A Look Into CDM
Carolina Dance Masters, Inc. (Affiliated Chapter 15, of Dance Masters of America, Inc.) is an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in dance education and performance in the Carolinas. Through workshops, competitions, and networking opportunities, we strive to elevate the standards of dance instruction and foster a sense of community among dancers and instructors in the region.
CDM is a non-profit, membership based organization of certified dance educators. The Board of Directors generously donates their time to lead and operate the organization, with many members volunteering as well. This is one of the unique components of CDM—we are dance educators working collectively and collaboratively in the best interest of the education of our colleagues and our students.
We are devoted to our members - their education, development, and interactions are our greatest passions. Through CDM, we hope to enhance the life of every teacher and dancer we encounter. Whether it be through educational opportunities, competitions, conventions, study sessions, or scholarships, we work year-round to ensure that everyone has opportunities to learn, love, and grow.
Rich in history, CDM was founded almost 90 years ago by those who possessed no higher love than for the art of dance and the joy it brought their audience. That passion has been passed down to each of our members, and our greatest commission is to continue to spread the craft that is dance.
The History of DANCE MASTERS OF AMERICA, Inc.
(from their website 10/30/19)
In 1884, the American National Association Masters of Dancing was founded in Boston, MA and in 1894, the International Masters of Dancing held its first convention in St. Louis, MO. For several years, attempts were made to bring the two organizations together. In 1926 they held a joint convention at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City and on August 27th, 1926 the two organizations became one and the Dancing Masters of America was formed. In 1948, the name was changed to Dance Masters of America, Inc. chartered in Hartford, CT.
Through the dedicated efforts of Mr. Mose Christensen, then President of the American National Association Masters of Dancing, the first Teacher’s Normal School was held in 1918 in New York City. Ballet was the only subject taught – with Signor Mascagno as Ballet Master. Six years later other forms of dance were added. In 1970 the name was changed to Teachers Training School which was held at Kent State University in Kent, OH. In 1997 the Teachers Training School was moved to the State University of New York at Buffalo, in Buffalo, NY.
Except for the postponements mandated by World War II, the Teachers Training School and/or National Conventions have been in continuous operation since 1884.
The first Regional Convention was held in 1953 in Los Angeles to accommodate members unable to attend the National Conventions. In 1991 Regional Conventions were discontinued and all activities since 1991 are now held at the National Convention.
In 1934, Chapters were formed throughout the United States with a Chapter-At-Large to accommodate members who live in areas too far from an established Chapter. Members outside the United States are invited to join the Chapter of their choice including the Chapter-At-Large. Chapters and Affiliation Agreements have been issued to two Canadian Chapters. Dance Masters of America, Inc. is an international organization with members throughout the world. The organization has experienced tremendous growth, both in members and in coverage of the dance profession.
The first DMA Annual Award was presented in 1963 to Ernie Flatt and has since been presented annually. The first Presidents Award was presented in 1994 to Sherry Gold and has since been presented annually.
The first Miss Dance of America Scholarship Competition was held in 1963. Since then the Dance Masters of America has expanded their Solo Title Scholarship Competitions to include both boys and girls. We now have a Miss Dance of America Scholarship Competition, Mr. Dance of America Scholarship Competition for dancers between the ages of 16 and 23, a Teen Miss Dance of America Scholarship Competition, a Teen Mr. Dance of America Scholarship Competition for dancers between the ages of 13 and 15, a Junior Miss Dance of America Scholarship Competition, a Junior Mr. Dance of America Scholarship Competition, for dancers between the ages of 10 and 12, a Petite Miss Dance of America Scholarship Competition and a Master Dance of America Scholarship Competition for dancers between the ages of 7 and 9 years of age.
Since dance education is the forefront of DMA, in 1964, the Convention held in Washington, DC included a “Junior Division of Master Classes” and the first “Performing Arts Scholarship Competition” and a “Teenage Ballroom Competition”.
The DMA Scholarship Fund was established on November 25, 1976 with $15,000.00 from a passbook account of DMA. Upon receiving an additional bequest from the estate of member Edna R. Passapac, as Scholarship Committee was formed in October 1977. DMA is year proud to award over $200,000.00 annually to both Teachers and Students.
A long-standing Welfare Fund, now the Friendship Fund was established to assist members on a temporary basis in an emergency situation such as fire or serious medical need, for which financial assistance is necessary. The assistance is a most confidential arrangement. DMA is very proud of its philanthropic pursuits.
The DMA historian collects and maintains memorabilia of the national organization and protects the integrity of the contents. Photographs and written records date back to the origin of DMA. If you attend any of the DMA National Conventions please look for our “Wall of Legions” where our history and our history makers come to life on our TV monitors.
The Past Presidents’ Council was formed in 1978 – comprised of the National Past Presidents so that DMA may continue to benefit from their knowledge and experience after they leave office. They also serve as the DMA Ethics Committee and are available for decisions in that area.
