FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
DONNA STERNBERG
Ms. Sternberg has professionally premiered over 90 works since 1975 throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and Mexico; frequently collaborating with artists of other disciplines including composers, visual artists, poets, actors and digital media as well as scientists. After dancing in the companies of Donald Byrd, Mary Jane Eisenberg, Yen Lu Wong and Dance/LA, she founded Donna Sternberg & Dancers, a contemporary dance company based in Santa Monica, CA, in 1985. Her choreography has been critically acclaimed for its “exceptional ability to communicate through pure movement” (Los Angeles Times). She has choreographed nine full-evening works, most have been inspired by science. Ms. Sternberg has been commissioned to create works for the California Science Center, SIGGRAPH, Dance Moving Forward Festival, California Choreographer’s Festival, Catlin Gabel School in Oregon, Valley College and the Alleluia Dance Theatre.
Alexandria Paige Amstutz
Alexandria Paige Amstutz recently relocated to LA from New York City where she performed with several companies including VISIONS Contemporary Ballet and Bryce Dance Company, and was the Rehearsal Director for both companies. She has performed throughout the United States in live stage performances and also video projects. Alexandria is a graduate of Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in Dance. When she isn’t dancing, Alexandria is a fitness teacher and General Manager at Pure Barre Pasadena.
Robert Huerta
Robert Huerta (he/they) began his training at East Los Angeles College and is a graduate of Cal State University, Long Beach where he completed his BA in Dance Science and his BFA in Dance. During his time at Long Beach, he danced for artists such as Marjani Forté, Rebecca Lemme, Issa Hourani and Brenna Monroe-Cook with whom he performed a restaged work from Jose Limon, Crucifixus. Robert was also mentored by the Costume Shop Manager/Designer, Kelsey Vidic, where he discovered his love for costume design. Presently, Robert works as a freelance artist dancing in projects for artists such as José Argueta, Sarah Stanley, and Janelle Gonzales. He is also a teacher’s assistant for the dance classes at East Los Angeles College, and as a costume designer where he’s had the opportunity to work with artists such as Roderick George for Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company, Justin Morris, and CSULB’s Dance Department.
Anna Kazwell
Anna Kazwell is originally from Ames, Iowa and continued her dance training in Chicago with A&A Ballet’s Youth Company and Visceral Dance Chicago’s Studio Company. She graduated from the University of Utah in May 2023 with her BFA in Modern Dance and BSc. in English. Since moving to Los Angeles as a freelance dance artist, Anna has performed for artist Preston Douglas for his multidisciplinary project Repurposed Religion, presented her own work in collaboration with Rebecca Aguilar, and performed as a dance fellow for Carmel Dance Festival’s Dance & Choreography Fellowship. Her artistic interests lie in human connection, shared experiences, and the abstraction of narrative. When not dancing, Anna is a Pure Barre and dance instructor in the greater L.A. area.
Alyssa Milligan
Alyssa Milligan works as a movement artist in Los Angeles. She has studied classical ballet, modern dance, contemporary dance, and improvisation for many years. After refining her technique in the Alonzo King LINES Ballet BFA program, she graduated and was drawn to movement that emphasizes the expression of authentic experiences and connection.
Alyssa discovered her independence as an artist by creating pieces that combine intentional improvisation with her own choreography. She values collaboration with other movement artists and musicians from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Recognizing the need for more inclusivity and honesty in the Los Angeles performance art community and beyond, she is committed to fostering positive change.
Alyssa has showcased these values in her work at venues such as Art Share LA and Highways Performance Space. She has also worked on music videos and commercials and is a trained fire performer. In 2023, Alyssa joined Donna Sternberg and Dancers as a company member and has enjoyed being involved in several shows and site-specific projects.
Rebecca Aguilar
Rebecca Aguilar, originally from Santa Clarita, California, began her dance journey at the age of four. She graduated from the University of Utah in 2023 with her BFA in Modern Dance and BS in Psychology. During her time in Salt Lake City Rebecca performed works by renowned artists such as Laja Field, Eric Handman, Natalie Desch, Daniel Clifton, Melanie George, and Darrell Moultrie. Upon graduating, Rebecca moved to Los Angeles where she has shared choreographic works, performed, and started a Masters in Psychology at California State University Los Angeles. She is interested in the intersection of mind and body, exploring how movement can serve as a powerful tool for well-being. Rebecca continues to merge her extensive knowledge of psychology with dance, striving to bring her perspective to the Los Angeles dance community.