MEET THE DIRECTOR
Katherine Smith – Executive Artistic Director
Katherine Smith, a native Washingtonian, graduated from The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and earned her B.F.A. from the University of the Arts, formerly the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. Ms. Smith has worked with renowned choreographers such as James Truitte, Talley Beatty, Donald McKayle, Eleo Pomare, Ulysses Dove, Milton Myers, Donald Byrd, Doug Varone, Kevin Iega Jeff, and Bruce Stegmann. Her concert experience includes Twyla Tharp Contemporary, Rod Rodgers, Forces of Nature, ClancyWorks, New World, D.C. Contemporary, and Jahn Dance Company.
Katherine has been recognized as a performer, choreographer, and instructor by receiving an Honor Award from the International Association of Blacks in Dance and former board member.
She has expanded her professional dance training by committing to giving back through dance education, community outreach, and mentorship. Katherine has choreographed and performed with professional modern dance companies and community outreach programs.
Previously, Katherine has served as faculty & guest choreographer for PHILANDACO, Howard University, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dance Institute of Washington’s Kwanzaa, the Washington Ballet’s THEARC Campus, and Jones-Haywood School of Dance. She has taught master classes and workshops for various dance organizations and schools throughout the Washington Metropolitan area. Katherine currently chairs the Dance Department at Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
WHO WE ARE
KSCDE is committed to representing a high standard of excellence and artistry, preparing all dancers today with the dedication and discipline to become future professional dance artists.
Our artists share a deep, unwavering passion for preserving dance. Under this premise, KSCDE continues to cultivate, nurture, and strengthen the Washington Metropolitan area as an established, premier dance institution. KSCDE’s recreation throughout the greater Washington area serves as a beacon representing professional and pre-professional dancers, as KSCDE is an open system and ensemble. Ensemble members also have opportunities to perform in cross-collaborations, community outreach, and with professional artists to further develop their artistic gifts. Ensemble members present collaborative works choreographed by the Artistic Director and invited guest choreographers.
KSCDE is both a multi-generational pre-performance dance ensemble with three objectives:
- Advancing the artistic training of advanced-level youth dancers.
- Encouraging, challenging, and furthering the development of dance for the advancement of professional dancers in the Washington Metropolitan area and potential to develop into professional dance artists.
- Providing a platform to adult performing artists who desire to continue to maintain, sustain their craft, and/or embark on their dance aspirations.
ANNUAL SEASON SCHEDULE
Heritage Praise / March: We give praise through song and deed, but sometimes that means demonstrating our faith through movement! “Heritage Praise” celebrates faith and the power of contemporary dance. The ensemble showcases their professionalism, technical mastery, and passion in a program of faith-based contemporary dance.
Spring Concert / May or June: A finale to KSCD’s season, featuring interpretations and expressions that highlight the love, passion, and joy of our dance.
“To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak.” — Hopi Indian Saying
Community Performances: Various community performances with DMV companies and events.
KSCDE Auditions: KSCDE auditions are held throughout the year or by appointment.
