Gotta Dance Academy - STAFF
Ben & Joy Alvarez - OWNERS
Ben & Joy took over as the owners of GottaDance Academy in 2004. Although they work hard to keep the studio running together as a team, Joy handles the day-to-day work at GDA. She could not be more proud of what the studio it has become since taking over ownership in 2004. Joy’s history with Gotta Dance started when her daughters, Ashlee, Jenny and Maddy, began dancing at the studio. After 2 years, the previous owner was going to move and dissolve the studio, but the parents and students had developed such a family-style environment that no one wanted to see break up. Joy decided to buy the studio so that all the students and teachers
could remain at GDA and continue to learn dance in the friendly environment that had developed there. As a mother herself, Joy understands the needs of both children and their parents. During the past 20 years as owner, Joy has seen the studio quadruple in size, not only in physical space, but in the number of students attending! She loves nothing more than seeing the numerous ways that GDA has touched and impacted the lives of those who dance there. She is extremely blessed to have the strong support of her entire family. Her husband, Ben, is very passionate about everything the studio is involved in and remains very committed to keeping a family-like environment at GottaDance. Joy previously worked as an office manager for a marketing company. Her many years of experience with business combined with the dance experience of her teachers make for a winning and successful combination. Joy has seen her studio grown in many amazing ways and is looking forward to great experiences in the upcoming years!
Ben & Joy took over as the owners of GottaDance Academy in 2004. Although they work hard to keep the studio running together as a team, Joy handles the day-to-day work at GDA. She could not be more proud of what the studio it has become since taking over ownership in 2004. Joy’s history with Gotta Dance started when her daughters, Ashlee, Jenny and Maddy, began dancing at the studio. After 2 years, the previous owner was going to move and dissolve the studio, but the parents and students had developed such a family-style environment that no one wanted to see break up. Joy decided to buy the studio so that all the students and teachers
could remain at GDA and continue to learn dance in the friendly environment that had developed there. As a mother herself, Joy understands the needs of both children and their parents. During the past 20 years as owner, Joy has seen the studio quadruple in size, not only in physical space, but in the number of students attending! She loves nothing more than seeing the numerous ways that GDA has touched and impacted the lives of those who dance there. She is extremely blessed to have the strong support of her entire family. Her husband, Ben, is very passionate about everything the studio is involved in and remains very committed to keeping a family-like environment at GottaDance. Joy previously worked as an office manager for a marketing company. Her many years of experience with business combined with the dance experience of her teachers make for a winning and successful combination. Joy has seen her studio grown in many amazing ways and is looking forward to great experiences in the upcoming years!
Suzanne Smith - FRONT DESK
Suzanne is everyone’s “right-hand woman!” She does the administrative side and
organizational side of the studio, but has quite the past with GottaDance. Suzanne moved from being lead dress mom at recital to lead team mom to, basically, studio mom. Even with three children of her own (Greg, Alex and Tori), Suzanne has become a mother to just about every dancer who has come through the studio. She does most of the organizational aspects of the work, making sure everyone knows everything from class time changes to who left their dance shoes at the studio last weekend! She is the queen of costumes – from measuring to alterations (even backstage!) to RHINESTONES! Suzanne has the amazing ability to “bling-out” any item, but in a classy way (even if you didn’t think it could be done)! She has a very impressive resume: PTA President at her children’s schools; baseball coach; wife; mother of 3; amazing cook; sewer; cleaner; organizer. She is incredibly supportive of all the students at GDA and does whatever she can to make everyone’s experience awesome. Suzanne has seen amazing growth in the studio, and in her talented daughter,. She is looking forward to an even more successful year and is thrilled to be apart of the studio’s growth and change!
Suzanne is everyone’s “right-hand woman!” She does the administrative side and
organizational side of the studio, but has quite the past with GottaDance. Suzanne moved from being lead dress mom at recital to lead team mom to, basically, studio mom. Even with three children of her own (Greg, Alex and Tori), Suzanne has become a mother to just about every dancer who has come through the studio. She does most of the organizational aspects of the work, making sure everyone knows everything from class time changes to who left their dance shoes at the studio last weekend! She is the queen of costumes – from measuring to alterations (even backstage!) to RHINESTONES! Suzanne has the amazing ability to “bling-out” any item, but in a classy way (even if you didn’t think it could be done)! She has a very impressive resume: PTA President at her children’s schools; baseball coach; wife; mother of 3; amazing cook; sewer; cleaner; organizer. She is incredibly supportive of all the students at GDA and does whatever she can to make everyone’s experience awesome. Suzanne has seen amazing growth in the studio, and in her talented daughter,. She is looking forward to an even more successful year and is thrilled to be apart of the studio’s growth and change!
