This special 1-hour December edition of ArtScene | The Podcast goes behind the curtain at Chesapeake College for a rare open rehearsal with Ailey II from NYC — recorded live at the Todd Performing Arts Center.

Michael Bell was on site as the Carole Cascio Fund welcomed Ailey II to the Eastern Shore for the first time ever — capturing raw rehearsal process, reflections from teaching artists, and conversations with student dancers stepping onto a professional stage for the very first time.

Hear from Artistic Director Francesca Harper, members of Ailey II, Executive Director Peter Pucci, and the student voices who remind us why access matters — and why moments like this shape futures.

“When students stand on a stage like this, surrounded by world-class artists, something in them shifts — they begin to imagine themselves in the center of the story," said host Michael Bell. "Today was about legacy. Community. Craft. And courage."

Special thanks to Dr. Robert Thompson and the Todd Performing Arts Center for opening this space for young artists to be seen, inspired, and included. Enjoy a bonus Q&A with the professional dancers and community at the end of the podcast.

And — don’t miss the Carole Cascio Fund's next community offering: The Ballet Theatre of Maryland performs The Nutcracker at 5pm on Friday, December 5th at the Chestertown YMCA in Kent County. Registration is required. Tickets available at: https://carolecasciofund.org