Vanguard Dance Company
The Vanguard Dance Company is a close knit group of dancers training in a fast paced environment. Dancers work on improving technical skill and developing artistry. As a company, we perform in school assemblies, rallys, halftime shows and participate in local competitions. Other highlights include learning works from guest choreographers and performing in invitational hosted by fellow high schools. Vanguard All Male (VAM) is a small group of gentlemen who specialize in Hip Hop and create choreography. They further their skills by training in various dance styles such as; ballet, jazz, and modern. Like the Vanguard Dance Company, VAM performs in assemblies, concerts, and competitions.
Dance Department Director: Claire Zabaneh
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Native to Huntington Beach, Claire spent her child and teenage years training at Huntington Academy of Dance and Ballet Etudes, where she focused on ballet training in the Cecchetti Method. Her talent was uncovered with roles including; Peter in Peter Pan, Puck in A Midsummer’s Night Dream and Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. Just before college, Claire was accepted into Anaheim Ballet’s company. Her favorite experience with the company was performing the pas de deux, Spring Waters. She graduated from Chapman University with a Bachelors in Dance. There she honed her skills in jazz, modern, and ballet. Claire started her teaching career with the Academy of Performing Arts at Huntington Beach High School. She is enjoying her position at El Modena High School, directing the Vanguard Dance Company and Vanguard All Male.
Outside of the school day Claire stays inspired by performing with AkomiDance and Anaheim Ballet.
Company Cast
VANGUARD DANCE COMPANY
Clara Bour, Jasmin Cervantes*, Danna Coria, Annelle Garcia, Elisa Garcia*, Isabella Hernandez, Ruby Hewitt, Emma Hoffmann, Bianca Ibarra, Eliana Lipson, Kelly Marcelo Arias, Allison Martinez, Kate MAyer, Chloe Nolan*, Amber Prado, Elizabeth Raburn*, Sydney Robinson, Iriana Romero Valencia, Peyton Smith, Meadow Taber, Alexis Tran
*Assistant Artistic Directors
VANGUARD ALL MALE
Matthew Anderton, Bao Nguyen, Michael Pongco*, Ryan Takata*
*Assistant Artistic Directors