DE Dancers Kick Off 2026 with a bang!
Neither cold nor snow could keep us from dancing away our winter blues at several exciting events this month. On January 3rd, our Sparkling Stars and Rising Stars performed at the Women’s Navy Basketball Game Halftime Show in Annapolis, premiering two brand-new jazz routines. Ms. London’s “Meeting in the Ladies Room”, featuring our Sparkling Stars, brought sass and confidence to the court, while Ms. Gabi’s “Spice Up Your Life” had our Rising Stars lighting up the floor with energy and attitude.
Our dancers received the VIP treatment at the Navy Game—complete with their own dressing room behind the court and a personal escort to the sidelines before performing. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and the crowd was loving their performance!
Two weeks later, we held our annual Ballet Day at the studio in honor of the late Maria Vitery. She was a beloved teacher at Dance Expressions, and every year we gather to host ballet and modern workshops in honor of her legacy. At the conclusion of Ballet Day, we present the Maria Vitery Scholarship to dancers who show kindness, dedication, and passion for ballet. Faculty members at DE nominate these students, recognizing their growth not only as dancers but as individuals. This year, two outstanding students were honored with The Maria Vitery Scholarship: Charis Filmore and Sophia Crawley.
The following weekend, several company members attended the MADM Title Competition, where dancers performed solos, participated in interviews, and took classes to receive adjudicated scores.
One especially meaningful moment came when our own Bailey Rea Burtis handed over her Junior Miss Dance 2025 crown to Grace Elizabeth Douglas, who earned the title of Junior Miss Dance 2026. Congratulations to both dancers on this beautiful milestone!
Additional MADM Highlights:
Junior Miss Dance: Grace Elizabeth Douglas (Teacher: Pam Schrier; Teacher of Recognition: Charlene Jackson)
Junior Miss Overall Class: Grace Elizabeth Douglas (Teacher: Pam Schrier; Teacher of Recognition: Charlene Jackson)
Teen Miss Modern: Emily Magill (Teacher: Pam Schrier)
Miss Dance 2nd Runner-Up: Ava Wheeler (Teacher: Pam Schrier)
Miss Dance 4th Runner-Up: Mary Grace Bailey (Teacher: Pam Schrier)
Wally Dashiell Miss Dance Ballet Award: Lilly Ann Bailey (Teacher: Pam Schrier)
Miss Dance Tap: Ava Wheeler (Teacher: Pam Schrier; Teacher of Recognition: Charlene Jackson)
Miss Dance Modern (TIE): Mary Grace Bailey & Skyler Wynn (Teacher: Pam Schrier)
The following weekend, we headed to Baltimore for our first competition and convention of the season—NYCDA! Several new pieces debuted, and every dancer did an amazing job in both performances and workshop classes.
NYCDA Highlights:
Backstage Good Sport Award: Studio
Ballet Hispanico Summer Intensive Scholarship: Bailey Rea Burtis
Ballet Scholarship: Grace Elizabeth Douglas
Hip-Hop Scholarships: Kendall Allen & Bailee Plummer
Intensive Standouts: Lilly Ann Bailey, Taliah Lewis, Makayla Williams, Mary Grace Bailey
Outstanding Dancer Runner-Up: Grace Elizabeth Douglas, Bailey Rea Burtis, Saniah Warner, Skyler Wynn
Congratulations to all of our dancers for an incredible January filled with passion, growth, and unforgettable performances!
