2022 CCBC Dance Company
Spring Concert

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Artistic Director's Note

The CCBC Dance Company is thrilled to perform live again this semester, it is wonderful to share our art with you. This concert features work by CCBC Faculty, students and restaging of two historic works. Each piece comes from the unique viewpoint of the choreographer, and we hope that you take time to ponder and think about each of the works after the performance.  

We are dedicating this concert in memoriam to the founder of Dance at CCBC, Carole Drake Cascio, through the restaging of her work Black Dust. This piece premiered in 1978 and was restaged on two other occasions. As we honor her memory this weekend, we are grateful for her vision to create a dance program at, what was then, Essex Community College. I hope that you enjoy the reflective videos we have created about her life that we will be sharing throughout the performance.  

We are also pleased to share with you the restaged work, Chaconne, originally choreographed by José Limón, and restaged by Natalie Desch for this performance. The work is being performed as part the José Limón Dance Foundation’s 75th Anniversary Celebration. 

As I have watched the dancers work throughout the pandemic and continue to grow as artists and individuals, I am reminded we need to continue to find a way to share the exquisite wonder of movement and meaning, especially in challenging times. I hope that you find moments of understanding, moments of sorrow, but most importantly – moments of peace and joy, as you watch these works.  

 As CCBC Performing Arts is focused on reminding us that “Still I Rise,” we continue to dance and create; we continue to find art in our lives.  

Enjoy the performance!
Melinda Blomquist
Artistic Director, CCBC Dance Company

Carole Cascio Fund for Mind Movement Dance Connections

Our Mission: 
To introduce students of all ages and levels to connecting mind, movement and dance, and support developing artistry in young people through choreography and dance.

Peter Pucci
Executive Director for the Carole Cascio Fund

Proceeds from purchases of Carole’s artwork will support the Carole Cascio Fund for Mind Movement Dance Connections.

To purchase by check: Make out to The Carole Cascio Fund

By credit, debit, or PayPal: Scan the QR code, make your donation through Chesapeake Charities, and present the email receipt to claim your artwork.

Program

Video: An Introduction to the work of Carole Drake Cascio 

Toivomus Lapsi  
Choreography: Melinda Blomquist   
Music: Kyrie by William Byrd and The Seal Lullaby by Eric Whitacre 
Dancers: Adria Applebee, Rachel Huber 
Costumes: Melinda Blomquist and Charisse Secrest 

NChiCa II 
Choreography: Alice Howes 
Music: Bitter Love and Gone with Leaves by Tan Dun 
Dancers: Adrienne Kraus Latanishen, Anastasia McKenzie 
Costumes: Alice Howes 

Video: A look into Carole’s early career and philosophy

Subconscious Dissention 
Choreography: Elena Laird 
Music: GOLDWING by Billie Eilish 
Sound Editing: Elena Laird 
Student Lighting Designers: Olawale Durodola, Robert Noakes III
Dancer: Anastasia McKenzie 
Costume: Elena Laird 
Faculty Mentor: Melinda Blomquist 
*This work is in partial fulfillment of the AFA Degree in Dance 

Video: Carole’s influence on her students and colleagues 

Concord 
Choreography: Tommy Parlon 
Music: This is the Way by James Gummer and text by Lao Tzu 
Dancers: Adria Applebee, Sarah Harris, Anastasia McKenzie, Maegan Read 
Costumes: Charisse Secrest 

Video: Restaging Black Dust 

Black Dust  
1978 
Choreography: Carole Drake Cascio, founder of Dance at CCBC 
Restaging: Melinda Blomquist 
Music: Ionization by Edgar Varese 
Dancers: Adria Applebee, Sarah Harris, Rachel Huber, Melissa Lloyd, Anastasia McKenzie, Maegan Read, Kristi Schaffner 
Costumes: Carole Drake Cascio 

