Dance Career Award Program
The winners of the Dance Career Awards are selected from hundreds of area students participating in Dance St. Louis’ Bayer Dance Education Residency Program during the fall.
The Dance Career Awards are designed to identify and honor local high school students who are exceptionally motivated and talented in dance and show potential for a professional dance career.
Recipients of the Dance Career Award are offered guidance and support towards more intensive dance training and ultimately towards careers in the dance world. Awardees are also given assistance with preparation for auditions, counseling on whether or which college to pursue, request for letters of recommendations, connections in the professional dance world and more. Dance St. Louis may also contribute financially and help seek support for award winners from dance schools, colleges and professional dance companies.
2026 Dance Career Award winners at the 18th Annual SPRING TO DANCE® 2026 at the touhill performing arts center. Pictured (L TO R): Hailiee-Dreu Woolfolk (University City High School), Taylor Gardner (McKinley Classical Leadership High School), Phoenix Cousins (Central Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) High School) AND Doline Colenburg (Grand Center Arts Academy).
2025 Dance Career Award winners at the 17th Annual SPRING TO DANCE® 2025 at the touhill performing arts center.
2024 Dance Career Award winners at the 16th Annual SPRING TO DANCE® 2024 at the touhill performing arts center.
2022 DANCE Career Award Winners at the 14th annual emerson SPRING TO DANCE® Festival 2022. Photo by prophotostl.
amy simpson, bayer fund senior manager and program officer, presents the 2023 Dance career award winners with their awards. pictured left to right: ZaKERiaH Brown (Central Visual & Performing arts high school), MitchelL Davis (Grand center arts academy)) and Cadence Sneed (University City High School). Not pictureD: Leslie Coleman (Normandy High School) and Raven Hollis (Central Visual & Performing arts high school).
2018 and 2019 career award winners on stage at the touhill performing arts center. photo by prophotostl.
