| The Academy of Dance and School of Performing Arts 5700 Corsa Avenue Suite #106 * Westlake Village, CA 91362 ph: (818) 889-1515 fx: (818) 889-1562 academyofdance@sbcglobal.net |
| Lilly Alexander- Owner/Artistic Director |
| Lilly is originally from New York City and has a dance background equaled by only the great names in dance today. Lilly began her career at four years of age in New York City. At the age of seven, she was seen by George Balanchine and invited to study with the School of American Ballet. At eight, Balanchine awarded Lilly a Ford Foundation Scholarship, and just one year later she directed her career toward professional status by performing with the New York City Ballet Company, at City Center in New York City. Lilly next received a New York State funded scholarship to the High School of Performing Arts, of which she is a graduate. During this process, she acquired additional dance experience with the June Taylor Dancers, Luigis, Joffery Ballet Theatre, The International School of Dance, and Julliard. She has also taken part on and off Broadway in stage appearances, working with the likes of Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, Peter Martins, Ben Vereen and George Balanchine, and performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, City Center, Radio City Musical Hall and the New York World’s Fair. Those from whom Lilly has personally received training include: Nathalie Krassovska, Pierre Valdermeroff, George Balanchine, Anathole Oboukhoff, Alexandra Danilova, Muriel Stuart, Felia Doubrovska and Antonia Tumkovsky. Ms. Alexander co- founded choreographed and taught master classes for the New Jersey Dance Theatre Guild and has been a dance educator for the past 35 years. Many of her students receieved scholarships and awards to The School of American Ballet, ABT, The Joffery Ballet School, The Edge Scholarship Program, National Dance Competitions and other prominent dance studios and companies throughout the USA. Her students have developed into master teachers and have danced and choreographed all over the world. Over the years The Academy of Dance & School of Performing Arts Competition Team has won Best Choreography, Most Entertaining, Cash Prizes as well as Platinum and 1st place awards at an array of Competitions. Lilly has taught master classes and judged at several National Dance Competitions and Conventions. In April of 2008 the Academy’s Competition team performed their undefeated Award Winning Hip Hop routine at half-time for the Los Angeles Avengers Arena Football team at the Staples Center. Many of Lilly’s protégés operate successful Dance Studios, have danced on Carnival Cruise Lines, direct the prestigious Carnival at the Choreographers Ball at the Key Club in Hollywood, and have appeared on stage in Las Vegas, on Broadway, in Videos, Films and Television. The recent movie and TV series “Fame” was a story based on the High School of Performing Arts in New York City. The story speaks for itself, as does Lilly. She has been the Owner and Artistic Director of The Academy of Dance and School of Performing Arts since 1978. |
| Ahjalia Hall - Business Manager/Instructor |
Ahjalia Hall is from San Jose, California and has been training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop for over 20 years.
As the daughter of a professional dancer and studio owner, her passion for dance began at the young age of 2. At age
16, she moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA and pursue dance and dance instruction. At UCLA she was a member
of the nationally ranked UCLA All-Star dance team and a regular in the World Arts and Cultures (Dance) Program.
Ahjalia graduated from UCLA at the age of 20 with a degree in Sociology and Education, which she uses daily in her
work teaching developing dancers. Ahjalia’s versatility is endless as she has taught Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap,
Ballet, Yoga, Cheerleading, and Movement classes to dancers ages 2-65 at over 30 different Pre-schools, Elementary,
Jr. High, High School and dance studios throughout Southern California. She is currently on staff with the United
Spirit Association (USA) as a Head Instructor, Master Teacher, a member of the Program Development Team and
she was recently awarded the prestigious Most Valuable Player Award two years in a row for her outstanding
instruction during the 2007 & 2008 seasons.Ahjalia travels the country teaching Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary &
Lyrical Master classes as well as University Dance Camps to thousands of Junior High High School and College
students throughout the year. She also works actively judging team tryouts, regional and national USA and Golden
State competitions. She has worked with and choreographed for nationally ranked dance teams throughout the United
States, including UCLA’s prestigious dance & spirit team and in May of 2009 she choreographed Boise State
Universities Mane Line Dancers 1st Place Hip Hop Routine at USA Collegiate Nationals. In April 2008 Ahjalia’s
students performed their undefeated Hip Hop routine at half-time for the Los Angeles Avengers Arena Football team
at the Staples Center. She was also an instructor for the half time spirit extravaganza for the
Los Angeles Clippers and most recently worked as a choreographer for recording artist John West and was an
instructor for the NFL Pro Bowl Half-Time Show 2008 in Hawaii with live performers “Lifehouse”. She has been the
director and choreographer for the Competition Team at The Academy of Dance and School of Performing Arts for
the past 8 years and recently helped the students earn numerous Platinum and 1st place awards at competitions in
the 2009 competition season. Some of the teams recent awards were for Most Entertaining and for Best
Choreography as well as $2,000 in cash prizes. She is in her eleventh year teaching at the Academy of Dance and
School of Performing Arts and also works full time as the Business Manager of the studio.She has performed with
some of the top choreographers in the nation at Carnival the Choreographers Ball at the Key Club in Hollywood and
with the Epiphany Dance company. While performing will always be a hobby, her true passion is working with
young developing dancers and watching them learn and grow each year.
