Darius Anthony’s first introduction to choreography was as a color guard in high school:
“I didn’t really think I could dance. I was just moving while throwing a rifle or flag in the air and catching it. It wasn’t until my junior year that I really started understanding the choreography of it all. I started putting more effort into it, and I grew to love it. I took my first dance class as a senior and decided to keep it up. When I got to UNCG, I knew I wanted to keep dance in my life in some way, shape, or form.”
Just three years after graduating with a BFA in Choreography and Performance with K–12 Teaching Licensure from UNCG’s School of Dance, Darius is the Dance Director at Millbrook Magnet High School in Raleigh and has been named a 2026 Outstanding Dance Educator by the North Carolina Dance Educators Organization.
Following His Heart to Dance
At UNCG, Anthony had ideas about pursuing a degree in Biology but decided to follow his heart:
“I knew I needed to do the thing I really enjoyed. So, I auditioned and found my fate at the UNCG School of Dance. It is an amazing program, such a beautiful community. I felt like I could reach out to any of my professors, any of my cohort, and just feel supported while still being challenged.
“My experience in the School of Dance allowed me to grow into the artist I am today. I’m always looking back at old shows I was a part of, and I attend or watch the live streams of the current performances. Those people and the facilities are so inspiring.”
Finding the Spark: Mentors Shaped a Rising Dance Educator
In the School of Dance, Anthony found a multitude of options—all of them appealing:
“There are so many paths a degree in dance can take you on, whether it be commercial work, working in a company or in theater, or creating dance film, so many avenues. I was open to them all, but I was really encouraged to go into teaching.”
His high school dance teacher was the first person to tell him he should consider Dance Education. He heard that advice echoed here at UNCG:
“One of my college mentors, Melinda Waegerle (Academic Professional: Assistant Professor Emerita of Dance), said you need to be a teacher. I think she just saw my passion and enthusiasm.
“I really appreciate and thank all my past professors and mentors who helped me get to this point because honestly, without them, I wouldn’t have seen the sparkle that they saw. I can be so critical of myself sometimes.”
Being recognized as a 2026 Outstanding Dance Educator was affirming for Anthony:
“When they called to tell me about the award, I was speechless. I’d only been teaching in public schools for three years, so in the beginning teacher stages. It’s like the cherry on top and solidifies that I’m doing good things out here. It’s motivating and gratifying.
Building Community and Well-Rounded Artists
At Millbrook Magnet High School, Anthony is committed to building a safe, inclusive, and challenging learning environment where students are empowered to grow as artists and individuals. He teaches all levels: beginning, intermediate, honors, and advanced company honors:
“I teach a wide variety of styles, including ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, and hip hop. I want to give students the chance to experience as many forms as possible to be a well-rounded dancer.
“I also focus on community. That’s probably the thing that I preach the most. It enforces leadership and how to show grace to everyone, especially during concert times. There’s only one of me, so older students learn to step up and help the younger ones.”
Anthony says what he loves most about teaching is the students:
“The student interaction is what I look forward to the most because every day is different. And whether I may not be having the best day or the students may not be having the best day, we still kind of feed off each other’s energy. Also, high schoolers are hilarious. They are so funny. And I love it when we all leave class with smiles on our faces.”
Inspiration and Advice
Anthony says he draws artistic inspiration from everyday life, and he shares that in his studio:
“The human experience is what shapes us. We’re all going through things every single day, in relationships that may be good, bad, or ugly. I feel that dance is therapy. Being able to connect to different emotions means you’re able to connect to your real self. How does someone let go of anger and turn it into art? Or how can we let go of sadness and turn it into something beautiful. I think that’s really my biggest inspiration—emotion—because that’s what connects us.
“I always tell my students that we may not be related by blood, but we are related by human experience. I also tell them just to keep going. There will be days that are tougher than others:
“Also, find your reason and find the joy in what you’re doing. Because at the end of the day, if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, then why are you here?”
Story by Terri W Relos
Photos provided by Darius Anthony
