Gina Bolles Sorensen (MFA, E-RYT) is one part dance educator, one part choreographer, and one part yogini. She is the Co-Artistic Director of a contemporary modern dance platform called somebodies dance theater, through which she has presented live performance works and dance films to critical acclaim around the country and world. Gina has danced for companies and choreographers in New York, San Francisco, Oregon, and San Diego. She received grants to study the classical Indian dance Bharatanatyam in Bangalore, India, and spent seven months intensively working in the Gaga language in Tel Aviv, Israel. Gina has twice published original research in the Journal of Dance Education on the subject of imagery as a dance teaching methodology. She was the recipient of a National Artist Teacher Fellowship from the Center for Arts in Education at the Boston Arts Academy and received a Distinguished Alumna Award from the University of Oregon. In addition to teaching at Southwestern College, Gina teaches at Grossmont College and is the Director of the Conservatory of Classical and Contemporary Dance at the Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA Dance). She is also an Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher, and founder of Yoga Natyam, an online resource for yoga classes. Check out some samples of Gina’s work on Instagram @ginabsorensen.

Dana Maue earned her Master of Arts degree in Dance from American University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from The State University of New York at Brockport. Throughout her career, she has studied with such renowned dancers as James Payton, Garth Fagan, Clyde Morgan, Naima Prevots, Mindy Cooper, Liz Lira and David/Jennifer Stein. She is trained in various styles of dance technique and possesses a high level of passion for musical theatre dance and latin/ballroom.

Dana realized her passion when she began acting and dancing in musical productions in high school; she continued performing in college productions and now performs at the professional level. One of the highlights of her career was being chosen to perform in the Kennedy Center Honors television show as part of a tribute to dancer Chita Rivera. She has performed in New York, Washington, DC, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and San Diego. She has taught and choreographed at several community colleges in Los Angeles and Orange County, as well as California State University at Dominguez Hills.

At SWC, Dana teaches musical theatre for dancers, latin social, dance production, jazz, dance company and is the advisor for the dance club. Dana also directs the fall and spring dance concerts and has choreographed musicals for the theatre dept.

Jaami Waali has been dancing for over 23 years and teaching for over 16 years. She began teaching through AmeriCorps National Service, and in 2002, she founded Kruciaal Element Dance Compnay where she directs, choreographs, and organizes numerous performances in SD and LA County including events like Monster Bash and Mardi Gras. She is also certified in Level I Pilates Mat Training and will undergo Level II in January 2012. Over the last 22 years, Jaami has danced with several dance companies, and has been represented by Dorothy Day Otis Dance Agency and Bloc Agency. Jaami has a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts and a Masters degree in Dance. Jaami has performed with vocal artists Anisha Nicole, La Rain, Jason Brown, Tawny Heath, Juice, and Abrina. In addition, Jaami has taught at over 50 studios in Southern California, including Culture Shock Dance Center, University of San Diego, Boogiezone, Malashock Dance School, Lakeside Farms Elementary, Aztec Recreation Center at San Diego State University, Mesa Community College, and Southwestern Community College. Her choreography has been featured all over the western United States via vocal artists, exhibitions, and benefits. Aside from dancing, Jaami has over 10 years experience in social services where she has worked with youths from 2-18, adults with both physical and developmental disabilities, and seniors. She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and paints in her spare time. Jaami is very grateful for her wonderfully unique family and friends who have always loved and supported her; they have taught her optimism and laughter. She hopes to spread her love for life and dance to as many people as she can! Web: www.Jaamiwaali.com