Cindy Montoya-Picker
1523 Locust St., Pasadena, CA 91106
818-395-3288
cindy@cindymontoya.com
Professional Choreography Experience
- Film
Choreographed dance and movement for scenes in many films, including Coming to America, Karate Kid III, and the Academy Award winning American Beauty. Coached and trained dancers and actors including Matthew Perry, David Chappelle, Nicolette Sheridan, and Kevin Spacey, and worked with directors such as Mel Brooks, John Landis, and Sam Mendes. - Stage
Developed concept, staging, and choreography for artists, performers and musicians in live music productions. Clients have included Paula Abdul, Michael Bolton, Barry Manilow, Luther Vandross, George Michael, and Jim Belushi. - TV/Commercials
Coordinated and choreographed dance sequences for many television productions, including the 1990 Academy Awards, The Tracey Ullman Show, Jay Leno, and Saturday Night Live, as well as commercial advertising spots for McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Coca-Cola, Mattel, and Sharp Electronics. - Music Video
Choreographed and trained artists and dancers for music videos as seen on MTV and VH1. Artists include Paula Abdul, Michael Bolton, Steve Winwood, Wilson Pickett, and Dan Akroyd.
Teaching Experience
- Polytechnic School
Dance & Yoga/Pilates Teacher, 2001-2006.
Taught Movement/Dance to grades 6-12. Developed and taught new Yoga/Pilates course. Choreographed for many school productions including Lower School dance performances and Upper School musicals. Created summer school dance program for grades K-12, taught jazz/hip hop for summer Skills Enrichment Program. - US Dance Conference
Master Teacher, 1985-99.
Invited to lecture and teach for dance conferences and dance studios throughout the U.S., Japan, and Mexico. Collaborated with Olympic Gold medalist Bart Connor in developing a gymnastics/dance program for underprivileged kids in South Africa. - Glendale Community College
Dance Teacher, 1995-2000.
Taught jazz dance and aerobics, choreographed for school dance productions. - Orange County High School of the Arts
Dance Teacher, 1989-92.
Taught intermediate and advanced jazz technique and composition, choreographed dance concerts, advised and prepared students for professional career in commercial or theatrical dance.
Related Experience
- Performed for Prince Charles and Lady Diana at the Prince’s Trust, London, 1989.
- Cheerleader for Los Angeles Lakers, 1982-84, and Los Angeles Rams, 1981.
- UCLA Cheer and Dance Squad, 1977-80.
- Dance & Cheer Instructor for United Spirit Association, 1976-1980.
Education
- Stott Pilates, Certified Pilates Instructor, 2002.
- National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer, 2001.
- Dance Apprenticeship with former Alvin Ailey principal dancer, Claude Thompson, 1983-84.
- University of California, Los Angeles, Bachelor of Arts in Dance, 1981.
- Pasadena Dance Theater Ballet Company, 1972-1976.
Personal Statement
Throughout my professional career as a dance performer and choreographer, I have also been a teacher. Helping students of all ages to discover and develop their artistic talents has become a true passion. I am especially interested in applying current neurological research (multiple intelligences, learning theory) to the development of a new dance curriculum for adolescents.