At The Independent Dance Network Festival, hosted by Mercy High School in Baltimore, dancers from eight schools gathered to learn from instructors and peers and perform various dances for a live audience.

“All independent, private, and parochial schools in the Baltimore Metro area with dance programs are invited to attend,” explained Director of the Ballet Academy and College Preparatory Dance Program Laura Ward-Moran

Despite the number of schools that fall within this area, this year’s festival was held at a smaller capacity than in previous years.

Mrs. Ward-Moran commented, “AIMS kept it small as it was the first year back since COVID.”
The Association of Independent Maryland and DC schools (AIMS) is responsible for putting on and sponsoring the festival.

According to Mrs. Ward-Moran, the event “is held at a different school each year. In 2020, John Carroll was the host school.”

JC was the last school to host the event before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in February of 2020. AIMS took a two-year hiatus from organizing the festival for the purpose of keeping dancers, their instructors, and their families safe during what were unprecedented times.

However, 2023 marks the return of the Independent Dance Network Festival, and members of JC’s dance programs were excited to attend.

Senior Ashleigh Eyler said, “I expected to learn something new, which I did, but I also met a lot of new people and had a lot of fun.”

Ashleigh discussed the various styles of dance attendees had the opportunity to practice. “We took three classes: Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Bollywood classes.”

Already familiar with Contemporary and Hip Hop styles, Ashleigh was not only able to solidify her skills, but she also learned a completely new form of dance. “We learned about Indian culture with Bollywood, so I feel more educated. It was more than just dancing.”

AIMS is on track to bring back the Independent Dance Network Festival in 2024, which will be the fifth year it has occurred.