Professional Dance
Professional Dance Pathway Description
The Dance Pathway facilitates development in movement and energy through time and space.
Dance educates and enlivens the body, mind and soul. It is a tool that builds confidence and provides an opportunity to express without words.
The Dance program unites students from diverse walks of life and allows them to create and express beautiful, raw and emotional dance.
This pathway explores careers in professional dance and choreography including, but not limited to, theatrical and television productions, dance studios and schools, theme parks and more!
Courses in the Professional Dance Pathway
Professional Dance 1
This class introduces the styles and technique of Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern and Ballet. Students will develop body/space awareness as it relates to stage/choreography design. They will understand music with relation to time, space, and energy, while developing choreography skills.
Professional Dance 2
Students continue to perfect their dance techniques in a variety of disciplines while building choreographic and production skills.
Professional Dance 3
(Audition Only)
Professional Dance 3 is a year course that prepares students for "The Company." Dancers will train in Jazz, Ballet, and Modern Techniques, while continuing to develop choreographic skills. Dancers will also have the opportunity to audition to perform in dance program productions.
Professional Internship
Allows students to apply academic knowledge and demonstrate technical 21st century skills in a workplace setting. Students will prepare job readiness documents and will interview at an assigned site before interning with a local El Modena Business Partner.
All About El Modena's Dance Pathway Teacher
Ms. Kelly Hesp
Kelly Hesp was born and raised in Newport Beach, California. She began dancing at age 4 and spent over ten years at Focus Dance Center as a competitive dancer. Throughout her early years, she trained in various styles of dance including jazz, lyrical, tap, ballet, and hip-hop.
Kelly is a former Laker Girl for the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team. She is currently the Dance Director, Dance Company Coach, and Pep Squad Advisor at El Modena High School in Orange. Kelly recently directed and choreographed for Laguna Beach High School's Fall Dance Concert 2022, INSPIRE...Dancing through Moments of Inspiration. She received a Masters in Education and single subject teaching credential in physical education, where she is able to teach dance and yoga in high schools.
Kelly is also a fitness instructor at Equinox Luxury Fitness Club. She is a certified barre instructor and enjoys combining her passion for dance and fitness. Kelly has a clear passion for team unity and strives to create an atmosphere where everyone can learn and advance with each other.
Kelly is signed with Brand Models. Recently, she was a Stand-In for Lady Gaga. It was with the photographer, Mario Sorrenti, for a Dom Pérignon Champagne shoot. She has also been photographed in Locale Magazine.
During high school, she danced with Orchesis Dance Company at Corona Del Mar, where she was captain of her team for two years and was able to choreograph and perform for their annual concerts, rallies, and other venues. Kelly is a teacher at Endeavor Dance Studio. She is known for her vivacious teaching style and creative choreography.
Kelly received a BA in Dance and BA in Communication from Chapman University where she trained in ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and ballroom. At Chapman, she was selected to perform in the Fall Faculty Dance Concert and Chapman American Celebration event. She was also selected to be a part of the Chapman Dance Alliance where she choreographed and performed in their annual show. Kelly performed with Chapman Dance Tour in 2019, which toured throughout Orange County and Las Vegas. She has worked with choreographers including Jackie Sleight, Michael Rooney, Will Johnston, Sarah Davidson, G. Madison, and Ambrose Respicio
El Modena's Professional Dance Pathway Flyer
Dance Pathway Flyer.pdf