EDGEWOOD, Md. -- The Washington Ballet Company is canceling the rest of its Studio Company tour after a 20-year-old dancer was fatally injured when she was hit by a car while on tour in Harford County.
Police said Mary Saludares was hit around 10 p.m. Friday as she crossed Route 24 at Edgewood Road. She died early Saturday.
The Washington Ballet Company said Saludares, who began dancing at age 6 while living in the Philippines, was selected to join the Studio Company for its 2008-2009 season.
Saludares began dancing at the age of six under Sofia Elizalde and Raul Sauz at Steps Dance Studio in Manila, Philippines. In 2006, she received the highest Royal Academy of Dance Award, the Solo Seal. She had the honor of being the first Filipino entry in the 2006 Adeline Genée International Ballet Competition. In 2004, she received the Luva Adameit Award in the 1st NAMCYA Ballet Competition in the Philippines. She later attended the School of American Ballet and The Washington School of Ballet's Release Time year round program.
Artistic director Septime Webre said Saludares was a beautiful dancer and the company mourns her death.
"No words can describe the pain of losing Mary," Webre said. "She was not only a beautiful dancer, but a radiant soul who emitted peace and joy. The entire TWB family mourns her passing and extends its thoughts and prayers to Mary’s family."
