WYE MILLS, April 11, 2026 The Eastern Shore Arts Festival (ESAF) at Chesapeake College once again offered a vibrant showcase of regional dance talent featuring master classes and an inspiring Day of Dance Showcase. The event was sponsored by the Carole Cascio Fund and the Todd Performing Arts Center (TPAC). Rob Thompson, the Director of TPAC, is a long-time collaborator with the Carole Cascio Fund, and his partnership was vital to the event.
A highlight of the day was the presence of guest artist Yoav Kaddar, a choreographer and dancer from West Virginia University. In addition to performing his solo work, “Ee-mm-aa (the word for mother in Hebrew)”, Kaddar shared his expertise by teaching a Modern Dance class for participating dancers and performers and an Israeli folk dance class for local community members of all ages.
The Day of Dance culminated with the Showcase, which presented a diverse range of choreography and styles. The groups that performed in the Showcase, included, To The Pointe Dance Company (Ridgely), dancers from Towson University (Baltimore), and the CCBC Dance Company (Essex)—This marks the third time the company has participated in the Eastern Shore Arts Festival, the AACC Dance Company (Anne Arundel County), dancers from Washington College (Chestertown), Design In Motion (Gambrills), The Ensemble (Baltimore, Md) West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV).
CCF Teaching Artist Gabby Pfeifer and Executive Director Peter Pucci worked together to re-create his iconic solo Sing that Gabby performed. It was a wonderful collaboration between the two CCF Teaching Artists.
It was a very exciting day for the dancers to work with Guest Artist Yoav in the morning, who taught an amazing Jose Limon based technique class. The day concluded with a lively, all-inclusive, community-based fun filled Israeli folk dance class led by Kaddar.
The event culminated with the Showcase, which presented a diverse range of choreography and styles. All the groups performed beautifully, providing a wide variety of content and choreography, making it another successful Day of Dance at the Eastern Shore Arts Festival. The festival brought together students, educators, and nationally recognized artists for a full day of exhibitions, performances, and community engagement.
Michael Bell, a CCF collaborator and Supervisor for Instruction for QACPS recorded an episode of his podcast, Art Scene, capturing the energy and impact of the 4th Annual Eastern Shore Arts Festival, held at Chesapeake College’s Todd Performing Arts Center.
Recorded live during the event, the episode features interviews with student artists, performers, and guest professionals, offering an inside look at one of the region’s most dynamic celebrations of visual and performing arts.
Listeners will also hear directly from participants involved in the Annual Queen Anne’s County Public Schools Senior Show, as well as featured Guest Artist Yoav Kaddar and collaborators from the Carole Cascio Fund. The episode highlights the power of authentic arts experiences and the growing partnerships that continue to expand opportunities for students across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
“This episode captures what makes this work so meaningful—students taking risks, finding their voice, and sharing it with the world,” said Bell. “It’s about creativity in its truest form.”
Link to the Art Scene postcast: direct link on Spotify
