As the academic year draws to a close, Palm Desert High School senior and community reporter Amaya D'Souza is preparing for a major transition. Following a high school career defined by academic rigor and a deep commitment to the arts, D'Souza has officially committed to the University of Southern California for the fall of 2026.
While many seniors are focused on graduation, D'Souza is taking time to highlight the unique value of the public arts education she received through the Aztec Arts Academy. Specifically, she noted that the specialized training offered through the school's dance program is worth an estimated 100,000 dollars per dancer—a level of professional preparation provided entirely at no cost to the students.
A Professional Foundation in Public Schools
The Aztec Arts Academy at Palm Desert High School functions as a Career Technical Education program, designed to prepare students for professional paths in the performing arts. For D'Souza, this meant more than just daily rehearsals. The program provided her with industry-standard certifications that are typically expensive and time-consuming to obtain outside of a school setting.
Over her four years, D'Souza earned:
Mat 1 Pilates certification during her sophomore year.
Mat 2 Pilates certification during her junior year.
Full Apparatus certification, which she completed just weeks ago as a senior.
These certifications mean D'Souza enters college already qualified to work as a professional Pilates instructor, a direct result of the vocational training integrated into her high school dance curriculum.
Working with the Pros
The program also provided the opportunity to work alongside world-class talent, including the Radio City Rockettes. D'Souza and her classmates recently completed a piece choreographed by a Rockette, which will be featured in the upcoming spring performances.
For D'Souza, these experiences provided a sense of confidence and professional presence that she carries into her reporting and academic life. She credits the Aztec Arts program with helping her develop the ability to present herself with poise, a skill she says has been invaluable during her time as a community reporter.
Upcoming Final Performances
Community members have two remaining opportunities to see D'Souza and the Aztec Arts Academy Dance Company in action before the class of 2026 graduates:
Senior Solo Presentation: This Saturday, May 9. D'Souza will present a solo piece she spent the entire last semester choreographing herself.
Big Spring Concert: Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m. This final showcase will feature the collaboration with the Rockettes and serve as the grand finale for the senior dancers.
Looking Ahead to USC
Following graduation, D'Souza will move to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California. She plans to major in Global Business while maintaining her connection to the arts with a minor in dance. Reflecting her interests in media and reporting, she is also looking into a second minor in journalism and communications.
While she is excited to join the spirited community at USC, D'Souza emphasized that her success was built on the foundation of public arts funding in Palm Desert. As other districts across the country face budget cuts for creative programs, she says she feels fortunate to have attended a school that continues to expand its offerings for aspiring artists.
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By: Fred Roggin
May 6, 2026
