those who may not get to dance often! How are YOU participating in DANCE A DIFFERENCE week? #DanceADifference #NHSDA #ncnhsda
pc: Panther Creek High School
