La Mezcla offers virtual and in-person residencies for Universities, Art spaces, schools and community programs that include dance classes, lectures and discussions. With dance classes based in tap dance, Son Jarocho, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, La Mezcla residencies dive deep into the cultural traditions and technique of these dance forms. La Mezcla also offers discussions and lectures about the work and the cultural significance of company repertoire and the traditions that inspire it. With over 20 years of experience as a dance educator and as a current Dance Lecturer at UC Santa Cruz, Artistic Director Vanessa Sanchez develops residency activities and curriculum to affectively reach each specific student population.
Selections of previous La Mezcla teaching residencies:
UCSC class offerings: Percussive Dance forms levels 1 & 2: A studio class rooted in the traditions and technique of Zapateado Jarocho & Tap Dance
Arizona State University: a 10 day virtual residency based in Afro-Caribbean traditions that included movement classes, discussions and setting an 8 minute dance piece on a student company
CSU Channel Islands: a two day residency that included 2 lectures, 2 Tap dance classes and an introduction to Zapateado Jarocho
Gabriella Charter School: a weeklong virtual residency teaching 3 tap classes per day to elementary school students
ODC Dance School– A 6 week residency rooted in Afro-Brazilian Dance Traditions