Professional Development for Teachers

 Statement:
For 34 years and counting, the National High School Dance Festival (NHSDF) has provided opportunities for thousands of students (and their faculty) to network, share, learn, be inspired, gain and update information from experts in the field! Although the festival most definitely focuses on the students, an amazing 'bi-product’ is teacher development opportunities. Faculty are invited to observe classes (space available) and to participate in their own specific workshops. Classes over the years have included ballet, modern/contemporary, tap, jazz, hip-hop, world dance, Pilates, stretch, injury prevention, Improvisation, fundamentals of Anatomy and Kinesiology, Alignment, preparation tools for college, lighting design, dance history, and more. Teachers have even gained playlists from the teaching Festival faculty upon request after
observing their classes.

Both students and teachers are inspired by the quality of all classes and performances. Feedback from their students re Auditions has proved invaluable. Teachers enjoy conversations with members of the professional dance companies who perform at the Opening Ceremonies of the festival.

At the Recruitment Fair, teachers talk one-on-one with representatives of the most outstanding tertiary institutions from across the U.S. and abroad. Many teachers are invited to be part of the Festival Faculty. There are 8 concerts during the festival (9 counting the professional Opening ceremonies Concert). Teachers learn so much from observing the quality of both performers and choreography in each of these concerts, especially the evening Gala Concerts. The Executive Director of NHSDF has the authority to sign Professional Development forms as submitted by any teacher on behalf of their school and/or school district, as proof of having attended specific sessions and as full participants of the Festival.​​​​​​​​​