Finding the Light Benefit Concert
Director, Choreographer of: The Darkness and Finding the Light, and dancer
Melinda Moran
Melinda Moran is a creative dancer, teacher, entrepreneur, and choreographer native to San Diego.
One of the first members of COSA Dance, she trained in her teens and continued her training in college. She excelled at CSUF and found a home in Santa Ana at The Academy of Dance. There Merle Sepel-Wagner nurtured her passion and taught her a strong sense of classical ballet technique. While with AOD she was individually invited to SUNY Purchase Summer 2008 to be a counselor and student at the American Academy of Ballet Summer School of Excellence with Mignon Furman. After she graduated from CSU, Fullerton in 2010 she began teaching non-stop and feels best when sharing her love of classical ballet.
As a dancer she had the joy of working with choreographers like: Merle Sepel-Wagner, Mignon Furman, Jean Travers, Betzie Roe, Spencer Powell, and Elyssa Dru Rosenberg. Her greatest experience was being a part of Lara Segura's Liquid Flux Part 3 in April 2016.
After that performance she never took her eye off the goal to some day perform on the water again. With many people and creatures in need especially after the pandemic, She decided it was time. In 2023 she decided to create Finding the Light, a Benefit Concert. Focused on encouraging donations to more than a dozen charities, and getting on the water to perform again.
Dancer and Choreographer of The Light
Courtney Pinns
Courtney Pinns has had a lifelong passion for both dance and ocean conservation. Her ballet training began in her teen years and has continued throughout her adult life. She previously trained at Lou Conte Dance Studio, Joel Hall Dance Center, and with Elements Contemporary Ballet in Chicag, as well as, at the University of South Florida. A desire to study marine biology has brought her to San Diego, where she has performed and choreographed with San Diego Mesa College, as well as many other local dance events. She has trained extensively with Kathryn Grey at Stage 7 Ballet School, and also with City Ballet School of San Diego. Her passion, dedication, and belief in the healing power of dance has led to her stellar training and artistry. She is thrilled to be performing as well as choreographing in Finding the Light, a benefit Concert. Merging her love of dance, the ocean, and helping others.
Artists
Zhenya Nommesen
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Zhenya Nommensen is an up and coming artist who specializes in drawing and painting. This local San Diegan is just starting her career.
Her powerful details will instantly captivate you.
Zhenya has pledged %50 of her proceeds to Generate Hope. Please see the DONATE page for more information on this wonderful charity.
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@messygalang
Missy Galang
Is an established artist here in San Diego who has vibrant work that promotes feelings. Her paintings are hauntingly passionate and beautiful.
About her work:
"My work is my attempt to capture my popcorn thoughts. You know those fleeting bursts of ideas, that pop in and out of our minds ie kernels in a hot pan. its like my brain is in a constant day dream, with unruly ideas wrestling for attention, pushing me to capture them on canvass.
I never know which idea will pop up first, or how they will connect. It's like a delightful surprise with each new thought that bursts out. nSome ideas fizzle out quickly, while others keep popping. Growing into something extraordinary. My creative process is utterly chaotic. And thrilling! It's a wild combination of ideas flowing in all directions, and I have learned to embrace the madness and take things as they come.
Often, some sort of story reveals itself, and I hope you enjoy exploring them. I must confess-Im not much of a reader myself, so these visual narratives are my own way of storytelling. "
Missy has pledged %20 of her proceeds to The Salvation Army Kroc Center Arts and Education Scholarships and Promises2Kids.
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Sean Saunders
https://lightroom.aapp.link/NTva0wjcIDb
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Sean Saunders, also known as, SeanShotThat Photography…
is a newly relocated portrait/event photographer/videographer that is making his rounds from Las Vegas to San Diego and everywhere in between.
Known for his sharp imagery, candid shots & always capturing the moment. You will definitely enjoy seeing the world through his lens.
Sean has pledged %20 of his proceeds to The Center for Black Equity.
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Infinity Skye Photography
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Inna Nommesen
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Inna is a freelance photographer. When she is not using her keen eye to take brilliant photos she is working for a local non-profit. She has been shooting in San Diego for almost a decade. Her work shows raw emotion and palpable joy.
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