There will be a 10-minute intermission 

I’ve Got 
Choreography: Kristi Schaffner 
Set Design: Kristi Schaffner, Moe Conn, Jason Randolph 
Videography: Kristi Schaffner 
Video Editing: Melinda Blomquist 
Sound Design: Kristi Schaffner 
Sound Engineer: Brian Comotto 
Music: I’ve Got You Under My Skin by Frank Sinatra, I Got Rhythm by Ella Fitzgerald, My Girl by The Temptations, The Power by SNAP!, Two Tickets to Paradise by Eddie Money, Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield, I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts (Performed Live) by Merv Griffin, Brand New Key by Melanie, I’ve Got a Little Something For Ya by MN8, I’ve Got the Music In Me by Ronnie Milsap, I’ve Got the Magic In Me by B. o. B., I Got You Babe by Sonny and Cher, The Record Player Song by Daisy the Great, Record Player by AJR and Daisy the Great  
Dancers: Adria Applebee, Rachel Huber, Adrienne Kraus Latanishen, Melissa Lloyd, Anastasia McKenzie, Maegan Read, Samantha Roche, Shannon Willing 
Costumes: Kristi Schaffner 

Video: Thoughts from dancers who worked with Carole

Spreading Storms 
Choreography: Adrienne Kraus Latanishen 
Music: What Else Is There by Royksöpp  
Dancers: Adria Applebee, Sarah Harris, Rachel Huber, Anastasia McKenzie 
Costumes: Adrienne Kraus Latanishen 

Video: Reflections on Carole's Artistic Legacy

Saudade 
Choreography: Rachel Huber 
Music: Le Jardin de Monsieur Monet by Stephan Moccio
Student Lighting Designers: Darian Grade, Jennifer Cassagrande  
Dancers: Adria Applebee, Maegan Read 
Costumes: Rachel Huber 
Faculty Mentor: Melinda Blomquist 
*This work is in partial fulfillment of the AFA Degree in Dance 

Who Lights the Sun 
Choreography: Alice Howes and dancers 
Music: Who Lights the Sun? by René Aubrey 
Trajectory Dance Project Dancers: Adrienne Kraus Latanishen, Melissa Lloyd, Anastasia McKenzie, Lia Mervis 
Costumes: Alice Howes 

José Limón Reconstruction Video: 
Video Editing: Melinda Blomquist 
Videography and photography: Melinda Blomquist 
Sound Editing: Brian Comotto
Interviews: Natalie Desch, Reconstruction of Chaconne;
Adria Applebee, Sarah Harris, Anastasia McKenzie, dancers in the work 

CHACONNE  
First performed December 27, 1942 at the Humphrey-Weidman Studio Theater, New York City, by José Limón  
Choreography: José Limón  
Music: J.S. Bach  
Staging & Direction: Natalie Desch  
Dancers: Adria Applebee, Sarah Harris, Rachel Huber, Adrienne Kraus Latanishen, Anastasia McKenzie, Maegan Read, Samantha Roche, Kristi Schaffner 
Costumes: Melinda Blomquist and Natalie Desch 

The Chaconne as a dance form originated in New Spain, now Mexico, as a robust and raucous dance. Bach employed the strict musical form of the Chaconne but enriched it with powerful emotional implications. Mr. Limón has tried to capture in his dance both the formal austerity and the profound feeling of the music.  

©1996, José Limón Dance Foundation, Inc. These performances of Chaconne, a Limónsm Dance, are presented by arrangement with The José Limón Dance Foundation, Inc. and has been produced in accordance with the Limón Stylesm and Limón Techniquesm service standards established by The José Limón Dance Foundation, Inc. Limónsm , Limón Stylesm and Limón Techniquesm are trade and service marks of The José Limón Dance Foundation, Inc. (All rights reserved)  

These performances of Chaconne are part of the José Limón Dance Foundation’s 75th Anniversary Celebration. 

Dancers

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Adria Applebee

Dancer

Adria is a full time dual enrolled student at CCBC who has been with the dance company for 3 years.  She enjoys being able to dance across the floor and outside of boxes as well as being able to work with our guest artist.  Dancing at CCBC has helped Adria grow in technique and performance quality along with preparing her for the future.

Sarah Harris

Dancer

Sarah is in her second semester at CCBC and with the dance company! She is in 12th grade currently and will be attending the University of Arizona this Fall. She has also been rehearsing at @centrepointeperformingarts. She enjoyed how exciting this school year was and that everyone was willing to help her learn new things and push her boundaries! She enjoys dancing at CCBC, and it has helped to improve her dance education and given her wonderful experiences in dance.  

