Winter 2022: Issue 1

A New Season

MONARCH SPOTLIGHT

WINTER 2022, ISSUE 1

of the

Drew & Corinne Adams

The Ambrose Family

Asada Tacos & Beer

Janet Balsis

David and Nicole Barry

Dana Barton

Kellie Bauer

Mary & Todd Beld

Katherine Bermudez-Huie

Margaret Brown

Scott Brown

The Calvert Family

The Carroll Family

Cynthia E Cattern

The Cefalu Family

The Chamberlain Family

The Ciachurski Family

The Clark Family

Clark Commercial Development

Dan & Christine Connor

Frank Conway

Maria Corazon Meris, MD.

Tom and Maeve Corbett-Browne

Gary Coronado

Carol M Cox

The Cullen Family

The Curley Family

The Dahl Family

The Dang Family

The Delfin Family

The DeLong Family

The Duron Family

The Eastman Family

Jesse & Mike Ellison

The Elsenpeter Family

Abel Estrada

James & Margaret Ettinger

The Fancher Family

Tony Ferrero

Mark & Lony Fiduccia

Erica & Jerry Fink

Ted & Beckie Flati

Bernadine Fraser

Bob & Christina Gannon

GSF Marketing, Inc.

The Goodkind Family

The Gregor Family

Gustavo Guillen

Habeeb Family

Amanda Hancock

Greg & Lisa (Bartholomy) Hendey

Louie and Bita Hernandez

Philip Hiestand

The Hinz Family

Timothy Hirota

Aaron & Jane Hodgdon

Debra Hoffmeyer

David and Beth Hopkins

Stephanie Hopkins

Julie and Mark Hughes

Mark and Joanne Hulme

Mr. and Mrs. Imhoff

Melissa B. Jacobson

The Josten Family

The Kalczynski Family

The Kawabe Family

The Keating Suh Family

Robert Kessler

Carmina Kissinger

Guy & Jennifer Klingler

Lorrain and Kevin Kramer

The Kridle Family

Ralph C. Kuhen

The L’Heureux Family

Elisabeth Leandro

Ledesma Family

The Lefebvre Family

The Lilly Family

The Lising Family

The Ludovico Family

Christina Lyon

Michele MacAller

The McGee Family

The McGrath Family

The McIntosh Family

Dennis McKee

The McKeever Family

Julie Maglione

The Matlock Group

Arts

Joy & Victor Mena

The Menzia Family

Middle Earth Geo Testing

Cindy Millsap Zarate

Christine M. Monge

Jim and Elizabeth Moos

The Morales Family

Mary Ellen & Matthew Moschetti

The Mulholland Family

The Murillo Family

Grizelda Navarro

Cate Neushauser

Kimberly Neuhauser

Mark Nialis

Nina Gibson Designs

Sarah Novak

Roger and Michelle Nieves

The O’Day Family

The Osuna Family

Arnold & Teresa (Clare) Pinkston

The Poliquin Family

Manuel Porto

Vince and Shannon Pozzuoli

Ron Bruder & Kimberly Prado

Brittany Railey

Reunion Kitchen + Drink

The Reyes-Franco Family

The Riedl Family

The Rimicci Family

The Rubio Family

The Rojek Family

Carie Ross

Angelo J. Ruta

Jose and Cynthia Salazar

JA Salazar Construction and Supply Co.

The Salcedo Family

Gina & Jon-Eric Santanello

Jeff and Christine Sarmiento

Ed & Carine Savard

Andy and Karen Schickling

The Schulist Family

Linda Shoaff

Bi Shen

The Shepherd Family

Leslie and David Seidner

Cindie and Bert Selva

The Shiley Foundation

The Silva Family

Mr. and Mrs. Doug Shepherd

The Shepherd Family

Larry Silva Family

Maria Silva

Brian Smith

The Solis Family

The Sparks Family

Ellen Stanley

Michael and Julie Stewart

The Strader Family

The Sullivan Family

Maurissa Talarico

Theresa Thompson

The Trotter Family

Georgina and Anthony Ty

Quang Uong

Sheila Uribe

The Van Dalsem Family

James Van Eenenaam

Al and Yvonne Verkuylen

The Villanueva Family

Tana Walsh

Warburton Family

Warnock Family

The Warnock Family

Ken and Deonna Watkins

Patricia Weed

The Whitley Family

The Whittaker Family

John & Leslie Widera

Thomas Williamson

Susan Wojtaszek

Todd Woody

The Yocam Family

We love to watch you dance! You continue to amaze us –keep dreaming BIG!

Welcome to the 2022-2023 Performing Arts Season!

