Norbert Dela Cruz III
Choreographer and Assistant Professor of Modern Dance at Point Park University
Norbert Dela Cruz is a quintessential alum of the EDLA!, inspired to pursue an accomplished professional dance career. His life-changing time at EDLA! was where he discovered a deeper understanding of being a dancer and the true meaning of community – a family that cares, supports, and grows together. During his time at EDLA! and the Los Angeles County High School of the Arts, Norbert won the Music Center’s prestigious Spotlight Award and placed 2nd in the Youth America Grand Prix in non-classical dance. He received a full scholarship to The Juilliard School where he earned a BFA in Dance and later went on to obtain an MFA in Dance from Hollins University.
As a professional dancer, Norbert has performed as a soloist in the Metropolitan Opera’s Aida and toured internationally with Aszure Barton & Artists and Balletto Teatro di Torino in Italy. Additional credits include performances with Joe Goode Performance Group, Sydney Skybetter & Associates, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Norbert’s choreographic career began under the mentorship of Tom Mossbrucker and Jean-Philippe Malaty at Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, where he received the Jerome Robbins Foundation’s NEW Essential Works Grant for his ballet Square None (2012). He has since been commissioned by companies including Ballet X, Richmond Ballet, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Grand Rapids Ballet, Nashville Ballet, and Hubbard Street 2. A recipient of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA Choreography Fellowship, Norbert has also been recognized by the Alvin Ailey New Directions Choreography Lab, Joffrey Academy of Dance’s Winning Works, and the National Choreographic Initiative. His work has been presented at prestigious venues such as the Winspear Opera House for TITAS Command Gala and through collaborations with the New York Choreographic Institute and Dance Lab New York.
Norbert is currently a full-time Visiting Assistant Professor of Modern Dance at Point Park University and maintains a bi-coastal freelance career based in New York City and Los Angeles. EDLA’s passionate and dedicated teachers inspired Norbert to become a more thoughtful artist and educator, and their encouragement shaped his approach to dance and life. He is forever grateful for the love and lessons he received at EDLA!, and he hopes future dancers feel as empowered as he has to pursue their dreams.
kimberly gomez
Teaching Artist at Everybody Dance LA!
Kimberly Gomez is a passionate and dedicated teaching artist currently working with Everybody Dance LA!, specializing in guiding our In-School Program students from transitional kindergarten through fifth grade. Graduating from the University of California, Irvine, Kimberly’s journey in dance and education has been deeply influenced by her experiences both inside and outside the studio.
EDLA! helped set a foundation of professionalism, discipline, creativity, and teamwork for Kimberly that were essential in other aspects of her life. Kimberly went into college undeclared, but because she always felt encouraged to explore different dance styles at EDLA!, it felt natural for her to explore different avenues in college.
EDLA! provided Kimberly with a space of support, creative liberty, and community. EDLA! also fostered safe emotional regulation, which is something Kimberly still relies on today when she has the opportunity to dance. Kimberly is beyond grateful to EDLA! and the opportunity the organization provides her to pass on what she has learned to her students.
Emily Sajche-Morales
Second Grade Classroom Teacher at Gabriella Charter School 2
Emily Sajche-Morales grew up at EDLA!, studying dance for 14 years. After graduating from Cal State Dominguez Hills with a BA in Liberal Studies alongside a Dual Language Teaching Credential, Emily is now a second grade teacher at Gabriella Charter School 2.
For Emily, EDLA! was a safe place growing up and dance class was something she looked forward to every day after school. With the guidance and support of Tina Banchero, Program & Artistic Director, Emily was able to find her way back to dance, but this time at EDLA!’s sister organization, the Gabriella Charter Schools. Even though Emily did not pursue dance as a career, she is beyond proud that her brother, Erick Sajche, who is also an alum of EDLA!, is currently pursuing a dance career and is also a talented Teaching Artist with EDLA!.
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