Dr. Brianna DeGeus, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships | Paradise Valley Community College
Dr. Brianna DeGeus, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships | Paradise Valley Community College
Victoria Morena-Tsosie, a dance major at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC), is making strides in the world of dance. Her recent achievements include earning first place in Choreography and second place in Performance for her piece "Alchemist" at the Maricopa County Community College District’s Artist of Promise competition. Morena-Tsosie's dedication to her craft has been recognized both on and off the stage.
Morena-Tsosie's journey has been supported by PVCC's partnership with the North Valley Arts Academy (NVAA). This collaboration provides opportunities for students like Morena-Tsosie to engage in real-world artistic experiences. Leanne Slater, a dance instructor at Shadow Mountain High School and NVAA director, facilitated such an opportunity by securing a grant through the Arts and Culture City of Phoenix Grant. This enabled Morena-Tsosie to choreograph for Shadow Mountain High School's fall dance showcase.
Slater first encountered Morena-Tsosie during the 2023 PVCC Dance Conservatory. Impressed by her artistry, Slater remarked, “I knew she was a mature dance artist with much to say as a dancemaker.” She added that Morena-Tsosie's attention to detail made her an ideal mentor for students.
Morena-Tsosie's passion for dance was born from adversity. Growing up with a single mother who graduated from college, she found inspiration in her mother's resilience. A social worker later encouraged her to take classes at the Alice Cooper Solid Rock (ACSR) Teen Center during a challenging period in high school. There, she began rebuilding her confidence through dance.
Reflecting on this experience, Morena-Tsosie said, “I loved how dance made me feel.” Hodgie Jo, director of dance performance at ACSR, became an important mentor. Jo noted that Morena-Tsosie was not content with the status quo and constantly sought growth.
Her commitment led her to explore various drop-in classes across the valley before enrolling at PVCC in 2022. At PVCC, she expanded her skills across different styles and techniques. Sonia Valle, head of PVCC’s dance program, praised her creativity and involvement: "Victoria is one of those students who is not afraid to listen to her inner creativity."
At Shadow Mountain High School, Morena-Tsosie's piece "La Memoria del Agua" demonstrated her ability to inspire others through somatic practices that created an expressive environment for student dancers. Slater commended her innovative approach: “She formulated choreographic ideas without the students even realizing it.”
As graduation approaches in Spring 2025 with degrees in Fine Arts/Dance and Counseling, Morena-Tsosie's future holds promise. She aims to continue collaborating with local schools and teaching at Maryvale Community Center.
“Dance has been my outlet for growth and self-expression,” said Morena-Tsosie. “I want to share that with others.”