NVAA Dance

This page is for dancers & their parents of the North Valley Arts Academies at PVSchools for Desert Cove, Shea Middle School & Shadow Mountain High.

This page is for NVAA dancers & their parents of the North Valley Arts Academy at PV Schools for Desert Cove Elementary, Shea Middle School & Shadow Mountain High School. We will post upcoming events, share pictures & post videos from our shows! "The body says what words cannot" - Martha Graham

10/01/2026

We had a blast exploring vernacular jazz dances from the Jazz Age including The Lindy Hop- taught by second generation Lindy hopper, Steve Conrad/Arizona Lindy Hop Society!

Check out The Lindy Hop at our Fall Dance Concert, Syncopate, November 19-20, 2026.

this project is partially supported by a Project Support Grant from the Phoenix Arts and Culture.

09/22/2026

As part of our residency with Dr. Sonja Branch and Muslimah Hameed from Kawambe Omowale African Drum & Dance Theater, NVAA dancers dove deep into the Mandiani!

Rooted in the traditions of Guinea, West Africa, learning this traditional dance isn’t just about the steps—it’s about understanding the history, celebration, and connection behind every movement. Through this experience, we embodied history and connected our experience to the roots of jazz dance.

Catch this dynamic work, complete with live drumming, on stage at Syncopate on November 19–20 at 7 PM!

This project is funded in part by a Project Support Grant from the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture Phoenix Arts and Culture.

09/08/2026

ANNOUNCING OUR 2026 NVAA GUEST ARTISTS!

We are honored to introduce the incredible master artists joining us this season across a wide spectrum of movement disciplines, each representing vital roots and branches of the rich jazz history tree:

West African: Dr. Sonja D. Branch & Muslimah Hameed
Lindy Hop: Steve Conrad
Concert Jazz: Kim Karpanty
Theatrical Jazz: Jenn McKusick
Hip Hop: Ethan Espinoza

From the traditional West African rhythms that grounded jazz dance to swing-era Lindy Hop, classical concert jazz, iconic theatrical styles, and contemporary street styles, our students will trace the dynamic evolution of this art form firsthand.

From Super Bowl performers and university professors to world-traveling educators and community leaders, our students are in for an unforgettable season of growth.

This program is generously supported by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture Project Support Grant Phoenix Arts and Culture.

09/04/2026

A look inside after-school DAN 132 Modern Dance Technique class inside our studio!
Dance PVCC
PVCC Fine Arts
Paradise Valley CC

08/16/2026

Ms. Slater has recently published in the Dance Education in Practice Journal (academic journal)!

Dance class is about so much more than just learning dance—it’s real-world prep for life! In her article Loosening the Reins, high school teacher Leanne Schmidt Slater shares how giving students creative agency and structured peer feedback helps them step away from viral trends and create meaningful, original dances. Through this process, students build major life skills like confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving that will serve them well no matter what career path they choose.

Reach out to Ms. Slater to read a copy.

08/11/2026

What an incredible West African Dance Masterclass in the NVAA Dance studio today at Shadow!

Led by Muslimah Hameed and Dr. Sonja Branch, we had the privilege of moving to the power of live percussion as we danced through the traditional rhythms of Mendiani and Kuku. We were also thrilled to welcome special guest visitors from Ms. Morgan’s Band and Orchestra classes to share in the music.

The room was filled with strength, joy, and community spirit from the first drumbeat to the final step. Thank you to everyone who came ready to sweat, learn, and honor these rich traditions and roots of jazz dance with us!

This project is supported by a Project Support Grant from the Phoenix Arts and Culture.

08/06/2026

This Tuesday, NVAA Dance at Shadow Mountain will participate in a West African Dance Masterclass with live drumming, featuring guest artists Muslimah Hameed and Dr. Sonja Branch!

Muslimah Hameed: A passionate dancer and choreographer with over 20 years in Kawambe Omowale African Drum and Dance, Muslimah is dedicated to celebrating African heritage and cultural diversity through movement. An accomplished artist, former Cultural Arts Coalition board member, and collaborator with Sankofa Dance, she continues to advocate for community wellness through the arts while completing her degree in Behavioral Health.

Dr. Sonja Branch: Dr. Sonja Branch holds a D.Mus.A. in Music Performance and directs West African percussion ensembles at GCC and SCC while accompanying dance at ASU. A specialist in Senegalese sabar drumming, she founded Ensemble Ndeye Soxna and performs with Kawambe Omowale, MusicaNova Orchestra, and Mariachi Rubor. She is also an accomplished luthier whose custom drums are featured at Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum.

This project is supported by a Project Grant from Phoenix Arts and Culture.

07/07/2026

Thank you Phoenix Arts and Culture and NVAA Dance Boosters for supporting the next generation of artists!

05/23/2026

Congratulations NVAA Dance Class of 2026! May dance forever be part of your heart. 💙💛

05/16/2026

More Cinematic photos from !

Address

2902 E Shea Blvd
Phoenix, AZ
85028

Telephone

6024493500

Website

https://www.pvschools.net/academics/nvaa

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