The purpose of Mater Dei High School is to develop faith-filled, responsible servant leaders committed to serving God, the church, and their communities with a profound sense of social justice founded in love. To achieve our purpose, we intentionally embed the Catholic faith and the principles of Honor, Glory, and Love into every aspect of the student experience. The why behind our purpose is simple. We live in a complicated world that is in desperate need of faith-filled servant leadership. Leaders with the wisdom and goodness to understand, “To love is to will the good for another.”

St. Thomas Aquinas

As president, I believe achieving our purpose is the primary reason that Mater Dei High School opened in 1950. The process of achieving our purpose is what makes Mater Dei High School uniquely different from other secondary schools. While most secondary schools focus only on academic knowledge, Mater Dei High School goes beyond academic knowledge and intentionally develops each student’s will to choose goodness. Therefore, a student does not attend Mater Dei High School, instead they move through an intentional four-year process and become a Monarch!

While pursuing excellence within the performing arts program is our objective, let us never forget that achieving our purpose is the primary goal. Each young Monarch must actively utilize life lessons learned during rehearsals, performances and after performances. These performing arts life lessons support each Monarch’s journey towards achieving our primary purpose. Mater Dei High School dedicates itself to the philosophy that performing arts is another element designed to perfect the person (become a Monarch) and their relationship with Christ.

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and administration, we thank our Director of Choral and Vocal Music Mrs. Jodi Reed, Director of Instrumental Music Mr. Fernando Martinez, Director of Dance Mrs. Rochelle Mapes, Director of Theater Arts Lissa Slay, Performing Arts Coordinator of Events Mrs. Marisa Winch and all members of the performing arts family. Your commitment and loyalty towards each Monarch and Mater Dei High School is deeply appreciated.

We are grateful that you chose to attend tonight’s performance and pray that each Monarch achieves their personal and group performance goals this season.

With Honor, Glory, and Love,

Genesis,

Love Mom and Dad & the Q boys

We are so proud of your journey. Keep dancing with your heart and light up that stage. It’s your moment to shine.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Students, Parents and Alumni,

Honor, Glory, Love in the Performing Arts. Our students are skilled and talented in all areas of The Arts and they bring love, joy and beauty through their performances to all those with whom they come in contact.

I congratulate and thank all the Directors of each program for their outstanding commitment and dedication to our student artists. The opportunities which you provide, are instrumental in the development of students’ skills and talents in The Arts. Thank you to all parents who volunteer in support of these outstanding arts programs.

Dear Students, Parents, and Alumni, Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year with can we share the spirit of MDHS than through Honor, Glory, Love in the students are skilled and talented in all areas of through their performances to all those with whom they come in contact.

A New Season

As the year unfolds, we look forward to the Band, Choir, Comedy, Dance, Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Hip Hop, Song, Strings, and Theatre activities in which our student artists will perform. Through these spirited performances, you frequently transform lives, which may sometimes be tainted by sadness, into beacons of hope, light and joy. We look forward also to welcoming alumni back to these performances; it is always a great joy to see so many alumni artists supporting these events.

I congratulate and thank our Executive Director of Performing Arts, Mr. Scott Melvin Directors of each program for their outstanding commitment and dedication to our student artists. The opportunities, which you provide skills and talents in the Arts. Thank you to all parents who volunteer in support of these outstanding Arts programs.

As the year unfolds, we look forward to the Band, Choir, Handbells, Hip Hop, Song, Strings, Theatre Through these spirited performances you frequently transform lives tainted by sadness into beacons of hope and joy. back to these performances; it is always a great joy to see so many alumni artists supporting these events.

To everyone involved in the Performing Arts, God’s blessings on each and every performance and remember, bring Honor, Glory, Love, to all people with whom you come in contact.

To everyone involved in the Performing Arts, God’s blessings on each and e

Frances Clare Principal MDHS

Welcome to Mater Dei High School Dance Conservatory fall concert, A New Season. We are elated to be back at the beautiful Irvine Barclay Theatre.

This evening’s performance is a celebration of the seasons from spring to winter and the growth that comes through the journey of change; mirroring our own evolution in the dance program as we embark on A New Season with our Dance Conservatory. We have already had a busy and exciting year working hard in our new program, training in ballet, contemporary, and jazz every week with experienced faculty learning from guest choreographers, attending dance conventions and camps, all while performing at football games, rallies, school/community events keeping our identity as a group routed in teamwork. In addition, we hosted our first and highly successful College Dance Day featuring 9 college dance programs with almost 200 participants!

For tonight’s concert, Dance Conservatory had the opportunity to work with 9 guest choreographers and 4 faculty choreographers. I’m confident you will enjoy the versatility of styles in Dance Conservatory’s repertoire tonight. Additional performances in A New Season are contributed by the Hip Hop team and Mater Dei student guest dancers joining us for this concert. I am happy to showcase their talent in tonight’s concert!

