Embedded Files
End of Year 2026
Hello Dancing Toros Parents and Community,
The Final Dance of the Year: Graduation
Our final performance of the year featuring the ELAPA Dance Company seniors was a beautiful success. Graduation provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate our talented seniors as they performed together one last time before stepping into their next chapter as young adults. Their dedication, artistry, and growth have left a lasting impact on our program, and we are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished.
As we close out the school year, I want to thank our students, families, staff, and community for an incredible year of growth, creativity, and achievement.
This year, the ELAPA Dance Company participated in 14 performances in addition to our Spring showcase, while our hip-hop team, Rhythm Impact, also performed in our Spring Showcase, the California Dance Festival, and Versa-Style's 21st Annual Street Dance Festival. In the classroom, students explored dance through interdisciplinary, project-based learning, connecting movement with culture, history, technology, research, and digital media filmmaking.
Our Spring Showcase was a tremendous success and brought together the entire Dance Department in celebration of our students' hard work, dedication, and artistry.
As my first year leading the program comes to an end, I am grateful for all that we accomplished together. I hope to return next year and continue this work, however, if I am unable to return, I am proud of the amazing year we shared and the lasting memories we created.
Please enjoy the accompanying video reflection of our Dance Department's journey this year celebrating the many performances, projects, and experiences that made this season so special.
Thank you for your continued support of the ELAPA Dance Department.
Have a wonderful summer!
With appreciation,
Ms. J
ELAPA Dance Department
June 2026
Hello Dancing Toros Parents and Community,
As we approach the end of another school year, we are proud to celebrate the artistry, growth, and accomplishments of our students. Here are some highlights from an exciting month in the ELAPA Dance Department!
Senior Night – Underclassmen Take the Lead
Our underclassmen of ELAPA Dance Company stepped into leadership roles by choreographing and producing a special performance for our seniors set to music by Rihanna. Students worked collaboratively to complete choreography, edit music, rehearse, and prepare everything for Senior Night. Their dedication, teamwork, and creativity truly shined throughout the process.
Brush Up Art Conference – Cocoanut Grove Theater
The Brush Up Art Conference at the Cocoanut Grove Theater was a beautiful success! Our very own ELAPA Dance Company, alongside Upscale, performed in front of substitutes, LAUSD HR representatives, and district leaders.
A special thank you to David Nguyen for inviting us. He shared that, “The audience absolutely loved the performances!” Audience members also approached me afterward to express their appreciation and gratitude for the presentation.
ELAPA Dance Company performed our repertoire piece Wave Rider, a Latin fusion contemporary work that strongly resonated with the audience and helped energize the conference experience for all participants.
ELAPA Road Show: Ochoa Middle School & LA Academy
ELAPA Dance Company joined Mariachi, Jazz Ensemble, and Upscale in representing our school through outreach performances for local middle schools.
ELAPA Dance Company quickly came together to perform our repertoire Ramon for Ochoa Middle School and Danza de Gardenias along with The Lord is Blessing Me for LA Academy’s cultural event. Although the LA Academy performance was unfortunately canceled, Ramon was a hit at Ochoa Middle School! Students especially enjoyed the drama and storytelling behind the Latin fusion dance piece — it is safe to say they loved the romance drama.
In the Studio
Dance students recently finalized their end-of-year dance film projects. Students were challenged to either create or learn choreography and then produce a short dance video showcasing performance, creativity, and production skills.
We invite you to enjoy these student-created films and celebrate the hard work that went into bringing their artistic visions to life here.
The Final Dance of the Year: Graduation
As we close out the school year, our final performance will take place at graduation, where our seniors will dance one last time as members of the ELAPA Dance Department.
Watching our students continue to take risks, grow as artists, and support one another has been one of the greatest highlights of this school year.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our Dance Department and for helping us uplift the next generation of artists and leaders.
With appreciation,
Ms. J
ELAPA Dance Department
May 2026
Dear ELAPA Families, Faculty, and Supporters,
It’s been a busy and exciting two months in the Dance Department as we’ve moved through the spring semester. We’re excited to share highlights and updates from recent events, along with a look at what’s ahead.
Spring Dance Concert – A Department in Bloom
We celebrated a highly successful Spring Dance Concert, Something New, during the month of March. Each night of the performance ran more smoothly than the last, reflecting the students’ growth, discipline, and commitment to their craft.
We extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who attended. Your presence made a meaningful difference—students shared how supported and encouraged they felt, which truly allowed them to dance their hearts out on stage.
A special recognition goes to the ELAPA Dance Company, who rose to the challenge of performing multiple pieces while mastering quick costume changes and maintaining performance quality throughout. Their professionalism and resilience were evident.
Our Hip Hop team, Rhythm Impact, also brought incredible energy and style to the concert. Their performances in hip hop, house, and groove-based choreography added depth and diversity to the show, strengthening the program as a whole. Thank you to Coach Liz and Team!
