Faculty
Our faculty combines extensive training, performance experience, and professional dance education to provide exceptional, well-rounded dance instruction for every student.
Meet Our Team
Alice Chien
Ms. Alice founded Dancecapade in 2000 with a vision of creating a supportive environment where children can develop a lifelong love of dance. A Diamond Bar native, she was a founding member of both the Walnut High School Dance Team and the USC Trojan Dance Force, and later performed as a Los Angeles Laker Girl for four consecutive World Championship seasons.
With extensive performance, teaching, and judging experience throughout Southern California, Ms. Alice has mentored dancers who have gone on to attend performing arts schools, perform on collegiate dance teams, pursue dance majors, and work professionally in the dance industry.
She is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), is a 200-hour Yoga Instructor, has completed 500-hour Comprehensive STOTT Pilates training, and serves on the Board of the Mt. San Antonio College Dance Teacher Certificate Program. Her passion is helping dancers build confidence, strong technique, and a lifelong appreciation for dance.
Alessa Lohoff
Ms. Alessa began her dance training at the age of two and spent over a decade as a competitive dancer, earning numerous high-scoring awards and titles throughout Southern California. She is an alumna of the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) Commercial Dance Conservatory and a member of Rithem Tap Company, with extensive training in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop.
Her performance experience includes appearances with the San Francisco Ballet, industry music videos, and live performances alongside renowned choreographer Debbie Allen. While she enjoys performing, Alessa's greatest passion is teaching and mentoring young dancers.
Since joining the Dancecapade faculty in 2010, Alessa has taught a variety of dance styles and served as a Competition Team Coach. Her dedication, experience, and passion for dance education have helped develop numerous award-winning dancers and routines.
Kathy Duran
Ms. Kathy brings over 30 years of dance experience and training in a wide range of styles, including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, and Modern Dance. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance, graduating summa cum laude from California State University, Fullerton, where she performed with the Dance Repertoire Company, including appearances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Kathy danced professionally with BackhausDance and currently performs with Fuse Dance Company. She is also a certified Pilates instructor through Body Arts and Science International and holds certifications in Nutrition and Sports Nutrition.
A valued member of the Dancecapade faculty since 2010, Kathy is passionate about helping dancers develop strong technique, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for movement and wellness.
Kylie Montoya
Ms. Kylie began her dance journey in Diamond Bar, where she was a member of the Diamond Bar High School Song Team before continuing her training and education at California State University, Fullerton as a member of the nationally recognized dance team.
Kylie went on to dance professionally with the Clipper Spirit for five seasons and has performed alongside internationally recognized artists including Nicki Minaj, J Balvin, Jackson Wang, and Tyga. Her professional credits also include collaborations with major entertainment and lifestyle brands, showcasing her versatility across a wide range of performance settings.
In addition to her professional career, Kylie is passionate about mentoring young dancers and has served as a coach for Clipper Kids, helping inspire the next generation of performers. Currently represented by Movement Talent Agency, she brings valuable industry experience, energy, and dedication to every class she teaches.
Mia Mcgarity
Ms. Mia is a dancer, choreographer, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, she trained extensively in jazz, hip hop, contemporary, ballroom, tap, and tumbling, and was a member of the Hollywood Vibe Company throughout high school.
Mia graduated Summa Cum Laude from Chapman University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Producing and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Her performance credits include appearances with Ballet Arizona's The Nutcracker, the Industry Dance Awards, Childhelp's 60th Anniversary Gala, as well as numerous music videos, films, and live performances.
In addition to her work as a performer, Mia has collaborated with organizations including World of Dance, the Cannes Film Festival, and Di Bonaventura Pictures. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and creativity with students while inspiring the next generation of dancers to grow both artistically and confidently.
Jazlyn Anderson
Ms. Jazlyn began dancing at the age of three and has trained extensively in Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Tap, Pom, Contemporary, and Drill Team. She continued her dance education at Mt. San Antonio College, where she studied under distinguished faculty, performed in annual dance concerts, assisted with instruction, and participated on the collegiate dance team.
