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ELEVATE CONFERENCE

CONNECT. INSPIRE. GROW.

THE ELEVATE CONFERENCE

FEBRUARY 15-16, 2026

HELD AT THE BENDER JCC OF GREATER WASHINGTON

ROCKVILLE, MD

WHY ELEVATE?

As frum girls grow in their dance journey, they often ask: What’s next? Is there a path for me as a religious dancer? The answer is a resounding YES, there is a future for frum dancers — a future filled with creativity, community, and connection.

 

The Elevate Conference was created to celebrate that journey — bringing frum dancers together to connect, grow, and explore the future of movement in our community.

THE VISION

Elevate was born from a dream to create a gathering where religious dancers from across North America could come together for two days of growth and celebration.

 

Imagine dancers from all over, together in one space — sharing classes, trying new styles, deepening their technique, and building friendships.

 

Imagine sitting side by side in workshops, exploring big questions about artistry, faith, and identity.

 

Imagine walking away inspired, supported, and excited for what comes next.

THE INFO

If your questions aren't answered below, visit our FAQ page here, or click the button below.

Graceful dancer

THE EXPERIENCE

Over two inspiring days, dancers from across the U.S. and Canada will:

  • Take classes and workshops in a variety of styles and levels (teen and adult tracks available).

  • Connect with new friends who share your love of dance and your values.

  • Participate in thought-provoking conversations about artistry, identity, and future pathways.

  • Celebrate with performances and a group dance competition.

  • Learn from the incredible Rachel Factor-Liberman in her signature workshop, Step Into Your Strength.

TRAVEL & STAY

  • Fly into BWI, IAD, or DCA airports.

  • Out-of-town dancers can register for overnight accommodations. The Cambria Hotel Rockville is just a short distance from the venue. 

  • For local dancers, or those making their own overnight arrangements, there is free parking at the JCC, conveniently located near major highways and Metro.

JOIN US

Come for two days of growth, inspiration, and joy in movement. You’ll leave with new friends, new skills, and a deeper connection to yourself as both a dancer and a frum woman.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE  HIGHLIGHTS
(Subject to change)​

DAY 1

Sunday, Feb 15

12:00    Check-in and lunch

12:30     Opening ceremony

1:00       Classes and workshops

5:00      Dinner Break

6:00      Dance competition

9:00      End of Day 1

 

DAY 2

Monday, Feb 16

9:00       Breakfast

9:30       Morning classes

11:00       Workshop: Rachel (Factor) Liberman                           "Step Into Your Strength"

12:00      Lunch Break & Adult/Teacher Showing

1:00        Closing session

1:30        End of conference

EXAMPLE CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Contemporary Dance

Hip Hop for Frum Dancers

Leaps and Turns 

Dance Teacher Professional Development

Pathways for Frum Dancers 

Studio Owner Roundtable

Musical Theater Dance

Process to Performance Workshop

Ballet

Jazz Dance

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TEACHERS SCHEDULED

(List updates in progress)

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Jennifer Ferguson

After graduating from Indiana University, with a BS in Ballet Pedagogy, Jen Ferguson began her professional career dancing for the Nashville Ballet & then the Atlanta Ballet. Following that, she spent a year as Assistant Artistic Director of Metropolitan Ballet Theatre. She also went on to dance for several other companies, including Arka Ballet, Hosanna, Bowen McCauley Dance, and Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Company. It was during her time as a dancer that Jen became aware of the profound positive impact of Pilates on her career. Therefore, she became certified in Polestar-Pilates (the post-rehab series) in 2001 and worked for several years for Body Dynamics, Inc. (a Physical Therapy group that specializes in performing arts therapy & training.) She was also certified through American College of Sports Medicine as a Health/Fitness Instructor in 2004. Jen worked for Fit 4 Life DC and Core Studios, Inc. before starting her own business, En Pointe Pilates, LLC in 2017. She has enjoyed teaching Pilates and ballet classes at Maryland Youth Ballet for over a decade, and she finds great joy in helping others discover their true strength!

 

Helen Hayes

Ms. Hayes has been a dance educator in the Greater Washington Metropolitan area for 35 years. She was the recipient of the Metro DC Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in dance education in 2009. In addition to her teaching, she co-founded and co-directed a local professional modern dance company, CrossCurrents Dance Co., which performed at a variety of venues across the Greater Washington, D.C. area for over a decade. She performed on numerous occasions at the John F. Kennedy Center, including the Kennedy Center Honors, in tribute to the late Chita Rivera. She has also taught master classes and performed across the U.S. and internationally, including the International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria. She developed and directed an award-winning children’s dance program for the developing young dancer during her tenure at Joy of Motion Dance Center. She currently teaches jazz and modern dance to dedicated adult students.

 

Rachel (Factor) Liberman

Mrs. Liberman is recognized worldwide as an inspirational Jewish performer and educator. Her luminous performances have led to hundreds of speaking engagements around the world and to a connection with thousands of Jewish girls and women. Audience’s most prevalent question, “How are you so confident, so connected, so passionate about being Jewish?," led her to teach girls and women how they too could be proud, confident, and connected to their birthright.

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Michelle Penn

Mrs. Penn first stepped foot into a dance class at three years old, and has never stopped since.  She has been professionally trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern and contemporary,  and now spends her free time as the Director of La Zooz Dance, an arts program for women and girls in the Jewish community in Silver Spring.  Feel free to learn more about Michelle and La Zooz Dance at www.lazoozdance.com.

THE VALUE

Building friendships, deepening your technique, learning from master teachers, and finding belonging in a global sisterhood of frum dancers—these are opportunities that last a lifetime. With meals, venue, workshops, and faculty, the true cost of this gathering would be $478 per participant.

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But our mission is to make dance accessible for every frum woman and girl. That’s why we’ve set the registration at just $295 (with overnight accommodations) / $250 (without)– so we can come together, share, and celebrate through dance.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Visit our FAQ page here, or click the button below.

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