Maryland Classical Dance Academy

 

The Maryland Classical Dance Academy (MCDA), the nonprofit arm of Centre Pointe Performing Arts, continues to evolve in exciting ways, expanding its mission and deepening its impact across the dance community.

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MCDA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes, including:

• Performing in The Nutcracker

• Participating in international ballet competitions

• Fundraising for scholarships to support dancers in accessing pre-professional training

 

With a commitment to excellence in both classical ballet and contemporary/commercial dance education, MCDA is actively enhancing its programming and leadership structure to better serve students and the broader community.

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Expansion of Leadership and Programming

Hannah Gryzmala has been appointed as the new Director of the Contemporary and Commercial Dance Division. She brings substantial experience as a performer, choreographer, and educator, and will play a key role in shaping the future of the division.

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Her leadership will focus on:

• Developing nonprofit programming in contemporary and commercial dance

• Introducing innovative choreography and performance opportunities

• Supporting MCDA’s mission with relevant, forward-thinking instruction

 

This new role represents a strategic expansion in line with MCDA’s goal to offer pre-professional dance education across a wider range of genres and career pathways.

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Launch of Summer Intensive

The first initiative under this new leadership is a two-day summer intensive, taking place July 16–17, led by Hannah Gryzmala. The intensive is open to dancers from the broader community and reflects MCDA’s goal to provide impactful, high-level training opportunities.

Registration is now open via email at eksgs@aol.com.

See flyer for more details. 

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Organizational Leadership and Board Growth

MCDA is pleased to welcome Norma Pera and Nicolle Canapp as new members of the board. Their combined experience in dance education and nonprofit leadership will support MCDA’s continued development and strategic planning.

Their involvement strengthens the organization’s capacity to respond to new opportunities and better serve its mission.

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Continued Commitment to Classical Training

While MCDA expands its contemporary and commercial offerings, the classical division remains a foundational part of the organization’s work. The Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) program continues to serve as a centerpiece of classical training, offering rigorous ballet and contemporary instruction for students pursuing professional careers in concert dance.

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Susan Joines continues to serve as Director of the Classical Track Division, ensuring the quality and focus of classical programming remains exceptional.

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Collaboration & Community Impact

MCDA continues its close collaboration with Sandra Zaicko and the Centre Pointe Performing Arts team. This partnership helps align nonprofit programming with the broader training goals of the studio and ensures consistency across both classical and commercial divisions.

 

Additional information regarding MCDA opportunities will be included in the 2025–2026 troupe packets.
Questions related to programming can be directed to eksgs@aol.com.

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Our Mission

Maryland Classical Dance Academy (MCDA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation supporting educational programs in contemporary and commercial dance. The organization is dedicated to training dancers in a pre-professional program that prepares them for acceptance into top collegiate programs, advanced professional training, or professional audition processes.

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In addition to technical training, MCDA supports charitable initiatives such as The Nutcracker, international competition participation, and scholarship fundraising.