second annual student photography contest

American Dance Institute is excited to announce the winners of the annual “Dance is Art in Motion” Photography Contest, which was held in honor of National Dance Week, April 24th through May 3rd. The first place winner was Allyson Smith, a senior at Walt Whitman High School, for her photograph titled “Girl Dancer.” Second place went to Abbie Olshin, home middle schooler for her photograph titled “Leap of Spring.” Third place went to Sarah Klotz, of Walt Whitman High School, for her photograph titled, “Pointe Shoes,” and the honorable mention went to Maureen Saylor, of Walt Whitman High School.

The non-profit educational institute’s goal is to encourage the area’s aspiring young photographers to get their cameras out and start snapping creative shots capturing dance in motion. The annual contest, which is held in honor of National Dance Week, is open to all middle school and high school students, grades 6-12.

The winning photos are on display at American Dance Institute and may be viewed by clicking here. ADI awarded Smith a $250 Penn Camera gift certificate for her first place photo, Olshin won a $100 gift certificate for second place, and Klotz received a $50 gift certificate for third place.

The “Dance is Art in Motion” Photography Contest is an annual contest at American Dance Institute during National Dance Week, which will be held next year from April 23rd – May 2nd, 2010. Students can submit entries for next year’s contest beginning January 1, 2010.

The Coalition for National Dance Week was formed in 1981 by a group of dance-related organizations who began a strong "grass roots" movement across the United States to bring greater recognition to dance as an art form. A volunteer work force is made up of National Dance Week delegates from all facets of the dance world. Pamela Bjerknes, American Dance Institute Founder and Artistic Director, is a National Dance Week delegate for the state of Maryland.