Blog Archives

a woman of influence

2/20/2020

If you know Leslie, you know she isn't one to talk about her own achievements...but as the Nolte Academy marketing team, we couldn't help but share! Each year, 10 women are recognized for making a difference in the Corridor as role models and leaders in their fields and community, and our own Leslie Nolte has been selected as a Woman of Influence by the Corridor Business Journal!

Honorees are selected by the previous year’s Women of Influence. Below is the full list of honorees as well as some excerpts from letters of recommendation submitted on her behalf!

"For as long as I have known Leslie, she has always had huge dreams and has utilized her community to achieve these dreams. She has more plans for enriching the community through the arts, and she will continually strive to unearth more as the nature of our times require more artistic sustenance. As a teacher, lifelong mentor and artistic supporter of mine, I have known Leslie to be the archetypal woman for young women like me."

"Leslie has the energy and vision for continuing to find creative ways to engage young people in the arts. Her work helps to inspire and cultivate the youth in our community to become the best at whatever their hearts desire. The youth in our communities will certainly have an impact on the future of our region, so Leslie is an obvious choice to be a recipient of the 2020 Women of Influence Award. Her influence will go way beyond 2020!"

"A strong and true role model lives authentically. They follow their passion. They work hard and dig in and love big and are willing to fall hard for the overall big picture goal of joy and beauty and greatness, for themselves and for those around them. This is Leslie. Authenticity personified."

"Through the education she provides students, the artists she brings to Eastern Iowa, and the financial and artistic direction she shares with partners in the community, Ms. Nolte’s influence is one of the things that makes the Corridor a vibrant and engaging place to live. "

"I can think of few other people who have contributed so much to the creative energy that defines Iowa City and continues to pull amazing people here as Leslie Nolte. One of my friends once described Leslie as “from another planet”, and I think this is true in all the best ways. She is otherworldly, completely unique, a creative genius, powerful, and able to accomplish things that most people won’t accomplish in 5 lifetimes. I am so honored to have Leslie in my life, and am eternally curious to see what amazing feat she will pull off next."

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nycda chicago

2/17/2020

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Affect's presence was small but mighty at NYCDA this past weekend in Chicago. We had a fantastic showing from our participants, and so appreciate all the support Affect families offered to make it an extra enjoyable weekend! Now, on to the accolades and photos!

Awards #1: Mini and Junior Solos and Duets

Top 10 Mini soloists:
2- Gabe- Dont Worry
Top 10 Mini Duets/trios:
4- Gabe and Maya
Top 10 Junior Soloists:
4-Quinn Cute
Top 10 Junior Duets/Trios:
4- Quinn and Delaine- Orange Colored Sky

Awards #2: Teen Solos (75 entries)
Top 15 Teen soloists:
9- Emma McMahon - On Broadway
2- Tatiana - Timelapse

Awards #3: Teen Groups and Line

Fuse - HGold
Breathe - Platinum
Make me Feel - Platinum
Mess is Mine - Platinum

Class Act Studio:
(representing your dancers with class) - Nolte Academy

Scholarship Recipients:

Regional Scholarship to NYCDA next season:
Ballet: Emma McMahon
Tap: Quinn Fridrich

Future stars:
Isaak Martin And Maya Cheng

Scholarship finalists:
Tatiana Schmidt, Sigrid Rossi, Delaine Tyler, Emma McMahon, Gabe Johnson, Maya Cheng, Isaak Martin

$1,000 Perry Mansfield Scholarship:
Delaine Tyler

$500 Body Traffic Scholarship:
Emma McMahon

Outstanding dancers: (National Convention Scholarship in New York City)
Minis - Gabe Johnson
Teens - Emma McMahon and Delaine Tyler

Fuse High Gold - 289.1/300
Breathe - Platinum 291.6/300
Make Me Feel - Platinum 290.7/300
Mess is Mine - Platinum 290.25/300

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Robyn watson: tap director

2/10/2020

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We are so pleased to share with you that Robyn Watson has accepted the position of Tap Director at Nolte Academy! Robyn will be an integral part of our program, and has her sights set on strengthening it even more. She will be joining the faculty starting with fall classes, and also available for tap lessons and classes this summer, along with instructing at Open Doors Dance Festival. Those dates are still being determined, but we will update you as the summer schedule is set.

A graduate of Temple University with a B.A. in Theater, Robyn Watson hails from Philadelphia. In 2016, she served as the tap instructor for the Broadway sensation Shuffle Along, and recently collaborated with Grammy award nominee and MacArthur Genius award recipient Rhiannon Giddens. She has studied under the direction of Tony award winner Savion Glover for the past nine years, and continues to perform with him. In 2017, Robyn was a featured artist for the Grammy nominated live album American Originals: 1918 with the Cincinnati Pops. Robyn has been recognized as one of the "20 Hot Tappers, 20 and Under" by Dance Spirit Magazine. She has been a performer for more than 20 years and a tap dance educator for more than 15. Robyn is also a skilled costume designer and writer.

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