Tonight’s production would not be possible without support from the following people. I would like to personally thank:

The Niccol family, for your continued generosity that has provided this incredible opportunity to perform in the Barclay Theatre. The students of Dance Conservatory, Hip Hop, and guest performers, for your effort, dedication, and heart that you bring to the stage and rehearsal. The parents for volunteering their time, supporting the program with love and loyalty, and entrusting your child’s time and dance training. Mrs. Jeni Dennin, for your leadership, problem solving, kindness, and support of the Dance program. Department Chair, Mr. Fernando Martinez, for stepping up to organize and support the Performing Arts programs. Mrs. Marisa Winch for behind the scenes magic making every event look professional. The Dance Conservatory faculty & staff: Ms. Jia Huang, Mrs. Mary Tarpley, Ms. Payton Rice, Ms. Julia Rudge, for raising the bar for our students with your expertise and loving guidance. Our new and amazing Dance/Yoga elective teacher and Dance program assistant, Ms. Shannon Zimmerman for bringing experience, energy, creativity, and helpfulness to Mater Dei and joining our family! To the Mater Dei Administration for your support of the arts.

We return to the Irvine Barclay Theatre once again in the spring for our full Dance Program concert, Synthesis, on March 29 & 31. We hope you will join us! But for now, sit back and enjoy the show!

Rochelle Mapes Director of Dance

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FACULTY

PRESIDENT

PRINCIPAL

VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS SERVICES

Mr. Michael Brennan

Ms. Frances Clare

Mr. Dave Taylor

VICE PRESIDENT OF SCHOOL RELATIONS ...........

ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS

PERFORMING ARTS COORDINATOR

DIRECTOR OF DANCE

DANCE & YOGA ELECTIVE TEACHER,

Mr. Scott Melvin

Mrs. Molly Chace ‘00

Mrs. Diana Neustadt

Mrs. Jennifer Dennin

Mrs. Marisa Winch ‘96

Mrs. Rochelle Mapes

DANCE PROGRAM ASSISTANT Ms. Shannon Zimmerman

DANCE CONSERVATORY JAZZ TEACHER Ms. Jia Huang

DANCE CONSERVATORY BALLET TEACHER Ms. Mary Tarpley

HIP HOP COACH Mr. Kai Cameron

ASST. HIP HOP COACH &

DANCE CONSERVATORY REHEARSAL ASSISTANT Ms. Julia Rudge

DANCE CONSERVATORY REHEARSAL ASSISTANT Ms. Payton Rice

Frances Clare Principal MDHS

Spring

DAFFODIL

Choreography: Savannah Hooks Music: Florence + the Machine

DANCE CONSERVATORY: RED COMPANY & GRAY COMPANY

Audrey Aquino, Ava Biagiotti, Tara Bordner, Jasmine Chua, Kelly Delaney, Savannah Fregoso, Gabriella Gomez, Vanessa Jensen, Lydia Lea, Madelyn Lim, Delaney Miner, Leticia Moraes, Genesis Quiette, Avery Ross-Ryan, Gabrielle Schrader, Sophia Schrader, Olivia Senter, Courtney Stoneman, Hannah Tidus, Lily Turk, Leah von Rotz, Treana Witek

APRIL SHOWERS

Choreography: Kai Cameron | Music: Rihanna & Jaz Z, Adolph Green

HIP HOP TEAM

Aribella Clemente, Breeana Cortez, Milania Kia, Natalia King, Willow Laws, Kate Louis, Keilah Mora, Vina Pham, John Riss, Alexis Rosol, Jazelle Ruiz, Brooklyn Suarez, Devyn Swartz, Rae Tieu

SPRING SONG

Choreography: Cassandra Infante Music: Max Richter/Vilvadi

DANCE CONSERVATORY

Savannah Fregoso, Gabriella Gomez, Madelyn Lim, Olivia Senter, Courtney Stoneman, Leah von Rotz

GREEN GREEN GRASS

Choreography: Julia Rudge Music: George Ezra

DANCE COSERVATORY: RED COMPANY

Audrey Aquino, Tara Bordner, Genesis Quiette, Lily Turk, Treana Witek

FIREFLIES

Choreography: Julia Gaspari Music: Woodkid

DANCE CONSERVATORY: GRAY COMPANY

Ava Biagiotti, Jasmine Chua, Savannah Fregoso, Gabriella Gomez, Vanessa Jensen, Lydia Lea, Delaney Miner, Leticia Moraes, Avery Ross-Ryan, Olivia Senter, Hannah Tidus, Leah von Rotz

