For more than a decade, this RCD dancer has spread kindness

RCD Dancer, Ava Anderson, Recognized for Kindness

As a nonprofit dance organization, Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD) has many individuals and corporations that support select students through annual giving.  One of those annual supporters is the Dagar Group.  Along with this year's annual donation, President/CEO David Livshin had very specific criteria for RCD to consider when selecting this year's recipient. 

The RCD directors were asked to identify a dancer whom they felt embodied their teachings and displayed a positive work ethic with respect to their classes. Mr. Livshin says “Additionally, it is important that the individual be of a character that exudes kindness and is supportive of other dancers”.

Executive Director Amy Piantaggini explains, “This specific scholarship request allows RCD to bring awareness of the importance of kindness to the forefront.  Kindness is a value we hold highly, and is an attribute that we believe is not only admirable but also crucial to success as an individual and a dancer”. She adds, “As proud supporters of the Compassionate Ridgefield initiative, I am pleased to see the message of kindness so clearly displayed by one of our students”. 

Ava Anderson was the obvious choice because of her consistent positive, helpful attitude inside and outside the studio.  Educational Director Polly Kingsbury says, “We heard from her teachers that she exemplified all of the criteria requested.”  Jazz and Musical Theater teacher Danielle Marie Fusco says "Ava inspires others to be kind and demonstrates it in her actions.  She shows respect for the studio, teachers and peers, and is a natural leader”.

Ava Anderson is a fourteen-year-old freshman at Ridgefield High School, and has been dancing at RCD for eleven years. The photo you see here was taken at her very first ballet class at RCD!