… has been involved in the arts for over 15 years.  Singing in choir and playing the flute for 10 years is large part of my arts background. My love for dance blossomed when I was 13 years old.  Growing up in Atlanta and being a part of cheer teams, I realized that my favorite part was when I was dancing during the halftime shows.  After this understanding, I soon started ballet classes, joined my high school’s dance line, and added musical theatre to my class schedule. With the guidance of amazing teachers and mentors, I quickly rose to the occasion and became a beautiful dancer and performer. During my senior year, my peers voted and selected me as team captain of the school’s dance line.

After graduating in 2013 with academic honors, I accepted a generous and audition-based scholarship to study dance at The University of Southern Mississippi. There I took a deep dive into ballet and modern dance history and technique. I was also a member of the Dixie Darlings dance team.  After a couple years, I auditioned and receive another scholarship to transfer to Jacksonville University to complete my studies. There, my knowledge of dance grew exponentially. I was able to study the areas of ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance techniques as well as study ‘Dancer’s Anatomy and Kinesiology’.  I trained under professors from Juilliard, and The Ailey School, and was exposed to choreographers like Brian and Scott Nicholson from the commercial dance industry of Pop/R’n’B music videos.

Earning my BFA from Jacksonville University in 2017, I moved to the Bay Area in 2018, eager to use and share my knowledge.  I quickly formed a connection with communities in Sacramento, Oakland, Fremont, and San Francisco, where I began hosting weekly classes in beginner and advanced heels technique.  I was also an instructor for ballet and modern at Kirkpatrick’s School of Dance in San Mateo from 2018-2020.

From 2020-2023, I took the next step to move to Los Angeles. I took my time and formed genuine connections that allowed me to build a successful client base that grew with me during those years. After several auditions, I performed in various shows in LA, traveled for shows around the US, and danced in different video projects. This allowed me to develop knowledge that only hands-on experience can offer.

I always lead with compassion and understanding but I also have a motto that I have said to myself since I was about 15 years old. Now I make sure to share the same message with my students….  “If you’re going to do it, then do it with intention and integrity.”
The most love,
Alina Martinez