Summer

MOTH’S WINGS

Choreography: Payton Rice Music: Passion Pit

DANCE CONSERVATORY: RED COMPANY

Kelly Delaney, Madelyn Lim, Gabrielle Schrader, Sophia Schrader, Courtney Stoneman

SENIOR SIGNATURE: LETICIA MORAES

SUMMERTIME

Choreography: Rochelle Mapes Music: Charlie Glass

“Mater Dei Dance Conservatory has been an important part of my high school experience. Being an exchange student can be hard sometimes but having the opportunity to dance every day and be part of a team made everything so much easier. I’m so grateful for all the true friendships that made at dance and will always remember it as a really special part of high school.” - Leticia Moraes ‘23

SEE YOU, AGAIN

Choreography: Kai Cameron Music: Tyler, The Creator HIP HOP TEAM

Aribella Clemente, Breeana Cortez, Milania Kia, Natalia King, Willow Laws, Kate Louis, Keilah Mora, Vina Pham, John Riss, Alexis Rosol, Jazelle Ruiz, Brooklyn Suarez, Devyn Swartz, Rae Tieu

HOT STUFF

Choreography: Jia Huang Music: Donna Summers

DANCE CONSERVATORY: GRAY COMPANY

Ava Biagiotti, Jasmine Chua, Savannah Fregoso, Gabriella Gomez, Vanessa Jensen, Lydia Lea, Delaney Miner, Leticia Moraes, Avery Ross-Ryan, Olivia Senter, Hannah Tidus, Leah von Rotz

OCEAN WAVES

Choreography: Rochelle Mapes

Music: Hanging D, Joep Beving, Cello Octet

DANCE CONSERVATORY: RED COMPANY

Audrey Aquino, Tara Bordner, Kelly Delaney, Madelyn Lim, Genesis Quiette, Gabrielle Schrader, Sophia Schrader, Courtney Stoneman, Lily Turk, Treana Witek

~INTERMISSION~ Fall

AUTUMN LEAVES

Choreography: Tawny Chapman Music: Paolo Nutini

DANCE CONSERVATORY: GRAY COMPANY

Ava Biagiotti, Jasmine Chua, Savannah Fregoso, Gabriella Gomez, Vanessa Jensen, Lydia Lea, Delaney Miner, Leticia Moraes, Avery Ross-Ryan, Olivia Senter, Hannah Tidus, Leah von Rotz

SEASONS FOR A REASON

Choreography: Saaya Anzai | Music: Telepopmusik

DANCE CONSERVATORY: GRAY & RED COMPANY MEMBERS

Audrey Aquino, Kelly Delaney, Vanessa Jensen, Delaney Miner, Genesis Quiette, Avery Ross-Ryan, Hannah Tidus, Lily Turk

SENIOR SIGNATURE: LEAH VON ROTZ

SEPTEMBER SONG

Choreography: Rochelle Mapes Music: Agnes Obel

“Dance Conservatory has been a huge stepping stone in my life and has brought me challenges that have molded me into who I am today. am grateful for the many opportunities, and I am excited to take them with me for the rest of my life. Thank you to all the staff for pushing me and motivating me always. Dance Conservatory will forever hold a special place in my heart, and hope that my time has impacted others just like it has for me.“ -Leah von Rotz ‘23

SUPERCUT OF FALL

Choreography: Dani Silver Music: Lorde

DANCE CONSERVATORY: RED COMPANY

Audrey Aquino, Tara Bordner, Kelly Delaney, Madelyn Lim, Genesis Quiette, Gabrielle Schrader, Sophia Schrader, Courtney Stoneman, Lily Turk, Treana Witek

PILGRIMAGE

Choreography: Maddie La Cambra Music: Balmorhea

DANCE CONSERVATORY: GRAY COMPANY

Ava Biagiotti, Savannah Fregoso, Leticia Moraes, Avery Ross-Ryan, Olivia Senter, Hannah Tidus, Leah von Rotz

Winter

GREY NOVEMBER

Choreography: Sophia Smith Music: Taylor Swift

DANCE CONSERVATORY: RED COMPANY

Audrey Aquino, Tara Bordner, Kelly Delaney, Madelyn Lim, Genesis Quiette, Gabrielle Schrader, Sophia Schrader, Courtney Stoneman, Lily Turk, Treana Witek

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Choreography: Elena Dahms Music: Sigala

DANCE CONSERVATORY: GRAY COMPANY

Jasmine Chua, Gabriella Gomez, Vanessa Jensen, Lydia Lea, Delaney Miner

COLD WIND

Choreography: Rochelle Mapes Music: Philip Glass, Kronos Quartet

MATER DEI STUDENTS: GUEST DANCERS

Gianna Clarke, Natalie Lopez-Schneider, Meghan White

WEATHER THE STORM

Choreography: Julia Rudge | Music: Omarion, Meek Mill, DJ Khaled, Lil Baby, A$Ap Ferg

