In this episode of AUHSD Future Talks, Superintendent Matsuda interviews Anaheim High School's Dance Director, Oscar Gonzalez. Oscar Gonzalez was born & raised in Orange County, California. He was a student of AUHSD, Patrick Henry, Sycamore and Anaheim High School. Oscar trained at the Anaheim Ballet School, American Ballet Theater & the Joffrey Ballet School. Gonzalez was a soloist with the Anaheim Ballet, Festival Ballet, and was a resident company member & instructor for Diavolo. Oscar travels around the world to educate & inspire artists. He has successfully trained dozens of dancers that have been accepted into college dance programs.
He was last seen in Aladdin “A Musical Spectacular” at the Disney resort. Oscar has performed in professional musical theater productions such as, Hello Dolly, WestSide Story, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, A Chorus Line, Evita & has been a principal in The Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral. Oscar performed for the grand opening of the King Abdulah University of Science and Technology in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Oscar was 1 of 6 educators chosen by former ABT dancer Kristine Elliott to create and teach a 2-week dance intensive in Capetown, South Africa.
Gonzalez was formerly the ballet director at McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts, under the direction of Broadway star & former Olympic athlete Cathy Rigby. Gonzalez recently returned from living in Nebraska for three year to help create & develop the ballet program for Smitty’s Performing Arts Center. Oscar recently received his Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts, from St. Mary's College of California, & is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Education. Oscar has taught many workshops to dance educators in California to help spread his knowledge of dance & teaching techniques, California Dance & Movement for Dance Educators at Chapman University, & CAHPERD for dance & PE teachers. Oscar has been teaching for over 15 years and is committed to educating & inspiring young dancers & pushing them to their fullest potentials. Oscar has recently moved back to California to become the dance director at Anaheim High School, his Alma Mater.
