Carmen Maria Arvesu
Coral Gables,Fl
Summary
Dedicated and passionate dance educator with over 30 years of experience teaching and choreographing across public schools, colleges, summer camps, and private studios. Proven success in developing comprehensive dance curricula and launching successful dance programs. Recognized for excellence in teaching, leadership in fine arts education, and inspiring students to thrive through creative expression and performance.
Knowledgeable dance educator with proven background in founding and leading successful ventures. Demonstrated ability to innovate and drive business growth through strategic planning and effective execution. Leveraged entrepreneurial mindset and leadership skills to build cohesive teams and navigate dynamic market challenges.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder / Artistic Director
The Vault Dance Studio
08.2014 - Current
- Manage all aspects of a thriving community dance studio.
- Teach students across a range of ages and levels in multiple genres.
- Direct seasonal recitals, workshops, and competition teams.
- Built a positive organizational culture that fostered creativity, innovation, and employee engagement.
- Increased brand visibility and market penetration by developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies.
- Championed continuous improvement efforts within the organization, streamlining operations for increased efficiency.
- Created organization's mission and vision statements for use by employees.
Dance Educator / Program Founder
Devon Aire K-8 Center
08.2008 - Current
- Founded and currently leads the middle school dance program.
- Developed standards-based curricula and choreographed annual showcases.
- Mentor students for competitions, community events, and auditions.
- Enhanced students'' creativity by incorporating various dance styles and techniques in lessons.
- Mentored new dance educators or student teachers by providing ongoing support and guidance through observation, collaboration, and feedback sessions.
- Boosted student confidence by providing constructive feedback and tailored guidance during individual and group performances.
- Increased parental involvement by organizing meetings, workshops, and volunteering opportunities related to school dance events.
- Organized successful recitals showcasing students'' progress and talents, increasing community engagement in the arts.
Dance Instructor
Patricia Penenori Dance Center
08.1997 - 07.2014
- Provided technical and performance training in ballet, jazz, and modern.
- Prepared students for competitions and annual recitals.
- Maintained strong student retention and community relationships.
Dance Teacher | Fine Arts Department Head
Arvida Middle School
04.1993 - 06.2008
- Taught dance to grades 6–8 while leading the Fine Arts Department.
- Organized school-wide performances and served as department liaison.
- Recognized with Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year (1998), Sallie Mae Award (1993–94), and Region V Teacher of the Year Finalist honors (1998).
Performing Arts Camp Director
Dave and Mary Alper JCC
01.1992 - 01.2008
- Directed a multidisciplinary summer camp in dance, theater, and music.
- Choreographed and staged full productions for youth ages 6–14.
- Hired and managed instructional staff and planned creative programming.
- Fostered a supportive environment for artistic exploration and growth.
Adjunct Faculty – Dance Department
Miami Dade Community College
01.1987 - 01.1991
- Instructed college-level dance courses in technique and choreography.
- Guided aspiring dancers in creative development and performance.
- Participated in curriculum design and student evaluations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Dance
Florida International University
Miami, FL12.1991
Skills
- Dance Technique: Ballet
- Dance Technique: Jazz
- Dance Technique: Modern
- Dance Technique: Contemporary
- Choreography & Performance Direction
- Curriculum Development & Arts Integration
- Program Development & Studio Management
- Event Planning & Stage Production
- Student Mentorship & Competition Preparation
- Collaborative Leadership & Arts Advocacy
Accomplishments
Jaguar Elite Dance Team - Middle school and Elementary team, MA State Champion winner. Best in Class Award, Best Technique Award. Five consecutive years. 2020-2025
Honors And Leadership
- Sallie Mae First-Year Teacher Award, 1993–1994
- Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year, 1998
- Region V Teacher of the Year Finalist, 1998
- Fine Arts Department Head, Arvida Middle School
- NDEO Chapter Member, 2024
Dance Team MA State championship winners, Best in Class 2020 - 2025
Directed both Elementary and Middle school teams to MA Orlando State Dance Competition. Both teams have consistently won the state competition and received various outstanding awards over the last five years.
Timeline
Founder / Artistic Director
The Vault Dance Studio
08.2014 - Current
Dance Educator / Program Founder
Devon Aire K-8 Center
08.2008 - Current
Dance Instructor
Patricia Penenori Dance Center
08.1997 - 07.2014
Dance Teacher | Fine Arts Department Head
Arvida Middle School
04.1993 - 06.2008
Performing Arts Camp Director
Dave and Mary Alper JCC
01.1992 - 01.2008
Adjunct Faculty – Dance Department
Miami Dade Community College
01.1987 - 01.1991
Bachelor of Arts - Dance
Florida International University
Similar Profiles
Sofia EljaiekSofia Eljaiek
Dance Instructor at The Vault Dance StudioDance Instructor at The Vault Dance Studio
Pamela TarlaPamela Tarla
Dance Tutor at VIBA Dance Studio, Just Dance Helsinki, Pamzy Dance AcademyDance Tutor at VIBA Dance Studio, Just Dance Helsinki, Pamzy Dance Academy
Brekyn KnowlesBrekyn Knowles
Dance Teacher at Artistic Motion Dance and Arizona Dance StudioDance Teacher at Artistic Motion Dance and Arizona Dance Studio
Lucia HernandezLucia Hernandez
Airport Operations Specialist at Miami Dade Aviation DepartmentAirport Operations Specialist at Miami Dade Aviation Department
Marc PoliquinMarc Poliquin
Property Manager at Family BusinessProperty Manager at Family Business