HIP HOP TEAM

Aribella Clemente, Breeana Cortez, Milania Kia, Natalia King, Willow Laws, Kate Louis, Keilah Mora, Vina Pham, John Riss, Alexis Rosol, Jazelle Ruiz, Brooklyn Suarez, Devyn Swartz, Rae Tieu

ECHOES OF SNOWFALL

Choreography: Rochelle Mapes Music: 2WEI

DANCE CONSERVATORY: RED COMPANY & GRAY COMPANY

Audrey Aquino, Ava Biagiotti, Tara Bordner, Jasmine Chua, Kelly Delaney, Savannah Fregoso, Gabriella Gomez, Vanessa Jensen, Lydia Lea, Madelyn Lim, Delaney Miner, Leticia Moraes, Genesis Quiette, Avery Ross-Ryan, Gabrielle Schrader, Sophia Schrader, Olivia Senter, Courtney Stoneman, Hannah Tidus, Lily Turk, Leah von Rotz, Treana Witek

Performers

DANCE CONSERVATORY HIP HOP TEAM

GRAY COMPANY

Ava Biagiotti ‘25

Jasmine Chua ‘26

Savannah Fregoso ‘25

Gabriella Gomez ‘25

Vanessa Jensen ‘25

Lydia Lea ‘25

Delaney Miner ‘25

Leticia Moraes Ponte Souza ‘23

Avery Ross-Ryan ‘25

Olivia Senter ‘26

Hannah Tidus ‘24

Leah von Rotz ‘23

RED COMPANY

Audrey Aquino ‘25

Tara Bordner ‘24

Kelly Delaney ‘24

Madelyn Lim ‘26

Genesis Quiette ‘26

Gabrielle Schrader ‘26

Sophia Schrader ‘26

Courtney Stoneman ‘25

Lily Turk ‘26

Treana Witek ‘25

Aribella Clemente ‘26

Breeana Cortez ‘24

Milania Kia ‘26

Natalia King ‘25

Willow Laws ‘23

Kate Louis ‘24

Keilah Mora ‘23

Guest Choreographers

Vina Pham ‘25

John Riss ‘23

Alexis Rosol ‘23

Jazelle Ruiz ‘24

Brooklyn Suarez ‘26

Devyn Swartz ‘24

Rae Tieu ‘24

STUDENT GUEST DANCERS

Gianna Clarke ‘26

Natalie Lopez-Schneider ‘25

Meghan White ’23

Faculty Choreographers

ROCHELLE MAPES, DIRECTOR OF DANCE: Rochelle Mapes earned a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Cal State University, Long Beach. She taught at the Orange County School of the Arts (Commercial Dance Conservatory) for 18 years and currently is on faculty at the American Ballet Theatre Gillespie School. As a performer, she has danced with such musical artists as Gladys Knight and Wayne Brady, performed on the FX television show Nip/Tuck, and is represented by Go 2 Talent Agency. She has danced for the bi-coastal (NY/CA) contemporary BARE Dance Company under the direction of Mike Esperanza and spent almost a decade as a dancer, choreographer, and rehearsal director for Long Beach-based RhetOracle Dance Company with Nate Hodges. Her diverse choreography has been presented on the professional concert stage, in college dance departments, studios, and extensively with competitive high school dance teams. As a master class teacher, she has taught for the Dizzy Feet Foundation’s National Dance Day, Dance aTAK convention, Texas Dance Educators Association, United Spirit Association, numerous studios/schools, virtual classes for dancers worldwide, and she was a member of the USA Dance Staff for 17 years. In addition, she judges for UDA College Nationals, USA Dance Nationals & Regionals, USA-Japan Nationals, and The Dance Worlds.

KAI CAMERON, HIP HOP HEACH COACH: Born and raised in Orange County, Kai started training in hip hop at the age of 12. Getting most of his training from the Poreotics, season 5 winners of America’s Best Dance Crew, he has spent most of his 10-year career within the competitive dance choreography world. He has shared choreography with worldwide competitive teams such as Poreotics, Miniotics, Chapkis Dance Family, V Mo, Supremacy Dance Family, and LFG Crew.

