What makes this dance experience different?
It’s not a convention. It’s not an intensive. It’s not a workshop.
ROOTS Dance Summit is a holistic educational experience for studios. Your program will be stronger, your team or company more cohesive, and your dancers more confident.
"Francisco Gella Dance Works is truly exceptional—warm, forward-thinking, and remarkably inclusive. Their commitment to creating a safe haven for young dancers is unparalleled. With an innovative spirit, they seamlessly blend artistry and education in ways that have left a lasting impact on my students. I fully endorse Francisco Gella Dance Works for their dedication to nurturing both the artistic and personal growth of dancers. They have curated a community that radiates passion and genuine care, making the organization a joy to be part of and recommend to others. I have absolutely no doubt that ROOTS will take everything this organization represents to a whole other level!"
Sue Sampson Dalena
Owner and Founding Artistic Director
The Dance Studio of Fresno
Francisco Gella
Choreographer, Educator, Co-Artistic Director
Zeitgeist Dance Theatre
Santa Fe, NM
Yusha-Marie Sorzano
Choreographer, Educator, Co-Artistic Director
Zeitgeist Dance Theatre
Los Angeles, CA
Julie Friedrich
Director, College and Career Programs
Los Angeles, CA
Jim Vincent
Artistic Director, Dance Maker, Creative Consultant
Los Angeles, CA
Courtney Ortiz
Jazz Dance Educator and Broadway Performer
New York City, NY
Zak Ryan Schlegel
Choreographer, Educator, Dancer
Los Angeles, CA • El Prado, NM
Jeffrey Smith
Faculty
New World School of the Arts
Miami, FL
Evelyn Cisneros
Director
Ballet West Academy
Salt Lake City, UT
Wilson Mendieta
Assistant Professor
Chapman University
Long Beach, CA
Steven Sofia
Faculty
Chapman University
Long Beach, CA
Courtney Henry
Faculty
Rutgers University and University of the Arts
Philadelphia, PA
Jess Spinner
Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach
The Whole Dancer
Connecticut
Dr. Annette Karim
Rehabilitation & Movement Science Expert, Associate Professor
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA
Sharmila Mitra, MA
Pilates & Gyrotonics Educator, Owner
Core Arts Pilates
Anaheim, CA
Meredith Brown
BFA, Ailey/Fordham University
New York, NY
Cameron Cofrancesco
Wonderbound Dance Company
BFA, USC Kaufman School of Dance
Denver, CO
Fiona Dorr
Vitaca Ballet
BFA, Florida State University
Houston, TX
Rachel Harris
Metropolitan Opera
BFA, USC Kaufman School of Dance
New York, NY
Sophia Oddi
Independent Artist
BFA, USC Kaufman School of Dance
Los Angeles, CA
Benjamin Peralta
Ballet BC
BFA, USC Kaufman School of Dance
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Alejandra Preciado
Northwest Dance Project
BFA, LINES/Dominican University
Portland, OR
Shoshana Sklar
Metropolitan Opera
BFA, Juilliard School
New York, NY
