Spencer John Powell (Artistic Director) –

Spencer John Powell is the Artistic Director of Mounarath Powell Dance (formerly Visionary Dance Theatre and Visionary School for the Performing Arts). More than thirty years of experience as a performer, choreographer, teacher, director, and producer have earned him awards and guided the studio’s success. Powell’s early background in musical theatre, ballet, and modern dance, along with performances in all dance genres, led to his passion for choreography that empowers artists and performers.

Originally from Utah, Powell attended Weber State University (full ride talent scholarship), studied dance and theatre in Houston and New York (including with Penelope Dudleston, former New York City Ballet dancer), was mentored by Jeanne Travers (University of South Florida, School of Theatre and Dance), and served as Education Coordinator (Utah Head Start Program). He performed with Utah Musical Theatre, Orchesis Dance Theatre, Weber State Performing Arts, Discovery Dance Theatre, Junction City Theatre, and Another Language Performing Arts Company, and was Artistic Director of Ogden Contemporary Dance Theatre. Powell also co-founded and directed Tanner-Powell Dance Theatre and in 1994 founded Kidz Danz Kompany. After moving to Southern California, he re-established KDK as San Diego’s first – and only – children’s modern dance company, which performs in association with Visionary.

Powell’s work continues to have an impact in the arts, both locally and internationally. He has been guest teacher for North Coast Repertory Theatre and was invited to teach master classes in African-American dance form and in collective choreography at Soul Music and Performing Arts Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Also in Vietnam, his piece “Son of Cain” – that was commissioned by The Movement Kitchen and sponsored by the American Embassy in Vietnam – made its debut there in 2019. Though now retired from performing on the professional stage (after playing the lead role of Edna in a 2015 production of Hairspray), Powell is in demand as a choreographer, director, and producer for professional and community theatre musical revues and plays. Most recently, he directed and choreographed the Coronado Playhouse production of Ain’t Misbehavin’, for which he earned a 2022 Best Director nomination.

By collaborating with authors, musicians, and visual artists, as well as welcoming all participants – whether able-bodied or of varying economic, ethnic, gender, racial, or social status – Powell advocates for the wider arts community.  Co-creating Mounarath-Powell Productions (with Visionary Business Director Mickey Mounarath) promotes that vision by producing works from emerging and professional artists in all disciplines. And, seeing the accomplishments of former students that are performing on the Broadway stage, dancing with major ballet and modern dance companies, or becoming teachers, college professors, and arts professionals, is why Spencer John Powell is passionate about empowering artists and performers.

Mickey Mounarath (Business Director) – Mickey Mounarath is the Business Director of Mounarath Powell Dance (formerly Visionary Dance Theatre, Visionary School for the Performing Arts, and Mounarath-Powell Productions). He co-produces all of the dance concerts, recitals, and musical theatre productions and manages the lighting design and direction in studio. Mounarath also coordinates and arranges performance events for Visionary at other public venues.

As a former member of Ogden Contemporary Dance Theatre and performer with Orchesis Dance Theatre and Another Language Performing Arts, Mounarath’s earlier experience as a dancer prepared him for his current work in the arts. He has co-produced numerous plays in the Directors’ Showcase Series and has done lighting projects for other dance companies and colleges as well.

Mounarath and his decades-long career in the computer industry is what maintains both the financial solvency and the technical artistry necessary for operations with Mounarath Powell Dance.

Caley Hernandez (Executive Director, Dancer) – Caley Hernandez began dancing at eight, joining the dance company La Diego II at thirteen. She received scholarships for professional training at The Academy of Performing Arts and performed in San Diego Ballet’s Nutcracker before relocating to the Pacific Northwest. There, she danced professionally with Polaris Dance Theatre, trained at Northwest Dance Project and The Portland Ballet, and engaged in film and other dance projects. In 2018, Caley returned as a company dancer, choreographer, and instructor for Mounarath Powell Dance, becoming the Studio Manager in 2020. She has performed in San Diego Dance Theatre’s Young Choreographer’s Showcase, Jason Mraz’s 2020 musical production, Shine, and La Jolla Playhouse’s 2021 Pop-Up Wow Festival. In 2022, she directed and choreographed an original production of The Nutcracker: In A Nutshell for Mounarath Powell Dance School, continuing to innovate with new variations annually. In 2023, Caley was a featured dancer in the rock musical, Light My Fire and presented new choreography multiple times for, The Gathering, hosted by Kevin Jenkins and Ballet Counterpointe. Last year she was selected to present her work, The Joy of Dance, at the Bill Evans Somatic Dance and Movement Conference in Washington and furthered her training in New York City.​ In March, Caley curated and directed the spring performance of the MPD company.