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10th Annual Spring Dance Concert Soundtrack A number of you have asked for the concert soundtrack. You can download it for a limited time only. You can move and groove to the gospel sounds from this year's concert in the comfort of your own home.

The Performance Company In 2007, HDAT established Ju.B.Lation, Spirit Filled Feet, a multi-generational Liturgical Dance Pre-Professional Company that uses Sacred Dance to celebrate the Cultural and Spiritual traditions of the Black Church experience. Ju.B.Lation is comprised of students selected by invitation or through audition under the direction of Ayisha Morgan-Lee. This Company provides performance opportunities for dancers and greater exposure to Black Dance in the Pittsburgh region and nationally. ​ HDAT’s company members have studied and performed with noted national master artists such as Carmen de Lavallade, Misty Copeland, Debbie Allen, Ronald K. Brown Evidence Company, Lauren Anderson, Cleo Parker Robinson, Philadanco, Desmond Richardson, Kathy Smith, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), Lindsay Benton, Princess Mhoon, Sholoa Roberts, Leslie Anderson-Braswell, Baba Chuck Davis, Papa Assane Konte, Joselle Audain Deans and Buddy Thompson. Company members have attended summer intensives with Joffrey Ballet, Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem and DCDC.

Barbara Johnson Some of Barbara’s favorite joys are sewing, selfies with her two grown sons, chocolate, endless laughter on road trips with her husband, animated time with her four brothers, writing and the grace of her parents living their best lives over age 90. She works for the Education Department at Carlow University with a grant funded project to increase the diversity of certified teachers. She is quite proud of her past roles as a racial justice educator in the nonprofit world and a diversity and inclusion professional in the higher education community. Her creative spirit led her to a BA in Performing Arts/Dance, a full tuition benefit led her to an MEd in Educational Leadership and a desire to write keeps her on the path toward completing the final manuscript of essays on race/racism for her MFA in Non-Fiction Creative Writing. She is passionate about serving as a board member to two local non profits, Hill Dance Academy Theater (HDAT) and the Alliance for Refugee Youth Support and Education (ARYSE).

Ayisha Morgan-Lee, EdD Founder, CEO, and Artistic Director Ayisha's Bio Artist's Statement As a woman and dancer of African descent, my artistic statement of expression has developed through creating a process of sharing techniques of Black dance that pay homage and respect to great dancers who came before me and paved the way for me to work as a Black dance artist. I use diverse styles of music from African, jazz, gospel, contemporary and spirituals to create and perform pieces that speak to the diverse Black communities. I dance: for love of the art form, for freedom, to inspire and to educate. When I teach dance, I create dance for students of all ages as history lessons of rhythmic movement and music. My goal is to develop Black dancers who understand that they are standing on the shoulders of countless ancestors who paved the way for them to do and be whatever they set their minds to as dance artist and people. I use teaching and performing as a means of breaking down cultural and racial stereotypes and barriers in dance, especially in the discipline of ballet. I want Black students of dance and the larger society to see, know and value that they can move with grace and style no matter the body type shape, style or race. I want the viewers of my dances to experience the beauty of pattern, or to allow the images I embed in pieces or choreography to unlock their literary, thinking, feelings, powers, and energies.

