Business Details
11 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Northern New Mexico
Dance Arts Los Alamos (DALA) is a premier dance education institution dedicated to fostering artistic excellence and community engagement through diverse dance disciplines. Founded in 2015, our organization has grown to become a cornerstone of cultural enrichment in Northern New Mexico, offering structured training in classical ballet, modern dance, and specialty genres. Our faculty comprises internationally recognized instructors with decades of combined experience in performance, choreography, and pedagogy, including recipients of prestigious awards like The Dorothy Woodward Award for Historical Excellence. We provide comprehensive programs for all ages and abilities, from early childhood classes to advanced technical training, complemented by six annual performance opportunities that integrate local history and community collaboration.Our state-of-the-art facilities in Los Alamos and White Rock feature professional-grade studios with Marley flooring and full theatrical production capabilities. Through initiatives like our Adaptive Dance program and community outreach events, we cultivate inclusivity and accessibility while maintaining rigorous standards of technical proficiency. Our productions, including the acclaimed Nutcracker on The Hill trilogy, have been recognized for their innovative fusion of classical ballet with regional historical narratives. With a commitment to both artistic development and character building, we emphasize values such as discipline, teamwork, and creative problem-solving that extend beyond the dance studio into all aspects of life.
Services
Classical Ballet
Adaptive Dance
Modern Techniques
Youth Programs
Adult Classes
Performance Training
Flamenco Dance
Scottish Highland
Community Events
Summer Intensives
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer 27 years of combined faculty experience from international performance backgrounds
- Our studios feature professional Marley flooring and theatrical production capabilities
- We provide six annual performance opportunities with historical and cultural themes
- Our Adaptive Dance program serves students of all abilities with certified instructors
- We maintain rigorous technical standards with Cecchetti and Vaganova ballet methods
Services
Classical Ballet
Our classical ballet program follows Cecchetti and Vaganova techniques with progressive levels from beginner to advanced. Students receive technical training in pointe work, pas de deux, and classical variations. The curriculum emphasizes proper alignment, musicality, and performance quality through annual productions.
Adaptive Dance
Specially designed dance classes for students with disabilities utilize modified techniques and adaptive teaching methods. Our certified instructors create individualized plans to develop motor skills, coordination, and creative expression in a supportive environment for all ability levels.
Modern Techniques
Modern dance instruction includes Horton, Graham, and Limon techniques with focus on contemporary movement vocabulary. Classes develop strength, flexibility, and improvisational skills while exploring diverse choreographic styles from historical to current trends.
Community Performances
Six annual performances feature student dancers in professionally produced shows. Events include Nutcracker on The Hill with historical themes, mixed repertoire showcases, and youth recitals that integrate local culture and community collaboration.
Youth Programs
Age-specific programs for children aged 2-18 include structured dance exploration, pre-ballet, and progressive technical training. Classes emphasize foundational skills, creativity, and performance experience while fostering social development and confidence.
People
Jonathan Guise
Artistic Director
With 27 years in dance, Jonathan founded DALA's Nutcracker trilogy. He danced with Hubbard Street Chicago and Boston Ballet, teaching globally for 24 years. His historical ballets received New Mexico Historical Society awards.
Karina Wilder
Associate Director
Karina brings 15+ years teaching experience, holding a Modern Dance BA from St. Olaf College. She developed DALA's Adaptive Dance program and received a Special Education Super Advocate Award in 2018 for disability dance initiatives.
Rachel Zervakos
Ballet Instructor
ABT-certified instructor Rachel holds a BFA from Boston Conservatory. She directs upper-level rehearsals and choreographs award-winning pieces, teaching classical ballet with Cecchetti and Vaganova methods to advanced students.
Lucilene de Geus
Flamenco Specialist
Internationally recognized flamenco dancer Lucilene performed with Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco and Santa Fe Opera. With 30+ years teaching experience, she brings authentic Spanish dance techniques to DALA's specialty programs.
Leslie Puckett
Highland Dance
BATD-certified Highland instructor Leslie has performed and taught Scottish dance for 30 years. She leads classes in traditional Highland techniques while performing with the Albuquerque Pipes and Drums ensemble.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer classical ballet (Cecchetti/Vaganova), modern (Horton/Limon), flamenco, Scottish Highland, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and adaptive dance programs.
Do you have classes for young children?
Yes! Our Dance Exploration and Pre-Ballet classes start at age 2 with developmentally appropriate curriculum taught by specialized instructors.
Are there performance opportunities?
We produce six annual performances including Nutcracker on The Hill, Winter/Spring Mixed Repertoire showcases, and youth recitals with community collaboration elements.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
Yes, we provide adult ballet, modern, and dance conditioning classes designed for all experience levels from beginner to advanced.
What are your studio locations?
We operate two professional studios: 1650 Trinity Avenue Suite 115 in Los Alamos and 111 Longview Dr in White Rock, NM.
Reviews (1)
Venita Chavez
Sep 21, 2020
Report
Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Our family has been involved with Dance Arts Los Alamos for 14 years. This dance school is part of our family memories now. It stands out for its professionally trained instructors and beautiful, fun productions for the dancers.
Our family has been involved with Dance Arts Los Alamos for 14 years. This dance school is part of our family memories now. It stands out for its professionally trained instructors and beautiful, fun productions for the dancers.
