Academy of Performing Arts - Dance

Naomi Jones, a senior in GCIT’s Performing Arts: Dance Program, was recently selected as a member of the Youth Arts Education Advocacy Council for the State of New Jersey! As a Youth Council Leader for Arts Ed NJ, she will advocate for Arts Education in our school communities, and the state, and plan a virtual Arts Education summit for young people and adults within the state to come together to learn and exchange ideas.

Naomi was selected following her work advocating for the arts in school communities for several years now. She founded The M.I.M.I. (Making an Impact, Moving to Inspire) Group LLC when she was nine years old in efforts of providing performing arts education and experiences to young people who may not have the opportunity due to lack of transportation to travel to other cities, or the lack of arts programs in their own communities. She provides summer theater camps for kids and dance classes throughout the school year in her community.

Congratulations, Naomi, on this incredible accomplishment!

GCIT’s National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) hosted their annual "I Was Here: Dancing for Humanity" benefit performances on March 26 and 27. All proceeds from the event go directly to Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity. Both performances were sold out and there was a silent auction with 40 baskets donated by local businesses and families.

At the beginning of each performance, representatives from the “What Would Katharine Do?” Scholarship Foundation and Ashley Griffiths, Executive Director for Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity, spoke about the importance of philanthropy and community. This year the event raised $4,755! This brings our 6-year total to $27,033 raised for Habitat for Humanity! Thank you to everyone who came out to support our students and make this event a success!

"I Was Here; Dancing For Humanity" is dedicated in honor of Katharine Campbell, GCIT Class of 2015. She was a remarkable young woman who was selfless and an asset to the GCIT Dance Program, along with her local community. After graduating from GCIT, Katharine went on to further her education at St. Joseph’s University. In college, she was highly involved with her community and volunteered for Collegiate Challenge, a student organization at Saint Joseph’s University that works with Habitat for Humanity Affiliates throughout the country. 

During the performances students presented a variety of works. Some of the pieces were developed by students in collaboration with their peers, some were self-choreographed solos, and some were pieces students had been working on throughout the year outside of GCIT. Every performance opportunity is a gift, but this event truly gives the GCIT dance family a unique opportunity to share the power of dance/the arts and experience the connection of community. Even though Katharine is no longer here, her kind and giving spirit will always be with us.

Click here for photos from the event. 

Mitchell Savitsky, senior from the Academy of Performing Arts - Dance, has been awarded a 2024 New Jersey Governor's Awards in Arts Education (NJGAAE) by Dance New Jersey for Exceptional Artistry & Community Leadership in Dance. Dance New Jersey honored its 2024 NJGAAE Awardees during their annual Show up & Dance event on March 3, 2024. During the event, Mitchell and the other awardees had the opportunity to perform for the DanceNJ community. Congratulations, Mitchell!!!!