As the countdown begins for the spectacular Miss California International Grand Finale, the stage is set to come alive with the magic of choreography, creativity, and culture.
At the heart of this dazzling spectacle is Dina Michelle Silver, the talented and dedicated Official Choreographer, renowned for her transformative work at Silver Dance Academy — an award-winning dance academy with locations in Roseville, the Bay Area, and San Francisco. In this exclusive interview, Alisa Yurchenko, President of the Council For Cross Cultural Affairs and the Miss California International beauty contest organizer, delves into Dina’s artistic vision, her approach to working with the contestants, and the secrets behind curating a show that transcends beauty and becomes a powerful expression of movement and multicultural unity.
Dina, thank you very much for being the official choreographer for Miss California International for several years. Can you tell us about your journey at Silver Dance Academy?
Thank you so much Alisa! Silver Dance Studio was born from my dream of creating a space where dance becomes a tool for empowerment, self-expression, and connection. We started in Roseville over 7 years ago and gradually expanded into the Bay Area, with locations in Pleasant Hill and San Jose. Over the years, it’s become more than just a studio — it’s a growing community. Our dancers range from beginners to professionals, and we pride ourselves on building not only technique but confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging.
What is your overarching creative vision for the pageant finale’s choreography this year?
This year’s vision is rooted in strength and transformation. I wanted to craft a performance that reflects the inner power of each contestant — not just their grace, but their resilience, their journey, and their voice. The choreography merges elegance with bold, dynamic movements, symbolizing a modern woman who leads with heart and purpose.
How many performances or stage acts will be presented by the finalists on stage this year?
This year, we’re presenting five stage acts: the grand opening, the introduction, the main dance, the interview, and the final walk. Each piece is carefully choreographed to not only highlight the contestants’ grace, personalities and cultural heritage but also create a dynamic and emotionally engaging flow for the entire show.
How do you balance showcasing the contestants’ individuality with creating a cohesive and visually stunning performance?
Balancing individuality with cohesion is essential. I take time to understand each contestant’s personality, style and comfort zone. Then I design choreography that allows personal expression within a unified framework. It’s like building a mosaic — each dancer is distinct, but together they create a compelling picture.
What are the biggest challenges you face when choreographing for a live, competitive event like this, and how do you overcome them?
Timing and adaptability. The stage, lighting, sound, and contestants’ experience levels are constantly shifting variables. My approach is to stay flexible, plan thoroughly, and keep the energy grounded. I also teach the contestants how to respond to unexpected moments with confidence — that’s a vital skill on any stage.
Can you share a glimpse of the rehearsal process? What techniques or exercises do you use to bring out the best in the contestants?
Each contestant joins me for both group rehearsals and regular dance classes. This dual approach is intentional — we’re not just learning choreography, we’re preparing the body and the mind for the spotlight. We focus on posture, elegance, fluidity and the art of walking confidently in heels. Every detail matters onstage.
But it’s not just about movement. We talk openly about what it means to be part of a team while still standing out as an individual.
I guide them through the process of uncovering their confidence — softening what needs refining and encouraging what needs to shine.
We tell them honestly: only the truly committed will stand out. This experience asks, “How far are you willing to go to grow?” We provide the tools, but the transformation always comes from within. And when it does, it’s unforgettable.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working with contestants from diverse backgrounds?
Their stories. Every woman brings her heritage, values, and dreams to the room. It reminds me that dance is a universal language — we may all move differently, but we’re expressing the same hopes and truths. Seeing them uplift each other despite their differences is always incredibly moving.
In what ways do you think the choreography enhances the overall experience for the audience and judges?
It brings emotion to the surface. Choreography is what connects the audience to the heart of the show. Beyond beauty or fashion, movement allows us to witness each contestant’s spirit and story. It creates a lasting impression — not just of what they look like, but who they are. Through movement, we reveal strength, vulnerability and purpose.
What special features or surprises can we look forward to in this year’s choreography?
Expect bold transitions, unexpected formations, and a moment of collective stillness that will be very symbolic. There’s also a surprise segment featuring traditional elements fused with modern dance — a tribute to the multicultural roots of California.
How do you adapt your choreographic process to work with contestants of different skill levels and backgrounds?
We choreograph with versatility in mind — offering layered options for movement, so everyone can perform at their level while contributing equally to the visual impact. We also coach contestants individually when needed, so no one feels left behind.
What has been your favorite performance at past Miss California International events, and why?
To me, every year’s choreography holds a special place — each one is distinct, memorable and created with heart. I remember every contestant, and I deeply value the time they spent with us, both in rehearsals and on stage.
Since my studio took on the role of lead choreographer, we’ve seen the show evolve creatively and technically. Together with the incredible vision of the organizers, we’ve introduced trending music, custom musical arrangements and striking lighting effects that elevate the production year after year. It’s a true team effort — and I’m honored to be part of that journey.
