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Oakland School for the Arts

Oakland School for the Arts

Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The study of dance at Oakland School for the Arts intends to cultivate a community of young artists that are inquisitive, kind, hardworking, and passionate about the arts. With an understanding that all bodies are capable of beauty, students will be expected to reach, constantly, for their full potential. Through offering a rigorous curriculum and occasional masterclasses that incorporate Ballet, Modern Dance vocabularies, Jazz, Hip Hop, African Dance forms, and various other techniques, OSA Dance department will prepare students to confidently apply to college, work professionally, and develop their choreographic voice in an ever-evolving industry.
overview

overview

OSA's Dance Department is a serious dance training program. As such, it is important to note that it is not a dance enrichment program. Students are pushed daily with an emphasis on training, self-discipline, and etiquette. Daily classes in ballet technique are geared toward developing a greater comprehension and continued awareness of how strong ballet training is an essential component in developing the full potential of the professional contemporary dancer and performer. In addition to their daily training with professional dance artists, students will be able to experience dance styles and techniques not emphasized in the curriculum through classes with master guest teachers.
 
 
 
OSA Banner of Dance images
Bio photo of Kim Davagian, Dance Chair
ARVEJON JONES

          Chair, Dance Department
ARVEJON JONES

Biography

Biography

 
 
ArVejon Jones is a Bay Area freelance dance artist and educator. Originally from Los Angeles, CA, he received his B.A. in Dance from San Francisco State University, having been recognized for his excellence in performance upon graduation. Professionally, ArVejon has performed with Copious Dance Theater, Robert Moses Kin, PUSH Dance, SOULSKIN Dance, ODC Dance/ SF,  RAW Dance SF, Concept o4, Sean Dorsey Dance, Prometheus Dance Theater, Jean Appolon Expressions, West Edge Opera, and Garrett+ Moulton Productions among others. Through which, he has been afforded the opportunity to tour throughout the United States of America and perform internationally in Canada and Sweden. His training is diverse having studied Tap, Jazz, Afro-Haitian Dance, Afro-Brazilian, House dance and other Hip Hop based genres, vogue, Salsa, and formal training in Ballet, Modern Dance languages, as well as contemporary aesthetic. He has taught for multiple institutions including San Francisco State University, BodyVox in Portland, OR, Boston Ballet, LINES/ SF Dance Center, and various private dance studios. ArVejon is immensely excited to bring his professional experiences to the vibrant community at OSA!