Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
About Marlena
Timeline
Generic
Marlena Rae Bartocci

Marlena Rae Bartocci

Mission Viejo

Summary

Accomplished dance educator, award-winning choreographer, and arts leader with over 20 years of experience in dance instruction, curriculum development, performance production, and program administration. Founder and Artistic Director of Project Unveiled Dance Company and former Director of a commercial dance training program, with a proven track record of mentoring students, developing educational programs, and producing high-quality artistic work. Committed to fostering student-centered learning environments that support diverse learners while cultivating technical skill, creative expression, critical thinking, and lifelong engagement in the performing arts.

Work History

Master Teacher, Judge, Guest Choreographer

Southern California and Additional States
2006 - 2024
  • Developed original choreographic works for diverse performances across multiple dance genres.
  • Master Teacher and Guest Choreographer and Educator over the 20+ years off service the community, Worked alongside many SoCal Studios including PAVE School of the Arts, Avanti Dance Company, South County Dance, OCPAA Dance Studios, South Coast Performing Arts, Mater Dei High School, Irvine High School, San Juan Hills High School, San Clemente High School, Dance Dynamics, Impact Dance Center, Dellos Dance Center, Creative Outlet Performing Arts, Focus Dance Center alongside studios from out of state
  • Traveling Judge for commercial competition circuit for many years with MOVE Dance Productions 2017-2020

Company Founder/Executive Director/Creative Producer

Project Unveiled Dance Company
01.2014 - 2019
  • Artistic Director/Main Choreographer
  • Conceived, produced, and directed full-scale theatrical productions from concept through execution.
  • Directed dance films, promotional campaigns, photoshoots, and multimedia content
  • Managed all elements of company stage production: budgeting, ticket sales, set design, prop completion, costuming, marketing, casting, hiring, lighting design
  • Founded and led an award-winning contemporary dance company dedicated to storytelling through live performance and multimedia productions.
  • Collaborated with professional choreographers, dancers, designers, videographers, photographers, and production teams to create immersive audience experiences.
  • Managed company operations, strategic planning, and community engagement initiatives.
  • Developed performance opportunities that supported artistic growth and professional development for company members.

Artistic Director of Commercial Program

Pacific Coast Academy of Dance
Mission Viejo, CA
01.2009 - 2019
  • Facilitated schedule and set requirements
  • Created summer programs/intensives
  • Developed and implemented curriculum for the Commercial Dance Program, integrating technical training, performance skills, and industry preparation.
  • Directed all aspects of the program including faculty leadership, scheduling, program planning, and student development.
  • Mentored dancers in technique, artistry, performance quality, audition preparation, and professional development.
  • Designed and produced workshops, master classes, summer intensives, and performance opportunities.
  • Collaborated with faculty to establish training standards and progression benchmarks across multiple age and skill levels.
  • Directed competition and performance teams, earning regional and national recognition for choreography and student achievement.
  • Fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment focused on artistic growth, confidence, discipline, and creative expression.

Education

Associate of Arts -

Riverside Community College
2001

Skills

  • Choreography
  • Jazz, Contemporary
  • Improvisation
  • Technical Training
  • Dance Conditioning
  • Strength & Flexibility
  • Creative Expression
  • Performance Production
  • Audition Preparation
  • Jazz Barre

Accomplishments

    Recipient of numerous choreography, achievement, and judges' awards throughout a 20+ year career in dance education and performance.

    • Honored with the 2019 Industry Dance Award, one of the dance industry's highest recognitions for excellence in choreography.

    • Mentored hundreds of dancers, many of whom have gone on to successful professional careers in the performing arts, entertainment industry, professional sports organizations, and higher education.

    • Former students have earned full and partial college scholarships, performed with professional dance companies, joined NFL and NBA dance teams, appeared in film, television, and commercial productions, and performed with nationally recognized organizations including the Rockettes.

    • Developed and directed award-winning competition programs, producing regional and national title holders, scholarship recipients, and industry-recognized performers.

    • Founded and led Project Unveiled Dance Company, creating performance opportunities that fostered artistic growth, confidence, leadership, and community engagement.

    • Dedicated to empowering young artists through mentorship, technical training, and personal development, helping students build confidence, resilience, professionalism, and lifelong skills that extend beyond the stage.

About Marlena

I believe education extends far beyond technical training. My goal is to help students develop confidence, discipline, creativity, resilience, and a sense of purpose that will serve them both inside and outside the classroom. I believe the place where dancers train is their safe space. 

Timeline

Company Founder/Executive Director/Creative Producer

Project Unveiled Dance Company
01.2014 - 2019

Artistic Director of Commercial Program

Pacific Coast Academy of Dance
01.2009 - 2019

Master Teacher, Judge, Guest Choreographer

Southern California and Additional States
2006 - 2024

Associate of Arts -

Riverside Community College

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