We’ve just returned from the annual National Dance Education Organization conference in Chicago, and I’m still flying from all the positive energy of the K–12 and college/university educators who shared and discussed their methods. Just a few of the highlights included a presentation with Ann Hutchinson Guest to decode Nijinsky’s choreography for Afternoon of a Faun; an all-male performance facilitated by Bill Evans, Why I Can’t Not Dance; and a new film about Martha Hill presented by Daniel Lewis, Miss Hill: Making Dance Matter. Rima Faber (DT, May 2014) was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. And it was wonderful to see longtime friend Thom Cobb from our Dance Teacher Summit faculty behind the podium as NDEO president.

So it’s fitting that in this issue we sing the praises of teachers working in the studio. From the quiet confidence of Nancy Bielski on the cover (Technique) to five educators who have a special way with students (“Dance Whisperers”) to two women who are continuing the legacy of the late master teacher David Howard in New York City (“Carrying the Torch”), our pages are filled with kinetic passion and fresh wisdom.

This issue also features our annual Summer Study Guide. Bigger than ever, the guide includes 257 summer intensives with training for dancers (and teachers!) of all varieties. You’ll want to hang on to this for the next six months and make it available to your dancers. We’ve done our best to gather the details, but be sure to check directly with the programs for any updates or changes before registering.

At NDEO, I met up with Kathryn Kearns (left), director of the National High School Dance Festival, and DT advisory board member Diane Smagatz-Rawlinson (middle).

Over the past few months, the DT editors have been immersed in planning for 2015. We’re excited about the topics and trends we’ll be reporting on in the coming year. Of course, as always, we love hearing from you. Let us know what you’re up to and what you’d like to see in the magazine. [email protected]

From top: photo by Matthew Murphy; photo courtesy of Smagatz-Rawlinson