Rosie’s Memorial

Mrs. Rosetta Brooks peacefully passed away on July 15, 2024. A memorial service was held on September 21, 2024.

(further information below)

Rosetta “Rosie” Brooks, Emerita, In Memory…

Rosie, as she was fondly known, was widely respected in the dance community, especially on Capitol Hill. A native Washingtonian Rosie joined the St. Mark’s Dance Company in October 1964 performing in and around the Washington, DC area. In 1999 she became the Artistic Director after the death of the Founder, Mary L. Craighill. Rosie has taught ballet with over twenty grants from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation where she received a Community Achievement Award from the Foundation for distinguished service in 2009. She has choreographed for several productions, e.g., Oklahoma and Little Mermaid for the St. Mark’s Players.

Rosie served as a dance consultant at the Suitland High School for the Arts, and as a guest instructor at the Jones & Haywood School of Dance. In addition, she taught for over 20 years at St. Peters on Capitol Hill and 10 years for the KIPP/DC Key Academy. Rosie studied and trained with Florence Blackwell, Oleg Tupine, Caroline Tate, Ethel Butler, and Kathryn Mullowny. She attended Howard University. Rosie’s spent 60 years at St. Mark’s Dance Studio. 

Her memory and legacy will continue.