Dr Henry A Wise, Jr High School Dance Department - DHAW Dance

🌟✨ Join us for an exciting evening at the Senior Solo Project Dance and Dance Production Showcase! This year, our talented seniors will take you on a journey through the rich heritage of soul music, starting from its roots and exploring its evolution to the contemporary hits we love today. 🎶💃

Each senior has bravely chosen their own song, reflecting their unique stories and experiences. From classic old-school hits to modern favorites, they have poured their hearts into every movement. This showcase is not just about technique; it’s about expressing individuality and passion through dance.

Stepping onto the stage takes immense courage, and our seniors are ready to share their personal stories in their own special way. Come support them as they showcase the skills they’ve mastered and celebrate their artistic growth.

Don’t miss out on this inspiring event that combines talent, vulnerability, and the joy of storytelling through dance. Let’s cheer them on as they shine! 🌟

“Wise Alumni Spotlight” (Class of 2023)- featured in the January Movement and Makers Newsletter
nicknamed “Buttons” offers great advice:

The message I would share with current students is to go for it. You are going to hear more no’s than yes’s, but that does not mean you are not capable or talented. When you receive feedback from your choreographer or teacher, take the time to think about it and use it to get better. I also encourage dancers to take classes outside of just their regular dance class or studio, because learning new styles and stepping into different environments helps you grow. It is okay to feel uncomfortable sometimes, because a lot of growth comes from that. Confidence is key, so practice the way you plan to perform and always keep an open mind.

“Super Senior 2026”

✨👯‍♀️ Celebrating 2 incredible years as a dedicated dance student! Every moment has been a treasure. “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” 💖🎓 Excited for what the future holds!

✨ Celebrating 11 Years of DTA Dance Teaching Assistant Program! 🎉

Wow, it’s hard to believe we’re already in our 11th year! We kicked off Dance Teaching Assistant Solo Teaching Day with an amazing lesson in Jazz dance. Our talented instructor showcased a fabulous style of Jazz Funk and did a phenomenal job working with her class!

🌟 **Benefits of Being a DTA**:
- **Hands-On Experience**: Gain practical teaching skills while working alongside experienced instructors.
- **Community Connection**: Become part of a supportive dance community that shares your passion.
- **Skill Development**: Enhance your dance techniques and learn effective teaching strategies.
- **Career Opportunities**: Open doors to future teaching roles and dance-related careers.

Join us as we continue our journey in dance education and inspire the next generation of dancers!

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting lessons ahead! 🕺💙

“Alumni Spotlight: Celebrating Dance Excellence from Dr. Henry A. Wise High School” Class of 2014
1. What motivated you to continue to continue to dancing after high school, and how did you make the transition? After high school I knew I wanted to continue dancing because it truly made me happy and it was something I was good at. I had to unlearn dancing for grades to learning to dance for real life opportunities. So I started training in literally everything - street jazz, hip hop, heels dance, commercial dance, ballet, literally everything you can think of. I also surrounded myself with professionals and those who were also open to learning new things. I was treating dance like it was a job before I even booked my first job. Now it is my job. I’ve traveled the world more than once, been on tours, performed at the worlds biggest festivals and have met so many people along the way. It’s so fun and amazing to do what you love and having a career doing it.

2. Is there a particular performance or event that holds special meaning for you? If so, why? My first job was Coachella as the main event! That’s huge and as a first job!! I hold it near and dear to my heart because it was the first of many and I learned so much just from that job alone.

3. How do you maintain connections with the dance community and fellow alumni? We connect and support each other on social media! I’ve even booked a job with some alumni.

4. What essential skills or lessons from your time at Dr. Henry A. Wise High School do you still apply in your dance practice today? Ms. Mimi taught us so much! Especially me. She was my dance mom. The things that really stick with me are discipline and being a leader. Fun fact: I’m the dance captain for the crew I’m currently on! With the discipline I’m able to be the leader the others need. I’m also able to go into a rehearsal and apply that discipline to focus and learn what needs to be learned.

5. Looking ahead, what goals do you have for your dance career in the coming years? Some goals in the coming years I have are dancing at Super Bowl, for Beyoncé

🌟 **Mimi’s Phone: They’re Back!** 🌟

Hey everyone! Guess what? My fabulous alumni babies are back at school and still dancing like there’s no tomorrow! 💃❤️ It’s so wonderful to see them checking in on this young woman (that’s me!) while sharing their love for dance!

I know I’ve been slow to post lately—life’s been a whirlwind! But get ready because I’m here to sprinkle some fun back into your feeds! 🎉✨

Stay tuned for more dance updates, a few hilarious mishaps, and maybe even some behind-the-scenes action! Let’s go! 🙌🤪

🌟✨ BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! ✨🌟

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been named **Dance Educator of the Year** for K–12 Public Schools by the Maryland Dance Education Association! 🎉💃🏾

Huge congratulations to all the other incredible award recipients, especially my former professor, Susan Kirchner, and my dance supervisor, Temisha Richardson! Your dedication and support have truly inspired me along this journey.

Thank you to everyone who has cheered me on. Let’s keep dancing and celebrating together! 🥳✨