DMA is constantly striving to maintain excellence in dance education which is the keystone of this organization. Manuals and DVD Supplements, in each area of dance are available to members and non-members alike. They manual are a great asset for members and non-member to use a teaching guide and learning tool or to assist non-member to prepare for DMA Membership Examinations. The Manuals are constantly scrutinized, updated and upgraded so that we may remain on top of the constantly evolving world of dance education.
The DMA Student Honors Intensive Program (S.H.I.P.) was established and precedes the TTS Program at the University of New York at Buffalo. This program provides a curriculum for the advanced students between the ages of 13 and 18 by helping expand their knowledge of dance both technically and artistically and prepare them for the professional job demands of today. In an effort to include students from other parts of the country, we expanded this program to a second location in Texas.
When Dance Masters of America entered into its 125th Anniversary Year of Celebration the National Board of Directors with the approval of the membership renewed our dedication to teaching the Art of Dance with a renewed mission statement that reads:
Dance Masters of America is a professional, certified membership organization of artists and educators committed to the elevation of the art of dance and to provide innovative artistic experiences for the advancement of dance worldwide.
History of CDM
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In September 1935, a group of dancing teachers from North and South Carolina met at Helen Durham’s studio in Gastonia, NC and organized the Carolina Dancing Teachers Association (CDTA). Officers elected were:
President: Helen Durham
Vice-President: Bessie Burkhimer
Secretary/Treasurer: Helen Powell
Directors: Jennie Gray Barkley Cook, Mrs. Ned Joyce, Bob AlexanderCDTA applied for affiliation in Dance Masters of America and was accepted as “Club 14” in November 1935.
Subsequently, another organization of Carolina-based dance teachers, known as the North Carolina Dancing Masters (NCDM) applied for affiliation in Dance Masters of America and was accepted as “Club 15”. The officers of this organization were:
President: Jacqueline Dorminy
Vice-President: Ellen Douglas Norwood
Secretary/Treasurer: Mrs. M.T. Baylin
Director: Juanita RiosBetween 1939 and 1946, both CDTA and NCDM suffered the loss of several members. Membership in Club 14 of DMA fell below the required number of 15 necessary to retain affiliation with the national organization; as a result, Club 14 lost its affiliate membership in DMA. Members who remained in the club, however, still held their individual DMA memberships. Through the tenacity of Mrs. Ellen D. Norwood, Club 15 kept 15 paid-up members through these years and retained its affiliation to DMA as a club.
In 1947, several club members of the defunct Club 14 and members of Club 15 met at the studio of Louise Van Tassel in Rock Hill, SC. The purpose was to reorganize under the still intact DMA affiliate Club 15. At this meeting, plans were made for a teaching session of the newly formed group, know as the Carolina Dance Masters, Chapter 15 of Dance Masters of America, to be held in Anderson, SC. The gathering was held at the studio of Frances Hart, who was elected the first president of what is now CDM.
In June 1968, Carolina Dance masters was incorporated in the state of North Carolina.
In 1992, members of CDM living in South Carolina met for the purpose of organizing their own DMA affiliation separate from the CDM Chapter 15. They became Southern Council of Dance Masters, Chapter 44. Their first president was Patsy Hathcock. Carolina Dance masters wished the well in their future as a developing chapter with Dance Masters of America.
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CDM is the only chapter to have sponsored dance troupes comprised of students of members of the CDM chapter. These groups were known as the Carolina Proteges and the Carolina Kids. Carolina Kids began in the 1990s and was a performing group for the 10-12 year old students. It phased out in the early 2000s. The Carolina Proteges began in 1968, as an idea of Pegge Lee, Nancy Kitchen, and Beale Fletcher. It was under the direction of Beale Fletcher in its beginning years and has since had numerous CDM members as directors over the years. The Proteges started as a group with an emphasis on the performing end of dance and has now evolved into our Junior Membership program, which has an emphasis on education. To this day, CDM is one of very few chapters of Dance Masters of America with a Junior Membership program.
Our Miss Dance Pageants began in 1968 under the direction of Pegge Lee, who was also the National Miss Dance of America director. The first Mr. Dance contest was held in 1982 under the direction of James Shover, and during the same year, Junior Miss Dance was added. The Petite Miss Dance became an addition in 1985 with the direction of Tammy Lunsford. Teen Miss Dance was added in the late 1980s.
Our other events held each year are the Performing Arts Contest, first held in 1972, under the direction of Ann Freeman. The annual convention, which was originally held in late October and then moved to early-mid November, continues to thrive each year. We also host Winter Workshop in early February. In 1995, the Syllabus Study Session, now called Education Weekend was added for the education of potential new members, as well as that of current members. It began under the direction of Lynn Raley and is held in October of each year.
Carolina Dance Masters has grown greatly over the years and we are proud to have produced such a fine and ever-increasing chapter of dance teachers and students, who make an impact at both the local and national levels. We look forward to continued growth and success for our membership and that of Dance Masters of America!
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Since 1947, CDM has been active and in continuous affiliation with the National organization, with a significant presence on the National level.
