Dance Discovery Series
Dance Discovery Series
Ballet Theatre of Phoenix invites dancers of all levels to step outside their comfort zone and explore new movement styles with its brand-new Dance Discovery Saturdays series.
Held the third Saturday of every month from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., each 90-minute class is led by a master instructor and focuses on a different dance form—ranging from contemporary to flamenco.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or brand-new to the studio, these classes are a chance to expand your technique, experience new rhythms, and ignite your creativity.
All classes are from 1 - 2:30pm
Sept. 20th | Contemporary with Nicole Olson
Oct. 18th | Salsa with David Olarte
Nov. 15th | Afro/Caribbean with Dr. Shola K. Roberts
Dec. 20th | Flamenco with Yumi La Rosa
Contemporary: An expressive dance style that blends elements of ballet, modern dance, and other genres. Students will engage in fluidity, freedom of movement, and emotional expression.
Salsa: A lively and energetic partner dance that can also be enjoyed solo. Students will engage in learning the structure of salsa, fluid movements, and musicality.
Afro/Caribbean: Students will engage in a dynamic practice fusing contemporary dance with Carribean rhythms and movement.
Flamenco: A passionate and expressive Spanish art form. Students will engage in learning footwork, emotional intensity and rhythmic steps. The dance itself is a blend of improvisation and structured movement.
Dance Discovery Schedule
Sept. 20th 1 - 2:30pm | Contemporary with Nicole L. Olson
Oct. 18th, 1 - 2:30pm | Salsa with David Olarte
Nov. 15th, 1 - 2:30pm | Afro/Caribbean with Dr. Shola K. Roberts
Dec. 20th, 1 - 2:30pm | Flamenco with Yumi La Rosa
Meet the Teachers
Nicole L. Olson
Nicole L Olson, Artistic Director of NicoleOlson|MovementChaos, has presented work nationally in such venues as the Kennedy Center in DC, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in Chicago, and the TBA Festival in Portland, OR. Her choreography has been seen in Phoenix Theatre Company’s “Evita” and “Once”. Nicole has been a soloist with Center Dance Ensemble, Dulce Dance, Liliana Gomez Dance, Nevada Dance Theatre, and serves as Assistant Director for Scorpius Dance Theatre.
David Olarte
David Olarte is a proud Afro-Latin dancer, choreographer, and educator with over 25 years in the salsa, mambo, and partner dance world. He founded Stilo Dance Company back in 2007 to explore rhythm, connection, and culture through movement. He’s had the honor of dancing with Seaon Stylists in Los Angeles, and is now based in Arizona where he teaches at ASU and helps shape the next generation of dancers
Dr. Shola K. Roberts
Dr. Shola K. Roberts, an assistant professor in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, is a dance educator and choreographer from New York by way of Grenada. She earned a master’s degree in dance education from Hunter College and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Howard University. Her most recent credit includes the film They Speak... We Dance! At Brooklyn Academy of Music’s DanceAfrica Festival 2021. In February 2020, Roberts founded Dance Grenada Inc., an international dance festival that provides a platform for Grenadian and international dance artisans to increase their knowledge base.
Yumi La Rosa
Yumi La Rosa studied in Spain with renowned Flamenco artists. Upon her return, she joined Viva Flamenco, directed by Lydia Torea, and later became a soloist with Mosaico Flamenco at the Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. She serves as Artistic Director for the annual production, Amor al Baile, which promotes awareness of Spanish culture and other cultures and traditions around the world.. Yumi also teaches flamenco to students of all ages throughout the Valley.