Cricket Keller

Bodies which are accomplished in many forms can merge with high art. It is my opinion that great dancers are a mesh of many forms of dance. I would describe myself as a mesh of ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, social, commercial, etc. In my own work I am equally invested to movement vocabulary / kinesthetic exploration as to the theme and overarching concept. I am committed to my love of dance. In my opinion there is no separation between body and mind. The body is slowly disappearing in our school systems and in this modern world, but I am committed to preserving it. I always strive to evoke emotion, thought, and sometimes change. My background is in the Los Angeles commercial dance community, and I have my Bachelor’s of Art degree in World Arts and Cultures from UCLA. I currently teach at Fusion Dance Studio and at the EDGE Performing Arts Center.

Recent Cum Laude graduate with BA in World Arts and Cultures from UCLA, emphasis is dance composition and dance education, 3.8 GPA, Dean’s List

Qualifications

* Designed an original curriculum and conducted an eight week long work-shop teaching AIDS education through dance to students at Roosevelt High School in East Los Angeles.
* Completed first full length dance composition entitled “Acts” for UCLA’s Senior Honor’s Project Showcase at UCLA Glorya Kaufman Theater. The dance work included an original musical score and received praise from peers and faculty including Vic Marks and David Gere. (DVD available)
* Has danced with top commercial choreographers including Marty Kudelka and Michelle Johnston, and is a member of unions SAG and AGVA. Please refer to dance resume.
* Is an advocate for the importance of dance in early childhood education; is familiar with the National Dance Educational Organization standards for dance education.
* Has over ten years experience teaching jazz, jazz technique and conditioning, contemporary, lyrical, ballet, and tap. Two years experience teaching contemporary modern and improvisation

Education and Training

* Bachelor of Arts, World Art and Cultures from UCLA, graduated Cum Laude in 2008
Courses: Kinesiology; Skinner Releasing; Performance Theory; Interdisciplinary and Multi-Media Composition; Dance Composition; Arts Activism; Dance for Camera and Video Production; History of Modern Dance, Hip Hop, and Abrahamic Religion
* Certified member of Texas Association for Teacher’s of Dance
* EDGE Performing Arts Center scholar, 1998-1999

Special Skills
Acro-aerial, diving, bungee, gymnastics, baton twirling, ballet, partnering, and pointe

Teaching Experience

The Dance Academy – Fusion Dance Studio – MNR Dance Factory – The EDGE Performing Arts Center – Time 4 Class – Corinne A. Seeds University Elementary School (UES) – Palos Verdes High School – Roosevelt High School

Choreography Experience

Disney Team Building
Nefful International Industrial
UCLA Senior Honor’s Project Showcase
Fusion Choreographer’s Showcase for four consecutive years
Bijan Mortizavi live in concert
Surrey Dance Festival
Kids Dance L.A. Convention