Dancer. Leader. Changemaker. Caitlin Liau ’26 Receives Governor’s Award

The Academy of the Holy Angels proudly celebrates Caitlin Liau ’26, recipient of the 2025 New Jersey Governor’s Award in Arts Education for Exceptional Artistry and Community Leadership in Dance. This prestigious honor is a testament to Caitlin’s immense talent, dedication, and service, both on and off the stage.

Since 1980, the New Jersey Governor’s Awards in Arts Education (NJGAAE) have honored outstanding students and educators who demonstrate excellence in creative writing, speech, dance, music, theater, and visual arts. Caitlin joins an elite group of young artists whose contributions have enriched both their schools and communities.

Caitlin’s love for dance began at the age of three in London, when her mother enrolled her in her first ballet class. “Ever since I could walk, I could be found wearing a frilly pink tutu around the house!” Caitlin shares. Since then, she has trained extensively in classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, theatre, modern, and hip-hop, using each genre as a different medium of expression.

A pivotal moment in her dance journey came during her freshman year, when a serious ankle injury almost kept her from auditioning for her dream role of Clara in The Nutcracker. With extraordinary determination and support from her mentor, Ms. Kimberly Galberaith of Nunnbetter Dance Theatre, Caitlin overcame her limitations and gave a heartfelt audition—earning the role and delivering a performance she calls “a dream come true.”

At Holy Angels, Caitlin has made an indelible impact on the school’s theater program as Dance Captain and Assistant Choreographer for the past three years. Her choreography and leadership helped shape productions such as Twelfth Night the Musical, Urinetown, and Cinderella, where she collaborated closely with cast members and the production team to bring powerful dance numbers to life. “Choreographing on such a big scale allowed me to guide others while also learning how to listen and collaborate creatively,” she reflects.

Beyond school performances, Caitlin is also deeply committed to cultural expression. A proud Korean-Taiwanese student, she has shared Korean traditional dance with the Holy Angels community during International Night celebrations, performing intricate drum and fan dances she learned through the Woorigarak Korean Cultural Arts Center. She has also represented Korean culture at events for the Korea Tourism Organization and the Korean Cultural Center of New York.

Caitlin’s passion for community service led her to found Dance to You!, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to bringing live dance performances to individuals who may not otherwise have access. Inspired by her grandfather, Caitlin has built a volunteer team that performs for senior homes, rehabilitation centers, homeless shelters, and underserved schools. With over 600 audience members reached, her organization creates meaningful and joyful experiences through thoughtfully curated programs and interactive activities. “The feeling I get when I see a senior clapping along or a child smiling is indescribable,” she says. “It reminds me how powerful dance can be.”

In addition to the NJGAAE recognition, Caitlin’s accolades include Top 24 placement in the Junior Classical Ballet Soloist category at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Philadelphia Semi-Finals, and first and second-place awards in traditional Korean dance competitions. She is also a multiple-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Looking to the future, Caitlin plans to attend a liberal arts college where she can explore her diverse interests while continuing to dance and serve. She envisions starting a college chapter of Dance to You! to extend her mission of bringing joy and accessibility through dance. “Dance will always be part of who I am,” Caitlin shares. “Wherever I go, I hope to continue connecting with communities through movement, expression, and shared joy.”

Caitlin’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose—a true embodiment of the Holy Angels spirit. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to seeing the beautiful ways she continues to inspire others through dance.

To learn more about Dance to You!, visit www.dancetoyou.org or follow @_dancetoyou on Instagram.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girls’ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from many cultural and religious backgrounds. AHA’s current leaders continue to further the SSND mission to provide each student with the tools she needs to reach the fullness of her potential—spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically, by offering a first-rate education in a nurturing environment where equal importance is placed on academic excellence, character development, moral integrity, and service to others.