JIA HUANG, DANCE CONSERVATORY JAZZ TEACHER: Jia Huang graduated from the University of California Irvine with a BA in dance. While attending UCI, she also joined one of Southern California most cutting edge hip hop teams, Kaba Modern, which she directed in 2003-2005. In 2007-2008 she appeared on television shows such as Dirty Dancing and America’s Best Dance Crew. She spent 2009 on The Circus Tour starring Britney Spears as one for four female principle dancers. She was a founding member, choreographer and dancer for the professional Contemporary Jazz company RhetOracle, Mischief Makers and KM Legacy. She has been a dancer in multiple music videos, award shows including the VMAs, commercials and choreographed a promo video for the 2017 Grammys. In 2020, she celebrated her 10th year on dance staff for the United Spirit Association and has been awarded Rookie of the Year, hardest working, MVP, and the Leadership Award. She is a seasoned judge, having judged competitions such as World of Dance, USA High School Dance Nationals, UDA College Dance Nationals, Japan Dance Nationals and Dance Worlds. She is also a faculty member at the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts, but spends most of her time teaching and choreographing for high school teams and studios in California. She has taught master classes in places such as Canada, Australia, Norway, China, Mexico, Japan and continues to teach all over the US.

PAYTON RICE, DANCE CONSERVATORY REHEARSAL ASSISTANT: Payton Rice was born and raised in Orange County, California where she currently resides. Payton was a member of the nationally ranked Orange Coast College dance team and also danced with Pace Elite where she and her team brought home the 2017 Open Coed Pom World Championship at USASF Dance Worlds. Payton spends her summers teaching dance all along the west coast with the United Spirit Association where she was named Rookie of the Year in 2017. After spending 4 years assistant coaching the Pacifica High School Dance Team, she is thrilled to be working with the dancers of Mater Dei High School.

JULIA RUDGE, HIP HOP ASST COACH & DANCE CONSERVATORY REHEARSAL ASSISTANT: Julia Rudge, an OCSA Alumni, has been dancing for 18 years and has trained in tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, modern and other dance styles. She trained at HBP Dance Extreme, under Huggy Ford, in her early dance years and then added OCSA training in 2012. Ms. Rudge received the honor of being Co-Valedictorian for the Commercial Dance Conservatory under the direction of Jim Kolb. She was a traveling assistant for LA Dance Magic Dance Convention for many years during high school and early college years. Her performing credits include OCSA’s annual Gala for four years, KTLA Morning News-Discovery Science Center Coverage, Rochelle Mapes Master Thesis Concert at CSULB, Palm Desert Under the Stars Choreography Festival, and the ASN Conference. In 2020, Julia graduated from Cal State University, Fullerton with her B.A. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entertainment and Hospitality Management. She currently teaches, choreographs and coaches at Orange County School of the Arts, OC Music and Dance, and Mater Dei High School. She hopes to continue to share her passion of dance with the next generations.

SAAYA ANZAI: Saaya Anzai is a dancer, educator, and choreographer based in Orange County, California. She’s danced with Kaba Modern where she became an Executive Director, was an Artistic Coach for a nationally ranking hip hop team, and currently dances on Culture Shock Los Angeles where she was also involved in leadership roles. Entering the dance world as a technical dancer, she found her love in fusing all styles through her versatile dance experience. Also as a certified Yoga instructor, she is passionate about integrating all kinds of movement through a holistic lens, and hopes to empower her students with thoughtful instruction and connect through dance on a soul-level.

TAWNY CHAPMAN: Ms. Chapman is an accomplished dancer, innovative choreographer and influential educator. She is a graduate of Chapman University with a BFA in Dance Performance and an alumna of the Orange County School of the Arts’ Commercial Dance conservatory. Tawny’s professional performance credits include Jazz Spectrum Dance Company, Sean Greene Dance Company, William Lu’s DAS Dance, Fox Family’s House of Pop and music videos for artists Yo-Yo Ma and Clutch and she spent more than a decade performing with Orange County’s critically-acclaimed Backhausdance. In addition, she has performed works by Jodie Gates, Dwight Rhoden, Ido Tadmor, Sean Greene, Yin Yue, and Walter Matteini, among others. As a dance educator, Tawny seeks to challenge her students to move in new and unconventional ways. Currently, she is the Dance Department Chair at Orange County Music & Dance and spent many years on faculty at Impact Dance Center (Los Alamitos) and the Orange County School of the Arts’ Commercial Dance conservatory where she also served as a conservatory facilitator. In addition to performing and teaching, Tawny’s award-winning choreographic works have been performed at Pasadena Dance Festival, Backhausdance’s Platform, Encore Dance Festival, Studio A Dance’s DanceSpot, Hart Pulse Dance’s MixMatch Dance Festival, The Core Collective, and beyond.

ELENA DAHMS: Elena grew up in Southern California and has been dancing since the age of six. She attended the esteemed Orange County School of the Arts for six years in the Commercial Dance Conservatory. She mainly trained at her studio, Just Plain Dancin’, in Corona, California where she was also a competitive dancer. She is currently attending Pace University in New York City, majoring in Commercial Dance, in an effort to earn a BFA degree.