Field Trip Reflections
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater – Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
In April, our students had the incredible opportunity to attend a performance by the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. For many, it was their first time experiencing a professional dance company in this iconic venue. Students were deeply inspired by the choreography and emotional expression, with every student rating the experience 5 out of 5 and recommending it for future dancers.
When reflecting on what resonated most, students consistently highlighted the choreography—the movement and dance vocabulary—and the emotional expression of the dancers.
Loyola Marymount University
ELAPA’s Dance Department was honored to be invited to attend the LMU Community Dance Project this year. A huge thank you to Professor KJ Wade for welcoming our students and providing this incredible opportunity.
Students enjoyed performances by LMU’s African Music Ensemble, directed by Dr. Divine Gbagto, as well as dance works including Lotus Alerte’s Implosion and KJ Wade’s Res(t)ilience. They also received a tour of the LMU campus and Dance Department, giving them a glimpse into collegiate dance life.
Learn more about this here.
This experience was inspiring, eye-opening, and a meaningful reminder of what’s possible through dedication and artistry.
Looking Ahead – Events to read about in our next newsletter!
We are excited for what’s coming next:
Final performances by ELAPA Dance Company & Rhythm Impact
Senior Night - Underclassmen take the lead with choreographing on our very own Seniors
Art Conference Cocoanut Grove Theater - Where students will present in front of LAUSD & District Leaders.
Rhythm Impact will be performing at Versa-Style’s 21st Festival
ELAPA Graduation
In the Studio Now
Dance classes are currently preparing final choreography, building performance skills, and refining technique as we head into our end-of-year showcases.
As we approach the end of the year, we are proud of the continued growth, artistry, and dedication our students demonstrate every day.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our Dance Department and for helping us uplift the next generation of artists and leaders.
With appreciation,
Ms. J. Sanmarti
ELAPA Dance Department
March 2026
Hello Dancing Toros Parents and Community,
We are proud to share that our Black History Month Assembly on February 25th was a tremendous success! Students did an outstanding job collaborating and preparing a powerful presentation. We are so proud of their focus and growth.
Our Spring Dance Show, “Something New,” is right around the corner! We are excited to share new choreography and highlight the artistic growth our students have demonstrated this semester. We hope you will join us in supporting their hard work! Show Contracts outlining expectations, rehearsal commitments, and important details will be sent home with students this week. Please review, sign, and return promptly.
Important Show Dates
To ensure a smooth and professional production, please note the following required dates:
Tech Rehearsal: Monday, March 16 (after school)
Dress Rehearsal: Tuesday, March 17 (after school)
School Assembly Performance: Wednesday, March 18 (Time TBD – please follow our social media platforms for updates)
Show Dates
Thursday, March 19
Open House: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Show begins at 7:00 PM
Friday, March 20
Show begins at 6:00 PM
Volunteers Needed
If you’re available to help with Tech, Dress, or show nights, please reach out to me directly at jessica.sanmarti@lausd.net. Your support makes a difference!
Upcoming Fieldtrip
Selected students will attend a performance by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Eligible students have demonstrated strong participation and positive citizenship. We’re excited for them to experience professional concert dance at the highest level.
Alumni Spotlight
Versa-Style Street Dance Company — founded by Jackie Lopez (Miss Funk) and Leigh Foaad (Breeze-lee) — includes multiple ELAPA alumni and continues to uplift Hip Hop culture and our community.
They will present “Tribute: Guardians of Street Dance” on March 13 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at California State University, Long Beach.
We encourage you to attend and support this valued partnership with our ELAPA Dance Team.
Thank you for supporting our Dancing Toros! We look forward to seeing you at Open House and at Something New!
With gratitude,
Ms. J. Sanmarti
ELAPA Dance Department
February 2026
Hello Dancing Toros Parents!
I am excited to introduce myself as ELAPA Magnet’s new Dance Teacher. My name is Ms. Sanmarti (students may also call me Ms. J), and I am honored to join the Torres East LA Performing Arts Magnet community.
With over 20 years of dance experience—beginning at Hollywood Performing Arts Magnet High School and continuing through the University of California, Irvine—I am passionate about helping students grow in technique, confidence, and self-expression.
Our Dance Department has already been busy this year! Students have performed for middle school recruitment tours, participated in Hispanic Heritage Month, presented work at another school, and represented ELAPA at the California Dance Festival—taking master classes with Versa-Style Dance Company and Kin Davagian of the Lester Horton Legacy, and performing that same evening. We are now preparing for our Black History Month presentation and the Spring show titled “Something New” in March.
I believe deeply that the power of the arts can transform lives. At Torres, I am committed to building a strong, inspiring Dance Department where students feel seen, challenged, and empowered—both in the studio and on stage.
We have also launched a new Dance Department website and social media page. Please be sure to follow and check these platforms regularly for updates, performance information, and celebrations of student work.
I look forward to completing a productive, creative, and joy-filled year together!
Thank you,
Ms. J. Sanmarti
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