Higher Ground Dance Studio

Hello Company Members!

Is everyone ready to start dancing?! A few things to look forward to this upcoming year are: traveling to Disneyland, performing at the PHX Suns Half Time Show, putting on our very own Flashmob, and taking the Summit Company to The Edge!

Hope everyone is ready for our Company Intensive starting

THURSDAY: AUGUST 9th!

We are excited to announce that Saleemah Knight will be coming for a MASTER CLASS during the Intensive! Many of you probably remember her from the L.E.A.P. Convention!

Check out her incredible BIO below!

SALEEMAH E. KNIGHT

CHOREOGRAPHER/ INSTRUCTOR/ PERFORMER

Saleemah E. Knight graduated Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from The University of Arizona, Dance Division. She is currently receiving her Masters of Fine Arts at The University of California, Irvine (UCI) and is a featured dancer in Disney’s Broadway Musical, The Lion King. Saleemah is a choreographer, instructor, and performer whose background includes training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, modern, and hip-hop from outstanding private schools/dance masters throughout the United States. They include, yet are not limited to: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, River North Chicago, Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, The Edge Performing Arts Center, Millennium Dance Complex, Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, and Broadway Dance Center.

Saleemah’s choreographic expertise has grabbed the attention of entertainers worldwide. She has been the selected choreographer for various performers, ranging from MTV Asia, to The Bay to the A Tour, featuring well-known recording artists Bosko Kante, E-40, Rick Ross, Lil’ Jon and Busta Rhymes and has done artist development for Akon’s newest singing sensation, Tami Chynn. Saleemah’s work was also performed at the American Cancer Society Benefit Concert located in Beverly Hills, California, benefiting cancer patients across the United States.

As an instructor Saleemah offers choreography and technical development to students as well as recording artists. She also provides discussion workshops regarding the pursuit of the arts in the concert, commercial, and academic realms. During the academic season, she provides undergraduate dance courses and offers dance outreach classes to inner city youth. As a commercial choreographer, Saleemah provides artist development and performance training, as well as choreography for music videos and live shows. Currently she is the Artistic Director for Renaissance Artist Management, a Los Angeles based, management and artist development company.

Saleemah’s performance credits include many well-known entertainers. As an adolescent, Saleemah performed with the formerly known, Donald Byrd Dance Troupe of New York in the World Premiere of "The Harlem Nutcracker" at Gammage Auditorium. Most currently she as worked with Beyonce, performing at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. She has also danced with The Pussycat Dolls, Tatu, Matisyahu, Letoya Luckett and Dem’ Franchize Boyz. She is featured on the Jillian Michaels Fitness DVD series entitled, "No More Trouble Zones" and "Banish the Fat, Boost Your Metabolism", sold in stores. Saleemah also danced lead with Chris Brown in Ludacris’ music video, “I Know What Them Girls Like” and made a guest appearance in Jamie Foxx’s “Blame It On the Alcohol” music video. In January 2009, she was featured on Gatorade’s Mission G Episode 3 of “Leave It On the Floor” featuring well-known artist, Will.I.Am. She also choreographed Christian Audigier’s Spring 2009 Ed Hardy Fashion Show featuring America’s Next Top Model winner, Whitney Thompson and danced on tour with recording artist Tyrese in 2007 and again in 2009. Saleemah has also worked with renowned choreographer and UCLA faculty, Victoria Marks in her notable contemporary work, “Not About Iraq”.

Her performance abilities have deemed her recipient of The University of Arizona’s Medici Fine Arts Scholarship, the Brian Friedman Millennium Dance Scholarship, the Gus Giordano Scholarship, Coca Cola’s Leadership Scholarship, and fellowships and awards at UCI's Claire Trevor School of the Arts. In addition, she is a past selected company member for Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II and Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago II.

Saleemah E. Knight currently teaches guest classes at Las Vegas’ premiere dance studio, The Rock Center for Dance and is known for her instruction/ choreography in jazz, jazz-funk, modern, lyrical and hip-hop. She continues to bring her academic expertise, professional and vibrant attitude to recording artists, dance studios, and academic universities worldwide.

READERS PICK: HIGHER GROUND DANCE STUDIO

Higher Ground promotes a family-friendly, fun atmosphere, but dedication and intensity required. The schedule for some age groups call for 3 to 4 classes a week, and company dancers will perform in at least one dance competition.

Location: 1130 S. Lyn Rae Square, Mesa
Phone: (480) 326-4398
Website: www.highergrounddance.blogspot.com

Voter Comments:

"It has everything you would want for your daughter in dance. Modesty, uplifting music, positive teachers, great technique, nice girls. Excellent studio!"

"Fantastic, well-trained instructors. Age appropriate and modest dance moves, costumes and music selection. Family friendly. Great prices!"