Cedar Ridge High School Dance Director Stevie McCall has been named the 2023 Dance Director of the Year by the Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA).

TDEA is a professional organization that allows dance educators the opportunity for staff development and networking. It provides professional development and works toward improving dance education, and helps teachers provide quality dance education throughout Texas.

McCall was nominated for the award by her peers. The application process involved submitting supporting information about their coaching style, philosophy, accomplishments, and personal statement.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award,” McCall said. “Being named Director of the Year for the state of Texas is an amazing accomplishment, and I am thrilled to represent Cedar Ridge High School and Round Rock ISD.”

McCall has served as the Director of the Cedar Ridge Royalty Dance Team since 2015. She first fell in love with dance as a student at Cedar Valley Middle School, where she selected dance as her fine art elective. She later developed that passion at McNeil High School in the dance department and as a member of the Majestic Dance Team. Her directors were her role models and encouraged her to follow my dream of pursuing dance education as a career.

With over a decade of experience as a dance educator, McCall’s philosophy on directing is focused on educating the whole student to become an inclusive and positive influential member of society while growing together as a team through the discipline and art of dance.

“As a dance director, I strive to educate the whole student through modeling and discussing how to handle adversity and difficult conversations,” McCall said. “I teach students to respect others by showing up on time, being prepared for practices and performances, and demonstrating respect for directors and teammates. I implore my students to communicate their needs and expectations so that they can effectively lead themselves and their teammates. Through accountability and ownership, my dancers can understand the importance of life skills for future employment and recognize the importance of the team over the individual.”

As an educator, she is most proud of her students and their ability to come together as a team and celebrate their success in and beyond high school.

“Stevie McCall is a truly gifted dance team director,” said Marla Valk, Round Rock ISD fine arts coordinator/dance. “The Cedar Ridge Royalty dance team and department have thrived under her leadership. She encourages her students to strive for excellence while creating a positive and nurturing environment. They, in turn, produce incredible performances on the field, contest floor, and stage. Stevie is a wonderful example of the excellence of Round Rock ISD Fine Arts, and we are so proud of her accomplishments.”

McCall will receive her award and represent Round Rock ISD and Cedar Ridge at the TDEA statewide convention.