As the daughter of a professional dancer and studio owner, her passion for dance began at the young age of 2. At age
16, she moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA and pursue dance and dance instruction. At UCLA she was a member
of the nationally ranked UCLA All-Star dance team and a regular in the World Arts and Cultures (Dance) Program.
Ahjalia graduated from UCLA at the age of 20 with a degree in Sociology and Education, which she uses daily in her
work teaching developing dancers. Ahjalia’s versatility is endless as she has taught Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap,
Ballet, Yoga, Cheerleading, and Movement classes to dancers ages 2-65 at over 30 different Pre-schools, Elementary,
Jr. High, High School and dance studios throughout Southern California. She is currently on staff with the United
Spirit Association (USA) as a Head Instructor, Master Teacher, a member of the Program Development Team and
she was recently awarded the prestigious Most Valuable Player Award two years in a row for her outstanding
instruction during the 2007 & 2008 seasons.Ahjalia travels the country teaching Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary &
Lyrical Master classes as well as University Dance Camps to thousands of Junior High High School and College
students throughout the year. She also works actively judging team tryouts, regional and national USA and Golden
State competitions. She has worked with and choreographed for nationally ranked dance teams throughout the United
States, including UCLA’s prestigious dance & spirit team and in May of 2009 she choreographed Boise State
Universities Mane Line Dancers 1st Place Hip Hop Routine at USA Collegiate Nationals. In April 2008 Ahjalia’s
students performed their undefeated Hip Hop routine at half-time for the Los Angeles Avengers Arena Football team
at the Staples Center. She was also an instructor for the half time spirit extravaganza for the
Los Angeles Clippers and most recently worked as a choreographer for recording artist John West and was an
instructor for the NFL Pro Bowl Half-Time Show 2008 in Hawaii with live performers “Lifehouse”. She has been the
director and choreographer for the Competition Team at The Academy of Dance and School of Performing Arts for
the past 8 years and recently helped the students earn numerous Platinum and 1st place awards at competitions in
the 2009 competition season. Some of the teams recent awards were for Most Entertaining and for Best
Choreography as well as $2,000 in cash prizes. She is in her eleventh year teaching at the Academy of Dance and
School of Performing Arts and also works full time as the Business Manager of the studio.She has performed with
some of the top choreographers in the nation at Carnival the Choreographers Ball at the Key Club in Hollywood and
with the Epiphany Dance company. While performing will always be a hobby, her true passion is working with
young developing dancers and watching them learn and grow each year.
