HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Dancers from all across the Howard County Public School System are merging their talents into one all-county dance ensemble. For the first time in more than 30 years, the 24 dancers join forces to represent all HCPSS high schools.

Hammond High School Dance Instructional Team Leader Brooke Kuhl-McClelland was instrumental in establishing the ensemble, the school district shared. She tapped New York-based dancer, educator and choreographer Nathaniel Hunt and his colleague Allie Gee to lead the ensemble's audition and choreograph its initial performance, along with Oakland Mills High School dance teacher Holli Tucci who serves as ensemble co-coordinator.

"An ensemble opportunity such as this will prepare pre-professional dancers for what the professional dance world will be like. It is a glimpse into the audition process as well as the rehearsal process," Hunt said in a statement. "What excites me the most about leading this group is that I have the opportunity to cultivate, educate and mentor a talented, humble and passionate group of young dancers."