OUR MISSION
Westside offers four levels of dance including Introduction to Dance, Intermediate Dance, Intermediate/Advanced Dance, and Advanced Dance. Students are also provided performance opportunities through Inertia Dance Company and Annual Westside Dance Performances. The first three levels are technique-based focusing on various disciplines (including modern dance, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, musical theatre, and contemporary), dance history, choreography and performance. Both written and practical assessments are administered throughout the year.
Westside Dance requires an audition process for all upper level dance classes and Inertia Dance Company and Inertia 2. Auditions are generally held in April for the following school year. Inertia Dance Company and Inertia 2 are performance-based, and also meet as a class during the school day. Both organizations require after school rehearsals and performances throughout the entire school year.
Inertia aspires to create the total theater experience that is satisfying to the most existential mind while also being compelling to the general audience. What makes the Inertia program unique is the integration of technology in our classrooms, class projects and theater productions, given that Westside High School is a magnet school for integrated technology.
Inertia strives to achieve:
Creative and entertaining body of work guided by the mission of Inertia
Educating young men and women from various walks of life about discipline and excellence in the classroom.
Collaborating with other artists and companies including, but not limited to musicians, lighting designers, costume designers, set designers, filmmakers, and other choreographers.
Offering teaching and choreographic opportunities at festivals, studios, and public schools both private and public.
The Westside Dance Program offers students a wide variety of dance styles and techniques. Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to study dance as part of their academic program fulfilling fine art, physical education, or elective credit. Courses are structured from NDEO and TEA dance curriculum guidelines.
Inertia has become an integral and respected program, not only in HISD but the Houston dance scene. Inertia strives to achieve:
Creative and entertaining body of work guided by the mission of Inertia
Educating young men and women from various walks of life about discipline and excellence in the classroom.
Collaborating with other artists and companies including, but not limited to musicians, lighting designers, costume designers, set designers, filmmakers, and other choreographers.
Offering teaching and choreographic opportunities at festivals, studios, and public schools both private and public.
Inertia aspires to create the total theater experience that is satisfying to the most existential mind while also being compelling to the general audience. What makes the Inertia program unique is the integration of technology in our classrooms, class projects and theater productions, given that Westside High School is a magnet school for integrated technology.
Amberly Altamirano Daniels
Artistic Director
Originally born in Brownsville Texas, Mrs. Daniels is an alumni from Sam Houston State University where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Choreography and Performance. While completing her BFA, she performed for NobleMotion Dance and performed various works choreographed by Elijah Gibson, Manuel Vignoulle, Revolve Dance Company, Recked Productions and Bliss Kohlmyer. She appeared as a Vegas Finalist for Season 10’s “So You Think You Can Dance” and was also awarded “Fan Favorite” for RGV’s annual Dancing with the Stars event. Upon graduation, Daniels had the privilege of performing as a company member with NobleMotion Dance and founded NobleMotion's pre-professional youth company, NMD2. Daniels is now established at Westside High School's Inertia Dance Company and performing with Social Movement Contemporary Dance to further extend her artistry through teaching, choreography, and performance.
Antonio Olivares
Assistant Artistic Director
Born and raised in Houston Texas, Mr. Olivares is an Inertia alumnus who graduated in 2016. Antonio comes from a family of three older sisters who all went through the Inertia Dance program which inspired him to follow their same footsteps. Olivares began his dance journey as an 8th grader at West Briar Middle School and continued to further his dance education as an Inertian. Through the Inertia program, “Mr. O” learned a multitude of things. After he graduated he knew he wanted to be a director and choreographer because of the instruction he received. Upon graduating from Westside High School, Antonio was given the privilege to serve as the Breaking Director for the Lanier Middle School Dance Department. Throughout his time at Lanier, he helped bring Lanier dance program both State and National titles for choreography and originality. After much success, he received confirmation that he’s on the correct path. One of the things Antonio Olivares is most thankful for is the ability to carry on the Inertia Dance Company legacy. He looks forward to helping and inspiring the next generation of dancers.
INTRODUCING THE INERTIA COMPANY DANCERS
2023 - 2024