| Jennifer Lettelleir |
| Jennifer LettelleirJennifer Lettelleir works as a choreographer, composer, vocalist, dancer, teacher and actress. She has studied dance on scholarship in both New York (Steps, Broadway Dance Center) and Los Angeles (EDGE, Tremaine). Her choreography has won many national dance competitions, (LADF, Co Dance, West Coast Dance Explosion, Tremaine, JUMP) and has received rave reviews in the LA Weekly and BackstageWest/Dramalogue locally. Most recently Jennifer won the LA WEEKLY Theatre Award for BEST CHOREOGRAPHER 2008 for her work on the World Premier of Frank Zappa’s JOE’S GARAGE at the Open Fist Theatre in Hollywood. She toured with the Broadway National company of CATS and has starred in many regional musical theatre productions including: Evita, Cabaret, Three Penny Opera, Tintypes and Anything Goes. She was the Performing Arts Director for the Children’s Museum of Los Angeles, and is the writer, creator and consultant to several county agencies on multi media educational assembly programs currently touring LA County schools. Her choreography can also be seen on several up and coming gymnasts throughout the Southern California area. She is a session singer for Lakeshore Records (These Hills Have Eyes Movie Soundtrack) and is the lead singer/song writer in her L.A. based rock band, Ma’s Furnace (www.masfurnace.com). Favorite achievement: writing, producing, directing, choreographing and starring in her original Rock Opera, I HATE TV (www.ihatetvthemusical.com), receiving rave reviews and playing to sold out houses. She has had the pleasure of teaching locally at the Academy of Dance and School of Performing Arts for 6 years now and looks forward to another great year! (www.jenniferlettelleir.com) |
| Katrina Jade |
| Katrina Jade, a native of Upstate NY, has been performing in the Los Angeles area for the past six years with several ballet and modern companies. Her vast array of roles include both contemporary and classical styles with companies and choreographers such as Media City Ballet, Donna Sternberg & Dancers, Jaime Rogers, and the Los Angeles Opera. Previous to her arrival on the West Coast she performed as a principal dancer with Upstate New York Ballet dancing such roles as Tiger Lily in "Peter Pan", Jasmine in "Aladdin", Carabosse in "The Sleeping Beauty" and Lucy Westerna in "Dracula". She was also a guest artist with DanceWest Ballet in Chicago, as well as a former principal dancer with Kaleidoscope Dance Theater. She has also performed and choreographed for both the Syracuse Opera and the Syracuse Symphony. Ms. Jade's extensive teaching experience includes ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, and pilates, and she has been able to share this experience, as well as her love of dance, with students in studios across the U.S.She is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Faux Pas Dance Company, a contemporary ballet and modern troupe, and has been choreographing and performing with the company since it's birth in 2007. Under Ms. Jade's directorship, Faux Pas Dance is always trying to push the envelope, and their performances set the stage for the politics of humanity to be explored and interpreted through movement and sound. Where glimpses of man's place in society can be seen through the lenses of the stage and the dancers become the storytellers of worlds both past, present, and future. For more about Faux Pas, including videos and pictures of the company, check out www.fauxpasdance.com.Ms. Jade has studied at various dance schools including the Briansky Ballet School and at Steps on Broadway. She has received several awards for her dedication to the arts including the Certificate of Commendation from the University of the State of New York Education Department, the Certificate of Merit from Senator James L. Seward, and the Peter Buxbaum Award for Achievement in the Arts. She is very excited to be teaching again this year at Academy of Dance, and looks forward to an awesome and fun year of dance. |
| Celina Nightengale |
| Celina Nightengale was born and raised in Denver, Colorado where she started dancing at a very young age. She trained at prestigious studios such as Cleo Parker Robinson, Colorado Ballet and Hill Academy of Dance and Dramatics. She attended the University of Denver and obtained a B.A. in Communications/Marketing. While there she was a part of the DU Dance Team which she served as captain for three years. She also danced professionally for the Colorado Mammoth Wild Bunch serving as captain for two years. Celina had the opportunity to learn from and assist the Denver Nuggets Dancers coach Sarah Schachterle with many projects including the Junior Denver Nugget Dancers. She taught at various dance studios in Denver and continues to travel there to guest teach workshops and master classes. After graduating, Celina accepted a scholarship to the Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles California where she studied for a year. She worked with instructors such as Adam Parson, JT Horenstein, Tovaris Wilson, and Cindera Che. Some of Celina’s credits include dancing for: Everlast Boxing Company, the NBA and NLL All-Star Games, Big and Rich, Disney’s Aladdin A Musical Spectacular, Redken 5th Avenue, Paula Deanda, Chenelle, ESPN, and Janet Jackson. She can also be seen in the webisode “La Pasion De La Decision” working alongside Rosario Dawson, Wilmer Valderrama, Jane Fonda and Perez Hilton. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge and passion for dance with the dancers of Academy of Dance and continuing her professional career here in Los Angeles. |
| Alexa Diaz |
| Alexa Diaz is from Thousand Oaks, California and has trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip hop. She has been involved in Shane Sparks’ Elite Hip hop crew, Floor Rockers, for three years. In addition, she has danced for musical artists including the Hollywood Launch performers. She has danced on Carnival Cruise Lines, as well as Charity Events for Nigel Lythgoe. Appearing in movies such as Sunday School Musical and School Gyrls, Alexa is able to merge her enthusiasm for dancing, acting, and singing. She is currently performing in Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular, as both an ensemble role and the magic carpet. Alexa is an alumnus of The Academy of Dance & School of Performing Arts and a former member of the Academy’s Competition Team. We are so very proud and pleased to have her on staff. Alexa loves teaching and being able to share her passion of dance with others. |
| Peety Escovedo |
Born into a family of world-renown musicians, Peety has been in the thick of the industry since birth. His father, who
is now an Emmy-nominated producer, toured with everyone from Marvin Gaye to Mariah Carey and he was never to
far from the action. Peety learned to dance at two years of age, instructed by Lionel Richie's background dancers, who
also taught the legendary Michael Jackson. This early jump on street dance has given him countless opportunities in
the dance world, as well as being an all around entertainer. Peety has shared the stage with MTV's "America's Best
Dance Crew" alumni: Kid Rainen and WishOne from Jabbawockeez, Do Knock of Super Crew, Steve of Quest Crew,
and all of the Beat Freaks.Peety’s direction in the dance studio is toward freestyle, individuality, and musicality. He
feels that there is an important element within the ability to freestyle that allows you to appreciate, understand, and
execute directives more concisely.
