JASON STATEN
Melvin Leno Clark, III
Melvin Leno Clark, III
"Teaching self motivation is not the only thing that Ms. Welters is excellent with, she is one of the most Outstanding Teachers of the Ballet that I have ever had."
Melvin Leno Clark, III
Melvin Leno Clark, III
Melvin Leno Clark, III
"This Angel broaden my perspective on the world and its possibilities. As a result of her dedication and commitment to me I've worked with Top Industry Professionals and Organizations. Some credits include: Alvin Ailey student showcase Group (for promising Dancers),Something New (Focus Features), AVATAR (Twentieth Century FOX),Tokyo Disney, Hairspray (Sacramento Music Circus), Person of Interest (CBS), Boardwalk Empire (HBO), Dance Spirit Magazine, Sony arts Media Kennedy Center etc."
Erica Leake
Melvin Leno Clark, III
Krysten Simone Thomas
"This school has given me discipline, confidence, and lots of love. I've learned the hard work and dedication it takes to run a dance school. This has taught me how to fight for what I want, never give up, and follow my heart."
Krysten Simone Thomas
Jonathan & Melantha Stith
Krysten Simone Thomas
"My dance training, as a whole, helped me with many of those areas. But specifically it shaped the way I carry myself even until this day, particularly in respect to my posture and the fluidity of my movement."
Madinah Ba’th
Jonathan & Melantha Stith
Jonathan & Melantha Stith
"I would like to thank Ms. Welters for helping me grow physically and mentally throughout the years. I have become a confidently beautiful Black ballerina and will never be ashamed of it!"
Jonathan & Melantha Stith
Jonathan & Melantha Stith
Jonathan & Melantha Stith
"The discipline of learning dance has positively influenced their success in other endeavors. Far beyond learning a few steps and routines, they have learned how to step through adversity and difficulty and attain the routines needed for a successful life. The grace and poise they have learned in the dance studio has positioned them to face life with great rectitude and posture."
YOUNG DANCER 2015 SOLOIST
KYLA CATRELL BOOKER
I think that I was ready for this project... I would like the audience to know that I enjoy dancing and I made many sacrifices to commit myself to it.”
EDEN LARUE PARKER
“ Learning to dance solos was a great opportunity for us. .... Over time we learned from our mistakes and it turns out that what we worked on made us stronger... I really appreciate Ms. Welters and Ms. Raigan for taking extra time with us to help us understand the steps better.”
NJERI LYNN BOOKER
“This project is a great experience to build up strength and character .. it is definitely challenging !...It gives me the opportunity to give perseverance and hard work into what I do.. Dane gives me a chance to express myself with our being judged ... I love Dance here with Ms. Welters and Ms. Raigan”
LAILA RENEE HOLLAND
“ The experience of the solos project has helped me to learn that I am afraid of falling. The solos helped me to learn that you have to depend on gravity to make you go up. Finally, I have learned that even if you are scared, keep trying because one day you will get on “Pointe” and not fall over because you have practiced. Keep trying and never give up.”
ELLA AMIRA DEBOSE
“ This experience of learning solo dances has helped us grow in our mind set ... for example when Ms. Welters raised her voice at me I used to think it was because to pick on me, now I know she wants me to get better ..This project needed a lot of determination, because on any day we could have told her sorry I don’t want this anymore, but All of us were determined to have an amazing solo.”
LIEN ROSE MAATTA
Have the opportunity to dance with the Ballet Elite Class and learning the Fairy Solo project is a fantastic opportunity. Taking these classes are definitely difficult, but it builds my ballet skills and knowledge .. taking ballet is an eye opening experience.
Sidney Hampton
Sidney Hampton
Sidney Hampton
"If it wasn't for her (Lynn Welters) I would not be prospering as much as I am. She has made me feel like a Prince among many, and I find myself asking all the time, "Where would I be if it wasn't for her?" I thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me."
Sidney Hampton
Sidney Hampton
Sabrina Margaret Chiang
Sabrina Margaret Chiang
Sabrina Margaret Chiang
"Thanks to Ms. Welters and the NSDA, I have a BFA in Dance, Minor in Theatre. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with Departmental Honors and the Dean's Award for Service to the College. I have taken classes, taught, performed, and choreographed in Curaçao and France. I have worked with choreographers and dancers from all over the world. I created a thesis for undergrad and was asked to choreograph with the MFA students which led to me getting head hunted for a MFA candidate position at Case Western."