Eileen Devens - FRONT DESK
Eileen Devens has been working with GottaDance Academy since 2004, but her
history with the studio spans way beyond that time. She met the previous owner of GDA
when her daughter, Danielle, was only 18 months old. Being that her daughter is now 30, Eileen has seen the studio grow in more ways than most! Eileen loves watching all the dancers grow over the years. She has seen GDA transform from a small recital and novice competition teams to needing TWO recitals and winning DOUBLE PLATINUMS at competitions! By day, she works as a loan administrator at a bank, but by night, Eileen works at the front desk at GDA. You may catch her putting rhinestones on costumes (or sandals, t-shirts, etc.) or hanging out with Suzanne. Either way, she loves spending time at the studio! She has been a great supporter of everything GDA does, and the studio would not be what it is today without Eileen! She is very excited to see all the new things this year of dance has to offer.
Eileen Devens has been working with GottaDance Academy since 2004, but her
history with the studio spans way beyond that time. She met the previous owner of GDA
when her daughter, Danielle, was only 18 months old. Being that her daughter is now 30, Eileen has seen the studio grow in more ways than most! Eileen loves watching all the dancers grow over the years. She has seen GDA transform from a small recital and novice competition teams to needing TWO recitals and winning DOUBLE PLATINUMS at competitions! By day, she works as a loan administrator at a bank, but by night, Eileen works at the front desk at GDA. You may catch her putting rhinestones on costumes (or sandals, t-shirts, etc.) or hanging out with Suzanne. Either way, she loves spending time at the studio! She has been a great supporter of everything GDA does, and the studio would not be what it is today without Eileen! She is very excited to see all the new things this year of dance has to offer.
Gotta Dance Academy - FACULTY
|
|
|
Jen Horn
Jen Horn has been dancing since the age of 3. She trained at both Garri Dance Studio in Burbank under Ms. Peggy Garri, and Swayze’s Dancers Studio, under the direction of Ms. Patsy Swayze. Jen studied classical ballet, American jazz, tap, and much more under the strict artistic direction of Ms. Swayze. Jen was lucky enough to assist Ms. Swayze in the master classes she taught during National Tap Dance weekends in Dallas, Texas. Jen began teaching at Swayze’s at age 16. She worked at Royal High School as the head cheerleading coach, as well as the choreography director in the drama department, for 4 years. She has worked on stage shows such as “Footloose,” “42nd Street,” “The Wiz,” and “High School Musical.” Jen has been with Gotta Dance Academy since 2008 teaching classes and competition teams in all styles. Throughout her time at Gotta Dance, she has won national titles, technical excellence awards, and choreographer of the year awards. In addition to working at Gotta Dance, you can find Jen running the dance program at Simi Valley High School, or keeping busy with her 3 kids - Jacob, JT, and Harper. Jen is very passionate about her GDA family and devotes much of her life to the parents and students at the studio. See all things Jen Horn @ jenchristmanproductions.com 
Danielle Devens
Danielle Devens is one of the original students of Gotta Dance Academy. She started dancing at 18 months old with the former owner of Gotta Dance. Danielle has danced both recreationally and competitively for almost 18 years. Over the years she has been apart of national award winning competition teams, as well as winning overall titles for her solo routines. She continued her training at GDA through her senior year of high school, when she was inducted into the Gotta Dance Academy Hall of Fame for her great achievements as a student at GDA. Danielle then decided to take the next step in her dance career and join our teaching staff. She recently graduated from CSUN with a degree in kinesiology. Danielle is happy to pass her love of dance on to her young students. 
Keri Pelletier
Keri Pelletier has been dancing and performing on stage since she was three years old. She has had the opportunity to compete for over 10 years. Keri was a dance teacher’s assistant for many years before becoming a teacher. She is trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Pointe, Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Contemporary. She has performed on many stages in Southern California, including Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland. Her training includes LA Dance Magic conventions, Joe Tremaine Conventions, LA Underground conventions, Roland Dupree Conventions, Gregg Russell’s Tap Sounds 3D, Tap Into the Network, Hollywood Dance Connection. In July 2007, Keri was awarded the Al Gilbert Scholarship Award in Las Vegas, at Rainbow Connection Nationals. She graduated from Moorpark College and performed in and choreographed for many of their dance shows. Keri graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. She enjoys designing and making dance costumes, and has done so for over 11 years. Miss Pelletier is also the costume and prop director for Moorpark Civic Ballet. 
