WASHINGTON PERFORMING ARTS ANNOUNCES

2024 POLA NIRENSKA DANCE AWARDS RECIPIENTS

The annual awards recognize members of the dance community who have made outstanding

contributions to the art form, with special consideration to those based in the D.C. region

(Washington, D.C.) – Washington Performing Arts, in association with the Pola Nirenska Dance

Awards Committee, announces the recipients of the 2024 Pola Nirenska Dance Awards.

Continuing a years-long tradition that celebrates trailblazing members of the dance community, the 2024 awards are being bestowed upon Sarah Beth Oppenheim for Outstanding Achievements in Dance and Sylvia Soumah for Lifetime Achievement in Dance.

The Pola Nirenska Dance Awards Committee includes co-chairs Jane Raleigh and Stephen Clapp and members Jenny Bilfield President/CEO of Washington Performing Arts, Rima Faber, Vincent Thomas Honorary Member: Douglas H. Wheeler, Sali Ann Kriegsman.

“As co-chairs, we are honored to continue the legacy of the Pola Nirenska Dance Awards. These awards celebrate outstanding achievement in dance and underscore the profound impact that dance can have in enriching our communities. We are proud to recognize and support the

incredible contributions of our awardees, who inspire and uplift us all,” said Co-Chairs Jane Raleigh and Stephen Clapp.

Named after the illustrious D.C. modern dance teacher and choreographer and supported by her late husband Dr. Jan Karski—a Holocaust witness and World War II hero—the Pola Nirenska Dance Awards honor individuals who have made an impact on the field of dance locally and oftentimes nationally. Each year, award recipients are chosen by a committee of arts professionals and granted by Washington Performing Arts, reflecting the organization’s commitment to sustain and nurture performing artists.

“Coming by opportunities, conferred titles, or recognition in the dance world is, for me, really about a touchpoint to gather and celebrate with my community,” said Sarah Beth Oppenheim. “My first thought is always: how can I leverage this to benefit my dancers, our sister companies, and the DMV dance scene at large? I want to shout from the theater rooftops to the marley floors endless thanks to the people and places who make this dance life viable, meaningful, joyful! The spirit of Pola Nirenska and the endowment of her late husband are part of a thrive and share mentality here that I aim to honor and pay forward with this reward. It’s a tender-loving and responsible-laden embrace to be in the company of those who have paved the way for us and whom I so admire! I am filled with gratitude; so deeply thankful to the WPA for the support in continuing to do the work I love.”