Sylvia Palmer-Zetler, Chair of the CSSSA Dance Department, is a former member of the National Ballet of Canada where she worked with world-famous directors and choreographers including Celia Franca, John Cranko, Hanya Holm, Fredrick Ashton, John Harte and Erling Sunde. Sylvia was the recipient of two grants from the Canada Council of the Arts for the furtherance of the Dance Arts. Ms. Palmer is the Director of the Black Mountain Dance Centre in San Diego, and the Artistic Director of Southern California Youth Ballet. She is on the Governing Board of Cecchetti USA where she is a Fellow and an Examiner. She holds a Masters Degree in Creative Teaching Techniques, and she is a Certified Teacher of Benesh Dance Notation. Ms. Palmer’s students grace the stages of major companies throughout North America, and the world. She teaches ballet technique, pointe, variations and ballet repertory at CSSSA.

Gregory P. Dawson studied and performed with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Theatre Ballet Canadien, Oakland Ballet, Berkeley Ballet Theater, Sacramento Ballet and the San Francisco Opera Ballet. Mr. Dawson joined Alonzo Kings LINES Ballet in 1987 and remained in the company through 2005. Currently he teaches and serves as resident choreographer for Alonzo Kings LINES Ballet BFA and Professional Programs. He premiered his Company Dawson Dance at CSSSA in 2008.  He feels well prepared to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of young dancers.

Krenly Guzman has performed, taught, choreographed and adjudicated for dance festivals in the United States, Mexico and South America. He has performed with Jan Erkert & Dancers, Mordine and Company Dance Theater and served as Associate Artistic Director of Lucky Plush Productions from 2003-2006.