board

Carolyn James, Secretary, was raised in the northern suburbs of Illinois and has studied dance (tap, ballet and jazz) since age five. Ms. James received her Bachelor’s of Science in Fashion Merchandising from Northern Illinois University (NIU). During her tenure at NIU, she excelled in modern, ballet and African dance classes. Ms. James joined the dance troupe Orchesis and served as President for one semester. Following graduation, she moved to California to pursue her dream of working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Since her arrival in the city of bright lights and “take twos,” Ms. James has worked on productions such as “Boys Town” and the features “Heels” and “Crossing Frontiers” as a production assistant. She is currently working in the entertainment industry and remains an advocate of the arts, and, specifically, FUSION Dance Theater and FUSION Performing Dance Academy.

Lisa Levingston, Treasurer, from an early age has embraced two passions: numbers and the arts. She worked as a restaurant booker in high school and progressively worked her way through college in the capacity of accounts payable and receivable positions. Lisa maintains a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from CSU Dominguez Hills. In addition, she is a licensed financial planner and tax preparer in the state of California. Lisa is elated to contribute to the success of FPDA and part of the creative collaboration of music, body, and interpretation of story through the movement of dance.

Maura Gomez, an El Sereno native, graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Cal State Los Angeles She has over 12 years in sales and marketing for a variety of industries. In addition, she has embraced an entrepreneur spirit and plans to launch her line of authentic Mexican cuisine that will be distributed nationally. Maura whole-heartedly supports FPDA's vision.

Raélle Dorfan, born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Raelle immigrated to California in 1999, where she graduated from UCLA World Arts and Culture Dance Department, Summa Cum Laude. After training under the Royal Academy of Dance ballet program & continued studies at the Pretoria Technikon School of the Arts, where the program included Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Flamenco, Modern, Pilate's, Singing, Musical Theater & African dance, Raelle continues to pursue her passion for the arts - producing, performing, choreographing and teaching at various schools and studios in and around the Los Angeles area. Raelle has performed at various venues such as the Levitt Pavillion, Hermosa Beach Playhouse, Japan American Theater, LA Convention Center and UCLA's Freud Playhouse. Raelle was education director of RKDC's residency program at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center and is currently associate to the director of Cadence Arts Network, an agency representing renown dance companies and world music ensembles. Raelle is thrilled to be comea board member of Fusion Performing Dance Academy, where she believes hard work is the essence, and dreams will be born!

Olivia Oshimo, born in Mexico, Olivia has been a resident of Los Angeles since the age of 10. After graduating from Belmont High School, she has worked in both the private and public sector, with the last 13 years (10 years as an Administrative Assistant) with the Los Angeles Unified School District. As a participant in FUSION classes, she has experienced the physical, mental and social benefits of the dance and exercise programs. She also saw first-hand the importance of FUSION programs on the lives of children and adults and Olivia hopes to bring the community perspective to this great organization. In her free time, Olivia enjoys cooking, gardening, traveling and spending time with friends.

Advisory Board

Michael Schantz

Hank Castillo

Allen Desterhaft

Class session for July-August 2011 made possible by support from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs