About the Teachers

Lyrical Jazz class that’s a fusion of different dance styles.

Born and raised in the Caribbean, Maria started formal dance training at college in Boston, MA. Maria’s Caribbean culture plays a key role in her love of dance and its different flavors. Maria trained at ODC and Lines Dance schools in San Francisco for 20 years. There she taught dance to adults and also high school students at the School of The Arts. At SOTA Maria choreographed pieces that the students performed at the year-end performances at the SF Palace of Fine Arts and the Cowell Theater. She has also performed her own choreography at the SF Black Choreographers’ Festival.

Session 4 // 2:15 PM - 3:30 PM // Studio L-116

Fosse-style Jazz: warmup, strengthening, progressions, and a fun, energetic phrase.

Rebekah Brown is a multidisciplinary dance professional and the founder/director of H2O Dance Company, a contemporary modern dance company established in 2015. Originally from small-town Ohio, she has been based in San Diego for the last decade. She holds an MFA in Choreography from Mills College and a BFA in Dance Performance from the University at Buffalo. For over 20 years, Rebekah has worked as a choreographer and educator, drawing inspiration from her training in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary. She is on faculty at The Ballet Company in El Cajon and serves as Director of the Dance Ministry at Awaken Church, where she mentors artists and also choreographs for Awaken Theater productions.  

Session 2 // 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM // Studio L-102

Develop technique and confidence while exploring contemporary ballet.

Ryan Orion Beck is an award-winning choreographer and active leader in the San Diego dance community. Mr. Beck began his training in San Diego under the instruction of Teresa Wells and later studied on full scholarship at Pacific Northwest Ballet School in Seattle. He earned his degree in Ballet from North Carolina School of the Arts, studying Balanchine style under the instruction of Melissa Hayden. 

Session 3 // 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM // Studio L-116

Experience vibrant movement, rhythm, and cultural traditions in a fun and supportive class. 

Luis Avilés González is Assistant Professor of Spanish and Director of the Spanish Speakers Program at San Diego Mesa College. Alongside his academic work, Luis has dedicated himself to folklórico dance for nearly 10 years, performing at both the collegiate and community levels. His artistry has taken him to stages across Southern California and Texas, sharing the rich traditions of Mexican folk dance with diverse audiences. He currently dances with Academia de Danza TIPAI’s adult advanced group in Chula Vista, where he performs regularly at community and cultural events. His passion and expertise lie in northern rhythms — including polkas and calabaceado — reflecting a deep appreciation for the regional styles and cultural heritage embedded in this dance tradition.

Session 4 // 2:15 PM - 3:30 PM // Studio ES-102

Explore hip hop technique, grooves, and choreography in a fun, high-energy environment. 

Jazmyne Jenkins is a professional hip hop dancer whose passion for movement and performance has shaped her creative journey. While pursuing opportunities in Los Angeles, she balanced her dance career with work, education, and motherhood, demonstrating dedication and resilience. Alongside her work as a dancer, she founded Pastry by Jazmyne, a successful baking business that reflects the same creativity and discipline she brings to her artistry. Jazmyne’s passion for hip hop, performance, and creative expression continues to inspire others, both in the studio and through her entrepreneurial journey. 

Session 4 // 2:15 PM - 3:30 PM // Studio L-102

This class will focus on Hip Hop basics and vocab paired with a beginner based combination. 

Christian Lumba is an SD native who has been dancing since 2005. He spent his adolescent years on a junior team named IDK. While studying at UCSD, Lumba joined a competitive team named 220, which he danced on for nine years and co-directed for five.  It wasn't until junior year of college that Lumba started taking dance more seriously. Simply put, the process kept giving so he kept going. Lumba currently teaches dance at SDSCPA and MESA College. While being an educator was always the next step, dance was initially not in the picture, as the original plan was to put his Science degree to work. He sees this current chapter of life as a beautiful balance of calculated action and letting the universe run its course. 

