Meredith’s 30th High School Day of Dance Motivates and Inspires

Meredith’s Dance program is known for inspiring and motivating dancers to achieve their dance aspirations. Through High School Day of Dance, held on Friday, November 14, the dance program did the same for 460 students from 26 high schools in Wake, Durham, Chatham, Person, Johnston, and Alamance counties. This year’s event was the 30th year Meredith offered High School Day of Dance.

Courtney White, assistant professor of dance, who coordinated this year’s event, says the purpose of the event is to “build community and celebrate dance” and to give students “an opportunity to meet and engage with a range of leaders in the field.”

White says the event wouldn’t be possible without the involvement of Meredith dance students. The event helps dance students cultivate leadership skills and provides professional development opportunities. 

Meredith dance students “assist in planning, act as class monitors/assistants, help students navigate from class to class, and, of course, clean up,” White says. “They do a wonderful job answering questions and love showing others what dance is like here at Meredith.”

Several of Meredith’s current students participated in High School Day of Dance as high school students, and many of the current high school dance teachers are alumnae. For some, like Julia Piper, director of dance for Jordan High School, it was their first time participating, and it proved to be an inspiring experience.

“[M]y students felt so inspired and supported by the showcase performances,” Piper said. “Many of my students are brand new to modern and contemporary and have limited access to performances, so I am excited for the growth that this exposure will open up!”

White says exposure to new things is one of the most powerful aspects of the program, helping prepare high school students for the transition to collegiate dance.

The event combines “all the things that can be scary about transitioning to college, like navigating a college campus, taking new types of classes with new teachers, and meeting new people, to name a few,” into an experience that is “all about sharing, celebrating, and exposing students to the beauty and wonder that dance is and can be.”

White says that she, her colleagues in the dance program, and dance students agree it is their favorite event of the year.

“There’s an energy and buzz around campus that is filled with joy, love, excitement, and fun,” White says. “We know how special dance at Meredith is, and the students love to share that. We appreciate the support the entire Meredith College community shows our department, and we are extremely grateful for their willingness to make this event a success.”