Courtney Scarr
Courtney started off as a competitive gymnast with dance as part of her gymnastics training. At the age of 13 she decided that her true passion was there and by 19 years old she started working professionally in the commercial dance industry. Since then she has worked for Rihanna by performing at the 2018 60th annual Grammy Awards and Modeled for her NYFW presentation of her Savage Fenty clothing line. She has starred in Ed Sheeran's music video "Cross Me" and has danced for many other artists including Katy Perry, Beck, Ricky Martin, Sia, Kanye and Kacey Musgraves. You can also catch her in Gucci's 2019 spring campaign. Courtney has and continues to train in Los Angeles with professional choreographers consistently bringing new and challenging movement/concepts to her students. 
Kyla Laufer Kyla Laufer started dancing at the age of five at The Rage Entertainment Complex. By the age of seven, Kyla was competing with her team at top level competitions. Kyla trained five days a week in all styles of dance including jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, ballet, and technique. Throughout her years training, she won countless first overall awards and national titles. Along with training at her dance studio, Kyla also grew up auditioning in the industry and was represented by Bloc Talent Agency. She was on America’s Got Talent with her dance group, performed on the Kids Choice Awards as a back up dancer for Christina Aguilera and Pitbull, danced in numerous music videos, and was in many commercials. Once Kyla began high school, she was on the Simi Valley High School cheer team and was also part of the dance team, that is directed by Jen Horn. Kyla choreographed many routines for both her cheer and dance team and also started teaching kids at her dance studio during high school. Once Kyla graduated in 2019, she went to California State University of Northridge and received her Bachelor’s degree in Communications. Kyla continued teaching dance throughout college and loves being able to share her passion for dance with the next generation. 
Rachel Fee
Rachel Fee's journey into the world of dance began at the young age of three. She quickly made her mark by showcasing her talent on prestigious stages such as "America's Got Talent," “Dancing with The Stars," and the Los Angeles Forum for “WE DAY.” Her undeniable skill and dedication captured the attention of leading talent agencies, leading to her signing with CESD and Clear Talent Group. As she transitioned into high school, Rachel became a standout performer, earning the title of Pro Reveler at the Revel Dance Convention and being recognized as a prodigy at the NRG Dance Convention for several years. Her journey with NRG evolved as she was honored with the title of NRG Apprentice, traveling across the country for ten weekends to support the convention's operations—from assisting dances on stage to managing backstage and registration duties. Rachel accumulated numerous titles, culminating in a last season performance that awarded her 1st overall soloist at KAR Regionals and 1st overall at the Thunderstruck Nationals while attending Gotta Dance Academy! Rachel’s academic and dance pursuits led her to the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where she became a vital member of the self-coached UCSB Dance Team, serving as Captain for two years. Under her leadership, the team achieved remarkable success, including 1st Place in the UDA Camp Home Routine, 2nd place in Division 1 Pom at the 2024 UDA Collegiate Nationals in Orlando, 3rd place in Division 1 Jazz in 2023, 4th place in Division 1 Pom in 2023, and 7th place in Division 1 Jazz in 2024. Rachel recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Brain Sciences, along with a minor in Education. After graduating, Rachel is so grateful to return to Gotta Dance Academy, the very place that nurtured her talent, excited to give back to the studio that shaped her into the dancer she is today! 
Nicolette Abbott
Nicolette has been dancing since she was two years old, starting her journey at GDA and continuing through her senior year. She has participated in various dance conventions and auditions, including events like Dancer Palooza and Imma Beast. Nicolette also performed as an NRG Electro Tapper, which involved traveling to different states, including a notable national event in New Orleans. During high school, Nicolette was involved with her school’s dance team, where she had the opportunity to choreograph several routines. This experience allowed her to develop her creativity and leadership skills. Nicolette has trained in various ballet academies, but she has always had a particular passion for hip hop and tap. She has been recognized with scholarships at conventions for her skills in these styles. Nicolette is excited to share her love for dance with the students. She looks forward to teaching and helping them explore their own dance journeys, providing a positive and fun experience for them. Jordyn Gapol - BIO COMING SOON!
|
Katie Condidorio
Katie has been avidly involved and passionate about the creative and performing arts since she was three years old. Katie has been awarded numerous awards, accolades and scholarships for her work as an actress, dancer, teacher, and choreographer. Katie attended one of the most reputable, prestigious dance studios in the country, and spent several weeks every year in NYC taking professional level classes at the Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway, where she was introduced to and instructed by several professional dancers and choreographers. After graduating from High School, Katie moved to New York City and received her BFA in Dance and Acting from Pace University in Manhattan. Since graduating, Katie moved to Los Angeles, where she has spent the past 7 years: acting in several TV shows, films, and commercials, choreographing for and dancing in Musical Theater productions, fitness-videos, music videos, and commercials as well as an teaching at elite dance studios, where she’s choreographed award winning routines and had the pleasure of working with some of the best dancers in our country. With over 20 years of dance training, Katie teaches and performs all types of dance; ballet, tap, jazz, technique, hip-hop, musical theater, lyrical, contemporary, tumbling and acro. 
