Dr. Sandra Kurtinaitis, the President of the Community College of Baltimore County spoke on stage to welcome the audience to a festive celebration for the 50th Anniversary of the Dimensional Dance Media /CCBC Dance Company on May 4, 2024. Dr. Kurtinaitis honored Carole Drake Cascio, the founding director of the Dance Program and of the original dance company, Dimensional Dance Media (DDM). Dr. Kurtinaitis mentioned Carole’s many contributions to the CCBC Dance Program as Director of the Program. She was on stage with Melinda Blomquist the current Artistic Director of the CCBC Dance Company and the Dance Coordinator for the Dance Program.
Dr. Kurtinaitis thanked and acknowledged Melinda for her excellent work and dedication to continuing the tradition with the CCBC Dance Company.
The 50th Anniversary Dance Concert was attended by many student’s family and friends and dance company alumni who worked with the original DDM dance company or with the CCBC Dance Company. Also in attendance were CCF Advisory Committee members and former Artistic Directors of DDM, Leslie Weiss Tinios and Diana Curran. Leslie and Diana worked closely with Carole over many years at the CCBC Essex campus.
Also present at the 50th Anniversary Dance Concert where many dance and theatre students from Queen Anne’s County High School. CCF made it possible for the students to attend the concert by supporting their transportation. Dance teacher Kristen Tyler and Theater teacher Megan Murphy accompanied the students to see the dance concert at the CCBC Catonsville campus.
It was a wonderful evening and a diverse program with many surprises. Alumni dancers performed and guest artist choreographers created new work for the current Dance Company. Executive Director of the CCF, Peter Pucci, an original member of the DDM, and CCF Teaching Artist, Adrienne Kraus Latanishen, a former CCBC dancer, created new dances. Leslie Weiss Tinios also contributed to the program by having Melinda Blomquist re-stage one of her dances for the program.
Other choreographers included; Alice Howes, Tommy Parlon, Kristi Schaffner Alvin Mayes, and Melinda Blomquist.
The program ended on a beautiful nostalgic note. Melinda Blomquist re-created elements of the original DDM lecture demonstration that Carole used to launch the company and added some zany and fun ideas.
After the concert ended everyone gathered for a post – performance celebration that was hosted by Dr. Kurtinaitis, Melinda Blomquist, and the Director of the Performing Arts Program at CCBC, Anne Lefter. It was a fabulous and festive gathering of current and former dancers!
