Staying in step | Maryland Gazette (HometownGlenBurnie.com)

The four-week camp wrapped on Friday and served students from all of the county's 12 public high schools.

"It's important for these girls because the dance company is a full-year commitment," said Dyana Janoscak, Chesapeake High School's dance director and camp instructor. "When they come back they need to start with choreography. There isn't any time for technique because pieces have to be submitted to nationals, states and festivals."

Campers included students ranging from incoming freshmen to recently graduated seniors. Three times a week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the students learned steps in the schools of ballet, modern and jazz dance. Additionally, every day there was a master class taught by a guest in the schools of African, tap, musical theater, hip-hop and lyrical dance.

On Thursday Erin Regan, a South River High School grad, taught a master class in jazz. She is also on the Towson University dance team.

Kim Whitney the dance director at North County High School, said the purpose of the camp was to help the girls get back into shape for dancing along with helping them master their techniques.

Amber Cochran, 17, of Chesapeake High School is an all-county dancer.

"I think it is just about getting back into shape. Most us haven't danced since the last week of school and waiting until August to get back into shape is tough," said Ms. Cochran.

To qualify for all-county, a dancer must be one of two chosen from a given company by that company's director. The dancer also must carry at least a 2.3 grade point average along with have a positive attitude and show excellence in choreography. All-county dancers receive certificates and their pictures are posted at the Anne Arundel County's Board of Education.

The camp also gave students the chance to mingle with fellow dancers from across the county.

"I also like meeting people from all the different schools," Ms. Cochran said.

This is the first summer for the camp since it stopped in 1999 due to low turnout. The camps previously were run by Glen Burnie High School dance instructor Diane Rosso.

"I like working with the students of all different levels and watching them improve," said Ms. Whitney.

The camp will be taking place next summer. If she were to do anything differently, Ms. Whitney said she would "publicize it sooner."

Ms. Whitney graduated from Meade High School and only danced in her school's company for two years. She fell into dance unexpectedly before going on to major in it in college.

"I took all the sports-P.E. classes and my mom called me at camp and said, 'I have bad news. You're signed up for dance and you have to wear a leotard and tie your hair in a bun,'" said Ms. Whitney.

"I said 'I'm hanging up. I'm not doing it.' Oddly enough it stuck."