Rachel Huber

Dancer

Rachel is in her first year, dancing at CCBC and this is her second semester with the Dance Company.  She has enjoyed working with some amazing people this semester. Everyone has been so welcoming, kind, and accepting. It has been a great environment to fuel her creativity and determination. 

Melissa Lloyd

Dancer

Melissa began dancing at CCBC wanting to get back to doing something she loved as a child and early teen. As a young adult, uncertain of her career path, she found a home in the CCBC dance program and finally declared a major. Since attending CCBC, she went on to continue her studies in California at The Performing Arts of San Diego and El Camino College in Los Angeles. She danced with New York based company, Zullo Raw Movement under the direction of John J Zullo, along with Baltimore based companies: Trajectory Dance Project under the direction of Alice Howes, Deep Vision Dance Company under the direction of Nicole Martinell, and Vaught Contemporary Ballet under the direction of Katie Vaught. Outside of performing, she works as a personal trainer and yoga instructor, helping others find health and healing through movement. She is enjoying being reunited with her past peers, sharing the stage with beloved teachers, and performing a piece restaged in which my aunt originally danced in 30 years ago!

Anastasia McKenzie

Dancer

Anastasia is a CCBC Dance Company alum and dancer with Trajectory Dance Project. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in Sports Science and Rehabilitation at Logan University. She is enjoying being able to dance again and is excited to perform for an actual audience.

Lia Mervis

Dancer

Lia is from Baltimore, Maryland and has been dancing since she was four years old. She attended a performing arts middle school, as well as the Prestigious Baltimore School for the Arts. Ms. Mervis received additional training at Goucher College and Nashville Ballet before attending college at The Community College of Baltimore County and Virginia Commomwealth University as a dance major. She has taught at MGM Dance Studio, Arthur Murray Dance center and her choreography was chosen and showcased at The Community College of Baltimore County. Lia attended the Disney College Program and has every intention to keep dancing with the Trajectory Dance Project.

Maegan Read

Dancer

Maegan is a CCBC Dance Company alum and graduated from CCBC in June 2021. This semester she is enjoying being able to dance with her friends again after graduating from CCBC last year. She is back dancing at CCBC this semester because she missed her friends and missed dancing in a studio and just dancing in general. Since graduation, Maegan has not been dancing as much and is very thankful for this opportunity.

Samantha Roche

Dancer

Samantha is a CCBC Dance Company alum and is enjoying being challenged with new, innovative, and methodical choreography, while also experiencing the joy and whimsey of movement. It is amazing to be back on stage after such a long time apart and sharing different forms of dance with the CCBC students and community. Currently she is pursuing her master’s degree at Stevenson University. Samantha has this to say about her experiences dancing at CCBC: As a student, and now as an alum, CCBC has always been a melting pot for different styles, dance genres, and artists to come together and explore movement. I loved my time as a student in CCBC Dance program so much that I would jump at any opportunity to be involved with such a dynamic group of individuals that promote diversity, inclusion, self-awareness, and discipline. I recommend the CCBC Dance Company and dance classes to anyone looking for an accepting and welcome environment based around a board spectrum of dance that promotes arts education and technical skills.

Shannon Willing

Dancer

Shannon is a community member joining us this semester. She is an alumnus of Towson University and danced at the Ballet Royal Academy studio until 2007. She is grateful to Kristi Schaffner for inviting her to join her piece.

Melinda Blomquist

Artistic Director/Choreographer

Melinda Blomquist holds a M.F.A in Dance Choreography and Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master of Arts in Dance Pedagogy from Brigham Young University.

Melinda has presented her choreographic work at numerous venues nationally and internationally including the Mid-Atlantic and South-Central American College Dance Festival, Northwest Vista College, Towson University, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and the Attakkalari Festival in Bangalore India.

