ROOTS Dance Summit Coming Soon!

Grounded in history. Fueled by contemporary practice.

A groundbreaking Educational & COMPETITIVE experience for studio communities

A three-day event designed for dancers ages 10-18, their parents, directors, and teachers. Limited space will be available.

TWO Locations

Phoenix, AZ

Madison Performing Arts Center

Montgomery, AL

Montgomery Performing Arts Center

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

Roots DANCE Summit

Teaching Artists • Adjudicators • MENTORS

Having decades of professional performance with prestigious companies behind them, this team now fully dedicates themselves to preparing the next generations of artists and leaders.

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

With special guest company artistic directors and college dance representatives in each city!

Health & Wellness Advocates

Partnering with these experts who have years of experience guiding, counseling, and treating dancers, we’ll be aiding young artists in developing a lifelong commitment to their physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.

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

Young Professional Guides

In their role as recent college graduates and now professionals, these outstanding artists will assist pre-professional dancers in navigating higher education programs and their forthcoming careers while adding their fresh perspective as Summit teachers and assistants.

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

Here’s what to expect at the Summit!

Our Foundational 6 Cs of Participation

Community

Dynamic student, teacher, and parent forums to bring about a greater understanding of issues that impact the dance community's health and individual dancers' well-being.

Classes

Inspirational instruction from diverse leading educators and artists to facilitate strength, movement capacity, intention, creativity, and confidence.

Competition

Healthy stage performance that will recognize the excellence among us to motivate individual and team self-awareness, effort, and respect.

Critique

In-depth feedback forums will provide artistic and technical assessments fostering sustainable individual, team, and program growth.

Celebration
Engaging social activities will focus on dance as a joyful practice and build momentum toward tackling shared interests, nurturing sustainable relationships, and creating positive change.

College & Careers:
Empowering mentorship and specialized programming that is dedicated to educating young artists about their post-high school options and opportunities.

ELIGIBILITY, CATEGORIES, & MORE

Dancer Eligibility:

Juniors: Ages: 10 - 12

Teens: Ages: 13 - 15

Seniors: Ages: 16 - 18

Competition Categories:

Ballet

Modern

Contemporary

Jazz

Improvisation

Masterclasses, Workshops, & Forums:

Designated sessions are offered for all participants including students, parents, teachers, and directors.

ROOTS Dance Summit Coming Soon!

TWO Locations

What makes this dance experience different?

Teaching Artists • Adjudicators • MENTORS

With special guest company artistic directors and college dance representatives in each city!

Health & Wellness Advocates

Young Professional Guides

Here’s what to expect at the Summit!

Our Foundational 6 Cs of Participation

ELIGIBILITY, CATEGORIES, & MORE

SIGN UP BELOW TO RECEIVE UPDATES BY EMAIL!

Questions? Email us at info@rootsdancesummit.com or give us a call at 213-926-3861