Expert Details
Dance & Choreography
ID: 738878
California, USA
Longing to share her gift with future generations, Expert has co-owned and served as the artistic director of two dance studios – in Carson, California (8 years) and in Hawthorne, California (10 years). She assembled her own non-profit dance company in 1997. The LA Times heralded the company as “Focused and keenly committed,” while Grover Dale of Dance and Fitness Magazine called them “A Blessing!”
In addition to her own performing arts studio, Expert has taught at numerous elementary and high schools, dance festivals, and dance and acting conservatories. Expert has choreographed/directed for BET’s Celebration of Gospel, Anita Mann Productions (Tap Girls), Ladies In Hats film, For His Glory Musical Production, The Legend of the Chocolate Nutcracker, the Kaleidoscope Dance Festival, numerous productions for West Angeles Theater Group, the Black Choreographer’s Showcase, a host of recording artists, and over 15 stage productions for her own company. She is a recipient of the James Irvine Foundation’s Dance: Creation to Performance Grant, chosen as one of 18 out of 256 choreographers.
Education
| Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year: 2022 | Degree: MA | Subject: Worship Arts | Institution: CA Baptist University |
| Year: 1998 | Degree: BS | Subject: Public Policy and Management | Institution: University of Southern California |
Work History
| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 2018 to Present | Employer: Undisclosed | Title: Owner/Trainer | Department: |
Responsibilities:• Provide private and group dance lessons in a variety of genres, per clients' needs, to supplement their existing dance program• Design conditioning and flexibility improvement methodologies that help dancers become more mindful of correct body placement • Provide choreography for various productions, dance companies, and individuals |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2017 to 2020 | Employer: I Love Dance Competition | Title: Dance Adjudicator | Department: |
Responsibilities:• Evaluate a wide spectrum of dance disciplines for proper technique, performance, and body mechanics• Communicate in writing with dance instructors and dancers in a constructive and encouraging tone • Adhere to established company adjudicating policies and procedures |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2006 to 2017 | Employer: West Angeles COGIC/Theater Company | Title: Dance Director/Choreographer | Department: |
Responsibilities:• Directed a dance program that catered to the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of adults while servicing a congregation of over 5000 people• Conceptualized, choreographed and directed the first all-dance production at West Angeles, “By Faith,” with over 5000 attendees • Developed choreography for 20 or more dancers and actors for special projects, events, and theatrical productions, and organized rehearsals with team members • Built and oversaw a creative team that consisted of professional choreographers, a rehearsal captain, an assistant director, and technical director • Set, enforced, and optimized internal policies to maintain efficiency and responsiveness to the needs of the artists |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1993 to 2011 | Employer: En Step Performing Arts Nation & Hawthorne Dance Academy | Title: Co-Owner/Artistic Director | Department: |
Responsibilities:• Co-owned and operated two performing arts studios that served over 200 students & their families, first in Hawthorne, then in Carson, CA• Created, developed and implemented innovative and effective dance lesson plans for ages three to adult, and taught classes in ballet, jazz, tap, choreography, and dance history • Interviewed, supported and supervised a team of up to 10 professional and student dance faculty • Utilized different styles of teaching to accommodate students of all ages and capabilities • Communicated with students and parents in person, via email and by phone to resolve issues and answer questions • Conducted written and verbal evaluations of dancers to present to parents and faculty • Developed choreography for competitions and themed dance productions, and organized rehearsals and all creative aspects of performances • Fostered new business through participation in professional and community shows • Founded a nonprofit dance company that provided a platform for underserved youth to receive professional quality performance experience • Initiated and established effective community and government partnerships |
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Career Accomplishments
| Licenses / Certifications |
|---|
| Pilates Mat & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, & Aux. Equipment Mount San Antonio College – Walnut, CA • Relevant coursework includes: Kinesiology, Pilates Anatomy, Dance Conditioning, and Alignment & Correctives Certificate: Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) |