Currently Melinda is an Associate Professor of Dance at the Community College of Baltimore County, and she also serves as the Artistic Director for the CCBC Dance Company. Melinda has also worked with Trajectory Dance Project and with the Theatre and Music departments as a choreographer for Musical Theatre productions in Arizona, Texas and Maryland including The Fantasticks, Fiddler on the Roof, Good News, and She Loves Me. Melinda is involved in community outreach, focusing on promoting the importance of dance as art form in public education. She has provided workshops and master classes in Texas, Alaska, and Maryland to students at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Deep Vision Dance Company and as President of the Maryland Dance Education Association.

Adrienne Kraus Latanishen

Choreographer

Adrienne is proud to have graduated with honors from The Community College of Baltimore County with her A.A. in Dance.  She then transferred to The University of Maryland where she also graduated with honors with her B.A. in Dance.  Besides being an adjunct dance faculty member at CCBC, she dances professionally for Trajectory Dance Project and independently for herself.  Previously, she also danced for BlueShift Dance (principal dancer), The Collective (dancer, choreographer, educator), B3W of New York City, Andary Dance (soloist, principal dancer), and withhart.dance.projects (founding member, assistant director, soloist, principal dancer).  She was Director of Dance at St. Timothy's School, a private and boarding school for girls and she choreographed as Artist in Residence at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts for numerous years.  Recently, Adrienne choreographed for The Salem Players Theatre Company, Northeast High School, and Baltimore Composers Forum. 

Tommy Parlon

Dance Coordinator/Choreographer

Tommy a native of Washington, D.C., received his M.F.A. in Dance (Choreography and Technology) from Arizona State University and his B.F.A. in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. From 1998-2002 he was an Assistant Professor of Dance at Kent State University. While in New York City he danced with J. Fregalette Janson Dance, Centaur Dance Theatre, Beyondance Inc! and the Paris based multi-media performance art company FIASCO. Mr. Parlon has danced in pieces by Doug Varone, Stephen Petronio, Alvin Mayes, Laura Dean and Elizabeth Streb. In 1996-1998 he collaborated on Falling to Earth, an interactive multi-media performance piece created with the Institute for Studies in the Arts at Arizona State University. His choreography has been commissioned by Incidents Physical Theater of New York City, NEW ARTiculations in Tucson, Arizona, Lansing Chamber Dance in Michigan, and numerous colleges throughout the United States. He was awarded an Individual Artist Award in Solo Dance Performance from the Maryland State Arts Council in 2004 and an Artist Award in Choreography in 2007. Mr. Parlon is currently the Artistic Director of Tommy Parlon Dance Projects in Washington, D.C., the Artistic Associate of Ground Zero Dance in Richmond and the Dance Coordinator at CCBC.

Kristi Schaffner

Associate Director/Choreographer

Kristi attended the University of Oklahoma as a teaching fellow where she received her MFA in modern dance (2011). She also has BFA in dance education from Kent State University (2004).  Through a graduate student grant, she studied Laban Movement Analysis at the Laban Institute in NYC. Ms. Schaffner has performed with Jeslyn Dance Gallery, Clawson Dances, Junction Dance Theatre, and Tommy Parlon Dance Projects among others, and is a current dancer and Director of Education and Outreach for Dragonfly Dance Experiment. Her choreography has been presented across the country including Pittsburgh, Oklahoma City, Washington D.C., Annapolis, Baltimore, Salt Lake City and at the Howard County Dance Festival. A passion for education has inspired her to create and implement dance curricula for both preschools and charter school students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. Ms. Schaffner is a current adjunct faculty member in the dance divisions of Anne Arundel Community College and the Community College of Baltimore County and is a frequent guest instructor and performer in schools and community events.

Alice Howes

Choreographer

Alice is a dance artist and educator who is director of Trajectory Dance Project, a Baltimore-based modern dance ensemble. She has held full-time faculty positions at universities including Coppin State University, UNC Charlotte, and Lamar University.  In addition, she served from 1995 to 2004 as artistic director and resident choreographer of Washington, D.C.’s Sister’s Trousers Dance Company, a modern dance ensemble based in the D.C. area. Sarah Kaufman of The Washington Post described Howes’ performance as “riveting, thrilling and deeply mysterious”.  Howes’ choreography has appeared in selective showcases at venues such as D.C.’s Dance Place, The Booth Theater in Charlotte, North Carolina and the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater and Millennium Stage. She holds an MA in dance from American University and an MFA in dance from Sam Houston State University. Howes also has earned a Certificate of Movement Analysis (CMA) from the Laban Institute of Movement Studies in New York City.

