State’s Best Dance Teacher

Pictured above, Keisha Clark-Booth, dance director at Cabrillo High School. Photo courtesy of George Simian.

Keisha Clark-Booth, a dance director at Cabrillo High School, has been named the California Dance Teacher of the Year by the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD).

The award recognizes outstanding teaching performance and the ability to motivate today's youth to participate in a lifetime of physical activity.

Clark-Booth has over 20 years of valuable experience and has studied under several renowned dance educators and professionals. In 2004, she began working for the Long Beach Unified School District as the dance director at Jordan High School. Currently, she serves Cabrillo High School as the director of the Cabrillo Dance Company and the school's dance department, where she has been since 2006.

"I'm honored to be recognized as the Dance Educator of the Year. This award means a lot to me because it pays homage to everyone who has ever poured their knowledge into me. My mom, Erin Landry, Pat Taylor, Sharron Grady and my entire dance village. I take them with me wherever I go!” Clark-Booth shared.

Clark-Booth has strong family ties with the District as all three of her children have attended 菠菜网lol正规平台 schools. Additionally, her husband, Worren Booth, serves as the activities director at Lakewood High School, and her sister-in-law, Dr. Thyjuan Harris, serves as assistant principal at McBride High School. 

“As a professional dancer and choreographer, Clark-Booth brings skill, experience and excellence to any assignment she’s given,” states Stephanie Butler Adams, executive director of the Long Beach Unity Festival Inc. “Her impact on thousands of youths over her 20-plus years of teaching and performing cannot be denied.”

As a state winner, Clark-Booth is eligible to apply for the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America’s Western District Dance Teacher of the Year Award.