Point Park University Hosting More Than 1,600 Students as National High School Dance Festival Returns to Campus Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Point Park University will once again host the biannual National High School Dance Festival (NHSDF) but with a twist: hundreds more students than in previous years will be given the opportunity to attend and take part in the event.
This year, more than 1,600 students representing 100 high schools from across the U.S. and around the world will descend upon Downtown Pittsburgh for the event, which runs from Feb. 26 to March 2. Previous festivals have been capped at no more than 1,300 students.
“In years past, we would have a waiting list for students. This year, we decided not to say no and see where it takes us,” said Garfield Lemonius, dean of the School of Dance and artistic director of the Conservatory of Performing Arts. “We are meeting the demand. We’ve seen interest grow and wanted to give more students an opportunity.”
The event — the largest of its kind — provides high school students from grades 9 to 12 with the opportunity to take classes and perform in Point Park’s state-of-the-art dance facilities with renowned guest artists and choreographers. More than 200 master classes will be held during the festival.
Students also will have the chance to audition for scholarships from more than 70 of the most prestigious dance schools in the country, including Point Park. The auditions are expanded for this year’s Festival, with more than 660 students auditioning over two days.
Dr. Kathryn Kearns, NHSDF founder and executive director, thanks Point Park for hosting this amazing festival.
"Now in its 35th year, NHSDF represents the best in quality dance education. It provides opportunities for students to experience the outstanding teaching faculty, live musicians, the recruitment fair, scholarship auditions, and of course, the performances," said Kearns. "The students are so excited to perform at the magnificent Benedum Center for the Performing Arts and the amazing Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park. We all look forward to supporting one another and enjoying the camaraderie."
Four local hotels will be used for the event to host the 2,100 attendees, equaling more than 2,600 room nights. Hotels being used are the Omni William Penn, EVEN Hotel and Embassy Suites Pittsburgh, all Downtown, and Hyatt Place Pittsburgh North Shore. Opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the Benedum Center.
“This is an exciting opportunity for dancers from around the world to learn from the best in their field while taking advantage of Downtown’s state-of-the-art facilities and cultural offerings,” said Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “Having the honor of hosting this highly anticipated festival speaks to Point Park’s reputation as a leader in performing arts education, and we can’t wait to welcome these talented students and artists to the heart of our city.”
BODYTRAFFIC to Perform at Opening Ceremony
Performing at the opening ceremony is BODYTRAFFIC, a premier Los Angeles-based contemporary dance company led by Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett. Founded in 2007, the company is known for its stunning performances, diverse technical mastery and commitment to dynamic repertoire that is captivating for dance lovers and newcomers alike. BODYTRAFFIC already was planning a February public performance in Pittsburgh, which made its involvement easy to plan.
“We have a longstanding relationship with Garfield. He leads one of the most respected dance programs in the country,” said Berkett, who looks at this as an opportunity to impact the next generation of dancers. “In addition to our more senior company artists, some of our dancers are early in their careers, so it feels like we’re very connected to the next generation of dance artists. There’s so much experience and wisdom our dancers can pass on.”
That wisdom will be offered through four master classes BODYTRAFFIC will teach during NHSDF. In addition, senior Point Park dancers will have the opportunity to audition for the company.
“I’m always looking for the finest and kindest dancers in the world and, of course, Point Park has this unbelievable program,” Berkett said. “Our first thought was, ‘How can I see those Point Park seniors!’ I’m really looking forward to it.”