Carole Drake Cascio

Choreographer

Carole earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education (PE) from Towson State College (now Towson University) and a master's degree from George Washington University where her emphasis was in Modern Dance. She was a Professor of Dance and PE at Goucher College before transferring to Essex Community College (now called Community College of Baltimore County) to teach dance classes and coach the women’s lacrosse team. While at Essex, Carole created their dance department and was the Dance Department Chairperson from 1969 to 1996. She founded the college's original dance company, Dimensional Dance Media (DDM) in 1974. Carole choreographed and directed DDM for many years. Carole studied with Maida Withers, Don Redlich, Al Huang, and Bill Evans. Choreographic credits include: Towson University, George Washington University Goucher College, Essex and the Dance Construction Company in Washington D.C. Movement, in its various forms has been central to Carole’s artistic and educational endeavors. In her words, “As we experience our world through moving in it and dancing about it, we remind our ourselves of the truth and knowledge that is stored, away from awareness. When a dance is performed and watched, both dancer and audience share another person’s awareness conveyed by a language that is universal and for which no words suffice.” To Carole, dance is a rich and continuous medium for art making, as well as for intellectual and personal revelation. After retiring from Essex, Carole continued to share her knowledge and experience. Carole also devoted much of her time to her career as a painter and ceramist. She created many watercolor and clay works in her personal space, Lifesong Studio, a short walk from her home. She was always learning and experimenting with new ideas. Her work has been displayed and sold in galleries in Chestertown, Easton, and Annapolis. Carole was an active member of Kent Island Federation of Arts, ArtEast and Working Artists Forum in Easton. Carole loved beauty and creativity in all forms. She and her husband, Andy Cascio, designed the landscape and gardens at her home. She loved all animals. She loved her cats, dogs, birds, horses and even a duck. Carole had a gift for connecting with animals as much as she did with people. She also was involved in supporting her community, judging at the 4-H fair and supporting fundraising for various organizations. Carole’s warmth, caring and concern touched many people and her memory will live through all those that knew her. Her legacy as a dancer, a dance educator and a choreographer will live on through the foundation she has created, the Carole Cascio Fund for Mind Movement Dance Connections.

José Limón

Choreographer

José Limón (1908-1972) electrified the world with his dynamic masculine dancing and dramatic choreography. One of the 20th century’s most important and influential dance makers, he spent his entire career pioneering a new art form and fighting for the recognition and establishment of the American Modern Dance. Born in Culiacán, Mexico in 1908, he immigrated to California in 1915, and in 1928 Limón came to New York and saw his first dance program. Limón enrolled in the dance school of Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman and, from 1930 - 1940, performed in works created by his teachers. In 1946, with Doris Humphrey as Artistic Director, Limón formed his own company. Over the following 25 years, he established himself and his company as one of the major forces of 20th century dance. Limón was a key faculty member in The Juilliard School's Dance Division beginning in 1953 and continued choreographing until his death in 1972. Limón choreographed a total of seventy-four works, including The Moor’s Pavane, Missa Brevis, There is a Time, The Traitor, and Psalm .

Natalie Desch

Choreographer

Natalie, a BFA graduate of the Juilliard School and an MFA graduate of the University of Washington, performed for five seasons with the Limón Dance Company and eleven seasons with Doug Varone and Dancers in NYC. She additionally danced in various productions at the Metropolitan Opera and other regional opera companies–Minnesota Opera, Opera Colorado, Palm Beach Opera, Longleaf Opera (NC), Lincoln Center Institute (NYC). From 2005-2012 she taught at Hunter College (City University of New York) and has also been a visiting faculty member at Weber State University (UT), University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and the Beijing Dance Academy. Additionally, she has taught for the following summer festivals: Doug Varone and Dancers, the Limón Dance Company, UNCSA, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, the Bates Dance Festival, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theater, among others. Natalie has restaged the works of José Limón, Doug Varone, Jirí Kylián, and Daniel Charon on performing groups around the world, and her choreography has been presented at venues throughout the US. In 2014 Natalie relocated to Salt Lake City, UT, and began teaching at Ballet West Academy, Westminster College, Utah Valley University, and Salt Lake Community College. Natalie joined the University of Utah’s School of Dance as an Assistant Professor in the fall of 2019.