Training in the Academy The Academy provides a holistic Dance curriculum for students ages 3-18 while developing, training and challenging student’s physicality, creativity, and performance skills in and out of the studio to prepare them for the rigors of a professional Dance career. All dancers are required to study Ballet and techniques in African, Jazz, Modern, Hip-Hop, Theater, Tap, Capoeira, Liturgical Movement and Dance Composition. Classes are held after school and on weekends. ​ Throughout the year HDAT offers students opportunities to attend outside performances, conferences and festivals, travel and perform locally and nationally. HDAT focuses on dance teachings and studies steeped in a learning environment that supports the discipline of dance, and the development of the dance body while linking Black cultural traditions and history to excellence in preparation and performance. ​ Students are placed on the following tracks based on age, skill, commitment, and progression. Creative Movement Pre-Academy Pre-Professional Creative Movement | 3 - 6 years of age Ceative Movement The Creative Movement Academy is designed to inspire students between the ages of 3-6 to begin developmental foundational skills in dance through movement exploration. Students develop motor skills, rhythmic awareness, coordination, and discipline, through learning Rhythm Acting & Movement (RAM) in Pre-Ballet, African, Afro-Caribbean, Hip-Hop, Capoeira, Jazz, Liturgical, Tap and Theater. Black dance history, culture and traditions is laced throughout the genres of dance. No previous dance experience is required. Creative Movement is broken into two 4-month sessions ​ 3 and 4 year olds Tuition Cost - $320.00 (Two Payments of $1 60.00. Due September and October) Schedule Wednesday, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, or Saturday, 9:00 am-10:00 am ​ 5 and 6 year olds Tuition Cost - $480 (Three Payments of $160.00. Due September, October & November) Schedule Tuesday & Thursday , 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, or Saturday, 9:00 am - 11:00 am Register Pre-Academy Track Pre-Academy The Pre-Academy is designed for students starting at age 7 who are committed to dance training. Students’ dedication, and commitment to learning the artistry of dance through disciplined class attendance, engagement, study, practice, and performance is required. With an emphasis on classical Ballet training, students study Jazz, Modern, Capoeira, African and Tap. There is a continued development and focus on Black dance history, culture, and traditions. At this level, students begin to develop self-confidence and a personal commitment to dance. No previous dance training is required; however, an audition is required for acceptance and level placement. ​ ​ Level 1 Students Tuition: $1,440 per year (Eight Monthly Payments of $180) Schedule Tuesday - Thursday, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Saturday, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm ​ Level 2 Students Tuition: $1,680 per year (Eight Monthly Payment of $210) ​ Schedule Tuesday - Thursday, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm and Saturday, 9:00 am-3:30 pm Register Pre-Professional Track Pre-Professional The Pre-Professional Academy is designed for students, who are serious, committed dancers, seeking to expand and improve dance techniques and vocabulary while aspiring to become professional artists. The curriculum supports growth and proficiency in all genres and techniques. Students’ continued commitment to dance studies is evidenced in consistent class attendance, engagement, study, practice, and performance at their best, physically and mentally. With an expanded emphasis on classical Ballet training, students study Pointe, Jazz, Modern, African and Tap. Students participate in master classes, workshops, and audition for performances. ​ Level 3 Students Tuition: $2,000 per year (Eight Monthly Payments of $250) ​ Schedule Monday - Wednesday, 6:00 pm - 8:30pm and Saturday, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm ​ Level 4 Students Tuition $2,240 per year (Eight Monthly Payments of $280) ​ Schedule Monday - Thursday, 6:00 pm - 8:30pm and Saturday, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Register

Leslie Anderson-Braswell Leslie Anderson-Braswell’s love for dance began at three years of age, and became her ultimate life’s journey at the age of twelve when she joined the children cast of Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, under the direction of choreographer Nicholas Petrov in 1969. In 1971, Leslie became one of the youngest members of the corps de ballet, dancing in a variety of renowned classical ballets for three seasons. During the summer of 1972, Leslie spent the summer at Arthur Mitchell’s Dance Theater of Harlem in New York; her goal was to one day return as a dancer for Arthur Mitchell’s African-American ballet company. In 1973, Leslie auditioned and was accepted into the exclusive pre-professional Stuttgart Ballet School, in Stuttgart, West Germany. While in Stuttgart, Leslie performed with the Stuttgart State Opera, in addition to the assigned roles with the Stuttgart Ballet School and Company. In 1975, Leslie auditioned, and was invited to join the Geneva Ballet, in Geneva Switzerland; however, Leslie longed to return to the United States to work with Arthur Mitchell, the first Black principal dancer of George Balanchine’s, New York City Ballet. Upon returning to New York as a member of The Dance Theater of Harlem, she performed and toured extensively throughout America and Europe. Unfortunately, due to an injury, Leslie had to leave Dance Theater of Harlem, and professional ballet, much earlier than anticipated. In 1979, she became the first dance teacher hired to teach ballet at Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, originally located in Homewood and today known as CAPA 6-12 located in downtown Pittsburgh’s cultural district. She has been a member of the Dance Department faculty for 35 years, where she has inspired a generation of aspiring dancer. Equally prominent teaching credits include Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera Academy of Musical Theater, where Leslie taught for 16 years. As a result of working at the Academy, many of her former students have reached the pinnacle of success in dance; they include McArthur Genius recipient, choreographer/ dance artist Kyle Abraham, “Kinky Boots” star and Tony Award winner, Billy Porter and many others. In August, 2012, Greer Reed bestowed the highest honor upon Leslie Anderson Braswell, the ballet teacher of her youth and mentor, by naming an award, The Brazzy Award, in her honor, for outstanding lifetime achievement in dance education and mentorship. The award is presented to two professional dance artists, selected, by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette dance critic, Jane Vranish, for their excellence and contributions to the professional dance community. Presently, Leslie has also been working with another former student, Ayisha Morgan-Lee, MAM, founder and director of Hill Dance Academy Theater, a successful, new innovative arts education institution located in Pittsburgh, PA, where she teaches Ballet and Pointe to advance students in HDAT’s Pre-Professional program. In 1986, Leslie was awarded an Outstanding Distinguished Teacher Award, presented at the White House by President Ronald Reagan. She was honored with an Outstanding Woman of America Award in 1982, and the Outstanding Artist Award from the Pittsburgh’s Greater Legacy Council, in celebration of African-American Artists.

