During the time of virtual learning, the dance faculty at SCPA have prioritized bringing in some amazing opportunities to take classes from top dancers, choreographers, and teachers from around the world. Thanks to digital technology, in the month of March alone SCPA dance students have studied with three world-renowned dancers in three very different, very diverse styles.

On Tuesday, March 9th, a Flamenco workshop was held for all period 3 dance classes, both middle and high school. The guest artist, Lakshmi Basile, is a dance alumna the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. After performing as a flamenco dancer in California and studying classical dance at the University of California Santa Barbara, Lakshmi travelled to Spain at the age of 20 to complete her flamenco studies. Over fifteen years, Lakshmi consolidated her career in Seville as a soloist, collaborative artist, and teacher, and now has returned to San Diego to continue her career.

The seniors in Dance Portfolio had a master class on March 18th on ‘90s Hip-Hop with Cheri Stokes, whose expertise spans the genres of West African, Afro-Contemporary, Contemporary and Hip Hop dance forms. Her choreographic research examines the ways in which facets of social vernacular dance forms, specifically Hip-Hop and Dancehall, have influenced her contemporary practice and art making. Additionally, Cheri’s expertise includes over ten years of dance education (as a credentialed educator).

On Friday, March 19, all period 2 high school dance students were invited to a workshop on Men’s Ballet Technique (all genders welcome!) with Thom Dancy. Thom is the Managing Director for The Rosin Box Project, and has an extensive professional dance career with companies that include Milwaukee Ballet's Studio Company, the Grand Rapids Ballet, The Big Muddy Dance Company in St. Louis, MO, as well as Malashock Dance here in San Diego.

Students have also been invited to take free masterclasses from Teatro San Diego and San Diego Dance Theatre. The SCPA dance faculty are grateful for the outpouring of generosity from the dance community during this unique time.