News & Press Releases
    News from MDT!


Annalise Thompson accepted to The Juilliard School


Annalise Thompson, one of Marin Dance Theatre’s senior students, just received exciting news that she has been accepted into the dance program at The Juilliard School in New York City. There are only twenty four students accepted each year, 12 girls and 12 boys, from a nationwide audition process. We are so proud and thrilled for Annalise. She has been at Marin Dance Theatre since we opened our doors in 1996. Day by day, she has always shown an uncompromising commitment to her goals. Her work ethic displays the character and integrity of her person that makes her a real winner.

About The Juilliard School
 
 

Kristin Lindsay, has just been offered a position with Ballet Florida

 

Another one of our career-bound students, Kristin Lindsay, has just been offered a position with Ballet Florida. We are so excited for her! Kristin is a native of California, born in San Anselmo and joined MDT’s training program in 2004, It’s been special to work her develope so beautifully over these years and to see her now move on into a professional company. Kristin was a recipient of “The Little Lady Lori Scholarship Award” in 2006. She will go to Florida in the summer and begin with the company in late August.
 

Cecily Stewart Joins Richmond Ballet in Virginia 

Cecily Stewart, also from our career-bound training program, has just accepted a contract with Richmond Ballet in Virginia. Cecily grew up in Santa Barbara, California and first came to us in the summer of 2003 and 2004. Her deep desire was to be a professional dancer and with tremendous support from her parents, Cecily moved up to live in San Rafael to study full time with us in 2005. Her passion and talent was fueled daily by an unwavering commitment to her goal and she has been a joy to work with. Cecily was also a recipient of “The Little Lady Lori Scholarship Award” in 2007. Cecily will go to Virginia in the summer and begin with Richmond Ballet in late August.

 
 

Marianne Bassing has been awarded a Level 2 in Dance/Ballet by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA).  She was one of only four ballet dancers chosen nationwide.

Marianne Bassing, a resident of San Anselmo, has been recently named by the members of the Board of Trustees and staff of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA) a 2008 youngArts Winner and granted a Level II in Dance/Ballet.

Marianne attended Sir Francis Drake High School and has been studying classical ballet with Margaret Swarthout, Artistic Director of Marin Dance Theatre, in their career-bound dance program. Marianne is the 10th career-bound student from Marin Dance Theatre to be awarded an NFAA youngArts award.

Her award is the result of a rigorous selection process which began with the screening of more than 7000 youngARTS registrants nationwide. She will receive a certificate of recognition for her participation in youngARTS and an award check for $1500.00. As an NFAA award recipient, she can include this nationally prestigious youngARTS award in all her applications for higher education, resumes and other career related biographical information.

youngARTS Week was a unique and memorable experience for Marianne, giving her the opportunity to interact with many other exceptional artists and to share their ideas and commitment to the arts. youngARTS Week is one of the most important experiences offered to a young artist, like Marianne Bassing. The NFAA will notify her Governor, US Senators, Congresspersons and the California State Department of Education, about her youngARTS award.

Marianne’s name has been sent to colleges, universities and professional schools participating in NFAA’s Scholarship List Service. These schools have offered Marianne opportunities for admission and scholarships.

NFAA Arts program helps strengthen arts education in public and private educational institutions and communities throughout the nation by making scholarships and awards available to young artists, by setting standards of evaluation in each art form, and by providing applicants with a holistic score based on their work.