Session 3 // 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM // Studio L-102

Strengthen ballet fundamentals while building grace, balance, and coordination. 

Emily has been dancing and making dances since she could walk. She received her BFA in Dancemaking from Columbia College Chicago, spent time in Chicago dancing for Kate Corby & Dancers and New York working with David Dorfman Dance. Emily has since returned to San Diego armed with a love for community, a fascination with form/function, and a fervent desire to make as much room for and access to the work as possible.

Session 1 // 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM // Studio L-116

Class concentrates on Graham Technique in center and across floor.

Spencer John Powell is the Artistic Director of Mounarath Powell Dance and is an award-winning choreographer, actor, director, producer, and teacher. A background in musical theatre, ballet, and modern dance, and more than thirty years of experience in the performing arts, fuels his passion for choreography. By choreographing works that empower artists to express their voices and talents, Powell embraces a spectrum of diverse performers. Kidz Danz Kompany, the youth company founded by Powell in 1994, is an extension of this vision that promotes accessibility, participation, and performance in dance and theatre arts.

Session 1 // 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM // Studio L-102

Blends traditional Jazz foundations with a theatrical modern twist.

Valerie is an eclectic artist blending a rich background in theater, television, and concert dance. As an Associate Choreographer, she contributed to the Emmy award-winning NBC series, Smash and the world premiere of Frozen on Disney Cruise Line. She has created entertainment for Europa Park (Germany) and regional musical productions across the country. In collaboration with Josh Prince she developed the curriculum for Dance Lab New York's Broadway Choreography Intensive. Classical dance training under the direction of Philip & Chales Fuller, BA Dance, UC Irvine, MA Special Education, SDSU, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and credentialed SPED teacher at Children's Workshop.

Session 3 // 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM // Studio ES-102

Focuses on dynamic full-body movements, a wide range of textures, and moving expansively through space.

** Pants and socks are recommended.

Odessa Uno (she/her/hers) is a movement-based Filipino American artist based in Southern California. She received her BFA in Dance from California Institute of the Arts where she studied performance, choreography, and pedagogy. Her choreographic commissions include works for Malashock Dance, San Diego Dance Theater, DISCO RIOT, Canyon Crest Academy, Coronado School of the Arts, and the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. She was the recipient of the 2021 San Diego Dance Theater Emerging Choreographers Showcase and Prize. She is currently a Dance Lecturer at San Diego State University.

Session 2 // 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM // Studio ES-102

Explore rhythm, footwork, and musicality in a fun and engaging tap class. 

Christiane Villescaz has been dancing since the age of five and has trained in tap, ballet, jazz, modern, and hip hop. She performed with San Diego Civic Dance Arts under the direction of Don and Bonnie Ward and has taught at numerous dance studios throughout San Diego. Christiane has studied tap with renowned artists including Chance Taylor, Mark Mendonca, Buster Brown, Heather Cornell, Linda Sohl-Ellison, Pam Thompson-Spinner, and Van Porter. Beyond the dance studio, she holds degrees in Biology and Clinical Research from UC San Diego and has built a successful career in pharmaceutical research, bringing the same dedication and passion to both science and the arts. 

Session 2 // 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM // Studio L-116

Learn complex rhythms, combinations, and steps in this fun Tap dance class.

Summer Williams has been training for over 25 years in Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern and Liturgical dance. She received her BA in Dance from SDSU with a Minor in Business Administration. Following this, she received her Masters in Education and Teaching Credential from National University. Summer has taught and performed for international groups such as Pro Danza Italia, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Momentum Dance Theater and Capital Tap. She has been featured in a Sony commercial and as a backup dancer for recording artist Megan Henry. She has taught at several dance studios throughout the San Diego area and is currently a member of California Rhythm Project. Summer is a dance teacher at Clairemont High School and is the proud owner of Rap A Tap Center for the Arts.

Session 1 // 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM // Studio ES-102