Students Rising: Our 2025 Conservatory Showcase

On Thursday, May 29, students of the BTM Conservatory took to the stage for their year-end Conservatory Showcase. Tulle was donned, false eyelashes applied, and hundreds of flowers were purchased to honor our students' accomplishments onstage and during the school year.

Read on to find out how the performance went, what Karen Fleming choreographed for our students and trainees, and who received our inaugural Robert Sutton Young Artist Award. Lastly, we have a special message from graduating senior Chloë Myers.

A Show for Everyone

Performing in a showcase or recital is a rite of passage in the dance world.* This year's show was no different, as it provided an opportunity for our tiniest tots up through our adult dancers to perform in front of an audience. The stage is a familiar place for adults who grew up performing in dance recitals, but a few dancers shared with me that this was their very first dance performance ever!

As a BTM teacher, it is wonderful seeing students of every age progress in their training from year to year. In the studio, dancers are taking on new technical challenges week after week. All of that hard work flowers into something beautiful once they step onstage.

The performance culminated in excerpts from the ballet Coppélia by the top two levels of our schools and our trainee dancers. After performing alongside the professional company throughout the season, the trainees finished up their year performing the "Waltz of the Hours" from Act III of Coppélia, staged by faculty member Victoria Siracusa.

"Bloom" by Karen Fleming

You might remember Karen's choreography "The Yachts" from this year's performances of Momentum. We highlighted her new work in a recent blog post, but Karen was back for more with a showcase piece, "Bloom", that highlighted our trainees and advanced students' contemporary dance skills.

Karen says, "The piece draws inspiration from early modern dance pioneer Isadora Duncan and explores the sense of relief and joy that accompany the coming of spring after a long winter. I have particularly enjoyed getting to share my passion for dance history with the cast, and I hope that I have helped them find a sense of freedom in their movement like Isadora had in hers."

Photo by Clara Molina

One of the differences between working with professionals and with students is that rehearsal time can be more limited. Student schedules naturally emphasize technique classes, so Karen created this new piece after several weeks of meeting just once per week! With a large cast of 17 dancers, this required a clear vision from the front of the room and maximum focus on the dance floor.

Karen says, "Everyone has risen to the challenge, and I am excited to share this new work with their friends and families...My hope for this piece is that it serves as a celebration of all the dancers’ accomplishments. Whether they are marking the end of the school year, graduation, or concluding their first season dancing alongside BTM’s professional company, each one of them has something to be incredibly proud of."

Trainee dancers Alyssa Tyson, Danielle Daniel, Alyssa Nichols, Amber Sanders, and Kyley Paules backstage

The Robert Sutton Young Artist Award

Amid the many light and joyful moments, this year also had a significant one: the first time we presented the Robert Sutton Young Artist Award.

Robert Sutton

In 2024, BTM was deeply saddened by the loss of Robert Sutton, a longtime board member and supporter of our organization. He and his wife, Erin, became involved with BTM when their daughter Emily joined the Conservatory in 2012. His work as a Vice President and Treasurer on the Board of Trustees provided significant guidance to BTM as an organization, particularly during the difficult years surrounding the pandemic. We are grateful to have known him and were deeply inspired to follow his example.

Rob's daughter, Emily, in 2024

As a way to honor his memory, BTM established a Scholarship Fund and Young Artist Award. The Robert Sutton Young Artist Award is an annual honor recognizing a student who demonstrates helpfulness and care as a role model and friend to their fellow dancers.

When our school principal, Emily Carey, asked the faculty to weigh in on who should receive the award, we had many names to suggest. (We are fortunate to have quite a few students who exemplify this attitude of kindness toward others!) In the end, the award deservedly went to Benta Owino, a graduating senior.

Benta as a Friend in Coppélia

Benta has been dancing in BTM's Conservatory for several years and performed as a student dancer in our productions of The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake. After graduating from the Gunston School in Centreville, Benta will attend Elon University on a full scholarship as part of their Odyssey Program. Congratulations to Benta on this award!

Senior Year: Looking Back with Chloë Myers

Seven of our high school seniors in Coppélia's Friends

The Conservatory Showcase includes more than a few happy tears as we send off our graduating seniors to the next step in their journey. Below, BTM student Chloë Myers shares what the last several years as a BTM student have meant to her:

"This year’s Ballet Theatre of Maryland Conservatory Showcase will be my sixth—and, as a graduating senior, my last. While I missed one showcase in the spring of 2020 and others were shaped by pandemic restrictions, power outages, and unpredictable weather, these performances have remained an important milestone at the end of each year.

"When I joined the BTM Conservatory in fall 2018, I was faced with an unfamiliar experience, despite having danced for most of my life. I was shy, unsure of how I’d fit in, and hesitant to connect with others. But by the end of that first year, I began to form some of the closest and most impactful friendships I’ve ever had. Dance has taught me to be vulnerable—not just artistically, but personally. There’s no way to avoid making mistakes or learning in real time, always in front of both teachers and peers. This sense of openness was difficult at first, but now remains a guiding principle in my life.

"As I look ahead, I hope to carry with me not only the ability to keep dancing, but also the introspection, resilience, and community I’ve found through ballet. And, luckily, I know that the friendships and connections that I’ve built in dance studios and dressing rooms since 2018 will always have an important role in my life." -Chloë Myers

Photo by Legacy Studios

Congratulations to all of our graduating seniors on their achievements!

2025 Conservatory Seniors:

• Clarissa Callis, University of Cincinnati

• Isabel Damian Lopez, University of Maryland College Park

• Caroline Hansen, Anne Arundel Community College

• Krystina Lilly, American University

• Anna Mildenberger, Anne Arundel Community College

• Chloë Myers, Smith College

• Benta Owino, Elon University

• Sophia Rodenhausen

• Shea Sullivan, Hobart and William Smith Colleges

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Like the professional company, the Conservatory will be going dark for a little while. Don't worry, though, because classes and performances will be back in session before you know it! Here's what we have ahead:

• June 14: Join the company for a free performance as part of Dinner Under the Stars on West Street.

• June 23: Put on your tights as summer classes start at the Annex, Maryland Hall, and in Grasonville.

• July 11: Head to Discoveries: The Library at the Mall for a Swan Lake storytime and performance.

• Throughout the summer: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you never miss a community performance!

To reserve your seats for next season, consider purchasing a subscription today!

Photo by Joanne Salyer

*Last year, we shared Susan Reimer's memories of her daughter's recital with us in 1994. Although two decades have passed, her column reflects just how universal these recital experiences can be!

Stage photos by Lauren Martinez