Catalina Ragsdale
Catalina Ragsdale was introduced to the wonderful world of dance through Ballet Folklorico, as her mother was a dancer and instructor. As a result, she grew up having a love and appreciation for the art form ~ and all styles within.
Catalina received her ballet training throughout LA and NY and was fortunate to receive scholarships to Joffrey Ballet and Ballet Hispanico where she was invited to train year-round by former Artistic Director, Tina Ramirez. Though she is a classically trained dancer, she also has a few other genres of dance in her bag!
While in NY, she had the opportunity to guest perform for Celia Cruz (Ballet), at the Broadway Benefit for Aids (Jazz), and with Earl Mosley's Modern Dance Company (Horton) as well as train at BDC with top choreographers such as Brian Friedman. Her love of dance expanded to Madrid where she pursued both an education in college at St. Louis University, and Escuela Bolera (Classical Spanish) at Carmen Roche's dance studio.
After moving back to the states, she taught dance for several years, started a family, married her best friend, and will graduate with a degree in International Business from Cal State Universty, Long Beach.
She has spent the past five years as a stay~at~home mom raising her step-daughter, Hailey, son, Nathan, and daughter, Brooklyn, her 3 most proud accomplishments! And surprise!! There is one more Ragsdale due to jete into the world this February 2017!
Recently, she has been teaching in the South Bay & San Pedro and choreographing for Musical Theater companies from ages 3 to 30. Catalina enjoys working with the community, sharing her tips and tricks, and teaching her knowledge & perspective of dance, in hopes of brining a joyful and valued experience to all who come through her classes.
dancer/instructor/choreographer
mission
introduce a variety of styles & provide quality technique
ignite an appreciation for and love of dance
inspire each student creatively, intelectually, & physically
Increase scope of dance & individual self-esteem
philosophy
Having over 25 years of dance instruction, dozens of teachers, and versatile training, Catalina feels blessed to be able to bring a compilation of her knowledge and training to each dancer via year-round, age-appropriate classes, workshops, master classes and summer instensives.
Her belief is that every dancer/performer is capable achieving a higher level and reaching their potential with classical ballet training. Therefore, each dancer is encouraged to take ballet as part of the dance education and it is critical that they progress at a rate specific to each individual's level, age, and past training. Each dancer will be placed in the level that is right for them, and must demonstrate adequate knowledge before being promoted to the next level regardless if they are pursuing a career in ballet or not.
Further, Catalina recognizes important underlying issues of the dance world like body image and the impact that can have on dancers of all ages; therefore, a healthy mind and body are a priority. It is her goal to provide an environment and culture where dancers feel safe while learning regardless of body types & weight, and she strives to project that through her style of teaching.
Her hopes and goals are that she can provide these philosophies and concerns in a way that will assist each dancer in reaching their potential and realizing their dreams.