May 1, 2018
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Culture and History selected two scholarship winners for the 2018 West Virginia State Dance Festival. The recipient of the Friends of West Virginia Culture and History scholarship is Ellie Boyd, and the recipient of the Jerry Rose Scholarship of Excellence is Isaiah Christopher Woodyard. Both award winners performed solo pieces during the evening performances at the dance festival.
The 2018 State Dance Festival took place Friday, April 27 through Sunday, April 29, and showcased the talents of West Virginia dancers who come to the Culture Center at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston each spring to perform and take classes from nationally acclaimed dance instructors. This marked the event’s 36th year. The festival’s evening performances were Friday and Saturday.
Ellie Boyd is a 14-year old sophomore from Beckley, WV. Ellie attend’s the Beckley Dance Theatre School and this is her fourth year attending the West Virginia Dance Festival. She performed her solo piece, “The Black Swan,” for Saturday evening’s performance.
Isaiah Christopher Woodyard is a 17-year old junior at George Washington High School in Charleston and was born and raised in South Charleston, WV. Isaiah dances with Kelle Boggs Dance Studio and has attended the Sate Dance Festival for the past three years. He performed his solo piece, “Wolf,” for Friday evening’s performance.
For more information, contact Caryn Gresham, deputy commissioner of the division, at 304-558-0220 or Caryn.S.Gresham@wv.gov.
MEDIA NOTE: Find photos of scholarship winners here https://goo.gl/Eywiuq
Cutlines for photos:
Photo 1 – Jerry Rose Scholarship of Excellence winner, Isaiah Christopher Woodyard, during his solo performance, “Wolf.” Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.
Photo 2 - Jerry Rose Scholarship of Excellence winner, Isaiah Christopher Woodyard, during his solo performance, “Wolf.” Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.
Photo 3 – West Virginia Culture and History Scholarship winner, Ellie Boyd, during her solo performance, “The Black Swan.” Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.
Photo 4 - West Virginia Culture and History Scholarship winner, Ellie Boyd, during her solo performance, “The Black Swan.” Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.
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