Jason Randolph

Technical Director

BS Math, College of William and Mary
MFA Rinehart School of Sculpture, MICA
MFA Technical Theatre and Design, UVA
TD/Resident Scenic Designer Single Carrot Theatre 2014-2017
TD CCBC Essex 2015-present
TD Cockpit in Court Summer Theater 2016-present

Terri Raulie

Lighting Designer

Terri is an Assistant Professor in the Performing Arts and Humanities Department at CCBC. She holds a BFA and an MA in Theatre Design and Production from Montclair State University in New Jersey.  Professional and regional credits include The Whole Theatre, The Hangar Theatre, and Playwright Horizons in New Jersey and New York.  Locally, she has designed sets and/or lights for productions with Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre, Phoenix Festival Theatre, and the Baltimore School for the Arts.

Anna Tsakalas

Stage Manager

Jennifer Casagrande

Light Board Operator

Mike Goembal, Tamufar St. Michael

Stage Crew

Lisa L. Boeren

Production Coordinator

Lisa has worked on over sixty productions in the Baltimore area for many companies including Dundalk Community Theatre, Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre, and Phoenix Festival Theatre. Lisa just celebrated 15 years as the Box Office Manager for CCBC and also serves as the Administrative Manager for Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre. In her spare time, she sits on the Board of Directors for Dundalk Community Theatre and the Twirltastix Boosters. 

Charisse Secrest

Seamstress

Amy Jones

Production Photographer

Peter Pucci

Video Director

Peter Pucci is a Lucille Lortel Award winner and Drama Desk Nominate for Outstanding choreography for Queens Boulevard (the musical). Peter also received a Drama Desk Award for his work on The Orphans' Home Cycle. Peter graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a BFA in Modern Dance. Peter was a principal dancer and rehearsal director with Pilobolus Dance Theatre for nine years. While with Pilobolus, Peter toured and taught worldwide, made several film and television appearances, performed on Broadway, collaborated on many Pilobolus pieces, before forming his own company, Peter Pucci Plus Dancers. Pucci Plus performed in New York City on Broadway and five seasons at The Joyce Theater. Peter has choreographed over 150 dances, including commissioned works for The Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Arizona, Ballet Hispanico, Colorado Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet, Alberta Ballet and the Big Apple Circus. He has also served as movement director on numerous theatrical productions. Recent commissions include a new commission for the University of Richmond’s Theatre & Dance department’s University Dancers, Fete du Ballet for the Texas Christian University’s School of Classical & Contemporary Dance, a NEA funded production of Migration, a group work for 50 dancers produced by the Community College of Baltimore County, Dream On By for the State Street Ballet in California and the Joffrey Ballet Ensemble in New York City. Peter has also directed two dance films, Swag n' Bach: A Path To Choreography and In the Garden that premiered at the Jacob Burns Film Center. His third dance film Exuviae will premiere in the fall of 2022. Peter is a Trustee Host for the Dance on Film Series at Jacob Burns and has curated many short dance films programs for the Dance on Film Series. He was an Artist in Residence at Manhattanville College for nine years and a Guest Choreographer/Movement Director for seven years at the Juilliard School of Drama. Additional information at: https://pucciplus.com/

Special Thanks

Dr. Sandra Kurtinitis
CCBC President
Dr. Joaquin Martinez
Provost & Vice President of Instruction
Dr. William Watson
Dean, School of Arts & Communication
Professor Nick VanHorn
Chair, Performing Arts and Humanities
Dr. Rebecca Ocampo 
Arts Pathways Coordinator
Dr. Anne M. Lefter
Director, Performing Arts
Johanna Lawrence
Administrative Support Assistant, Performing Arts
Cathy Kratovil
Communications Assistant, School of Arts & Communication
Doug Heinle
Designer, CCBC Creative Services

 