Becca Johnson
Becca started dancing at the age of 3 and received her training with Cheryl Priess-Dickey School of Dance in Lincoln, Nebraska. She danced competitively for eight years under the direction of Cheryl Priess-Dickey and Joy Tonniges. Becca has formal training in jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, tap, hip hop, modern and pom. After high school graduation she studied dance, competed, and choreographed with Just Plain Dancin’ in Riverside, California. Soon after Becca received her BFA in Dance from the University of Arizona, School of Dance where she studied ballet, modern and jazz. Becca was also a member of the University of Arizona’s Pomline. The Pomline performed at football and basketball games, and competed at UDA Nationals. In 2010 she cheered professionally for the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and was a member of their traveling Show Team. The Show Team performed in Japan on USO tours, and performed many half time shows, including a performance with the band Life House. Becca was also a member of the NBA’s Clippers Spirit Dance Team for 3 years, performing at sold out games, half time shows, and across seas in Taiwan. Becca has been teaching and choreographing for Gotta Dance Academy for over 5 years. Her choreography has won numerous first overalls, highpoint awards, choreography and specialty awards. She is also a judge on the weekends for Kids Artistic Review and In10sity Dance Competitions. Dance is and will always be her lifelong passion. 
Suzie Elias
Suzie Elias was born in Lake Tahoe, Nevada where she started dancing at the age of two. She grew up training everyday in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop, and tumbling. She danced competitively for 10+ years and now teaches and choreographs in the competition dance circuit. Her work has competed throughout Northern/Southern California, Nevada, and Virginia. She moved to Los Angeles in 2014 to pursue her professional dance career and is represented by Go 2 Talent Agency. Some of her credits include international/national tours with singer Vidya Vox, the NBA Clippers, LA Sparks, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Joji, and Snoop Dogg. She has shot national commercials for Panda Express and Weinerschnitzel and her film/television credits include Pepsi, Takis, Disney XD, and Lady Dynamite. Her other work in the industry has been as a magician’s assistant for Krendl Magic and she holds the position of dance captain with Karmagraphy Entertainment Company. 
Savy Bilsland - BIO COMING SOON!
Bailey Holt
Bailey started with dancing and taking gymnastics by the age of 3. At 5 years old, she started her dance experience at Gotta Dance Academy with her first hip hop class. Since then, she grew up always at dance competitions and had a wide variety of training. She trained in styles such as hip hop, contemporary, tumbling, technique, jazz, tap, and ballet. At the same time, she was also training in foundational styles such as break-dancing, popping, voguing, and jazz funk. Her love for dance grew, and she started working in the industry as a professional when she was 13, starring in commercials with Microsoft & Barbie Mattel. Bailey started teaching at The Rage Dance Complex when she was 15, and has found joy in sharing her knowledge throughout the years. She choreographed for Simi High Dance Team with director Jen Horn, and also traveled the world as an assistant for a contemporary choreographer for 4 years. She continues to work professionally in the industry, and has worked with artists such as, Rihanna, Tate McRae, XG, Banks, and FKA Twigs. She considers herself not only a dancer/teacher, but a creative artist. Bailey truly enjoys sharing her experience and knowledge with young people who also dream about becoming a professional dancer. 
Kiley Faulkner - BIO COMING SOON!
Leila Jones
Leila has been dancing since she started to walk. She began dance training at the age of 8 at The Rage Entertainment Complex, when she joined her first competition teams in Hip Hop & Jazz at the age of 9. From the age of 9-13, Leila trained five days a week in all styles of dance including jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, ballet, and technique. Once in high school, Leila was on the Simi Valley High School cheer team as well as the Simi Valley High School Dance Team, under her mentor, Ms. Jen Horn. Leila has choreographed routines for both her cheer and dance team. After taking a 2 year break from competitive dancing, She joined GDA and competed her last 2 years in Hip Hop and production. Since graduating in 2024, she currently choreographs for the SVHS Dance Team as well as the NPHS Cheer Team in her current capacity of Assistant Cheer Coach. Leila is pursuing a degree in Criminology at CSUN as she continues in her passion of dance and cheer while teaching and coaching the younger generation. Val Manchin - BIO COMING SOON!
|