DANCE FUSION
OUR MISSION
DANCE FUSION:
Our vision, mission and artistic outcome
DANCE FUSION VISION:
We inspire, innovate, and create opportunities for student artists to thrive.
DANCE MISSION STATEMENT:
Is dedicated to the artistic process, aiming to inspire and enrich high school dancers to be exposed to the world of dance. The program believes in striving to create an environment for students to develop the skills, confidence, imagination and power to contribute to their school and community as artists, visionaries and lifelong learners. Dance FUSION strives to teach students that their body is an instrument of expression and that commitment and passion towards their artistry is the hallmark of shaping and changing lives.
Through Dance FUSION, the dancers learn how to work together to achieve great things. They learn to understand differences and diversity. They learn how teamwork contributes to great performance. By teaching students how to live and work together, Dance FUSION contributes to making schools safer and a more peaceful learning environment.
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Dance FUSIONS was started in the 2000/2001 school year. The performing company is an extra-curricular activity that allows students on our campus to share their artistic talent with their school and community while enhancing their expression of dance.
Auditions occur each year in May in the MBHS Dance Room
If you are a new student to the area and missed the auditions, please contact the director.
- Mandatory 3 day Summer Workshop: August (week before school starts)
- Annual Spring Show is the first week of March
EXPERIENCE DF
EVENTS
The essence of the art of dancing lies in the realm of the soul and heart; it is not the intellect but the emotions from which the dance takes off. Erika Hanka
SUMMER WORKSHOP
The dancers are required to attend a three-day workshop from 9am to 3:45pm at Morro Bay High School in the dance room. The workshop entails specialized master classes and learning choreography from three unique instructors. The type of dance styles learned at the workshop are contemporary, hip/hop and lyrical. The choreography learned at the workshop will be performed throughout the year.
When:
August (TBA) from 9:30am - 3:30pm (mandatory attendance a week before school starts)
ANNUAL SPRING SHOW:
Annual FUSION show is a Performing Arts showcase which includes dance, musicians, and vocalists.
2021 Fusion Showcase Video
WHEN: March 5 & 6, 2026
DANCE BEYOND
Fourth annual countywide high school dance convention will be hosted by MBHS. It will be an artistic day of master classes to choose from jazz, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, and theater jazz. The convention will conclude, inviting our communities to attend performances from our high schools dance companies.
When: Date TBA for 2027 event
Highlights from February 2025 event. Click here
MAKE A DONATION TODAY!
Thank you for your gift to the Fusion program. Your donation will support dancer costumes, performance equipment, and providing dance enrichment. To donate click here
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
If you would like the dance company to come perform at an event you are hosting please feel free to contact the director.
WHO:
Elena Smith 805-771-1845 or esmith@slcusd.org
EDUCATIONAL DANCE TRIPS:
Each year, Dance FUSION goes ona dance trip to enhance their knowledge of dance. Over the years, the group has been to San Francisco, Chicago, and New York.
The San Francisco trips have entailed taking master classes at the San Francisco Dance Center, home of Alonso King's LINES CONTEMPORARY, City Dance Studio, and ODC. The group also attends a dance performance and, in the past, they have seen the San Francisco Ballet perform.
During the 2005/2006, 2008/2009, and 2017/2018 school years, the dancers traveled to one of the greatest cities in the world: the Big Apple in New York City.
The New York trips have entailed:
- Master classes at STEPS and Broadway Dance Center
- Private classes at Broadway Dance Center and Alvin Ailey
- Tours of Alvin Ailey, Julliard Arts School and the city
- Attending performances such as Chicago, The Heights, and contemporary companies performing at Joyce Theater.
- Performing at South Street Seaport and the Cerebral Palsy Institute
During the 2010/2011 school year, Dance FUSION traveled to Chicago!
DANCERS
DIRECTOR
Elena Smith
has been the director of Morro Bay High School Dance FUSION since it began in the year 2000. She is also a full time counselor at Morro Bay High School, but her passion is dance. Elena started dancing at the age of four at the Academy of Dance. She received intensive ballet training at San Francisco Ballet's summer program for five years. Elena was a principal dancer with The Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo for 29 years. She has partnered and danced in many major roles with professional dancers from American Ballet Theater, Miami City Ballet, Oakland Ballet, California Ballet in San Diego, Hubbard Street Chicago and others. She is also one of the Civic Ballet and Academy of Dance instructors. Elena is one who takes pride in sharing her knowledge and talent with young people who have a passion for the arts.
Elena Smith, Dance Director
esmith@slcusd.org
Follow us on Instagram
@mbhs_dance_fusion
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