She earned an Associate of Arts degree in Dance Education and a Dance Teaching Certificate, demonstrating her commitment to both dance and education.
As an instructor, Ms. Jazlyn is passionate about helping students develop strong technical skills, confidence, and a genuine love for dance. She strives to create a positive learning environment where every dancer can grow, succeed, and discover their own passion for the art form.
Geo Lee
Geo began his dance journey in high school and continued his training at the University of California, Irvine, where he was a member of the Kaba Modern dance team. His breaking crew, Instant Noodles, gained national recognition as contestants on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew Season 6. He has also competed in the Red Bull BC One San Diego Cypher and appeared in projects for OneRepublic and Disney's Shake It Up.
In addition to dance, Geo is an accomplished actor with credits in television, film, and national commercials. His passion for performance and the arts brings a unique perspective to his teaching.
Geo teaches K-Pop and Breaking at Dancecapade and celebrates over a decade of inspiring students through movement, creativity, and self-expression. He is dedicated to helping dancers build confidence, develop their skills, and enjoy the art of dance.
Clarissa Chun
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Ms. Clarissa began her dance training at Dance Arts Center and later graduated Magna Cum Laude from Chapman University with a degree in Dance and a minor in Japanese. She is also an alumna of the inaugural tap program at the School at Jacob's Pillow, where she trained with renowned tap artists including Dianne Walker, Derick Grant, and Sarah Reich.
Clarissa's performance and choreography credits span theater, tap, and commercial entertainment. She has appeared in numerous stage productions, performed with Tap Overload at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, and danced in several productions at the Disneyland Resort, including Fantasmic!, Paint the Night, and Mickey's Soundsational Parade.
In addition to performing, Clarissa has worked as a stage manager for respected arts organizations and brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her teaching. She is passionate about sharing her love of tap dance while helping students build strong technique, musicality, and confidence.
Ann Elise Garrison
Ms. Anne Elise is a dance instructor, choreographer, and visual artist based in Southern California. Originally from South Carolina, she received extensive training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, and hip hop, and had the opportunity to assist and learn from renowned industry professionals during her early dance career.
She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and a Minor in Nutrition from Chapman University, where she studied with distinguished artists and further developed her passion for performance and choreography. Anne Elise continues her professional training in Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, and Countertechnique while performing as a Company Member with Backhausdance.
As an educator, Anne Elise has taught in schools, studios, and conservatory programs throughout Southern California, including Orange County School of the Arts. Since 2022, she has been a valued member of the Dancecapade faculty, where she is dedicated to helping dancers develop strong technique, artistry, and a lifelong appreciation for dance.
Stephanie Ocampo
Originally from Fremont, California, Ms. Stephanie began dancing at the age of four and trained extensively in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) method. She completed all graded and vocational examinations and performed featured roles in productions of The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and Coppélia. She also trained as an apprentice with Peninsula Ballet Theatre in Northern California.
Stephanie holds an Associate Degree in Dance from Irvine Valley College and has been teaching throughout Orange County since 2012. She has performed professionally with MotionTribe, Vox Dance Theatre, Emergent Dance Company, and FUSE Dance Company.
Passionate about ballet technique and early childhood education, Stephanie strives to create a positive and nurturing environment where students can build confidence, express creativity, and develop a lifelong love for dance.
Ryann Christensen
Ms. Ryann is a versatile dancer and performer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from Chapman University. She has trained extensively in hip hop, jazz, modern, ballroom, heels, and ballet, developing a strong foundation in both technical and commercial dance styles.
Her professional experience includes live performances, music videos, and major productions, including appearances with The Killers' Las Vegas residency. Ryann has worked with respected choreographers and artists across a variety of stage and screen projects, showcasing her adaptability, athleticism, and performance quality.
Passionate about both performance and education, Ryann is dedicated to helping dancers build strong technique, confidence, and artistry while encouraging them to explore their unique strengths as performers.
Elle Holland
Ms. Elle is a dancer, choreographer, and educator originally from Dallas, Texas. She began her training at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and further developed her skills through extensive training at studios throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from Chapman University, where she performed in numerous productions at the Musco Center for the Arts and presented original choreographic works. She also completed a minor in Creative and Cultural Industries, combining her artistic training with a strong understanding of the performing arts industry.
