From 2020 All-State Dancer to dance mentor, Gabby Pfeifer returns to Queen Anne’s County, MD as the first-ever intern for the Carole Cascio Fund for Mind Movement Dance Connections (CCF)—recently promoted to CCF Associate Teaching Artist. In this inspiring full-circle story, host Michael Bell explores how Gabby’s choreography, teaching, and leadership are shaping young dancers across Queen Anne's County Public Schools and beyond.

Hear how she learned Paul Taylor’s emotionally powerful solo from Company B, restaged by CCF Teaching Artist and former Paul Taylor dancer Amy Young. Plus, discover the story behind Gabby’s original piece Inner Chaos—the first-ever QACHS dance work selected for the Maryland State Dance Showcase at Goucher College.

And yes—it all began with a chance encounter at the Creamery in Centreville, MD.

Listen now and be inspired by how one dancer is helping the next generation find their voice through movement.

🎙️ Plus—don’t miss a bonus 15-minute segment airing July 1 with even more insights from Gabby’s journey.

Also, enjoy this 16 second ⁠YouTube short⁠ featuring Gabby in action.

Allison Dorsey teaches art to PreK through 2nd grade students at Kent Island Elementary School—but her story starts in a D.C. cubicle, designing infographics for the federal government. In this joyful episode of ArtScene | The Podcast, Allison shares what pulled her into teaching, how she uses play, picture books, and positive affirmations to inspire her youngest learners, and why embracing imperfection has been a breakthrough in both her personal and professional life.

We talk about art as an act of encouragement, the power of movement and joy, and how creativity—much like her rec soccer games and passion for playing pickleball—is all about showing up, staying present, and having fun.

“Allison has this rare gift of making everyone—students, colleagues, even her own kids—feel encouraged and capable of creating something meaningful,” says host Michael Bell. “Her story is full of honesty, humor, and she’s all heart.”

Don’t miss this episode with one of the most grounded and passionate voices in elementary arts education.

Be sure to Subscribe, share this podcast widely, and give us a 5 star rating on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

In this 15-minute bonus episode, Michael Bell and David Modler take listeners behind the scenes of their most memorable national workshops—from the spontaneity and joy of TASK to the deep trust built through Collaboration Art Mixed-Media Abstract workshops and iconic “We Will Draw With Anyone About Anything” speed-date style sessions.

They also reflect on the life-changing energy of NAEA Conventions—how attending can light a creative fire for students and teachers alike. This is an honest, uplifting conversation about saying yes when opportunity knocks, and how your art, your story, and even your art education degree can become a passport—taking you to new cities, new countries, and into new creative communities that change you forever.

Don't miss this inspiring extension of their full episode.