What stands out most is the feedback. From the time I joined as choreographer, audience members have expressed how inspired and impressed they are — often returning year after year and telling us how the show continues to grow. That tells me we’re creating something meaningful and memorable, and it motivates us to keep reaching higher.
How do you coordinate with the event’s organizer, producer, and other team members to ensure a seamless and professional presentation?
Strong coordination with the production team is essential. We hold planning meetings, stage walk-throughs and run technical rehearsals to ensure everything flows smoothly. I also stay in close contact with lighting and audio teams to align the movement with the stage environment.
Can you describe how you approach costume and staging to complement the choreography?
Every costume is chosen to amplify the movement — nothing that restricts, everything that flows or enhances posture. Color palettes reflect the mood of each act. For staging, I design formations and floor patterns that create depth and connection with the audience, even from the back row.
How does the energy and excitement of the live audience influence the final performance on stage?
The energy of a live audience changes everything. When the contestants feel that support — the applause, the cheers, even the quiet anticipation — they come alive in a whole new way.
It transforms the performance from something rehearsed into something real and electric. And that’s exactly what I teach them — to feed off the audience’s energy, to let the attention ignite something inside them. I encourage them to feel the connection, absorb the moment and open up even more. When a performer truly responds to the audience, it creates a powerful exchange. That’s when the performance becomes unforgettable — for everyone in the room.
What do you find most inspiring about working on such a large-scale, multicultural event?
What inspires me most is the sense of unity that this event creates. It brings together women from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds, each with their own story, energy and purpose. It’s more than just a pageant — it’s a celebration of identity, strength and shared experience.
As an artist, I believe that every choreographer, like any creator, leaves a mark through their work. This stage gives me the opportunity to express my vision and craft in a way that reaches a wide and diverse audience. To create something meaningful, on this scale, and to know it resonates beyond the performance — that’s incredibly fulfilling.
My work here feels like more than choreography; it’s a contribution to the dance world, a way of shaping how movement can connect, uplift and inspire people on a broader level.
How do you think the pageant has evolved over the years in terms of its choreography and overall artistic presentation?
The pageant has grown tremendously in its artistic scope. We’ve moved away from the more traditional roots of beauty contests, where presentation focused solely on appearance. Today, the choreography highlights not just grace, but strength, individuality and inner confidence.
Our goal is to present each contestant as more than just a beautiful face — but as a unique, empowered woman with presence and purpose. The choreography is designed to reflect that, while also building a true sense of teamwork. It’s not about competition on stage — it’s about unity, shared energy and mutual support. That shift in focus has brought a deeper level of authenticity to the entire show.
What advice would you give to aspiring choreographers who dream of working on major cultural events like Miss California International?
My advice: Stay open, adaptable and intentional. Study not just movement, but also people. Learn to communicate clearly, manage stress and bring out the best in your dancers. Relationships and emotional intelligence are key in high-level choreography.
Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding moment you’ve experienced while working with the pageant contestants in previous years?
One of the most memorable moments for me was working with a contestant who arrived very shy and unsure of herself. She barely spoke during rehearsals and at one point considered dropping out of the show. But through consistent support and encouragement, she gradually gained confidence and, by the finale, walked the stage with poise and strength.
Moments like that are why I do this work. I dedicate a lot of time and energy to helping contestants like her — those who may not immediately see their own potential. Through movement, coaching and personal connection, we work together to bring that confidence forward.
Most of the women who take part in this pageant aren’t just here to win a beauty title. They come with a deeper purpose — to express something meaningful or grow through the experience. My role is to help them uncover that strength and step into the spotlight as their most empowered selves.
Finally, what do you hope the audience takes away from the performance on November 7th?
I hope the audience walks away inspired — not just by beauty, but by the depth of expression, unity and purpose they witness on stage. This performance is about more than choreography; it’s about showing the strength, individuality and spirit of each woman who steps into the spotlight.
As a choreographer, I carry a personal mission: I truly believe that anyone can learn to dance.
Dance is a universal language, and I see it as a way to build confidence, connect people and spark transformation. I love what I do, and I share that love through every step, every rehearsal and every show.
It would be a joy and an honor to continue sharing that passion with an even wider audience — one performance, one dancer, one moment at a time.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE:
The Grand Finale of the Miss California International competition will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025, in Sacramento, California and applications are now officially open!
📩 APPLY NOW:
www.MissCaliforniaInternational.com/apply or text the word CASTING to: (916) 519-6461
Buy Tickets: (916) 483-5454
Casting Call Sponsor:
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This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics, the city had no editorial influence over this story. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Hmong Daily News, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.
