Modas Dance Training Program
in residence at Santa Fe University of Art and Design

Photo: © Paulo T. Photography

Photo: Amanda Tyler

The Modas Dance Training Program is designed to provide young artists with the vital skills, resources and training required to be a successful and viable working artist in today's dance market. Offering a progressive and diverse dance education that encourages independent thinking, the MDTP creates an environment that facilitates young artists in the development and refinement of their artistic aspirations, thereby strengthening their artistic contributions to the field. MDTP is unique in that it provides high quality training in three concentrations: Education, Choreography/Artistic Direction, and Performance. In addition to a progressive and diverse education, all students are provided with opportunities and specialized training in their concentration of choice.

Photo: © Paulo T. Photography

Education:

Students are provided with opportunities to construct and teach their own classes both within the program and in the community. Students will have the enriching opportunity to travel with Modas Dance for workshops, acting as demonstrators and assistant teachers, while making valuable connections with studio owners and teachers from all over the country.

Photo: © Paulo T. Photography

Choreography/Directing:

Students are given the opportunity to create and present work in a student produced studio performance during the semester and/or the main stage performance at the end of each semester. Students will also have workshop classes in practical skills such as arts business models, producing and directing, creating and managing budgets and fundraising for dance.

Photo: © Paulo T. Photography

Performance:

Students will audition for and perform in the student choreography pieces in addition to program repertoire, and are given opportunities to perform locally within the community. Students will receive assistance and mentoring in resume construction and production, head shot acquisition and audition processes.

Faculty/Choreographers:

Layla Amis (Ballet/Modern/Choreographer/Dance Practical Skills)
Kelsey Paschich (Jazz/Contemporary/Modern/Ballet/Choreographer)
Echo Gustafson (Modern/Flexibility, Anatomy and Technique)
Jocelyne Danchick (Improvisation/Choreographer)
Duncan Cooper (Ballet/Contemporary Ballet/Choreographer)
Michael Rosales (Commercial Contemporary/Hip-Hop/Audition Skills/Choreographer)

Guest Faculty/Choreographers:

Arturo Fernandez – Ballet Master, Alonzo King LINES Ballet
Elana Anderson – Principal dancer, Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre
Robert Moses – Robert Moses KIN
Evelyn Cisneros –former principal dancer, San Francisco Ballet
Karah Abiog - formerly Complexions, Director LINES Ballet Training Program
Gail Gilbert – former founding member David Parson Dance, currently Cirque du Solei
Sidra Bell – Sidra Bell Dance New York

Performances:

A main stage production will be held each semester in the Greer Garson Theatre. In addition, students will perform in community events and as guests with other local dance organizations throughout the year.