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Arts & Entertainment

Fiesta LIVE: Latin Dance

21+

 

Isaiah Meders began his career in dance in 1995 at a small dance studio in Florida. Although he always had a love for dance and the arts, he got a late start compared to a lot of professionals in the industry. Over the last fifteen years, Isaiah has accomplished many things in his career. As a competitor, he took many of his students to competition locally as well as all over the United States. Isaiah also competed professionally in International Latin, American Rhythm, and Theater Arts. Eventually he developed a competition team, Copacabana Dancesport, producing two National Champions in the International Latin and Standard divisions. Isaiah has also served on the board with the AAU Junior Olympics for dance and has taken a group of youth competitors to the 2003 Junior Olympics in Iowa. Aside from Competition, Isaiah has found his calling with teaching. In 1999, Isaiah and his professional partner moved into the Dance Conservatory in Jacksonville, and began their own dance program. In 2002, they started an improv comedy and dance show called Pharcyde Entertainment, comprised of fellow dancers and teachers. This group put on productions and shows combining live stage dancing and film. This group would eventually turn into a non-profit community organization Pharcyde Dance Center. Pharcyde offered an adult social dancing program, a youth performing arts and Latin program as well as performance teams. In 2004 Isaiah co-founded Jacksonville’s first Social Salsa program Dance Salsa Jax, offering Salsa classes and socials in several areas of the city. In 2007 Isaiah also co-founded Jacksonville’s first Rueda program – RuedaJax Salsa. Dance Salsa Jax and RuedaJax Salsa are still in existence in Jacksonville, Fl and continues to thrive under new management. Isaiah also has an interest in film production, which began at a very early age for him. Incorporating film and dance began with Pharcyde Entertainment, eventually developing into a film production company co-founded by Isaiah in 2005, Far & Away Pictures. Far & Away created several film and dance projects for Pharcyde, Dance Salsa Jax, & more! They also produced music videos for local Jacksonville bands and participated in the Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project. Isaiah also served on the board for Norman Studios Silent Film Museum, the only standing silent film studio left in the United States. Isaiah worked to develop a fundraising program that would lead to the build out of a museum at the studios location in the historic area of Arlington. Isaiah and his partner were also hired to choreograph for the feature film, Lonely Hearts and also had the opportunity to teach Selma Hayek and Jared Leto. Isaiah enjoys being part community organizations and has worked side by side with many in the Florida area including: • River City Band • American Heart Association • Norman Studios • ILAB – Independent Living for the Adult Blind • AAU Junior Olympics • Fostering the Arts • United Way Isaiah also had the opportunity to work at the White Oak Plantation, being commissioned by Lisa Rinehart to choreograph an Argentine Tango. Isaiah is currently living and working in Hermosa Beach, California. He continues to teach & choreograph as well as develop a social dancing program at several locations in the Southern California.

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