is now an Emmy-nominated producer, toured with everyone from Marvin Gaye to Mariah Carey and he was never to
far from the action. Peety learned to dance at two years of age, instructed by Lionel Richie's background dancers, who
also taught the legendary Michael Jackson. This early jump on street dance has given him countless opportunities in
the dance world, as well as being an all around entertainer. Peety has shared the stage with MTV's "America's Best
Dance Crew" alumni: Kid Rainen and WishOne from Jabbawockeez, Do Knock of Super Crew, Steve of Quest Crew,
and all of the Beat Freaks.Peety’s direction in the dance studio is toward freestyle, individuality, and musicality. He
feels that there is an important element within the ability to freestyle that allows you to appreciate, understand, and
execute directives more concisely.
| Justine Menter |
| Heather Freire |
Heather has been dancing for 23 years and received her Bachelor of Performing Arts degree from Oklahoma City
University in 2003. Heather has had an extensive amount of dance training in the following styles: Ballet, Jazz, Tap,
Modern, Partnering, Swing, Lyrical, and Hip Hop. Her long list of instructors include Mary Price Boday (Artistic
Director & Founder of Illinois Ballet), Jo Rowan (Founder & Ballet Professor for American School of Dance & Arts
Management at OCU), Kay Sandel (OCU), Nikki Singer (OCU), Richard Denson (OCU), Robert Reed (OCU), Joan
Sheary (OCU), Lynn Cramer (OCU), Liz Reiter (OCU), Marc Yonally (OCU), Susan Hobach (OCU), Hui Cha Poos
(OCU), Debbi Dee, Scott Benson, Dana Michaels, and Kelly Stashco. She has performed in the following musicals;
Oklahoma as “Dream Laurie” and The “Who’s” Tommy as Assistant Choreographer and Dance Captain. Heather
recently completed a contract with Holland America Cruise Line, where she was Dance Captain as well as a featured
dancer, traveling throughout the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska. Prior to fulfilling this contract, she performed
with the Illinois Ballet. There Heather was a featured dancer for Sleeping Beauty, The Juggler of Notre Dame, and
Rock Ballet 2004, along with being a main choreographer. Performing in the Miss OCU Pageant was a rewarding
experience as she won best talent for the evening along with placing 2nd runner up overall receiving a $5,600 college
scholarship. Heather has enjoyed performing throughout the United States and in addition been given the opportunity
to travel and perform in Sydney, Australia and Beijing, China. She has been in instructional dance videos for Debbi
Dee and Scott Benson. Heather has enhanced her training by attending workshops with the infamous Donald O’
Connor, Leonard Reed, Rhonda Miller, Dana Michaels, Debbi Dee, and Scott Benson. While attending OCU, she
helped create A Chance to Dance program that emphasized dance movement as an outlet for emotionally disturbed
children in the St. Anthony’s Hospital Children’s ward in Oklahoma City. Furthermore, Heather was a dancer for
UNICEF with choreographer June Taylor and special guests Audrey Hepburn and Liza Minnelli.
