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Jocelyn K. Wilson
In 1971, Jocelyn was awarded a scholarship in modern dance and performed professionally under the training of Alice Reyes, appointed artistic Director for the Philippine Cultural Center by 1st Lady Imelda Marcos. Her performance credits include Cultural Center Dance Premiere, “Sweet Charity,” Hilton Hotel dance tours, major television shows in the Philippines, and Family Dinner Show revues in Sacramento, California; Hartford, Connecticut; and Springfield, Massachusetts from 1977-1981. Recently, Jocelyn was invited to teach at the prestigious Philippines Cultural Center. Jocelyn has studied under some of the finest teachers in the dance world, notably the late Anthony Tudor, New York City Ballet’s Jillana, New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre ballerina Violette Verdy, the late Alexander Gudonov, Lawrence Rosenberg, Victor Moreno, Jean Issacs, El Gabriel, Gus Giordano, Matt Mattox, Luigi, Frank Hatchett, and Joe Tremaine. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance (emphasis in Teaching of Dance) from the University of California, Irvine. She also has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in English Literature from Maryknoll College. Her teaching experience includes Maryknoll College, Orange Coast Community College, University of California, Irvine, as well as numerous public and private dance centers. Jocelyn has served as a dance consultant and choreographer for the Oceanside School District, Oceanside Art Commission, San Diego Ice Arena, Escondido Icoplex, the FilAmerican Associations, and many private organizations. She is the choreographer for the 1st American West Coast Competitive California Theater on Ice Team. C.T.O.I. has competed in Vermont, Massachusetts, California, Maryland, and France against top international teams from Russia, France, England, Canada, Spain, and the USA. Presently, C.T.O.I. is the Senior All Grand Prix International Champions. Jocelyn’s Musical Theater choreography credits include “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Annie,” “My Fair Lady,” “Bye, Bye, Birdie,” “Guys and Dolls,” and “Thoughly Modern Millie.” Her competition dance choreography has consistently won top awards including best choreography awards, most entertaining, most creative, and several cash awards from nationally recognized dance competitions. Ms. Wilson’s professional and personal contributions to the community have been recognized by the North County Times as a Women of Merit Award Nominee, the Wall Street Journal National Leadership Award and Ice Skating Magazine. The excellence of Ms. Wilson’s dance training is apparent in her many students. O.D.A trained dancers are easily recognized by their high quality dance technique and they are quickly invited to join their high school - El Camino, Carlsbad Lancers, Xcaliber, Rancho Buena Vista Maroon Magic and Vista Panther Dancers. Jocelyn encourages her dancers to pursue a college education and many students have received scholarships for dance and medicine.. Almost every teacher’s assistant trained under her supports their college education by teaching dance at parks and recreation centers, local high schools, colleges, and at other dance studios. O.D.A. dancers who desire to dance professionally are trained to audition in San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas. Many O.D.A. graduates are presently dancing professionally. Jill Gordon
After graduating from college, she continued her dance training at O.D.A. Here she successfully raised three dancing daughters Justine, Lindsey, and Whitney. Jill’s hands-on expertise of what is needed to train and inspire pre-school dancers is the reason her classes are always the popular choice. Jill also oversees and organizes all of O.D.A.’s competition groups and has been the manager for 17 years. Jill brings to our academy her special "class," care, competence, and always a friendly smile. Theo Ivey
Theo’s determination to dance motivated him to take master classes under such notables as Gus Girodno, Sam Watson, Larry Rosenberg, and Dennen and Sybher Rawles. Simultaneously, he continued his studies at Mira Costa College, Palomar College, the American College Dance Festival, LA Dance Force, and Arizona Jazz Dance Festival. At the 1998 Jazz World Congress he received a scholarship to study in New York. Theo’s professional credits include principal soloist for the Unity Dance Company - the “Leo” silver medalist for 2004, Jazz World Congress, “The Nutcracker” for several ballet schools, foreign music videos, Palomar Foundation Fundraiser, FilAmerican Association Summer Quest 2003, and Viejas Casino. Theo’s exciting modern-merged-with-jazz style draws in equally beginning students and advanced jazz students locally and from San Diego and Orange County. He is credited with teaching and choreographing for the El Camino High School Dance Club and Flag team, the Carlsbad High School Lancer Dancers, Vista and Valhala High School, Palomar College, SDSU, and San Diego Day of Dance. Theo’s passion for dance is as infectious as his smile - both warm and endearing. O.D.A. is extremely pleased Theo is a big brother over our dance family. Theresa Cruz-Cortez
