 NWSA COLLEGE CLASS OF 2014 MARCHED TOWARD A BRILLIANT FUTURE
New World School of the Arts celebrated its College Commencement ceremony in Miami's historic Gusman Center for the Performing Arts. The 2014 graduating class of sixty performing and visual arts students paraded triumphantly to the beat of African drummers from the famed arts conservatory through the streets of downtown Miami, where parents, friends and onlookers snapped photos and yelled congratulatory words. For the young artists, it was a remarkably beautiful afternoon in the city, not only because the sun smiled on them, but because they had just accomplished their dream of becoming BFA or BM college graduates in a city that has become an international Mecca for the arts.
"I'm awestruck each and every day by your youth and energy and vitality," said Dr. Jeffrey Hodgson, Provost of New World School of the Arts, as he warmly welcomed the class of 2014. The following message would strike a special chord with parents, family and faculty members - prompting nods of approval as he emphasized, "Things worth accomplishing take lots of hard work and perseverance. Early on in your studies, it might have seemed like the faculty were there solely to challenge you - to question your determination - to demand seemingly more and more of you. But in reality - they were working hard to help you discover your path forward to becoming an artist. To help you discover your voice - yourself - to build the you that you have become through your studies." The Provost concluded his delivery by highlighting the integral role of the BFA / BM candidates in the legacy of the school, "New World exists for you and because of you. The energy and excitement you have brought to your studies and performances and exhibitions - that's the lifeblood of New World."
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 DYNAMIC HIGH SCHOOL SPRING DANCE CONCERT
This year's New World School of the Arts' High School Spring Dance Concert will be an exciting and varied program, featuring the work of respected choreographers including Kehynde Hill, Josée Garant and Peter London, among others.
The program will feature a broad range of styles and motifs - from Gerard Ebitz' lyrical ballet work, North by Northeast to the powerful new hip-hop dance created by professional guest artist, Kehynde Hill entitled (B)ear (N)o (W)itness set to an upbeat score of contemporary music. Peter London's new work, Blood and Sun, is a moving modern dance in the Graham style, set to the music of both Bach and Reggae masters, while Rebecca Cannan's dance, We're All Crazy features an original score created and performed live by Sean Dibble, Ulysses Perez, Plinio Sanchez and Nathan Greenberg. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the death of revered Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona, faculty choreographer Lara Murphy has created a beautiful and evocative contemporary ballet set to a selection of his music; and the program is completed by a driving contemporary work by guest choreographer Josée Garant entitled Forced Entry.
May 9, 10, 15, 16, 17; 7:30 PM
New World Dance Theater
25 NE 2 Street, 8th Floor, Downtown Miami
General admission $12 / Students and seniors $5
Information at 305-237-3341
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2014 VISUAL ARTISTS BID FAREWELL WITH ET AL.
Et Al., the final visual arts showcase by the college class of 2014 is a group exhibition highlighting a variety of works from 21 visual artists of divergent disciplines. Professionally curated by NWSA dean of the visual arts program, Maggy Cuesta and gallerist Fredric Snitzer, this exhibition will offer unique approaches to the process of making art in all mediums. "This conceptual and highly developed work is the result of our students' determination and training," said Cuesta, "The show demonstrates their ability to take theory, concepts, and the skill they have honed throughout the years to create their final showcase before they enter the world of professional artists or continue to pursue their advanced degrees."
"The NWSA BFA exhibition has historically been the first public exposure for some of the most successful artists to come out of Miami and this year it promises to be no exception" stated Fredric Snitzer, Miami gallerist who teaches at NWSA.
2014 Exhibiting BFA Artists include: Katie Acosta, Ana Alvarado, Marissa Anderson, Angelica Baini, Daniel Thomas Cam, Eric Fernandez, Jose Garcia, Laura Garcia, Melissa Gonzalez, Alia Huffman, Nicolas Katz, Junli Kato, Sandra Leatherman, Rhea Leonard, Stefy Lopez, Cindy Mejia, Sue Montoya, Joel Rabadan, Ivan Recalde, Jonathan Rodriguez, Jacqueline 'Soir' Rios.
May 10; 7:00 PM
CIFO
1018 North Miami Avenue, Miami
Free and open to the public
Information at 305-237-3620
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 NWSA THEATER SEASON ENDS WITH A BIT OF COMEDY
All in the Timing, NWSA's final theater showcase, is a collection of a half dozen humorous one-act plays written by David Ives. Although the American playwright began to write these in 1987, it wasn't until 1993 that he finished and premiered the series off-Broadway. Directed by Stuart Meltzer, Artistic Director of Zoetic Stage and NWSA theater faculty member, the comedy-drama short plays will be offered by the NWSA High School juniors and seniors. "Comedy is not easy," stated Meltzer, "In fact, I think, it takes more rehearsal, more courage and more skill to effectively realize a comedy on the stage. It also requires intellect. Our evening includes six plays, which demonstrate the students' ability to listen, live truthfully in a moment and explore relationships."
"Aside from simply being funny, each of the plays centers on the timing of human beings in contemporary living. This collection celebrates chance, premonition, kismet, bashert and destiny. It also probes deliberately into language, rhythm, tempo, history, and challenges the actors' ability for comic landing, or comic timing," explained Meltzer. May 14, 15, 16, 17; 7:30 PM May 18; 2:00 PM Louise O. Gerrits Theater 25 NE 2 Street, 8th Floor, Downtown Miami General admission $12 / Students and seniors $5
Information at 305-237-3541
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FIRST NEW WORLD FAMILIES TO COME FULL CIRCLE
Maya Hunter, a Voice major and Harmony Jackson, graduating from the Dance program are the first second-generation students to proudly wear the New World School of the Arts graduation cap and gown as their parents did more than two decades ago. "I'm grateful that Maya had the opportunity to go to high school in an artistic environment, giving her the opportunity to obtain a great peer mentor as well as many friends who share her passion," said Katie Christie. "I'm also thrilled that Maya and I had the opportunity to be inspired and impacted by a few of the same outstanding teachers!" As the first children of New World School of the Arts alumni, the cycle of arts nurturing and learning has come full circle for these two South Florida families. Maya's mother, Katie Christie-Bereng, graduated in 1989 from the high school Theater program, while her father, Ralph Hunter, was part of the first NWSA college graduating class. A Music major, he became the drummer/percussionist for the ever-popular KC and the Sunshine Band, among other musical accomplishments. Both Katie and Ralph performed during the first Rising Stars showcase presented at the Gusman Theater. Harmony Jackson's father, Rodney Jackson, graduated in 1990 from Visual Arts. He was among the very first students to attend NWSA during his whole high school years. Congratulations to Maya and Katie as they follow their parents' footsteps and to Katie, Ralf and Rodney for continuing to uphold the legacy of New World School of the Arts.  Katie Christie (center) surrounded by her class of '89
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THANK YOU, NEW WORLD SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SUPPORTERS
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2012-2013 25 ANNIVERSARY
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Jeffrey Hodgson, D.M.A., Provost
Evonne S. Alvarez, H.S. Principal
Mary Lisa Burns, Dean of Dance
Milton R. Laufer, Dean of Music
Patrice Bailey, Dean of Theater
Maggy Cuesta, Dean of Visual Arts
Rita Fidalgo, Administrative Services
Maria M. Flores, Marketing and P.R.
Lourdes Werner, Student Services
Juan Piñera, Information Technology
Rafi Maldonado-Lopez, Development
Sandra Theard, Assistant to Provost
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