(SUMMIT, NJ) -- New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble Dancer, Brooke Katsafados, a senior from Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey will receive a Governor’s Award for Arts Education: Student Award for Artistic Excellence and Leadership in Dance.
Brooke Katsafados, the daughter of Kristin and John Katsafados, is a senior at Ocean County Vocational Technical School Class of 2021. She has been accepted into all of her top choice universities has committed to George Mason University receiving a 100% Full Scholarship pursuing a BFA degree in Dance. “This year has been about overcoming obstacles and finding solutions. One must dig deep and be determined to realize their dreams.” says Katsafados.
Brooke joined NJDTE Ensemble in 2019. She will be featured in our Spring Performances of Balli di Primavera in works by American Modern Master, Paul Taylor’s “Cloven Kingdom”, staged by 20-year Paul Taylor Veteran Michelle Fleet as well as new works by Christopher Bloom of Ballet Hispánico and excerpts of Paquita, staged by NJDTE Rehearsal Director Alexandra Gonzalez. She has also been a featured soloist In NJDTE’s 2021 production of The Nutcracker as Harlequin, Arabian, Marzipan and Snowflake.
The Governor’s Awards in Arts Education began in 1980 to promote awareness and appreciation of the arts, recognizing the creativity, talent and leadership of the award winners. Each year, awards are presented to approximately 20 educators and 80 students. National and statewide organizations select the students for their exemplary work in creative writing, speech, dance, music, theatre and visual arts and the leaders for their exceptional commitment and contribution to arts education.
May 1st & 2nd : LIVE Performances not open to public. May 2nd, at 7:00pm: VIRTUAL Performance, open to public Tickets to VIRTUAL performance $40 per link and are available at www.njdte.org.
New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble provides artistic excellence in pre-professional dance education and performances, with forward-thinking programming that empowers dancers. NJDTE celebrates its 52nd Anniversary Season, as an innovative force in the NJ and NYC Metro area by engaging acclaimed artists, international choreographers, innovative training programs and providing performance opportunities. Led by award-winning Artistic Director Nancy Turano since 1994, NJDTE mentors and inspires dancers toward higher education and supports its alumni as professionals in the field.
PHOTO: Brooke Marzipan, Photo Courtesy of NJDTE
