Cynthia Word, Founder and Artistic Director
Cynthia Word is the Founder (2001) and Artistic Director of Word Dance Theater. Word creates award-winning dance/theater productions blending original stories, live music, the dances of Isadora Duncan (1887-1927) and new choreography emphasizing the Duncan technique and philosophy. Word is a founder (2013), along with Valerie Durham, Meg Booker, Ingrid Zimmer, and Jennifer Sprowl, of the Isadora Duncan International Symposium. Word’s awards include the Maria Theresa Duncan Award for Excellence, and 2 Dance Metro DC awards for Outstanding Group Performance and Outstanding Media Design. Word is an active teacher offering master classes in the DMV and beyond. For more information about Word Dance Theater please go to www.worddance.org
In addition to the larger dance/theater productions, Word Dance Theater presents numerous salons and immersive performance experiences at small, intimate spaces.
Carlos Cesar Rodriguez, Musical Director
Carlos Cesar Rodriguez is a musician of brilliance and versatility recognized as a virtuoso pianist who not only generates excitement in the Hispanic and Spanish repertoire, but also displays an extraordInary flair for Mozart, the romantics and the avant-garde scores. He has recorded for Omicron and Brioso labels and has won the highest critical acclaims for his CD of Spanish music, España en el Corazón, distributed by Brioso Recordings. He is an expert on early instruments and is privileged to have access to the Smithsonian Institution’s rare collection. Mr. Rodríguez was chosen by the Smithsonian to perform during its 300th year celebration of the piano. He was also invited to participate in the 150th anniversary celebration of the Smithsonian Institution. Mr. Rodríguez has won acclaim as music director of Mozart operas and Zarzuelas (Spanish operas), and as a composer, arranger, and improviser of ballets, Spanish dance scores, and Latin-Jazz/Pop compositions. Currently, Mr. Rodríguez is a member of the piano faculty at the Levine School of Music in Washington, DC, and guest artist and coach for the Domingo/Cafritz Young Artist Program with the Washington National Opera.
Nikki Hill, Director of Operations
A skilled administrator & problem solver -- Nikki understands that strategic thinking, efficient solutions, effective communication and strong relationships are integral for any organization’s success. With over 15 years experience, Nikki is a disabled professional who has worked as a Talent Acquisition Specialist & Operations Administrator with some of Washington’s leading business organizations. These include Stanley Black & Decker, GXS, The JBG Companies, and Banner Associates. Nikki helps clients satisfy a wide array of complex business needs to reach their goals. She consistently thinks "outside the box" while leaning on her years of operations experience to provide creative & thoughtful solutions to everyday challenges. She enjoys that each day presents a new opportunity to learn and grow within her field. Nikki is a University of Maryland alum, ancient history enthusiast, as well as a lover of art, animals, and spending time outdoors.