15 Students Inducted into the
National Honor Society for Dance Arts
as GWDC Launches Its Chapter

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE​

[Reston, VA] – June 8, 2024 – Greater Washington Dance Center (GWDC) is proud to announce the induction of 15 of its exceptional students into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) as it launches its inaugural chapter. This prestigious program honors students who have demonstrated outstanding artistic and academic achievements within the dance community, spanning from grade six through college. With over 1,000 chapters across the United States, GWDC is excited to offer this elite program to its students.

The NHSDA plays a vital role in advancing the dance industry and the individual dancer by recognizing merit, offering certificates of achievement, providing mentorship, and granting scholarships and career development opportunities.

“We’re thrilled for our students' success as they lead the way in excellence at school and at the studio. It’s important to celebrate those achievements,” said Gretchen Vogelzang, Director of GWDC. “NHSDA provides an opportunity for these dancers to receive the recognition they deserve on both an academic and artistic level.”

GWDC’s elite division dance students dedicate themselves to rigorous training, with most students taking at least 13 hours of technique classes per week, in addition to approximately 6 hours of rehearsals. With over 20 hours of dance per week, alongside a full schedule of school and other commitments, GWDC is proud to report that the average GPA among these students this year is an impressive 3.91.

The induction ceremony, set for June 8th, marks a significant milestone for GWDC and its students. The school looks forward to continuing to support and celebrate the achievements of its dancers through the opportunities provided by the NHSDA.

For more information, please contact:
Gretchen Vogelzang,Director
Greater Washington Dance Center
[email protected]

Gretchen Vogelzang is a seasoned dance instructor, artistic director, choreographer and arts management executive.  She has over 40 years experience as an instructor and coach in ballet (all levels), pointe, repertoire and partnering as well as contemporary dance forms within universities and highly successful private dance schools.  For fourteen years, Ms. Vogelzang was the Founding Artistic/Executive Director of a nationally ranked pre-professional dance company in Northern California.  As Artistic Director, she choreographed over thirty ballets including five full-length ballets, one of which she wrote, developed and produced as well as choreographed.  Her choreography has been performed locally, regionally and nationally with much acclaim.  She holds degrees in Kinesiology and Theatre and  a Master of Fine Arts degree in Dance Education from the University of California, Irvine.  In addition to her vast teaching experience, Ms. Vogelzang is certified in the AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum - Primary to Level 3. In addition to training dancers, Ms. Vogelzang served as the Executive Director of Regional Dance America, a national association of dance companies from 2003-2017.

Articles:

• Gretchen Vogelzang featured in Pointe Magazine Article:  Why Studying Kinesiology Could Benefit Your Ballet Career, Whether You Dance, Teach or Choreograph
• Gretchen Vogelzang, Founder Central West Ballet, Central California's Premiere Pre-Professional Ballet Company
• Gretchen Vogelzang and Central West Ballet Host 2000 Regional Dance America/Pacific Festival
• Gretchen Vogelzang and 2007 RDA National Festival, Pittsburgh, PA
• Regional Dance America Holds 2012 International Dance Conference in Montreal

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GWDC and Director Gretchen Vogelzang featured in...

Read the Article HERE!

New Dance Studio Offers a Unique Dance and Fitness Opportunity for Children and Adults

Contact: Gretchen Vogelzang, MFA                                                                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cell: 571.332.3177
Email: [email protected]


The Greater Washington Dance Center (GWDC) will be celebrating its Grand Opening to introduce a new dance studio to the Washington DC, and Northern Virginia area. The Greater Washington Dance Center will offer extensive dance and fitness programs for students of all ages, beginning through professional, to include Creative Movement (Preschool), Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern,Yoga and Fitness.

RESTON, VIRGINIA , September 10, 2013 --(GWDanceCenter.com )--
On November 1, 2013, the Greater Washington Dance Center will be celebrating its Grand Opening to introduce a new dance studio to Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and its surrounding areas. The Greater Washington Dance Center will offer extensive dance and fitness programs for students of all ages, from early preschool children to professionals.
Quality is the motto at the Greater Washington Dance Center and it is apparent by their highly qualified instructors. The Staff for the 2013/2014 Season includes owner, Gretchen Vogelzang, MFA, Stephanie Lynn York, Sarah Beth Oppenheim, Jessica Moore, among other guest instructors. Vogelzang, with an MFA in Dance & Kinesiology, from University of California, Irvine, has over 30 years of experience as an instructor and coach in ballet (all levels), pointe, repertoire and partnering as well as contemporary dance forms within universities and highly successful private dance schools. For fourteen years, Ms. Vogelzang was the Founding Artistic/Executive Director of a nationally ranked preprofessional dance company in Northern California. In addition to her vast teaching experience, Ms. Vogelzang is certified in the AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum - Primary to Level 3. In addition to training dancers, Ms. Vogelzang is the Executive Director of Regional Dance America, a national association of dance companies.

Construction on the new GWDC facility has begun, and owner Vogelzang is thrilled to be installing state of the art flooring and technology as part of the project. “The floor will be the only one of it’s kind in the area and is the safest flooring for dancers of all levels to use,” says Vogelzang. The floor will provide resistance or the appropriate friction for the style of dance being performed. The floor will also provide the resilience or spring to help protect the dancers’ joints and muscles from injury. To that end, a complete dance training program aimed at proper alignment, strength and flexibility, tailored to each individual dancer will also be a focus of the studio. Taking great care with these young, developing bodies is the highest priority. “Dance is about more than the steps,” according to Vogelzang, and “your dance studio and your teacher need to be more, too.”

About Greater Washington Dance Center
Greater Washington Dance Center, owned by Gretchen Vogelzang, who has been teaching dance in the Northern Virginia area for 12 years, applies the finest methods of teaching supported by solid kinesiological understanding to assist young dancers and adults achieve their greatest potential. Our exceptionally qualified teachers are ready and waiting to help you embrace your dancing goals. We offer private and group instruction, and host a wide variety of times and class options, including Saturdays. Enter the world of dancing with our special introductory package. For more information, please visit www.gwdancecenter.com

Gretchen L. Vogelzang, MFA Director, Greater Washington Dance Center