Meet the Artists Behind DG School of the Arts' Dance & Acting Programs
At DG School of the Arts, we believe that every person is born with a God-given purpose, and art is one of the most powerful ways to discover and express that calling. As we prepare for our Fall 2026 launch in the Durham and Raleigh areas, we are thrilled to pull back the curtain and introduce you to the heart of our performing arts faculty: Matthew and Alicia Sanchez.
With over 15 years of professional and ministry-based experience each, Matthew and Alicia aren’t just instructors; they are mentors who have spent their lives at the intersection of technical excellence and spiritual devotion. Whether you are looking for performing arts for adults, homeschool art classes, or a place for your teen to grow, the Sanchez family brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for helping students honor God with their talents.
The Acting Department: Storytelling with Substance
Led by Matthew Sanchez
Acting is more than memorizing lines; it’s about the "Stage Within": the internal journey an artist takes to reflect truth on the outside. Matthew Sanchez brings a rigorous, professional approach to acting that focuses on both the technical "how" and the spiritual "why."
Matthew’s background is rooted in over a decade of work at the Hope Center Arts Academy in New Jersey. His expertise spans from stage production and direction to intensive performance techniques. One of the core methodologies Matthew brings to DG School of the Arts is the Meisner technique. This approach focuses on "living truthfully under imaginary circumstances," teaching students to get out of their own heads and truly listen and respond to their scene partners.
What Students Will Explore in Acting Classes:
- Meisner Technique: Developing instincts, emotional availability, and the ability to be fully present in the moment.
- Character Development: Learning how to build a character from the ground up, understanding their motivations, and finding the "God-given story" within every role.
- Stage Combat & Movement: Understanding the physical life of a performer, from safe stage movement to the discipline of body awareness.
- Storytelling & Script Writing: Moving beyond the page to understand the structure of a narrative and how to steward a message that resonates with an audience.
Matthew believes that "every voice carries a God-given story." His goal is to train artists in professional discipline while helping them find the unique purpose behind their craft. For those seeking acting classes that go deeper than the surface, Matthew’s classes offer a space to grow in skill and character.
The Dance Department: Worship in Motion
Led by Alicia Sanchez
Dance is a language of the soul. At DG School of the Arts, our dance program is designed to build a strong technical foundation while allowing students to explore the heights of creative worship. Leading this department is Alicia Sanchez, a specialist in movement, choreography, and leadership.
Alicia’s journey in dance is marked by a commitment to excellence. She is a decorated artist, having earned multiple national honors at the Fine Arts Festival, including First Place in Troupe Hip-Hop and First Place in Human Video. Like Matthew, she spent over 15 years at Hope Center Arts Academy, where she not only taught but also led choreography for major seasonal productions and weekly ministry services.
What Students Will Explore in Dance Classes:
- Foundations of Technique: We believe you cannot truly dance without a correct foundation. Students will dive into the technical disciplines of ballet and modern dance, which provide the strength and form needed for all other styles.
- Worship Dance & Flags: Exploring how movement can be used as a direct expression of faith and prayer.
- Creative Movement & Choreography: Teaching students not just to follow steps, but to understand the "history of dance" and how to create their own sequences that tell a story.
- Modern & Contemporary Styles: Incorporating fluid, modern movements that emphasize expression and spiritual flow.
Alicia’s approach is centered on the idea that our bodies are temples, and movement is a way to steward that gift. Whether you are looking for homeschool art classes that offer high-level technical training or a place to explore worship dance, Alicia provides a nurturing environment where discipline meets joy.
A Shared Legacy: Standing In Babylon and Beyond
One of the most unique aspects of the Sanchez family is their collaborative history. Both Matthew and Alicia were key members of the Standing In Babylon tour, a theatrical concert series that brought musical narratives to life across a small tour. They have spent years working together on large-scale Easter and Christmas productions, where the lines between acting, dance, and set design blurred into a unified artistic offering.
This experience is exactly what we are building at DG School of the Arts. We aren’t just a school with separate silos; we are an interdisciplinary community. Matthew and Alicia understand how a dancer’s movement supports an actor’s monologue, and how a stage director’s vision empowers every artist on the floor.
Why Faith-Based Arts Education Matters
In a world that often separates "art" from "faith," DG School of the Arts is doing something different. We are creating a bridge. For the artist who feels like their talent doesn’t "fit" in a traditional church setting, or the student who feels their faith is ignored in a traditional studio, DG School of the Arts is home.
Our faith-based art education isn't about being less professional; it's about being more intentional. We believe that when an artist knows who they are in God, their craft becomes sharper, their character becomes stronger, and their purpose becomes clearer.
We focus on:
- Identity: Finding your voice.
- Character: Growing in humility and discipline.
- Craft: Mastering the technical skills to do your work with excellence.
Join Us for Fall 2026
We are currently preparing for our official launch in September 2026. Our classes are designed for students ages 12 and up, including specialized tracks for adults and homeschool enrichment groups.
Launch schedule:
- Dance: Saturdays 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Acting: Alternating Saturdays 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM and Thursdays 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Are you ready to discover your God-given purpose through art?
Whether you're interested in performing arts for adults or searching for the right dance classes for your teen, visit the website to download the full class schedule and secure your spot today. Spaces for our Fall 2026 "Founding Circle" are limited as we maintain small class sizes for individualized mentorship.
Get Started:
- Visit the website to download the full class schedule.
- Use the enrollment link to secure your spot today.
- Join a community where Kingdom purpose meets artistic excellence.
Let’s grow together. Let’s honor God with our art.