University in 2003. Heather has had an extensive amount of dance training in the following styles: Ballet, Jazz, Tap,
Modern, Partnering, Swing, Lyrical, and Hip Hop. Her long list of instructors include Mary Price Boday (Artistic
Director & Founder of Illinois Ballet), Jo Rowan (Founder & Ballet Professor for American School of Dance & Arts
Management at OCU), Kay Sandel (OCU), Nikki Singer (OCU), Richard Denson (OCU), Robert Reed (OCU), Joan
Sheary (OCU), Lynn Cramer (OCU), Liz Reiter (OCU), Marc Yonally (OCU), Susan Hobach (OCU), Hui Cha Poos
(OCU), Debbi Dee, Scott Benson, Dana Michaels, and Kelly Stashco. She has performed in the following musicals;
Oklahoma as “Dream Laurie” and The “Who’s” Tommy as Assistant Choreographer and Dance Captain. Heather
recently completed a contract with Holland America Cruise Line, where she was Dance Captain as well as a featured
dancer, traveling throughout the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska. Prior to fulfilling this contract, she performed
with the Illinois Ballet. There Heather was a featured dancer for Sleeping Beauty, The Juggler of Notre Dame, and
Rock Ballet 2004, along with being a main choreographer. Performing in the Miss OCU Pageant was a rewarding
experience as she won best talent for the evening along with placing 2nd runner up overall receiving a $5,600 college
scholarship. Heather has enjoyed performing throughout the United States and in addition been given the opportunity
to travel and perform in Sydney, Australia and Beijing, China. She has been in instructional dance videos for Debbi
Dee and Scott Benson. Heather has enhanced her training by attending workshops with the infamous Donald O’
Connor, Leonard Reed, Rhonda Miller, Dana Michaels, Debbi Dee, and Scott Benson. While attending OCU, she
helped create A Chance to Dance program that emphasized dance movement as an outlet for emotionally disturbed
children in the St. Anthony’s Hospital Children’s ward in Oklahoma City. Furthermore, Heather was a dancer for
UNICEF with choreographer June Taylor and special guests Audrey Hepburn and Liza Minnelli.
Justine Menter, originally from Dallas, TX, has choreographed and taught across the U.S. for the last 8 years, fusing
her creative vision and business savvy into professional projects for stage and video. Her fresh, sassy approach to
dance and undeniable passion to lead has given Justine her notoriety as well as numerous national awards in both
dance and choreography. With immense training from both sides of the country, Broadway Dance Center in NYC and
the Edge in LA, Justine will raise the bar for her students to bring out their utmost talent. She blends hip-hop, jazz,
and contemporary with her own musicality: an approach that’s both refreshing and entertaining.
Besides directing InMotion Dance Company & forming her own company, FLiRT Dancers in Los Angeles, Justine
has most notably choreographed for Interscope recording artists LMFAO. She has also worked for Faith Hill, Sony,
Samsung and for top choreographers like Brian Friedman, Roger Lee and Gina Starbuck.
her creative vision and business savvy into professional projects for stage and video. Her fresh, sassy approach to
dance and undeniable passion to lead has given Justine her notoriety as well as numerous national awards in both
dance and choreography. With immense training from both sides of the country, Broadway Dance Center in NYC and
the Edge in LA, Justine will raise the bar for her students to bring out their utmost talent. She blends hip-hop, jazz,
and contemporary with her own musicality: an approach that’s both refreshing and entertaining.
Besides directing InMotion Dance Company & forming her own company, FLiRT Dancers in Los Angeles, Justine
has most notably choreographed for Interscope recording artists LMFAO. She has also worked for Faith Hill, Sony,
Samsung and for top choreographers like Brian Friedman, Roger Lee and Gina Starbuck.
Holly, a native of Pittsburgh, PA, recently moved to Los Angeles from Las Vegas, and is thrilled to be a part of
Academy of Dance! Holly holds a B.F.A in Dance/Musical Theatre from Wright State University [Dayton,OH].
After graduating, she went home to Pittsburgh, where she was Co-Artistic Director, Teacher and Choreographer for
Christine's School of Dance, the studio she grew up in which was owned and operated by her Mother. From there,
Holly moved to Las Vegas, where she performed in some of the most prestigious shows on the Strip, including "Donn
Arden's Jubilee!" and "La Cage Aux Folles", as well as in numerous Industrials and Conventions. In addition, she
taught and choreographed at many of the most respected dance studios. While in Las Vegas, Holly founded, directed,
choreographed and danced for her jazz/contemporary company "NOBOUNDARIES", which performed at many
venues throughout Vegas. Holly is schooled in all phases of dance, and has taught children and professionals all across
the country Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop and Acrobatics. She holds her Teacher's Training School [Grades
1-3] Certificates from Dance Masters of America, as well as her Cecchetti Ballet Certificates. Holly has been seen
dancing on Good Morning America, The Tyra Show, According to Jim, The View, Extra and most recently, America's
Got Talent. She is also a Judge and Master Teacher for many National Dance Competitions. Holly is excited to be in
Los Angeles, and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and love of Dance with the students of Academy of Dance!
