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"Everything I create through Ventura County Dance is rooted in the love, discipline, support, and guidance I received from my mother, Annette, and high school dance teachers, Mrs. Braswell and Buddy. Their belief in me shaped the artist—and person—I’ve become."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    - Queala

Honoree in Education

Ventura County Dance (VCD) proudly recognizes the outstanding contributions of dance educators through the annual VCD Honoree in Education distinction. This recognition celebrates individuals who have made a lasting impact on the Ventura County dance community through their teaching, mentorship, inspiration, and unwavering dedication to the art of dance.

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Who Is Eligible

The VCD Honoree in Education is open to:

  • K–12 dance educators, Studio instructors, and College/University-level instructors

  • Nominees may work in any dance genre (cultural traditions, classical forms or contemporary styles)

  • Residency is not required — however, educators must have taught in Ventura County for at least five years to be eligible

 

Community-Nominated

We believe the best nominations come from the people who experience these educators' impact firsthand — their students, colleagues, parents, and community members. If you know a dance educator who deserves recognition, we invite you to submit a nomination using the link below:

 

Submit a Nomination Here 

 

Additional Information

  • Nominations are accepted through November 1 - December 31

  • Honorees will be recognized at the annual Ventura County Dance Festival and Conference

  • Multiple honorees may be selected each year depending on the strength and number of nominations

  • You cannot nominate yourself

 

Send all questions and concerns to: venturacountydance@gmail.com with 'Honoree in Educator' in the subject line. 

 

Criteria​

The bullets are to assist with processing your thoughts for consideration

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1. Years of Service (5+ years)

  • Recognizes long-standing dedication to the field

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2. Student Impact and/or Mentorship

  • Positively influences students personal and artistic growth

  • Provides mentorship and guidance beyond the classroom or studio setting

  • Students demonstrate improvement, enthusiasm, and/or success in performance, choreography, or further study

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3. Teaching Excellence

  • Demonstrates excellence in dance instruction

  • Adapts instruction to meet the needs of students

  • Uses effective and/or innovative teaching methods that engage and inspire students

  • Encourages students to explore and develop their own creative voices

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4. Community Engagement and Advocacy

  • Encourages students to engage with their campus community

  • Engages with the local or broader community through performances, partnerships, or outreach

  • Advocates for the value and visibility of dance education in schools or public forums

  • Builds bridges between dance and other disciplines or community efforts

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5. Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Responsiveness

  • Promotes an inclusive learning environment

  • Honors and integrates the history in curriculum and practice *

  • Demonstrates awareness and action toward equity in access and representation​​​​​

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This year marks our inaugural acknowledgment of dance educators in Ventura County, and we are proud to honor Ricardo Campos, affectionately known as Mr. Ricky or the Rumba Rey, as our Ventura County Dance Honoree in Education. For more than 25 years, Ricky has poured his heart and soul into teaching Latin dance throughout the 805 community. An Oxnard native, his work is deeply personal—dance is his way of giving back to the community that raised him. Through his unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and arts education, he has made Latin dance accessible to generations of students, many of whom may not have otherwise had that opportunity. Ricky is more than an instructor—he is a mentor, a role model, and a bridge-builder. His students gain confidence, discipline, and self-expression. They feel seen, valued, and inspired by someone who understands their stories. His inclusive, culturally responsive teaching honors tradition while celebrating identity and belonging. Through schools, performances, and community partnerships, Ricky reminds us that dance is more than movement—it is connection, pride, culture, and community.

As part of our inaugural acknowledgment of dance educators in Ventura County, we are proud to honor Christina McCarty, lovingly known as Miss Chris, as a Ventura County Dance Honoree in Education. For more than 35 years, Chris has been a cornerstone of dance education in Simi Valley and throughout Ventura County. A credentialed teacher with deep training in early child development, she has dedicated her career to nurturing young dancers through schools, community programs, and as co-director of Dance Creations in Simi Valley. For countless children, Miss Chris has been their very first dance teacher—sparking a lifelong love of movement, music, and the performing arts. Chris is celebrated not only for her exceptional teaching, but for her kindness, patience, and ability to meet every student where they are. Her developmentally thoughtful approach builds confidence, creativity, and joy. Through her mentorship, students and young teachers alike have been guided toward advanced training, professional careers, and leadership in dance education. Through performances, parades, community events, and an annual Nutcracker rooted in Ventura County, Chris has made dance accessible, inclusive, and deeply connected to the community. Her legacy lives on in generations of dancers who were encouraged, inspired, and truly cared for.

future artist scholarship

​​​​​​​​​​​Who Is Eligible

The VCD Future Artist Scholarship is open to:

  • Incoming students enrolling as a Dance Major at California State University, Channel Islands Dance Studies Program

  • Past recipients are not eligible to reapply

 

apply for scholarship Here

Please submit your essay as a PDF document and video link by email to: venturacountydance@gmail.com with, 'Scholarship' in the subject line.

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additional information

Scholarship Supports:

  • Tuition assistance at CSUCI

  • Dance-related coursework or training

  • Opportunities for creative projects and research

  • Groceries and school supplies

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​ Scholarship amounts may vary each year based on available funding and community support.

 

Guidelines

  • PHYSICAL

    • 2.5-minute solo in any genre that displays your spirit, strength and creativity

    • Wear attire that compliments your genre and allows viewers to see your body  

    • Make sure the entire solo is viewable from beginning to end and shot in a landscape format

    • No cuts or edits, we're not seeking dance films

    • Music should support your concept but cannot contain any foul or derogatory language regardless of message

    • Title video: VCD Scholarship - <Your First and Last Name>

    • Upload a private or unlisted YouTube or Google Drive link and paste link to the bottom of your essay

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  • WRITTEN

    • 805 word count: ​

    • Formatting:

      • Single-spaced, typed

      • 12-point font (Times New Roman or Arial)

      • 1-inch margins

      • Standard paragraph indentation 

      • Type name and date, top right corner and press "Enter" once to move to a new line, then press "Enter" again to begin your writing your first paragraph on the next line.

    • Prompt:

      • Tell us why you should receive the VCD Future Artist Scholarship and why you chose to be a Dance major at CSUCI.

 

Though not mandatory, we welcome creative writing.  Humor, sarcasm, story-telling, raw truth—whatever expresses your voice is most interesting and important.  This isn’t about impressing a panel with perfection. It’s about connection and advocating for self.  Most of all, make sure to address why you should receive this scholarship and why you chose to major in Dance at CSUCI.

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Please ensure all guidelines are followed carefully. Failure to meet any of the requirements will result in disqualification.

 

Send all questions and concerns to: venturacountydance@gmail.com with Scholarship in the subject line.

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