{"id":11130,"date":"2025-06-13T15:08:49","date_gmt":"2025-06-13T19:08:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/multi.nycnewsnetwork.com\/eastnewyork\/east-new-yorks-paths-dance-program-celebrates-20-years-of-impact-with-2025-shining-stars-show-on-june-21\/"},"modified":"2025-06-13T15:08:49","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T19:08:49","slug":"east-new-yorks-paths-dance-program-celebrates-20-years-of-impact-with-2025-shining-stars-show-on-june-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eastnewyork\/east-new-yorks-paths-dance-program-celebrates-20-years-of-impact-with-2025-shining-stars-show-on-june-21\/","title":{"rendered":"East New York’s PATHS Dance Program Celebrates 20 Years of Impact with 2025 Shining Stars Show on June 21"},"content":{"rendered":"

East New York\u2019s Performing Arts & Technology High School (PATHS), nestled in the Thomas Jefferson Campus, is preparing to celebrate a major milestone this month: the 20th anniversary of its beloved\u00a0Shining Stars<\/em> PATHSdance Showcase<\/strong>. The annual end-of-year performance, which will take place on Saturday, June 21 at 7 PM<\/strong>\u00a0at the school\u2019s auditorium (400 Pennsylvania Ave, Brooklyn<\/strong>), has been a beacon of light for the East New York community for two decades\u2014offering inspiration, opportunity, and a platform for young dancers.<\/p>\n

A Legacy of Excellence \u2014 Led by a Tireless Champion<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Mrs. Marcella Jones (left) with dance teachers from Deeply Rooted, in Chicago<\/p><\/div>\n

This year\u2019s show will also mark the bittersweet retirement of Mrs. Jones, the visionary leader of the PATHS Dance program. For 20 years, Mrs. Jones has cultivated an environment where students not only learn dance, but develop discipline, creativity, and global perspectives. While the program has not always received the recognition it deserves, it has consistently produced talent and forged meaningful connections in the broader dance world.<\/p>\n

Building Global Bridges Through Dance<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Over the past few years, the PATHS Dance program has expanded its reach far beyond the walls of East New York. Last year, the dancers traveled to Switzerland for a 10-day intensive with the Braswell Arts Center, founded by on of Mrs.Jones former student and renowned dancer\u00a0Armando Braswell<\/strong>. This year, students spent seven days training in Chicago with the prestigious\u00a0Deeply Rooted Dance Theater<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 a company known for fusing modern dance, classical ballet, and African-American traditions.<\/p>\n

Two PATHS students have been accepted into Deeply Rooted\u2019s summer intensive this year, continuing the tradition of excellence and professional development that the program fosters.<\/p>\n

From East New York to the World Stage<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Wade Watson Alum of PATHSdance photo credit kamerashoots.nyc @@katiemollison<\/p><\/div>\n

PATHS Dance has nurtured professional dancers and owners of dance companies, including\u00a0Wade Watson<\/strong>, who is recognized throughout the dance community and Anya Clarke-Verdery<\/strong>, owner of Michiyaya Dance Company. The impact of the program extends well beyond performances \u2014 it has provided countless students with the skills, confidence, and global exposure to pursue their artistic dreams. Wade is currently performing in Goddess at the Public Theater in NYC.<\/p>\n

A Must-See Event for the Entire Community<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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This year\u2019s\u00a0Shining Stars<\/em>\u00a0show is a celebration of the program\u2019s 20-year journey \u2014 and an opportunity for East New York to come together in support of the arts and its young talent. Mrs. Jones encourages all members of the community to attend:<\/p>\n

Mrs. Jones stated, “This program has been my life\u2019s work, and I hope to see the entire East New York community in the audience this year. These students work so hard and deserve to have their talent celebrated by their neighbors and supporters.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Bring your students, groups, seniors, and friends for a night of world-class dance and community pride.<\/p>\n