Jocelyn K. Wilson recognized Theresa’s talent at an annual El Camino High School Show. She invited Theresa to teach Hip Hop and, in the following year, several local dance studios, including the El Camino High School, invited her to teach and choreograph hip hop. As Artistic Director for Bally’s Total Fitness, she has choreographed and performed for numerous Bally Fitness and I.D.E.A. Fitness conventions. Christina “Chrissy” Brown
Christina performed in the 2002 Holiday Bowl half-time show and the 2003 Super Bowl pre-game show. Chrissy not only teaches at O.D.A. and other local studios but has choreographed for many high schools including Rancho Buena Vista High School, El Camino High School, and Carlsbad High School. Chrissy’s hip hop classes are a favorite because she brings a fresh, fun, and exciting style to O.D.A. hip hop. Anthony Russell
Anthony’s professional credits are as diversified as his dance training. These credits include Disney World Florida, Disney World Japan, Starlight Theater, “Singing in the Rain,” principal dancer for the Unity Jazz Company San Diego, Russian Dancer for “The Nut Cracker,” guest dancer for local ballet schools, dancer for Culligan Industrial convention at the Holiday Bowl, multiple industrial conventions and fashion shows in Florida, and foreign music videos. Anthony’s teaching and choreograph credits include teaching for the Oceanside Dance Academy and for O.D.A.’s award winning teams, for the San Marcos High School, Oceanside High School, El Camino High School, Orange Glen High School, Palomar College, and several local dance studios. O.D.A. is very proud of all of Anthony’s dance accomplishments and happy that he shares his God given gift with the O.D.A. family of dancers. Tarua Hall
Tarua is a clean and detailed teacher who consistently produces dance solo and group winners. The O.D.A. competition teams she has taught have won numerous trophies and cash awards at nationally recognized competitions. She teaches technique and master classes at several local studios. Tarua’s choreography has recently been shown at San Diego’s Celebration of Dance, Culture Shock’s Cabaret Night, Carlsbad High School, and the Escondido Performing Arts Center. She is currently the director of Unity 2, Unity Dance Ensemble’s apprentice company. Her goals are to travel the world and continue to share her teaching talents. Tarua is a very special member of our O.D.A. dance faculty. Teresa Heller
Her background has included training from such notables as Linda Yourth, Steven Rockferd (New York City Ballet), Carol Reynolds (Pennisula Dance Arts), Louis McKay (Louis McKay Dance Studio), Currie Pederson, Faith Jensen Ismay, and Sue Gilson (Palomar College), along with attending master classes from Gus Giordano, Sam Watson, and Jean Issacs. Additionally, Teresa was owner and director of her own studio for 9 years before returning to her roots here at O.D.A. She is excited to be teaching ballet, lyrical, and pre-ballet to the students as well as her position as a manager here at O.D.A. Sonia Flores
Sonia has taught at North River Road Community Center and John Landes Community Center for seven years. For the last two years she was the Spirit Coordinator for Vista High School’s Panther Dancers and for three years a coach and advisor for Vista High School’s Cheerleading Program. Currently, Sonia has focused on her teaching at Oceanside Dance Academy while pursuing her education. Sonia hopes to continue teaching and influencing the lives of children throughout the community for many years to come. Jennifer Durant
At the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, Jennifer was a 3 year varsity cheerleader and served as a varsity captain her senior year. Jennifer was recognized as an All American Cheerleader and led her squad to be awarded National Cheerleading Association Top Team. Jennifer attended the University of Dallas on scholarship and graduated with high honors in her Bachelors and Masters Degree programs in Psychology. Jennifer is presently taking business courses at UCSD to obtain her certification in Human Resources Management. Currently, Jennifer works as a District Manager for a Fortune 500 scientific staffing firm that specializes in servicing the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. Jennifer is very excited to share her passion for dance with others and once again to be a part of our O.D.A family. Justine Gordon
Justine has an extensive tumbling background where she began at 5. She started her training at Sea Wind Gymnastics and later moved to the Hemet/San Jacinto YMCA competitive team where she earned individual and team medals on her gymnastics merit. She was a 4 year Vista High School Panther cheerleader, captain of the advanced dance team Panther Dancers, and was a member of the nationally ranked All Star Cheer Team Champion Outlaws. Justine is currently a Criminal Justice major at San Diego State University. She is studying one day to become the US Supreme Court District Attorney. Justine’s one love is teaching and here at the studio she teaches the Floor Gymnastics and the awarding winning Jr. Jazz Company.
