Mission

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mISSION

Soul of Cali is a creative arts haven for kids, and kids at heart. We specialize in hip hop inspired dance, story telling, and collaboration between instructors and students. SOC hosts school year classes, seasonal camps, private lessons, and events.

Our joy felt mission is providing programs for families who value inclusive, collaborative learning experiences through the arts. Soul of Cali's circle of mentors and peers are devoted to protecting a haven that cultivates growth with out judgment, inspires genuine expression, and develops confidence from the inside out.

A few of our favorite things:
Nourishing unique skill sets and perspectives
Moving our bodies, minds, and spirits

The power of peace and diverstiy

Friendship, teamwork, and strong sportsmanship

A bright and bountiful future for all

"Wherever you stand be the soul of that place."

Whether we are on the stage, the field, the court, in the kitchen, lab, or studio,

"Practice makes magic."

We show up, and grow together.

Founder & Director Lisa Medford

As my mother watched “Dirty Dancing” in the movie theater, I made my dance debut with a kick in the womb.

My early youth was immersed in the discipline and grace of the

"Evergreen City Ballet", directed by Wade Walthall. Memories of 30 hour dance weeks, true sisterhood, and Swan Lake, feels like a life time ago, but the deep connection ballet has given me to dance and community still pulses strong.

At age 16, the liveliness of the Seattle Hip-Hop scene drew me in, and inspired me to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the music and dance industry. After moving to Los Angeles, I toured China as a dancer for Pop Star Jay Chou, trained in New York City at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and lived a fantasy as the futuristic e leading lady in Steve Aoki and Waka Flocka’s music video, "Rage the Night Away." (parent advisory due to language)

In 2012 I founded "Soul of Cali", a place for youth to create, and discover personal style from the inside out.

With over 10 years of experience teaching in dance studios, public schools, colleges, and reggio based preschools, I have arrived at a lively crossroad between dance instruction and early childhood education. My teaching approach is rooted in collaborating with kids, in the moment, to stir up fresh and original dance adventures. We are story tellers with "cool tools". Our tools are our music, movement, and imagination. Our work is to keep these tools clean, sharp, organized, and loved, so we can continue refine how we use them, and find new ways to utilize them. Our team agreement is to keep our minds open, learn patiently, and support one another, since we are way cooler and happier together.

“Save the World”,my first published dance along for kids, produced by Mega Mace, has been translated into several languages and broadcasted by Cyberobics through out Europe.

Learning through collaborative play is my passion. I am honored for the opportunity to do this through our classes, camps, and events.

I prefer savory to sweet, baggy to fitted, tube socks to ankle socks, and breakfast burritos to regular ones. I love cozy rainy days, neon colors, friends that make me laugh, and being a friend that brings laughter...oh! and dancing of course!