New World School of the Arts shone the spotlight on more than 200 students during its Broadway-style production, Rising Stars, this year held at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. With close to one thousand guests, the evening of Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts was a resounding success among arts enthusiasts, NWSA friends and supporters, students, parents, and alumni gathered to witness and enjoy the carefully curated showcase of the arts. Directed by New World School of the Arts Dean of Theatre, Alan Patrick Kenny, the evening consisted of dazzling artistic excerpts meticulously selected to represent the artistry that is nurtured in each of the four New World School of the Arts divisions, offering the audience – in real-time – a sample of the remarkable arts training that is fostered in South Florida’s premier arts education institution.

The evening of artistry kicked off with a lively VIP reception where guests exchanged pleasantries, sipped specialty cocktails, and enjoyed delectable hors d’oeuvres. Held in the charming Accent Café in the Arsht Center’s Carnival Tower, the preshow experience offered invited guests, New World School of the Arts educational partners, board members, generous sponsors and donors, and friends and supporters, the opportunity to joyfully reconnect with friends, pose for treasured photos, and prepare for New World School of the Arts’ signature display of art presented by the next generation of artists.

The more than sixty reception guests joined the general audience after the unforgettable soiree, as they were happily ushered to the Arsht’s Ziff Ballet Opera House to enjoy the show. Among the performances presented on the majestic stage, against a series of captivating backdrops and minimalist sets, were selected scenes from the poignant play Kodachrome, and the hilarious comedy Tartuffe by Moliere. The house was elated by excerpts from Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II, presented by the Symphony Orchestra and the Opera Theatre Ensemble, while the NWSA High School Jazz Ensemble delighted the audience with Duke Ellington’s ever popular composition Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue. Guests were also fascinated by Robert Battle’s vibrant premiere of Coming Home, as well as by dance excerpts from Paul Taylor’s joyful masterwork Esplanade, among others.

A highlight of the evening each year is the New World School of the Arts Rising Stars Alumni Award, which recognizes a graduate who is successfully contributing to their art form. This year, the honor was presented on stage to Mariya (Masha) Dashkina Maddux, a graduate from the NWSA high school and college dance programs, and professional concert dance performer and educator. A native of Kiev, Ukraine, Mariya was first introduced to dance through the classical Vaganova ballet technique. She joined the prestigious Martha Graham Dance Company, and rose to the rank of principal dancer, performing iconic roles in the classical Graham repertoire, as well as works created by some of the most renowned contemporary choreographers. Mariya has been featured in Dance Magazine’s “Dancer’s Choice” and has appeared in several notable projects, including the Martha Graham Dance Technique videos, directed by Miki Orihara and Susan Kikuchi, and the feature film Fall to Rise, written and directed by Jayce Bartok.

The 2025 Rising Stars Performance and VIP Reception were dedicated to New World School of the Arts founding Provost Richard Klein, who, through his strong leadership, unique expertise as an educator, and intimate knowledge of the arts, lead NWSA to national recognition and many of its alumni to artistic success. Mr. Klein, who passed away earlier this year, was recognized on stage with a moving photo montage presentation and touching words by Dr. Jeffrey Hodgson, NWSA Provost and Dr. Contessa Bryant, NWSA High School Principal.

Prior to the one-of-a kind Rising Stars Performance, guests had the opportunity to enjoy the Rising Stars Exhibition, showcasing the work of fifteen student artists under the guidance of artist and NWSA visual arts faculty (photography), Maria Martinez-Cañas, and Miami gallerist, Fredric Snitzer. The Opening Reception, just minutes from the Arsht Center, at Fredric Snitzer Gallery, welcomed more than 200 guests eager to engage with the participating young artists who were onsite enthusiastically showcasing their work and actively discussing their art.

About New World School of the Arts

A Florida center of excellence in the visual and performing arts, New World School of the Arts is an educational partnership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, and University of Florida. NWSA provides a comprehensive program of artistic, creative, and academic development through a curriculum that reflects our community and the rich multicultural state of Florida. Through its partners NWSA confers the high school diploma, Associate of Arts degree, and Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees in programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theater and Art & Design. NWSA’s rigorous eight-year curriculum and conservatory-style teaching has empowered students in our community and our nation to become leaders in the arts for more three decades. Information about New World School of the Arts at 305-237-3135 or nwsa.mdc.edu.