WS Chronicle

By Judie Holcomb-Pack

Savannah Durham, daughter of Joseph Durham and Dr. Cynthia Durham, and a former student at UNCSA, was honored with an Emerging Artist award at the Lincoln Center on Thursday, Feb. 28. According to the Lincoln Center website, “Each recipient was nominated by one of Lincoln Center’s eleven resident organizations, acknowledging their extraordinary talent and promising career.” She also received the Herbert Family Dance Award, presented to the nominee from the School of American Ballet.

Savanna’s mother, Dr. Durham, related how focused Savannah has been in pursuit of her goal to become a professional ballet dancer. Beginning at a young age, Savannah began taking ballet classes at local studios, In Motion and Triple Threat. She began her pre-professional training in third grade at the UNSCA’s Preparatory program, directed by Danya Fox. In eighth grade she was accepted into Charlotte Ballet, while attending Jefferson Middle School. Her mother said, “Four days a week after school we took turns driving her to Charlotte until the weather wouldn’t permit.”

To complete the year, she trained at Winston Festival Ballet, directed by Gary Taylor. Savannah attended the High School Program at UNSCA in ninth grade. In 10th grade she was awarded a scholarship to attend Boston Ballet’s Summer Intensive program and Winter Program. In 11th grade she was accepted to train at the prestigious School of American Ballet in New York City, the feeder school for the New York City Ballet Company.

Savannah is currently a student completing her training in Level D at the School of American Ballet. She hopes to become an apprentice with the New York City Ballet to begin her professional career.

Dr. Durham said that Savannah and her sister, Mikayla, who is a junior at UNSCA also studying ballet, have always been very active in extra-curricular activities, such as sports and swimming. She said she and her husband made sure their children were exposed to a wide range of activities, but allowed them to find their passion.

As parents, Dr. Durham said their aim was to support their children in whatever path they chose and they are proud of the choices they have made. “We exposed them to things that would build them up and help them to be better people.”