TF_TeacherAward2014_MAIN

Discount Dance Supply is pleased to announce that the 2014 Dance Teacher of the Year Award, goes to the husband and wife team behind Dancing in the Streets, AZ!

Using money they received as a wedding gift, Joseph Rodgers and Soleste Lupu founded Dancing in the Streets, AZ (DITSAZ) in August 2008 to bring the art of dance to at-risk youth in Tucson, Arizona. DITSAZ is a non-profit ballet organization committed to all-inclusive dance education. No student is ever turned away.

Among other points this is clearly stated in the mission statement on display at http://www.ditsaz.org/about/vision/

Dancing in the Streets does not discriminate on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, religious beliefs, or age in the administration of any of its employment, educational programs, performance opportunities, admissions policies, scholarship programs, or any other programs.

Self-less commitment to sharing their passion for dance and using dance education to make a positive impact on their community is why Discount Dance is proud to present Joseph and Soleste with the 2014 Dance Teacher of the Year Award.

Discount Dance is very grateful for all the wonderful submissions that were received nominating dance teachers from around the country. It was hard for the committee at Discount Dance to name just one winner, and in the end it was decided to award TWO additional runner up awards, each to receive a $100 Discount Dance gift card.

The 2014 Honorable Mention award goes to Debra Sparks of Debra Sparks Dance Works for her exceptional work instilling confidence and elegance in her dancers.

Debra Sparks Dance Works is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The heartwarming video nomination from Ms. Sparks students showcased the enormous impact she’s had in the lives of her dancers.

The 2014 Most Creative Nomination Submission goes to Bridget Keddy of Bridget’s Dance Studio in Braintree (and soon Norwell) Massachusetts. Miss Bridget’s students went above and beyond to send in the most creative video nomination sung  to the tune of “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction.

Recognized by parents and students for nurturing a creative and supportive environment for her dancers, the nomination video showcases the students’ creativity, choreographic skills and love of Miss Bridget.

You can read more about Joseph, Soleste and Dancing in the Streets, AZ in a special feature article coming next month to Dance Life!