CCBC School of Arts and Communication

Dr. William Watson, Dean
Professor Will Niebauer, Chair, Arts and Design
Professor Nick VanHorn, Chair, Performing Arts and Humanities
Professor Michael Walsh, Chair, Communication Arts
Dr. Anne Lefter, Director, Performing Arts

The Arts at CCBC

Dr. Anne Lefter, Director
Johanna Lawrence, Assistant to the Director
G. Maurice “Moe” Conn, Technical Director
Jason Randolph, Technical Director
Marc Smith, Technical Director
Nicole Buckingham Kern, Galleries Coordinator
Lisa Boeren, Box Office Manager
Brad Norris, Production Manager
Emilyann Craighead, Galleries Assistant
Eva Grove, Costume Assistant
Thom Purdy, Box Office Assistant
Cathy Kratovil, Communications Assistant

Dance at CCBC

Tommy Parlon | Coordinator, choreographer
Melinda Blomquist | Dance Company Director, choreographer
Kristi Schaffner | Dance Company Associate Director, choreographer
Adrienne Kraus Latanishen | faculty choreographer

Video Credits

Carole Drake Casio Video Credits: 

Directed by Peter Pucci 
Edited by Mike Castaldo 
Archival materials and footage courtesy of the Performing Arts Department and the CCBC Dance Company. 

Video: An Introduction to the life and work of Carole Drake Cascio

Carole Drake Cascio - Interview January 2018  
Professor of Dance, Dance Department Chairperson 
Choreographer, Founder - Dimensional Dance Media (DDM) in 1974
1969-1996 

Video: A look into Carole Drake Cascio’s philosophy

Michael Kasper
Dancer, George Washington University &
Maida Withers Dance Construction Company 

Maida Withers
Professor & Undergraduate Advisor, Dance
George Washington University  
Director, Dance Construction Company
 
Mary Lou Pagella
Carole’s best friend since age 12 

Dr. Andrew McDonald
Division Chairman, Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance 
and Athletic Director, Essex Community College (ECC) 1963-1992

Video: Carole Drake Cascio’s influence on her students
 
Peter Pucci
DDM Dancer 1973-77
Pilobolus Dance Theater 1980-89 Dancer & Choreographer  
Peter Pucci Plus Dancers, Director 1986-Present
 
Deb Hutchison
Associate Professor of Wellness
ECC – Community College Baltimore County(CCBC) 1974-2016 

Woody Powell 
Ph.D. Director Community Relations
ECC - CCBC 1979-Present 

Jane Cummings
Assistant Professor of Health Education
ECC 1972- 1980 

Diana Curran
Assistant Professor of Dance, DDM Director
DDM Dancer, Choreographer
ECC 1978 –1996 

Video: Restaging Black Dust 

Melinda Blomquist
Artistic Director CCBC Dance Company
2010 - Present

Adria Applebee
Rachel Huber
CCBC Dance Company 2018-2022 

Video: Thoughts from those who danced with Carole Drake Cascio 

Anna Rider
Assistant Professor of Dance, DDM Director
DDM Dancer, Choreographer
ECC 1978-1997 

Mel Kraus
DDM Dancer
ECC 1978-1980 

Linda Lloyd
Dancer DDM, Professor of Dance, Choreographer
Assistant Director DDM
ECC 1977-90 

Jerry Kraus
DDM Dancer, Professor of Dance, Choreographer
Assistant Director DDM
ECC 1978-1991 

Heidi Sorensen
DDM Dancer
ECC 1988-1996 

Video: Reflections on Carole Drake Cascio’s Artistic Legacy 

Leslie Tinios
Dance Department Chair, DDM Director
Choreographer
ECC - CCBC 1979-2020
 
Maureen Wheatley
President, Kent Island Federation of Arts
Presented Carole’s Artwork over 25 years 

Special Thanks to all the interviewees who donated their time for this project and to the Carole Drake Cascio Advisory Committee: Diana Curran, Anna Rider, and Leslie Tinios. Additional thanks to Anne Lefter, Bill Watson, Melinda Blomquist, Ann Goodman, and the Carole Cascio Fund for Mind Movement Dance Connections.