Jeri ToddJeri Todd has an extensive background in ballet as a student, teacher and choreographer. Jeri has attended classes in ballet with John Hart (Royal Ballet, Ballet West) Elaine Thomas (Royal Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet), Earling Sunde (Royal Ballet, USIU), Larry Edington, Curry Pederson, Patrick Bissel (ABT), Marius Zirra (Romanian Ballet), Seija Simonen (Swedish Ballet), John Paul Comelin (Paris and National Ballet), Kenneth Kreel (Joffrey Ballet), Harriet Zaragoza, Mararite Ellicott, Trina Greg (San Diego Starlight), Murial Struart (Australian Ballet), Judith Sharp, Jackie Hepner (Ballet Society of San Diego), and mainly (11 years) Maxine Mahon (California Ballet Co.). From 1980-1991 Jeri performed principle and solo roles for the New West Ballet’s “Nutcracker” production. She has taught for the Hammond Studio of Dance, New West Ballet, Ballet Society of San Diego (guest performing principle and solo roles), USIU School of Performing Arts (International Ballet Co. - guest performing solo roles), California Ballet Co. and School (1969-1980). She later returned for the company’s 1990-91 season, doing Nutcracker, La Bayadere, Carmen, and Western Orpheus. She studied ballet, modern, jazz, character, flamenco dancing, theatre costuming, sets, choreography, staging, and ticket sales. She worked in office duties, performing with the company in solo roles. Jeri helped to open area branches of the Jeri currently is the director of New West Ballet’s Competition Ensemble. She has been directing and choreographing competitions for 15 years. She also designs and constructs all her own costumes for the ballet, lyrical, and character dances performed by The Ensemble.
Adrienne MaggayAdrienne began dancing at the age of two. Over the span of thirteen years, she participated in several competitions and began assistant teaching. As a four year varsity dancer at Rancho Buena Vista High School, she was a member of the student staff and received the Director’s Award Scholarship in 2001. Adrienne received her B.A. in Dance and Elementary Education in 2005 from Humboldt State University. Her choreography has been showcased in numerous productions at the University and in the community. She was a member of the Thrive Dance Ensemble and Astrum Dance Company from 2001-2005, where she was able to perform jazz, modern, tap, ballet, salsa, Congolese, middle eastern, and musical theater pieces all over the north coast. Adrienne has been teaching for 7 years, and is thrilled to be working with the students at O.D.A.! She is currently in pursuit of her teaching credential and M.A. in Deaf Education. O.D.A. welcomes Adrienne with open dancers' arms. Chauncie HenryAt 20 years of age, Chauncie Henry is entering her first year as an official teacher at Oceanside Dance Academy. She started her training at the age of ten at Oceanside Dance Academy, which makers her no stranger to the life at O.D.A.; it’s more like home. She trained in jazz, lyrical, hip hop, ballet, and tap under Jocelyn K. Wilson, Theo Ivey, and Tarua Hall for nine years and became a competition dancer on her school's dance team at Rancho Buena Vista High School for three years, serving as a team leader for one. She also has been privileged to join and dance under the direction of Tessandra Chavez in Unity Dance Ensemble for the past four years. Three of those years were spent in the apprentice company Unity 2 and now with the main company Unity San Diego. She has also had the opportunity to dance with Adam Parson and JT Horenstein. Chauncie has done many different sports such as cheerleading, gymnastics, and baseball but found her passion within the dance walls of O.D.A. She is now in school, aspiring to be a psychologist, with the dream of becoming a professional dancer. O.D.A. is pleased to have Chauncie share her fresh yet technical dance expertise with her loving students. Josie DavisJosie comes from a long line of dancers and has been dancing all her life. At a very young age she began Polynesian dancing. Her dance instructor was a master kumu hula (hula teacher), Ku’ene Kanehoe, at his halau (hula school/troupe) based in Los Angeles. She was taught both the kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern) style of hula dancing. Ku’ene Kanehoe emphasized to his young students that the true aloha spirit is sharing life, love, and especially dance. Josie’s goal is to pass on this life-long passion and these words of wisdom from her teacher to the youth of today. Josie has also studied Tahitian, Maori, and Filipino style of dancing, as well as tap, jazz, ballet and belly dancing. She is the founder of Lokepine’s Polynesian Dancers, a local troupe that performs throughout southern California. Josie danced as an adult jazz dancer with O.D.A. for over 5 years. O.D.A. is proud to expand our curriculum with Josie’s expertise. |
Director Jocelyn brings to the Oceanside Dance academy “dance knowledge with a passion” from an extensive background of performance, teaching, and choreography. Her dance experience spans three continents: Asia, the US, and Europe.
With a strong background in accounting and 9 years as a manager for a large corporation, Jill is at ease at the front desk. She is equally at ease for the past 17 years as a Pre-Dance. She instills the perfect combination of love and dance in our tiny tots.