Academy of Dance! Holly holds a B.F.A in Dance/Musical Theatre from Wright State University [Dayton,OH].
After graduating, she went home to Pittsburgh, where she was Co-Artistic Director, Teacher and Choreographer for
Christine's School of Dance, the studio she grew up in which was owned and operated by her Mother. From there,
Holly moved to Las Vegas, where she performed in some of the most prestigious shows on the Strip, including "Donn
Arden's Jubilee!" and "La Cage Aux Folles", as well as in numerous Industrials and Conventions. In addition, she
taught and choreographed at many of the most respected dance studios. While in Las Vegas, Holly founded, directed,
choreographed and danced for her jazz/contemporary company "NOBOUNDARIES", which performed at many
venues throughout Vegas. Holly is schooled in all phases of dance, and has taught children and professionals all across
the country Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop and Acrobatics. She holds her Teacher's Training School [Grades
1-3] Certificates from Dance Masters of America, as well as her Cecchetti Ballet Certificates. Holly has been seen
dancing on Good Morning America, The Tyra Show, According to Jim, The View, Extra and most recently, America's
Got Talent. She is also a Judge and Master Teacher for many National Dance Competitions. Holly is excited to be in
Los Angeles, and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and love of Dance with the students of Academy of Dance!
| Holly Haynick |
| Alyssa Belden |
Alyssa Belden has been dancing since the age of 3 and has loved every second of it. At the age of 13, Alyssa started
competing with an award-winning competition team in the style of jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. By 16, she started
teaching while continuing her training. Alyssa taught competition hip hop, jazz, & lyrical teams for 3 years winning
numerous choreography awards. She now teaches various dance classes throughout Ventura Country including the Simi
Valley YMCA, Studio 13, and Premier Dance Studio. Alyssa is thrilled to be sharing her love of dance with her young
students at Academy of Dance. Aside from teaching full time, Alyssa has had the opportunity to choreograph and
perform in 5 faculty dance concerts at Moorpark College and has been a finalist 2 years in a row for the Richard
Carpenter Scholarship Competition in which she was awarded $1500 in scholarship money for her choreography and
performance. She continues to perform in various shows/competitions whenever she has the opportunity. Alyssa is
continuing her dance training at Moorpark College where she is heavily involved in their ballet program. She attends
many dance conventions including The Pulse where she has taken class from Mia Michaels, Shane Sparks, Tyce Dioro,
Dave Scott, Laurieann Gibson, Wade Robson, and so many more. Alyssa is currently taking classes at The Edge where
is studying heavily under Joaquin Escamilla and has had the privilege of assisting him. She is so excited to have dance
in her life and is inspired daily by her teachers and her students.
competing with an award-winning competition team in the style of jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. By 16, she started
teaching while continuing her training. Alyssa taught competition hip hop, jazz, & lyrical teams for 3 years winning
numerous choreography awards. She now teaches various dance classes throughout Ventura Country including the Simi
Valley YMCA, Studio 13, and Premier Dance Studio. Alyssa is thrilled to be sharing her love of dance with her young
students at Academy of Dance. Aside from teaching full time, Alyssa has had the opportunity to choreograph and
perform in 5 faculty dance concerts at Moorpark College and has been a finalist 2 years in a row for the Richard
Carpenter Scholarship Competition in which she was awarded $1500 in scholarship money for her choreography and
performance. She continues to perform in various shows/competitions whenever she has the opportunity. Alyssa is
continuing her dance training at Moorpark College where she is heavily involved in their ballet program. She attends
many dance conventions including The Pulse where she has taken class from Mia Michaels, Shane Sparks, Tyce Dioro,
Dave Scott, Laurieann Gibson, Wade Robson, and so many more. Alyssa is currently taking classes at The Edge where
is studying heavily under Joaquin Escamilla and has had the privilege of assisting him. She is so excited to have dance
in her life and is inspired daily by her teachers and her students.