Metro DC Dance Awards
The Metro DC Dance Awards was founded in 2000 by Cheles Rhynes and Mason/Rhynes Productions as a means of recognizing excellence in local dance and building community among DC-area dance artists and organizations. Since its inception, the MDCDA has produced annual awards ceremonies and developed an online calendar of dance performances by local artists. The organization is operated by volunteers who serve on an Advisory Board and a Selection Committee. For the first awards ceremony in 2001, artists were nominated for awards by a panel of local dance experts and selected by popular vote. The following year, MDCDA designed and implemented a three-step voting process which maintains the involvement of the community, increases the role of artists in the selection of award winners, and gives dance professionals the last vote in the process. Categories continue to be added and refined as decided by the Advisory Board. Dance/MetroDC , a branch office of Dance/USA , the national service organization for nonprofit professional dance, became the lead organization for MDCDA in 2006. Dance/MetroDC works in conjunction with The Kennedy Center and Mason/Rhynes Productions to produce the awards ceremony, and other events associated with MDCDA. MDCDA continues to evolve as an organization which both serves and celebrates the metropolitan DC/MD/VA dance community.

Equinox Dance Company
An all women's modern dance group, has been fusing modern dance with jazz and tap since 2003. Located in Frederick, Maryland, this collaborative group of dancers and choreographers create community and explore diversity in modern dance.  Equinox brings dance to the community with free classes and shows for children and adults and gives its adult members the opportunity to continue dancing for life.  To learn more please visit: www.equinoxdance.org