Dance major Victoria Morena-Tsosie is living her best life at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC), where she has transformed her passion for movement into a journey of self-expression, growth, and mentorship. Recently earning first place in Choreography and second place in Performance for her piece Alchemist in the Maricopa County Community College District’s Artist of Promise competition, Morena-Tsosie shows how with perseverance and community support, she continues to make an impact both on and off the stage. Her dedication to her art was further recognized last semester when she was selected as a guest choreographer for Shadow Mountain High School's fall dance showcase—an opportunity that not only strengthened her skills but also deepened her commitment to her craft.
PVCC and the North Valley Arts Academy (NVAA) have had a longtime partnership that helps pave the way for collaborations that inspire young artists and provide real-world opportunities for students like Morena-Tsosie. Leanne Slater, dance instructor at Shadow Mountain High School and NVAA director, secured a grant through the Arts and Culture City of Phoenix Grant that enabled Morena-Tsosie to choreograph for the fall dance show, bringing her unique artistic vision to life.
Slater first met Morena-Tsosie during the 2023 PVCC Dance Conservatory, and said she was captivated by her artistry and contributions. “I knew she was a mature dance artist with much to say as a dancemaker,” Slater said. “Her attention to detail and ability to create beautiful landscapes on stage made her the perfect candidate to mentor my students.”
Morena-Tsosie’s passion for dance emerged from adversity. Growing up as the daughter of a single, teen mom who graduated from college, she saw her mom as a “superwoman” and her greatest inspiration. While she first encountered hip-hop dance at the age of five, it wasn’t until high school, during a difficult chapter in her life, that she discovered its transformative power. A social worker encouraged her to take classes at the Alice Cooper Solid Rock (ACSR) Teen Center, and through dance, she began to rebuild her confidence and heal from an abusive relationship.
“I loved how dance made me feel,” Morena-Tsosie recalled. “I was able to express so much that I couldn’t with my words.”
Hodgie Jo, director of dance performance at ACSR, became a mentor to Morena-Tsosie when she first arrived at the teen center. As a troubled youth, Jo helped Morena-Tsosie tunnel her frustrations and discontent into creativity. “That’s what I really loved about her,” said Jo. “Victoria wasn’t a typical kid that was satisfied with the status quo and just did what she was told. She always wanted to push herself, learn more, and do more.”
Morena-Tsosie’s dedication led her to drop-in dance classes around the valley, continually elevating her skills. In 2022, she enrolled at PVCC, where she immersed herself in various styles and techniques, adding depth to her artistry. “When I take different classes and develop my technique, I’m able to do so much more in the realm of dance,” she explained.
"Victoria is one of those students who is not afraid to listen to her inner creativity, she is wise, patient, and insightful,” said Sonia Valle, head of PVCC’s dance program. “Her passion for dance is contagious and I'm so thrilled to have her as part of our dance program. I'm proud of not only the dancer she has become at PVCC, but also her determination to get involved in the community as an artist. I know that she has an amazing future ahead and we are here to support her and encourage her along the way."
Shaping the Future of Dance
Morena-Tsosie’s time at Shadow Mountain High School showcased her ability to inspire others. Her piece, La Memoria del Agua (“The Memory of Water”), took the student dancers through a series of somatic practices, creating a safe and expressive environment. The result was a visually stunning and meditative choreography that paid homage to the idea that water holds memory.
“It was magical to see it all unfold from the first class,” Morena-Tsosie reflected. “Working with Leanne and the dancers helped me grow as a person. I had to trust in my creative process.”
Slater praised Morena-Tsosie’s unconventional approach: “She formulated choreographic ideas without the students even realizing it, enriching the experience for everyone involved.”
As Morena-Tsosie approaches graduation in Spring 2025 with degrees in Fine Arts/Dance and Counseling, her future is full of promise. She hopes to continue collaborating with Slater and Shadow Mountain High School and is also in discussions to choreograph for North Canyon High School. Additionally, she is teaching dance cheer at Maryvale Community Center, where she continues to impactful experiences for the next generation of dancers.
“Dance has been my outlet for growth and self-expression, and I want to share that with others, helping them find their voice through movement.”