Sabrina Margaret Chiang
Sabrina Margaret Chiang
Renee S Patrick, TATIANNA, BRANDON, AND BRIANNA
Renee S Patrick, TATIANNA, BRANDON, AND BRIANNA
Renee S Patrick, TATIANNA, BRANDON, AND BRIANNA
"In my role as a foster parent, I took two children into my home in February of this year – Brandon (5 years old) and Brianna (4 years old). The very next day, I brought the children with me to Tatianna’s dance class. Ms. Welters, in her kind and loud, loving way, asked me about the new additions. Without hesitation she offered to support the children taking dance class for the rest of the term. I was surprised and blown away at her generosity, especially considering she knew very little about Brandon and Brianna. I do believe Ms. Welters was prompted solely by her love for children and her knowledge of the benefits of such an opportunity. Ms. Welters looked at Brianna and Brandon and loved them. ."
Renee S Patrick, TATIANNA, BRANDON, AND BRIANNA
Renee S Patrick, TATIANNA, BRANDON, AND BRIANNA
Najyyiah-Michelle Gaither
Najyyiah-Michelle Gaither
Najyyiah-Michelle Gaither
"When we enter the studio we are always greeted with a warming hug. Growing up this way always made me feel like I was cared for and loved at the studio which made me love coming to dance. As if sharing her knowledge of dance isn't enough, she shares her huge heart to each individual dancer, and to me, the love and support of your teacher can propel great works in the world of dance."
Najyyiah-Michelle Gaither
Najyyiah-Michelle Gaither
MAATI AUSARA WAFFORD
"This weekend I experienced such a deep sense of love and pride that I have to share it with you. I grew up dancing (ballet, tap, jazz, etc) I also grew up dancing in the south. This often left me being the only person of color and in this context, at age 3 experiencing racism and discrimmination. I distinctly remember when I was 5 years old after finishing class, a woman asking my mother in her deep southern accent "Oh My! Your daughters skin is so pretty...is her father white?" Needless to say, although I LOVED to dance, it was a bumpy road for me and I often wonder had I been in a nurturing environment would I have continued on. Well, fast forward 20 plus years....my daughter attended her first Ballet class this weekend and I was absolutely blown away by what I saw and felt. I was completely surrounded by brown ballerinas and how beautiful they all were! Nurturing instructors that all affirm the beauty and power of sisterhood, a positive self image and discipline through dance. I'm so blessed to have found this opportunity for my daughter and I."
LEONARD LEE SLAUGHTR WORLEY
"After all these years I thank you for accepting me into Duke Ellington it was the most rewarding experience in my life and made such a difference. All the times you got on us to make us strong was needed and I respect the heat we received because the world is a cruel place and nobody gives you anything.from all those lessons learned now I realize that I must continue to pursue all my dreams to the fullest and be spiritual in my quest. I have three children now ages 15,17,and 22 and through them I see myself. Again thank you for keeping me out of the streets and opening my mind. "
JENEL WYATT
Dear Mrs. Welters,
This year's dance recital was utterly amazing! Your standards are so high and you've managed to top yourself once again. We are so grateful to be a part of NSDA. Each year, Camille becomes a better dancer thanks to your instruction and care. My entire extended family and I are so amazed at the progress she has made. It wasn't long ago that she was a four year old Lemon, delighted to be a student of a 99 year old dance teacher! 😉
All of the pieces for En Blanc (and all of the other levels) were so impressive. All of the hours of class and rehearsal were evident. I can't believe that last year Cami took 10 minutes of pointe per week and this year she performed "La Bayadere"! You literally work miracles. All of Camille's grandparents came into town from Detroit and they said the recital was worth travelling the 600 miles! They have not missed an NSDA recital in 8 years. They remarked on how beautiful the music was and how gorgeous the costumes were. The entire show was a delight for the senses! Thank you for your dedication to young people and to the art of dance. And thank you for the love and patience you show Camille. Enjoy your summer!
Sincerely,
Jenel Wyatt
CYNTHIA M. SHELTON
"What you and your instructors provide to our children is more than dance. You instill discipline, respect, pride in self and a love of the arts. I tell everyone I consider NSDA an essential part of my boys’ life education"