Dr. Karen Hall Karen Hall has been sculpting, developing stamina, physical fitness and nutrition of the HDAT dancers’ bodies, as a Teaching Artist, since 2008. She holds a Doctorate in Education in Leadership and Administration from Point Park University, a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Geneva College and a Bachelors from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where she was a standout UNLV collegiate player. Dr. Hall navigates three careers; education, communication and athletics and she is an expert in leadership and team development. She is Executive Producer and Host of her show, “The Hall Pass” a nationally syndicated, podcast and blog sports radio show. Dr. Hall also works as an ESPN3 College Basketball Color Analyst. Her athletic career is extensive and professionally, she has impacted the physical fitness and health of countless student lives at the collegiate and elementary levels. Currently, Dr. Hall is the Assistant Executive Director of Ozanam, Inc.; her 20-plus years at all NCAA levels and her passion for the sport and organization of basketball continues as she works with women and men Basketball Conferences and NCAA Championship tournaments. Dr. Hall is an Educational Consultant and a national and locally sought-after speaker. Her awards are many and her professional affiliations include Pittsburgh Black Media Federation, National Association of Professional Women, Women in Sports and Entertainment, Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Dr. Karen Hall is a standout leader behind the mike interviewing, Sylvia Acevedo, Chief Executive Officer of the Girls Scouts of the U.S.A. during Western Pennsylvania Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Awards, on the court empowering athletes or in the studios of HDAT developing the next generation of Black dancing bodies.

Bria Goldsmith Bria Goldsmith is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she began her dance training with HDAT at the age of 8 and continued up until she graduated from high school in 2018. During her time, she participated in numerous intensives, Spring Dance Concerts, Summer performances, IABD conferences, master classes, and was a member of the company, Ju.B.Lation Spirit Filled Feet. After high school, Bria attended the ‘Real HU’, Howard University, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. During her time at Howard, she participated in the Annex Stroll Team during her freshman year and later became a coach the following year for the new class. Bria was also on the Event Planning and Social Media team for H.E.R Campus, Howard University Chapter, and studied abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico. In addition, she successfully completed a few internships at PwC, Partner4Work, and Community College Allegheny County, all in which provided her the necessary skills to succeed in the business setting. She also consistently volunteered with Howard University, The Homeless Children’s Playtime Project, and with HDAT to offer assistance in any capacity she was needed in. Upon graduating from Howard University in May 2022, she was offered a full-time position with PNC as a Product Innovation Program Analyst where she has the opportunity to rotate throughout the departments of the company, shadow a plethora of professionals, and engage with multidisciplinary teams to identify market trends, technology, and consumer insights to provide an exceptional experience for the customers. Coming back to HDAT is a full-circle moment for Bria. From being a student, to now being able to teach is a journey she is eager to embark on. She hopes to make a lasting impact on the students the same way the faculty and staff did and continues to do for her.

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Frequently Asked Questions Does my child need to audition for Hill Dance Academy Theatre? Every child is required to attend a placement audition; the faculty will determine the level based on their technique skills and abilities. How will my child's Level be determined? Pre-Academy for dancers ages 7 and up levels are determined by the placement of students based on their proficiency in ballet. Does my child have to take all the classes assigned to them? Yes, because the Academy is curriculum-based, students must participate in every class assigned to their level to meet the requirements to advance to the next level. What does my child wear to class? All students are required to wear a class color leotard that is included in your tuition for the year. Additional leotards can be purchased. Students are required to purchase black footless tights and flesh tone ballet shoes. Students should carry all their items in a dance bag to and from class. Who should I inform if my child is going to be absent from class? If your child is going to miss class, please email mcarmack@5678hdat.org and include the student's name and level in the subject line. (Example: Aniyah Smith, Level 1) What is the attendance and lateness policy? Students are permitted 4 absences per term. If a student is absent, the parent needs to notify the office at mcarmack@5678hdat.org . Students are permitted a 7-minute grace period for lateness. After that, students will be asked to observe and take notes. Are students evaluated in class? Yes, students are evaluated by faculty, parents receive a written evaluation and are required to sign up for parent teacher conference with the faculty. How many tickets will each child receive for performances? For each performance families will be responsible to purchase four tickets. Will I need to buy costumes? No. Costumes are taken out of HDAT’s costume closet or created out of things that you probably already have in your closet. Are there scholarships? A limited number of scholarships are available for intermediate, and advanced students between the ages of 12-17 may audition for financial and merit-based scholarships.

Michael Belgrove Mike is the Human Resources Manager for JFCS Pittsburgh. As HR Manager, he provides the fast-growing non-profit agency support in all areas of human resources. Before joining JFCS Pittsburgh in 2021, Mike worked for Carnegie Mellon University as well as other non-profit organizations. Additionally, Mike is a US Army Veteran, serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mike has an Associate Degree in Web Design and Interactive Media, a Bachelor's degree in Media and Professional Communications from the University of Pittsburgh, and an MBA in Human Resource Management from Carlow University. Mike also serves as a board member for NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania (NWWPA). Though always a Hill District resident at heart, Mike currently resides in Monroeville with his wife and three sons.