Santa Maria Sun / Art

A different dimension

BY SHELLY CONE

This year’s Dimensions in Dance will welcome back the talent and creative footwork of two alumni who have been making their mark in the professional world of dance.

In preparation: Danielle Grieco and Tyler Worth are two of 55 dancers preparing for Dimensions in Dance, presented by Hancock College’s dance program. PHOTOS BY LUIS ESCOBAR OF REFLECTIONS

Courtney Rosemont and Marco Cruz will add their choreography to the upcoming annual fall production of Dimensions in Dance, which runs Oct. 11 to 14 in the Marian Theatre at Allan Hancock College.

Featuring a mix of dances, the program explores the intricate moves of ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, tap, and folklorico genres through 11 works performed by a cast of 55 dancers.

Rosemont was a student, performer, and choreographer in the college’s dance program from fall 2008 to spring 2010, in addition to studying at the Boston Conservatory and UC Irvine.

Professionally, she’s received choreography awards for dance competitions and for Tokyo Disneyland, for which she also played numerous roles. She’s also done two running national commercials; a voice-over for Virgin Gaming; and the role of Martha May in Grinchmas for Universal Studios.

She’s performed in New York, Boston and throughout California. Rosemont is currently rehearsing for Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, soon to open at Universal Studios.

Another Dimension Dimensions in Dance show times are 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday evenings Oct. 11 through 14 with a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday and Sunday. Performances are held in the Marian Theatre. Children ages 5 and older are welcome to attend. Tickets cost $13 to $15 and are available at the Allan Hancock College Performing Arts Center Box Office in Santa Maria or by calling 922-8313. Box office hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 7 p.m. For more information, call 922-6966, Ext. 3845. PHOTOS BY LUIS ESCOBAR OF REFLECTIONS

Cruz studied dance at the college in 2004-2005, when he performed and choreographed for mainstage productions.

His professional accomplishments include working with such companies as Paramount Pictures, ABC, Nickelodeon, and Disneyland as a choreographer and performer. He’s choreographed and directed music videos, commercials, and award shows for recording artists including Rihana, Kwanza Jones, Olivia Newton-John, Kenny Loggins, and Naturi Naughton.

Having won several national dance championship titles, Cruz was named Hollywood Connection’s “Teacher of the Year” in both 2011 and 2012 and has coordinated a number of dance intensives including UCLA; CSU Northridge; SDSU; Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; and many other colleges in California. 

Last year, Cruz formed his own contemporary company, iNCtheCompany, and is also director of Marvels dance company, a hip hop youth division team, both based in Walnut.

Cruz travels extensively throughout the United States, teaching master classes at various dance conventions. She also currently serves as an adjudicator for KAR, Rainbow, and Hall of Fame dance competitions. Many of Cruz’s students are either working professionals in the entertainment industry or pursuing a dance major in education.

Dimensions in Dance is under the direction of Dance Program Coordinator Dianne Grieco McMahon.

Other choreographers include staff members Kimberly Eaton, Horacio Heredia, Valerie Kline, Larissa Nazarenko, Ben Reyes, and Monique L. Segura, as well as student contributors Billierose Kleinbauer, Emily Myer, Ilia Newman and Mary Sivongsa.

Arts Editor Shelly Cone likes dance in all dimensions. She can be contacted at scone@santamariasun.com.