For those that find Fresno to be lacking in the realm of culture and art, a quick trip to downtown Fresno might help change their mind. The Caris School of Dance located on Broadway Street is a place where one’s creativity can blossom amidst several different styles of dance.
The school has recently moved to a larger venue at the Liquid Fetish Art Gallery in downtown Fresno. The move resulted from a need for more space to accommodate dancers, teachers and large audiences during performances.
Students of all levels are welcomed, as the instructors are eager to help train individuals into well-rounded dancers.
The Caris School of Dance is led by artistic director Jasmin la Caris, who specializes in both modern and flamenco styles of dance. Caris has gained experience at such renowned companies as the Alonzo King LINES Ballet School in San Francisco. She was born and raised in Fresno, and graduated from Fresno City College with a degree in dance.
Caris has nothing but appreciative words about the teachers and students she worked alongside during her academic years at FCC.
“They helped me be the dancer that I am today,” she stated.
Caris’ goal for her new studio is to attract a larger audience and help them develop their own style.
“This school is about making the student grow in their own way, let them bloom like a flower,” she explained. “I definitely want to grow the students here. I want this space to be a space for people that are really interested in dance,” Caris added.
Daphney Yalung, another instructor at the Caris School, specializes in hip hop and modern dance. Yalung gained experience through involvement in a Filipino dance troupe called Samahang Bayanihan and Fresno Dance Collective, a modern dance company.
Danny Moua is also a dance instructor at the Caris School. He has gained experience at the FCC dance department alongside dance instructor Jimmy Hao.
The instructors at the School of Dance are gearing up for many new opportunities at the Liquid Fetish venue. One of these opportunities is during Fresno’s Art Hop night on Feb. 7.
Caris has her own Art Hop event titled “The Art of Dance.” It is a chance to showcase the unique aspects of live art in contrast to the fixed art that is usually presented by many Art Hop participants.
“We have a lot of venues here in Fresno that present beautiful art like paintings, sketchings, sculpting… But I think I’m still one of the fewer places that shows live dance so far. I’m hoping that it’ll grow more and other places will start showing more dance as well.”
The school’s popular pieces, as well as one new piece, will be performed at the Art Hop.
Caris’ goal at her new studio is to elevate Fresno’s art and dance community to new levels.
“Part of the issue here in Fresno is that downtown needs to be more renovated, right? I thought it was a great idea to move the studio downtown. Be a part of making Fresno better,” she said.
Caris has a love for the Fresno community that aims to directly nurture its growth.
“I’m always trying to reach out to the Fresno City college students. They’re all really great,” Caris added.
The Caris School of Dance has many walk-in and monthly classes available in several styles of dance as well as beginner “Pura Salsa” classes.
For information on performances and instruction, please contact Jasmin la Caris at Liquid Fetish Art Gallery.