In 1971-72, our own Pegge Lee was National President. In 1975-79 and again in 1985-87, Pegge was the National Treasurer. Pegge also served as the National Vice President. In addition to Pegge Lee, several other CDM members have held elected positions on the National Board:
Ann Freeman – National Director, National 2nd Vice-President, National 1st Vice-President, National President 2005-2007
Deborah Geer – National Director
James Shover – National Director
Chasta Calhoun – National Director 2016-2017
Jackie Olson – National Director 2015-2019
Numerous CDM members have also served on National committees over the years, and their service is greatly appreciated by both our chapter and the National organization.
Chapter of the Year:
This distinction is given to the chapter who showed the most net growth. CDM earned this honor (then known as The Fergie Award) in the early 1970s and in 1997.In 2018, CDM was named Chapter of the Year for Dance Masters of America, and again in 2023.
Additional National Recognition:
DMA Member of the Year:
2017- Jackie Olson
2023- Michelle Soutier
The Zee Brown Ahearn Award is given annually to a member who has faithfully supported DMA and tirelessly volunteered at the DMA convention for years.
2011- Ann Freeman
2018- Debbie Huffman
2019- Leslie Ingram
With the help of Bill Royal, Pegge Lee formed the National Miss Dance of America Pageant and was its first National Director in 1968. Carolina Dance Masters has boasted multiple National Title Holders:
2005 – Junior Miss Dance of America, Noelle Marsh, Student of Tori Melby
2006 – Petite Miss Dance of America, Mariah Reives, Student of Tori Melby
2009 – Petite Miss Dance of America, Natalie Rogers, Student of Michelle Rogers Soutier
2011 – Teen Mister Dance of America, Conor McKenzie, Student of Michelle Rogers Soutier
2015 – Teen Mister Dance of America, Brendan Moran, Student of Michelle Rogers Soutier
2015 – Teen Miss Dance of America, Natalie Rogers, Student of Michelle Soutier
2016 – Petite Miss Dance of America, Brenna Goebel, Student of Michelle Soutier
2017 – Mr. Dance of America, Sam Faulkner, Student of Michelle Soutier
2018 – Teen Mr. Dance of America, Adrian Jones, Student of Lynn Raley
2018 – Miss Dance of America, Natalie Rogers, Student of Michelle Rogers
2020 – Mr. Dance of America, Adrian Jones, Student of Lynn Raley
2020 – Master Dance of America, Haden Pangalos, Student of Michelle Soutier
2020 – Junior Mr. Dance of America, Aiden Conway, Student of Michelle Soutier
2022 – Junior Mr. Dance of America, Haden Pangalos, Student of Michelle Soutier
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(Since reactivation in 1947)
1947 Frances Hart (Anderson, SC)
1947-1949 Helen Durham (Gastonia, NC)
1949-1951 Katherine Hearne (Albemarle, NC)
1951-1953 Pegge Lee (Concord, NC)
1953-1955 Nancy Kitchen (Gastonia, NC)
1955-1957 Caroline Greene (Charlotte, NC)
1957-1959 Dorothy Craig (Spartanburg, SC)
1959-1961 Susan Doherty (Durham, NC)
1961-1963 Katherine Hearne (Albemarle, NC)
1963-1967 Harry Gross (Charlotte, NC)
1967-1971 Nancy Kitchen (Gastonia, NC)
1971-1975 Beale Fletcher (Asheville, NC)
1975-1979 Laura Smith (Lancaster, SC)
1979-1983 Candy Brooks (Asheboro, NC)
1983-1987 Ann Freeman (Hickory, NC)
1987-1991 Betty Newell (Sanford, NC)
1991-1993 Tammy Lunsford (Hudson, NC)
1993-1995 Linda K Huffman (Jacksonville, NC)
1995-1999 Margie Canipe (Wilkesboro, NC)
1999-2003 Deborah Geer (Henderson, NC)
2003-2007 Victoria Melby (Sanford, NC)
2007-2011 Lynn Raley (Wilmington, NC)
2011-2015 Merle Reese (Hendersonville, NC)
2015-2018 Michelle Rogers Soutier (Charlotte, NC)
2018-2022 Suzanne Mills (Sanford, NC)
2022-present Melissa Zaleski (Albemarle, NC)
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25 Year Members:
Natalie Dobbins-Denny
Connie DeVusser
Tammy Evans
Orpah Hamlett
Angie Henley
Debbie Huffman
Tammy Jordan
Deborah Kalnen
Linda Kalnen-Sykes
Michele Lee
Melanie Marcotte
Jami Masters
Suzi Matthews
Tori Melby
Suzanne Mills
Anne Gravely Moore
Betty Newell
Jackie Olson
Lynn Raley
Merle Reese
Laura Thornburg
Caroline Tiller
Wendy Wheeler-Stough
Melissa Zaleski50 Year Member:
Candace “Candy” Brooks
Johnna Forrester
Ann Freeman
Joyce Triche
Emily Whipple