Students, Guest Artists and Choreographers From Across the Nation Experience All Things Dance at 2023 National High School Dance Festival
1,200 students from more than 70 high schools across the United States attended the 2023 National High School Dance Festival (NHSDF) at Point Park University during the spring semester. Festival highlights included:
- Classes in the University's state-of-the-art dance facilities with guest artists and choreographers
- Auditions in front of prestigious dance schools from across the country
- Gala and informal concerts — featuring a performance by Complexions Contemporary Ballet
- A college recruitment fair
Video: 2023 NHSDF at Point Park University
What NHSDF Means to Participants
"I'm thrilled to have returned to Point Park and honored to share the excitement and opportunities with my students at NHSDF. To be in state-of-the-art facilities and train with guest artists and choreographers alongside dancers from around the world — right in their backyard— is a privilege and an incredible experience as young artists. This was a memorable experience for all and demonstrates the University's and Festival's commitment to the arts." — James Manning '11, chair of dance, Pittsburgh CAPA, Pittsburgh, Pa.
"Being surrounded by my future dance peers felt surreal. The opportunity to get a taste of the vast dance world is invaluable. NHSDF is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in this art form and take classes with a wide range of industry professionals." — Alexandra St-Onge, Booker T. Washington HSPVA, Dallas, Texas.
"It's a brilliant concept to bring all of these dancers from different states together to dance as one. We all have diverse training backgrounds and excel in various techniques, so having this platform where we can all learn as a unit is very powerful. I'm grateful for this opportunity to keep moving and working with new teachers and classmates." — Eva Viciana, Pebblebrook High School, Mableton, Ga.
"NHSDF offers a wide variety of class disciplines, opportunities for students to audition and network with colleges and summer programs and the chance to meet new people with similar interests. Point Park University has top-notch dance facilities, friendly faculty and staff and the campus is easy to navigate." — Joni Petre-Scholz, associate chair of dance, The Governor's School for the Arts, Norfolk, Va.
"I love the generosity and kindness of the dance community. The weather in Pittsburgh was great, and Point Park University's campus and dance facilities are gorgeous." — Jasmine Thomas, Dr. Phillips High School, Orlando, Fla.
"It was so fun experiencing many dance classes and learning new styles. There's a different feel training on a college campus compared to dancing at our own school." — Kayla Braxton, Henrico High School, Richmond, Va.
"I've been attending NHSDF for the past eight years and my students love the experience. I really enjoy watching my students learn new or different genres and the opportunity to connect with other dance students from across the U.S." — Christa Crawford, Jefferson High School teacher, Shenandoah Junction, W.Va.
More About: dance, jazz, Conservatory of Performing Arts, ballet, faculty, Downtown Pittsburgh, modern, National High School Dance Festival