National High School Dance Festival Returns to Point Park University Feb. 28 - March 4, 2018 Tuesday, May 2, 2017
"NHSDF opened my mind to new styles and the way different teachers approach a dance class. Point Park's dance studios are so spacious and allow you to expand your movement to the fullest. Plus, I loved being in Pittsburgh; the city is awesome."
Point Park University will once again host the National High School Dance Festival (NHSDF), Feb. 28 - March 4, 2018, at its campus in Downtown Pittsburgh.
"How wonderful that Point Park can host NHSDF for the second time. We were able to refine and finesse what we are doing for the 2018 festival based on our recent experience as hosts in 2016," said Ruben Graciani, chair of the dance department. "This means we can do more, and do it better than last time. The last festival was great, and this time we are aiming for extraordinary!"
At NHSDF, more than 1,500 high school dance students will participate in auditions, master classes and concerts, and make new friends from around the world.
Ethan Steinberg, a freshman dance major from Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Ga., attended NHSDF at Point Park in March 2016.
"As a high school student, NHSDF opened my mind to new styles and the way different teachers approach a dance class," Steinberg said. "Point Park's dance studios are so spacious and allow you to expand your movement to the fullest. Plus, I loved being in Pittsburgh; the city is awesome."
Classes will be led by resident dance faculty, guest artists and choreographers in Point Park's state-of-the-art George Rowland White Performance Center. Students also have the opportunity to perform at the Byham Theater in the heart of the city's Cultural District.
The 2018 festival features opening and closing ceremonies, six adjudicated concerts (including two evening gala concerts), a full day of scholarship auditions, more than 100 master classes, faculty sessions and a chance to meet college recruiters.
Added Graciani: "We can't wait for the festivities to begin!"