JULIA GASPARI: Julia Gaspari, originally from Lake Forest, California, has been dancing since the age of two. She has trained at the Orange County School of the Arts in the Commercial Dance Conservatory and at Just Plain Dancin’ & Co. She is currently furthering her education at Chapman University as a Dance and Political Science major. In addition to the Dance Program’s curriculum, she expands on her technical training as a member of Chapman’s Dance Team. She has trained under Danyel Moulton and her company V Mo. Outside of Chapman University, Julia finds great reward in educating young dancers in the greater Orange County area. Postgraduation in 2025, Julia plans to embark on her journey as a professional dancer.

SAVANNAH HOOKS: Savannah Hooks has been dancing since the age of 3 and is classically trained in the Cecchetti Ballet System. She has a passion for all styles of dance with extensive training in many, including: contemporary, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, modern, and Irish dance. She has assisted and/ or trained under many great dance artists such as Dee Caspary, Tessandra Chavez, Tarua Hall, Liz Imperio, Kayla Kalbfleisch, KJ Gonzales, Keone Madrid, and many more.

She has danced for a number of dance companies and crews including Unity Dance Ensemble, founded by Tessandra Chavez under the direction of Tarua Hall and Theo Ivey; High Profile Dance Crew in Las Vegas; and Establish Your Empire, founded by Gigi Torres. She graduated from CSUN magna cum laude obtaining a Mathematics degree. As an educator, Savannah has taught classes all over the country working as a master teacher, choreographer and coach. She has been a member of the dance staff for the United Spirit Association for 12 years, where she was awarded M.V.P for 2016, 2017, 2018, and received the Unity award for 2019 and 2021.

CASSANDRA INFANTE: Ms Infante has been blessed with a long and varied career as a professional dancer, performing with modern, jazz, and musical theater companies in the San Diego Area. She joined the California Ballet Company as a member of the corps de ballet. Rising quickly through the ranks, she was promoted to soloist and then principal dancer, and then Ballerina. Roles with California Ballet include the Sugar Plum Fairy in “The Nutcracker”, solos in “Les Sylphide”, “Paquita”, “Swan Lake”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Beauty and the Beast”, and “Dracula”, and the title roles in “Alice and Wonderland”, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves”, “Cinderella”, and her personal favorite, “Giselle”. Ms. Infante is a former head instructor for the United Spirit Assocation Dance program and has choreographed and taught for numerous studios, dance teams, and competition ensembles throughout the US. She currently co-owns and directs North County Academy of Dance in Bonsall CA, which has grown to be one of the most renowned dance training facilities in San Diego. =

MADDIE LECAMBRA: Maddie Lacambra is an active dancer, teacher, and aspiring choreographer in the greater Los Angeles area, who endeavors to tell a personal narrative through art and performance and is currently represented by Go 2 Talent Agency. Maddie holds a BFA in Dance Performance from Chapman University, with a double minor in Musical Theater and Health Science. Maddie has had the privilege of traveling to Israel to train with Batsheva Dance Company, Kibbutz Contemporary Dance, and Vertigo Dance Company. Her professional credits include a variety of films, live performances, and concert work. She has worked closely with choreographers such as Will Johnston, Dana Wilson, Micaela Taylor, Renee Kester, Justin Giles, Talia Favia, Chaz Buzan, Karen Chuang, and is currently a company member with Micaela Taylor’s TL Collective and Clairobscur Dance based in Los Angeles. She has taught and choreographed at numerous studios around Texas and California and enjoys fostering an encouraging environment for artists to explore movement and individualism.

DANIELLE SILVER: Dani Silver is a bicoastal dancer and choreographer. She is currently living in Nw York City and attending Marymount Manhattan College in pursuit of a Dance degree. An OC native, Dani has been dancing her whole life, having trained and competed with multiple studios and conventions. Dani has toured as a Dance Assistant with Tremaine Performance Company and Art of Movement, as well as taught dance at Jameson Dance Company but her favorite job so far was working as a professional dancer with Debbie Allen and Eartha Robinson for 2 seasons on The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Dani is an Orange County School of the Arts Commercial Dance Alumni, and was named the 2022 OC Artist of the Year for Dance. Dani is in love with the artistry of movement, dancing, creating and entertaining and is excited to be dancing in NYC.

