DEL LAB SCHOOLS
An initiative to honor and celebrate dance educators bringing the DEL Model to life.
Rooted in innovative and current educational philosophies, the DEL Model is an inclusive and accessible framework designed to be applied in a wide variety of dance education contexts for all learners and practitioners in dance education. We are thrilled to acknowledge dance educators who are implementing the DEL Model in their dance classrooms.
Congratulations to the 2025 DEL Lab School Recipients!
Jennie Miller | Lauren Rapoli | Noel Staples-Freeman
What is a DEL Lab School?
Recognition as a DEL Lab School is a wonderful opportunity for dance educators to gain professional acknowledgement and visibility, build community, and share resources.
DEL Lab School Dance Educators benefit from:
- PROFESSIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – Acknowledgement of being a DEL Lab School is a powerful advocacy tool that highlights your work as a dance educator to school administrators and families in your community.
- COMMUNITY & COLLABORATION – DEL Lab School recipients join a professional network of inspiring dance educators in the field.
- ACCESS TO RESOURCES – DEL Lab School recipients will receive access to DEL curricular resources and discounts to DEL courses, workshops and events.
Nominate Yourself or Your School
Nominations are now closed for 2025. Check back next Spring for the 2026 Nomination Form!
Join us for an Online Celebration of the 2025 DEL Lab School Recipients!
DEL is hosting an online ceremony & celebration to honor our 6 2025 DEL Lab School recipients:
JC De’Marko Burnett-Gordon | Dawn DiPasquale | Johari Mayfield
Jennie Miller | Lauren Rapoli | Noel Staples-Freeman
WHEN: Wednesday, June 11; 5:30-6:30 ET
WHERE: Zoom!
Perks of Being Named a DEL Lab School
DEL Lab School Dance Educators receive:
- A letter of recognition addressed to your school administrator
- Printed DEL Basics posters and curricular resources for your classroom
- A premium, waterproof DEL Lab School banner
- A “Dance for Every Child” T-shirt
- A 20% discount to all DEL courses, workshops and events
- Acknowledgement on the DEL Website and social media
Past DEL Lab School Recipients:
These inspiring recipients are teachers at public schools, private schools, universities, and private studios, working with students from Pre-K through adulthood.
2024 DEL Lab School Recipients:
Lauren Alzos-Benke
Katrina Brown-Aliffi
Kerrianne Cody
Victoria Dobson
Mher Kandoyan
Hetty King
Ashlie Kirby
Danielle Staropoli
Erin Strong
2023 DEL Lab School Recipients:
Barry Blumenfeld
Randa Broughton
Tina Christina-Price
Deborah Damast
Daria Fitzgerald
Christina Fontanarosa
Catherine Gallant
Andrew Jannetti
Melinda Kasal-Canty
Susan Pope
Felice Santorelli
Pam Vlach