Theo Ivey is a late bloomer in the art of dance. He began dancing at El Camino High School as a member of the flag and dance clubs. In 1995, he auditioned at Oceanside Dance Academy. His talents were immediately recognized by our director, Jocelyn K. Wilson, and he was placed on a working scholarship. He competed with the O.D.A. award winning dance company.
Theresa began dancing hip hop at the age of 18 as a break dancer/poplocker. She furthered her training at the Culture Shock in San Diego. Theresa is a serious Michael Jackson fan. Her first choreography was to Michael Jackson’s “Ghost.” She has also guest choreographed for the 2000 Culture Shock Choreographer’s Showcase and the Legoland 2000 Cola Jam Summer Dance Show.
Christina has been dancing for 16 years and received her training at Oceanside Dance Academy under the direction of Ms. Jocelyn K. Wilson. At O.D.A. Chrissy was a teacher’s assistant and substitute teacher for 5 years before she began teaching her own classes. Christina, a four year dancer and choreographer for the Rancho Buena Vista High School varsity dance team Maroon Magic, was the recipient of the Honorable “Director’s Award” and a $500 dance scholarship. Chrissy, a Dance Company competition dancer for 11 years, distinguished herself by receiving the 2002 KAR All Star Kid scholarship to New York, 1st runner up for Miss Teen Dance, dance scholarship award from the Arizona Jazz Festival, Joe Tremaine 2003 dance convention scholarship, and Joe Tremaine/Oceanside Dance Academy 2002 Studio Dancer of the Year award and Unity 2 performer. Recently, she was crowned Ms. Broadway Magic 2004.
Anthony Russell’s talent was recognized early by Jocelyn K. Wilson while he was a senior, performing at his El Camino High School Dance Club Show. He was offered a working scholarship at Oceanside Dance Academy and competed with the award wining O.D.A Company. Anthony furthered his dance education at the City Ballet, LEA., Culture Shock, Mira Costa, Palomar College, Jimmie Defore, and the Edge.
Tarua Hall reigns from sunny southern Califorina where she began dancing at the age of 4. She moved to Cuba when she was seven and fell in love with the Merengue, Cha Cha, and Salsa. Tarua’s serious training began when she moved back to California in 1990, at the ODA. In her second year at ODA, Tarua was a member of the first ODA company, “Jewels,” and in 1991 partnered with Lisa Senecal, presently a professional ballet dancer, to compete as the first Lyrical Jazz duo team in North County. In 1993, Tarua was invited to perform at the University of Arizona Dance Showcase. In 1994, Tarua was awarded the highly coveted scholarship to Joe Tremanin Dance Convention and School. Tarua continued her dance training at Palomar College in L.A. and at numerous dance conventions, learning from icons such as Gus Gionadano, Sam Watson, Patty Obay, Doug Cauldwell, and Mia Michaels.
Teresa Heller has demonstrated a life-long commitment to dance and drama. Her dedication to the arts has taken her across the globe as a teacher/choreographer as well as a performer in such far reaching places as Brazil, the Philippines, and all across the U.S. She has been teacher/choreographer for the Tri City Christian School, City of Oceanside, City of Carlsbad, and the Oceanside Dance Academy; and recently she was hired to choreograph the “2001 Holiday Bowl Half Time Show.” She has also done student choreography for Palomar College and Mira Costa College and written and directed many plays, performed locally and internationally. Teresa’s performances include “Ondine,” Mira Costa College, “Les Syllphide,” SDSU, “Festival of Lights,” Wild Animal Park, and was a back up singer for Christian artist “Carmen” at the San Diego Sports Arena.
Sonia has been performing and competing since the age of six. She began dancing at Oceanside Dance Academy at age ten and one year later joined the academy “Jewels,” competing throughout California and performed at the Arizona Jazz Dance Congress. Over the years she has performed and competed in Nevada, Florida, The Jeep Aloha Bowl in Hawaii, and the Down under Bowl in Sydney, Australia. She also performed in the pre-game and half time shows for the 1998 and 2002 Super Bowls held in San Diego.
Jennifer began dancing at the age of 2. She was one of the original students and company members at the Oceanside Dance Academy. She was selected to perform at the Arizona Jazz Congress at the University of Arizona, and also had the opportunity to dance with New York City’s Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. At age 16, Jennifer began her teaching career and continued teaching throughout college at the Encore School of Dance in Fort Worth, Texas.
Justine began dancing at the age of 7 at the Oceanside Dance Academy. Justine has also participated in the Annual Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase and was a scholarship winner, the 1998 Superbowl XXXII pre-game show, and the 2001 Holiday Bowl halftime show. Professionally, she has danced for a foreign music superstar on stage and in his music videos.