Ashley Cartledge Inclusive Dance Education Scholarship

The North Carolina Dance Educators Organization (NCDEO) proudly introduces the Inclusive Dance Education Scholarship in honor of a beloved educator, Ashley Cartledge, who exemplified leadership, inclusivity, and a passion for diversity in dance education. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing a degree in dance education who demonstrate a commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and diverse environment in the field of dance.

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Congratulations to the 2026 recipient, Connie Pearce!

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Connie Pearce is a North Carolina–based dancer, choreographer, and dance educator who is endlessly curious about how movement can change people. She loves teaching because it lets her watch students discover their strength, their confidence, and their love for dance.

 

"Being selected as a scholarship recipient by the North Carolina Dance Education Organization is an exciting and meaningful milestone for Connie. It represents not only support for her growth as an educator, but also her belief that dance education can be joyful, rigorous, and deeply impactful. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to continue learning, teaching, and building creative, encouraging spaces for dancers across North Carolina."

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