Now based in Los Angeles, Elle continues to pursue opportunities in the commercial dance industry while sharing her passion for dance through teaching. She is dedicated to helping students grow in technique, confidence, and artistry while inspiring the next generation of dancers to pursue their goals both on and off the stage.
Seraphina Poliakon
Ms. Seraphina began dancing at Dancecapade at the age of three, training in ballet and tap before expanding her studies to jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and tumbling. As a longtime competitive dancer, she earned numerous overall awards and placements throughout her junior high and high school years.
A graduate of Chino Hills High School, Seraphina was a member of the Varsity Dance Team, competing nationally and earning multiple Grand Champion titles. She is currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Science at California Baptist University, where she performs and competes as a member of the NCAA Division I Dance Team.
After assisting classes at Dancecapade beginning in 2019, Seraphina officially joined the faculty in 2023. She is passionate about mentoring young dancers and helping students build confidence, technique, and a love for dance.
Camille Hernandez
Ms. Camille began dancing at the age of three and trained extensively at Dancecapade, competing in Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, and Lyrical. At just 14 years old, she earned a spot on the Sparkids, the youth dance team for the Los Angeles Sparks, and now performs with Sparks Crew, the official Hip Hop team for the LA Sparks.
A graduate of Troy High School, Camille balanced academics, leadership roles, cheer, and dance while preparing for her future career. She is currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering while continuing her dance training throughout Southern California.
As a Dancecapade alumna, Camille is excited to return as a faculty member, teaching Hip Hop, K-Pop, and Competition Team classes. She is passionate about inspiring young dancers, building confidence, and sharing her love of dance with the next generation.
Maya Palmer
Originally from Brownsburg, Indiana, Ms. Maya brings over a decade of diverse dance training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, ballroom, and hip hop. She trained extensively at Expressenz Dance Center and was a featured performer on Season 2 of NBC's World of Dance.
Maya earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance with a minor in Business Entrepreneurship from Chapman University, where she further developed her skills in performance and choreography. Her combination of technical excellence, professional performance experience, and passion for teaching allows her to inspire dancers to grow both artistically and confidently.
Arielle Dettmer
Originally from Southern California, Ms. Arielle began dancing at the age of two and started her professional career at just ten years old. A graduate of the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) Commercial Dance Conservatory, she is a versatile performer with experience in television, film, theater, and professional sports entertainment.
Her performance credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders, Vanity Fair, and Kidz Bop, as well as leading roles in productions directed by Debbie Allen and performances at prominent regional theaters throughout Southern California.
Ms. Arielle is passionate about inspiring and mentoring young dancers while helping them discover their unique artistic voice. With a background in dance science, she emphasizes healthy movement practices, strong technique, and confidence, encouraging every student to reach their fullest potential both in and out of the studio.
Julia Gaspari
Ms. Julia began dancing at the age of two and trained at the Orange County School of the Arts Commercial Dance Conservatory and Just Plain Dancin' & Co., where she developed a strong foundation in both technical and performance-based dance training.
She is currently pursuing dual degrees in Dance and Political Science at Chapman University and serves as President of the Chapman Dance Team. Julia continues to expand her training through competitive and professional opportunities while working with respected choreographers throughout Southern California.
Passionate about dance education, Julia enjoys mentoring young dancers and helping them build confidence, technique, and a love for the art form. She is dedicated to inspiring the next generation while continuing to pursue her own professional dance career.
Dr. Cindy Chang, PT, DPT
Dr. Chang is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in performing arts medicine, orthopedics, and pediatrics. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from California State University and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Columbia University, graduating with academic honors and receiving the Joan E. Edelstein Award.
With over 20 years of personal dance experience, she combines her passion for movement with expertise in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization. She has worked with professional dancers and performers from productions including Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, WICKED, the Radio City Rockettes, and numerous film, television, and stage productions.
Dr. Chang is dedicated to helping dancers and athletes move efficiently, recover safely, and achieve long-term health and performance goals through evidence-based care and education.