At Connor Dance, our mission goes beyond crafting premium performance flooring; it's about supporting the dancers, educators, and creators who bring movement to life. This year, we were honored to sponsor the 2025 Dance Teacher Awards, hosted by Dance Teacher Magazine on October 7 in New York City. The event united dance educators from across the country to celebrate their artistry, mentorship, and lasting impact on the dance community.
Why Connor Dance Chose to Partner
Shared Commitment to High-Performance Spaces
Just as dedicated instructors work tirelessly to develop technique and artistry, we are committed to building flooring systems that support movement, safety, and longevity. Professional dance studios and performance venues require the same attention to impact absorption, control, and consistency that we bring to every Connor Dance system.
Celebrating Educators as Movers and Athletes
Dance is athletic, expressive, and precise. By supporting the Dance Teacher Awards, we honor the educators who train and inspire the next generation while reinforcing our belief that dancers deserve surfaces engineered specifically for their craft.
Strengthening the Performance and Arts Community
As Connor Dance continues to expand into performing-arts centers, studios, theaters, and university programs, this partnership deepens our connection to the individuals who shape dance education and facility standards nationwide.
Highlights from the 2025 Dance Teacher Awards
This year’s awards celebrated four influential educators whose work reaches far beyond the studio:
- Lori Belilove, artistic director of the Isadora Duncan Dance Company, honored for her passionate stewardship of Duncan’s technique and legacy.
- Roger Montoya, co-founder and creative director of Moving Arts Española, recognized for transforming lives in rural New Mexico through creative-arts education and mentorship.
- Dianne Walker, affectionately known as “Aunt Dianne,” celebrated for her nurturing teaching style and lifelong dedication to tap dance’s history and future.
- Sylvia Waters, artistic director emerita of Ailey II, honored for guiding generations of dancers as they transition from student to young professional.
The event created an inspiring space for connection among dance teachers, studio owners, theater directors, and industry partners, exactly the communities Connor Dance is committed to serving. Our presence included branded visuals, social media activation, and direct engagement with honorees and attendees, creating authentic visibility and meaningful conversations with key decision-makers in dance facilities.
What This Means for Dance Facilities
The studio floor matters.
From daily classes to high-stakes performances, flooring impacts artistry, safety, and the longevity of dancers’ careers. A well-designed surface supports everything from delicate bourrées to powerful jumps and extended rehearsals.
Supporting teachers elevates entire programs.
When educators feel valued, schools and studios benefit, often leading to program growth and facility upgrades, including new or improved flooring systems.
Performance and sport are converging.
Many facilities now blend dance, fitness, and multipurpose programming, creating demand for surfaces engineered for versatility, something Connor Dance specializes in through floors designed to handle diverse movement demands.
Relationships drive innovation.
Partnerships like the Dance Teacher Awards allow us to listen directly to educators, studio owners, and arts administrators. Their feedback informs how we design and refine performance-ready flooring solutions.
Looking Ahead with Connor Dance
Our involvement with the 2025 Dance Teacher Awards is just the beginning. In the months ahead, Connor Dance will:
- Continue spotlighting dance educators and their facilities through stories, interviews, and case studies.
- Share educational content about the role of flooring in dancer safety, performance, and comfort.
- Collaborate with studios, theaters, and schools to develop solutions tailored to their specific performance and rehearsal needs.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To the Dance Teacher team; thank you for welcoming Connor Dance into this inspiring community. To the educators celebrated at the 2025 Dance Teacher Awards, and to all dance teachers shaping the next generation: your dedication motivates us to design surfaces worthy of your work.
If you’re a studio owner, director, or arts administrator exploring performance-driven flooring solutions, we’d love to support your next project.
Connor Dance | Performance Elevated