SOPHIA SMITH: Sophia is a dancer, teacher and choreographer based in Chicago, IL. She is currently a company member with Niko8 and is honored to be a part of their inaugural season. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2021, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a focus in performance and choreography. During her time at Ohio State, Sophia had the pleasure of performing in several faculty and student created works, including performances in Denmark. In Denmark, she showcased a piece in Slagelse, Odense, and Aalborg, and also performed in a work choreographed by Daniel Roberts. Sophia has attended various movement intensives to supplement her daily training. Intensives include: Doug Varone and Dancers Winter Intensive (2022), Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Summer Dance Intensive (2020), ate9 Winter Dance Intensive (2019), Generation IV Dance (2017-2019), and more.

SPOTLIGHT

DANCE CONSERVATORY STUDENT FEATURE

Let’s meet four of our dancers who are involved not only in the conservatory but also in other aspects of MD life on campus.

Why I Joined MD Dance Program: It is an activity I’ve been doing since I was very young. Dance has always felt like home- a fun way of expression- while also being an outlet to meet many new people. So, the opportunity to do that at school and perform for so many was definitely something was interested in.

Outside of Dance Conservatory: I participate in the Mater Dei Honors Bel Canto Choir, and last year, I was part of the Women’s A Capella group, “The Rolling Tones”.

After MD: want to continue both dancing and singing in some capacity after MD, either in the performance entertainment industry, or even as simply a hobby. hope to inspire others, just as so many have done to me.

Favorite Dance Memory: College Dance Day early in the year. Meeting so many people and getting exposed to many different types of dance, all with my friends, was such a surreal experience.

Fun Fact About Me: I love to read and (in true art kid fashion) I can be found constantly listening to music.

Why I Joined MD Dance Program: felt that it would be a helpful extension of my studio dancing and I was hoping to meet new people from it and evolve as a dancer.

Outside of Dance Conservatory: I dance, both competitively and in performing groups, at Clifton Dance Project. I also enjoy volunteering in my community and every summer I volunteer as a group leader at my local Vacation Bible School.

After MD: Although I think I may choose to go down a different path, I will always appreciate the discipline and athleticism that dance has shown me. I might try to be a choreographer to some extent, but at the very least I think I will always have a great fondness for the sport.

Why I Joined MD Dance Program: want to grow further in my dance journey, and I love being a part of a dance team.

Outside of Dance Conservatory: When I am not dancing, I like to go to the beach. also enjoy off-roading and skiing with my family.

After MD: I want to continue dancing after Mater Dei because ever since I started dancing when I was three, I knew I was going to be dancing for a long time.

Favorite Dance Memory: When the whole Gray Company went to Chick-fil-A last year after ‘Soul Stories’. We were all dancing in the parking lot and laughing together.

Fun Fact About Me: Besides dancing, I like going to the beach with my friends.

Fun Fact About Me: I love iced matcha lattes!

Why I Joined MD Dance Program: I joined dance my freshman year at Mater Dei, looking for the opportunity to expand my knowledge in different styles of dance and showcase my technique in new ways.

Outside of Dance Conservatory: I am very passionate about teaching younger dancers the basic training they need to succeed in the dance world, no matter what their goals are.

After MD: I hope to pursue dance in some way, whether that is minoring in dance, joining a dance team, or getting a degree in teaching dance.

Fun Dance Memory: When the curtain came down after our final show my junior year. We had put in so much hard work, time, and effort, and the relief, joy, happiness, and pride I felt was unforgettable.

Fun Fact About Me: I almost left Mater Dei before my junior year to take the offer of dancing with a professional ballet company year-round.

I will forever be grateful for what Dance Conservatory has taught and offered me, and I will take it with me for the rest of my life. I encourage anyone who has any interest in dance to go for it. Dance Conservatory has the opportunity to give you an experience that will push you, guide you, and encourage you to grow as a person, dancer, and student.

Kelly Delaney ‘24 RED Company

Lily Turk ‘26 RED Company

Savannah Fregoso ‘25 Gray Company

Leah von Rotz ‘23 Gray Company

- Leah von Rotz

MATER DEI PERFORMING ARTS

A New Season

Madrigal Feast December 9-11 Chapman University

Choir Spring Concert March 21 Segerstrom Hall

Senior Musical April 27-29 TBD

Dance Conservatory Concert December 2-3 The Barclay Theatre

Christmas at the Corner December 4 The Grotto

All School Musical March 9-12 Santa Ana College

La Primavera March 17 Chapman University

Synthesis March 29 & 31 The Barclay Theatre

Red Hot Jazz May 6 LeVecke Center

Materpalooza May 12 The Grotto

Coffeehouse May 19-20 The Grotto

Theatre in the Grotto September 29, October 1 & 2 The Grotto

Fall Instrumental Music Concert October 20 LeVecke Center

Fall Choir Concert October 23 Our Lady Queen of Angels Church

All School Fall Play November 10, 12-13 Santa Ana College