Sue Sampson-Dalena has a passion for dance. As the Owner/Artistic Director of The Dance Studio of Fresno and Co-Owner of The Dance Studio 2, she has created two of the most successful dance studios in the Western United States. The Studios have attracted thousands of dancers from throughout the State of California and especially from the Central Valley.
The Dance Studio of Fresno offers 200 dance classes each week with staffing of 45 employees. Dance styles include Ballet/Pointe, Jazz, Progressions, Tap, HipHop, Breakdance, Clogging, Gymnastics, Baton, Pep/Cheer, and Children’s Combination classes.
Sue also offers participation on competition teams to her students, who have won numerous national awards for dance and choreography. In addition to competing, the Elite Dance Teams have been invited to guest perform in major dance venues all over the United States and Europe.
In addition to regular dance classes, students at The Dance Studio of Fresno are presented with unique Master Class opportunities. Sue enjoys friendships with numerous well known dancers and choreographers who bring their talent to the Studio. The list of recent Master Teachers includes Mia Michaels, Marguerite Derricks, Dee Caspary, Barry Youngblood, Brian Friedman, Tyce DiOrio, Chebar Williams, Gina Starbuck, Ted Levy, Mark Goodman, and others. Also, the Studio is one of only 3 locations hosting The Annual Chebar Williams CIA Method Summer Intensive.
In the classroom, Sue’s passion for dance is contagious. She and her teachers strive to instill The Love of Dance in all of their students, believing a child should pursue dance because of the delight felt in the expression of movement and the satisfaction of learning to do something well.
Sue encourages all dancers to respect and explore other dance disciplines and cultural movement. As a result, serious dancers at The Dance Studio have been invited to participate in exhibitions and workshops in Europe with a continued pursuit of classical training.
While the majority of students at The Dance Studio of Fresno are recreational dancers, numerous alumni have achieved notable success in the dance world. Sean Omandam dances with the Colorado Ballet. John Karim is a soloist for The Columbia City Ballet. Tiffany Rea is a principal dancer for Elisa Monte Dance Company in New York (recipient of the 2007 Dance Magazine "On the Rise" Award). Karl Mundt has opened his own studio in Eugene, Oregon. Martha Kelly-Fierro has created the amazing Altered Modalities and she is a national award winning choreographer. Gina Starbuck has appeared in the national tour of Wicked, and is currently filming High School Musical 3. Allysa Shorte sang and danced on Dance Wars and is also appearing in High School Musical 3. Shannon
Wetzel, Stacy Johnson-Cook, and other alumni have performed as San Francisco 49'er Cheerleaders. Dana Young is a member of the Santa Barbara State Street Ballet. Taryn Francis was a five-time winner and National Champion of Ed McMahon’s Star Search. John Stronks is The Director of Houston Met II’s Dance Company. Roberta Trigueiro has opened dance studios in nearby communities.
Sue created The Dance Studio of Fresno with a vision for dance. This vision continues on as thousands of dancers have also embraced her love of dance. Don’t miss out! Come dance with us!
Sue's career highlights include:
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
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The Dance Studio of Fresno - 1982 to Present
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Pat Jackson American Dance (Master Teacher) - 1997 to 2000
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Fresno City College - 1986 to 1989
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Roosevelt High School Performing Arts Magnet - 1985 to 1987
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Hanford Ballet Workshop - 1985 to 1992
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United Spirit Association - 1986 to 1991
- Bullard Project Talent - 1992 to 1994
TELEVISION SHOWS and/or COMMERCIALS
- Local Expert Commentator appearing weekly on KMPH-26 Great Day, with reviews and insights of "So You Think You Can Dance" 2009
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Ed McMahon's Junior Star Search - Choreographed six-time Grand Champion 1993
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Miss California Pageant (Miss America Scholarship Program) - Director and Choreographer 1995 to 2005
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Carmel Kids Local TV Commercials - Choreographer - 2002
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Pepsi/Savement TV Commercial - Choreographer 2001
CHOREOGRAPHY
Including Direction and Production:
- Fashion Show and Fundraiser (cast of 45 dancers) - Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- "Crimson Stain" Project - Livelight Productions
- "Friends in Dance" Annual Show - Huntington Beach
- Tribute to Grover Dale - Dancers in Action (DIA), Fullerton College
- "America Sings" at Woodward Park (cast of 80 singers and dancers) - Livelight Productions
- "Legends" Benefit - All About Care
- "Live at the Hard Rock Cafe" - AIDS Benefit
- Fourth of July Spectacular - Wild Water Adventures Theme Park
- San Francisco 49'er Cheerleaders
- Sacramento Kings Cheerleaders
- California Raisin Bowl Dancers - Half-time shows representing the Western Athletic Conference
- "Strictly Soul" - Fresno Jazz Company
- "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" - Fresno City College
- "Strictly Jazz Goes to the Movies" - Fresno Jazz Company
CONVENTIONS and MASTER CLASSES TAUGHT
- Adjudicator for West Coast Dance Explosion National Competition and Convention -Las Vegas 2009
- Dancers in Action (DIA) - Palm Springs
- Debbie Reynolds Dance Center - Los Angeles
- Merced College - Merced
- University of California - Santa Barbara
CHOREOGRAPHERS AND MASTER TEACHERS
Worked Directly With:
Ted Levy (N.Y.), Mia Michaels (N.Y.), Jackie Sleight (L.A.), Dave Carter (L.A.), Alan Sherfield (Las Vegas), John Crutchman (Las Vegas), Sam Watson (Arizona), Jeff Amsden (N.Y.), Doug Caldwell (L.A.), Jen Ballard (L.A.), Ryan Cyphert (Arizona), Cory Finn (L.A.), Tara Foy (Las Vegas), Mark Goodman (L.A.), Ryan Heffington (L.A.), Rhonda Miller (N.Y.), Donna Perkins (L.A.), Jon Peters (L.A.), Helene Phillips (L.A.), Cindy Ricaldi (L.A.), Dorian Sanchez (San Luis Obispo), and Chebar Williams (San Diego).
NATIONAL AWARDS WON
by THE ELITE STUDIO DANCERS at
- Gus Giordano 1998 Jazz World Congress Gold Medal - Arizona
- Joe Tremaine Convention - New York
- L.A. Underground - Los Angeles
- West Coast Dance Explosion - Las Vegas
- Company Dance - Los Angeles
- L.A. Dance Magic - Los Angeles
- Roland Dupree - Los Angeles
PERSONAL
Married to Pete Dalena since 1983, with two sons, Nathan and Nicco. Graduated San Joaquin Memorial High School and attended California State University Fresno.
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