Amina Vargas
Former student, The Washington Ballet @ THEARC, and graduate of the Alvin Ailey School of Dance
What I appreciate most about THEARC was the sense of community that I found there. That is how my passion started and how I got to where I am now. I definitely carry with me the confidence I got at THEARC.
Jared Kelly
Former student, The Washington Ballet @ THEARC, current dancer, Minnesota Dance Theatre, former Ballet Tucson dancer
I remember being inspired and mentored by all of Katrina’s coaching, I will always remember performing at the White House and traveling to Kansas to perform and meet her family.
Reverend Carolyn Hutchinson
Community Leader and Parent
Ms. Katrina (as I affectionately still call her) and her staff not only taught dance, but also instilled a sense of pride and confidence to the students that allowed them to walk a little taller, to take risks and embrace the possibilities beyond what they saw in their day-to-day life. In her interactions with the community, she demonstrated the mandates of cultural competency that are required when cultures engage together without the typical “condescension” that is often displayed when different cultures meet. Here was a woman who not only stated that she loved our children and the community, but she demonstrated it on a daily basis.
Megan Janssen
Executive Director, Dance Initiative,
Carbondale, CO
Katrina is easy to work with, always shows up for projects with a warm and welcoming attitude, and really steps into action. She brings professionalism and heart to her teaching and choreographing. She has been a wonderful addition to this rural dance community set in the mountains. Katrina brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with her and you can really feel it when working with her.
Rahsaan Bernard
President,
Building Bridges Across the River, Washington, DC
Katrina is the consummate professional. Her integrity and consistency made her a trusted leader in our community. Her commitment to quality and excellence is second to none, juxtapose that to how collaborative and truly friendly she is - makes her one of a kind - a true asset for the community here at the THEARC!
Photo credits: Amina Vargas. Photo by Nir Arieli.; Jared Kelly. Photo by Julian Morris.; Megan Janssen. Photo by Sarah Overbeck.