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Sue Sampson-Dalena

Sue Sampson-Dalena is the Owner/Artistic Director of The Dance Studio of Fresno. The 12,000 square foot studio includes six separate classrooms with parent viewing areas, a snack bar, boutique, and dressing rooms. Sue employs 35 teachers and staff, has an enrollment of approximately 1500 students, and offers over 180 classes each week (plus additional private lessons).

Sue's career highlights include:

 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

  • The Dance Studio of Fresno - 1982 to Present
    Pat Jackson American Dance (Master Teacher) - 1997 to 2000
  • Fresno City College - 1986 to 1989
  • Roosevelt High School Performing Arts Magnet - 1985 to 1987
  • Hanford Ballet Workshop - 1985 to 1992
  • United Spirit Association - 1986 to 1991
  • Bullard Project Talent - 1992 to 1994

 

 

TELEVISION SHOWS and/or COMMERCIALS:

  • Ed McMahon's Junior Star Search - Choreographed six-time Grand Champion 1993
  • Miss California Pageant (Miss America Scholarship Program) - Director and Choreographer 1995 to Present
  • Carmel Kids Local TV Commercials - Choreographer - 2002
  • 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:

  • 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

 

In addition to the above, students who trained at The Dance Studio of Fresno have earned positions and appeared with the L.A. Lakers, L.A. Rams, San Francisco 49er Cheerleaders, Sacramento Kings, Houston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Harid Conservatory, United Spirit Association, and the Universal Dance Association. Alumni have joined the faculty of the West Coast Dance Explosion National Tour and appeared in national television commercials. Alumni include Audra McDonald (Award-Winning Broadway performer) and Sharon Leal (Boston Public). Other alumni have danced with Michael Jackson, Paula Abdul, Ed McMahon and Bob Hope.

 

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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