Ballet Day 2023

On Sunday, January 29th, 2023, we hosted our 4th Annual Ballet Day, honoring Miss Maria Vitery. Miss Maria was a wonderful DE teacher, mentor, and dancer who passed away from a rare blood disorder, TTP, on January 28th, 2019. Maria, a native of Peru, was not only a beloved teacher here at the studio but also a scientist at John Hopkins, earning her PHD.  She would often encourage our dancers to be their very best in both their ballet classes and their academic studies.

Every January in Maria’s honor, we invite students to attend our Ballet Day Workshop. This year, 43 students ranging from age 7-18, attended ballet and modern classes taught by some of our very own faculty.  Ms. Jen Bailey enjoyed teaching the younger students a ballet technique class, and an introduction to modern class. Ms. Abby Farina instructed our older students in modern technique and Ms. Blair D’Amico taught the older students ballet technique and a ballet variation from Paquita.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Miss Maria will forever remember her encouraging nature, warmth, and dedication. After her passing Dance Expressions established The Maria Vitery Scholarship. It is awarded to students who exemplify Miss Maria in their work ethic, kind nature, and passion for ballet. They do all of this without seeking recognition, and are usually very surprised and always grateful to receive this special honor. The scholarship helps further recipients’ dance education and covers payment toward the CCA East Coast Committee’s Spring Cecchetti Ballet Conference held at the University of Maryland.

This year’s winners were Mary Grace Bailey and Jocelyn Proctor. They are pictured here with the winners from previous years.

Through her dancing, teaching, and scientific studies Miss Maria truly made the world a better place. We remain inspired to continue her legacy. Thank you to all who participated in this year’s Ballet Day. If you have a sweet memory of Miss Maria please feel free to share it below in the comments.

Maria Vitery

Maria Vitery Scholarship Winners 2020 - 2023

From Left to Right, Kris Busch 2020, Alyssa Alston 2022, Makayla Williams 2021, Mary Grace Bailey 2023, Jocelyn Proctor 2023, Ava Wheeler 2020, Tallish Lewis 2021, Lilly Ann Bailey 2022

Ms. Jen and the younger Ballet Day students

Ms. Blair and all the older Ballet Day students