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!
Jen Horn - PROGRAM DIRECTOR
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. Jen wrote and developed a curriculum specific to the needs of the students at GDA, and she is constantly working to help the studio support the growth of all dancers. See all things Jen Horn @ jenchristmanproductions.com
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. Jen wrote and developed a curriculum specific to the needs of the students at GDA, and she is constantly working to help the studio support the growth of all dancers. See all things Jen Horn @ jenchristmanproductions.com
Gotta Dance Academy - FACULTY
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.
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.
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. 
Kyla De St Jeor 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. 
Sophie WennekampSophie is a professional dancer, born and raised in Agoura Hills, who has been dancing since the age of two. She grew up in the competition and convention world, traveling all throughout the US, competing and assisting multiple convention companies such as LA Dance Magic, Hollywood Dance Jamz, and for the past four years, Tremaine Dance Convention. Sophie has also been assisting and training with big-name choreographers such as Gianna Martello, Kelly Sweeney, Jackie Sleight, Keri LaGrand, Cat Rendic, Barry YoungBlood, Meghan Sanett, etc. Her most recent performances and appearances include Emyrson Flora’s music video “Handsome Assassin”, Brooklyn Jai’s stage performance at Long Beach Pride 2025, Kelly Sweeney’s dance visual “Maneater”, and Sarah Burney’s Reconstruct Exhibition 2023 & 2024. As a choreographer, she has received numerous overalls, choreography, and technique awards. Sophie is so excited to share her love and passion for dance and to join the Gotta Dance family.
Vanna Ruiz - Bio Coming Soon!
Phil Gonzales - Bio Coming Soon!
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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!
Kiley Faulkner - BIO COMING SOON!
Val Manchin
Val grew up on the Central coast in San Luis Obispo and started dancing at the age of 2 years old. She competed and was part of the Gilbert Reed Ballet company for many years. While her time with the ballet company she was a lead in Firebird, Peter and the Wolf and A Christmas Carol among many others. At the age of 18 she moved to Los Angeles to continue her dance training at The Edge Performing Arts Center. After her training she started teaching and choreographing for local studios in LA and Ventura county. Val travels around the country teaching master classes and choreography as well as working with college dance teams. She is the Artistic Director of The Moorpark Civic Ballet company based out of Ventura County.
Emma Christie
Emma Christie is a well-rounded dancer and educator, trained in styles such as jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, ballet and jazz. She grew up dancing and competing at Mather Dance Company in Placentia, CA under the direction of Shannon Mather, where she developed her technical foundation alongside a deeper passion for dance. Emma has graduated and earned her BFA in Commercial Dance from Pace University in New York City where she was able to continue her passion along with becoming educated in Choreography and Dance Pedagogy. At Pace, Emma had the opportunity to learn from educators from both New York and Los Angeles, getting to continue her dance education and network on both coasts. Now, Emma is diving into her professional career out in Los Angeles, alongside getting to teach and educate the next generation of dancers.
Paulina ShahinianPaulina began her dance journey at the age of six at Gotta Dance Academy and has been training there ever since.From an early age, she studied a wide range of styles—including ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary—but quickly discovered that hip hop was where her true passion lived. Over the years, her love for hip hop continued to grow, leading her to join the GDA Competition Team, where she dedicated herself to refining both her technique and performance. While hip hop remains her strongest connection, Paulina continues to value the strong foundation she built through training in multiple genres. In addition to her studio experience, Paulina was a member of the Simi Valley High School Dance Team for two years. During that time, she performed at school events, football games, and rallies, gaining valuable performance experience in front of live audiences. Now stepping into her teaching role, Paulina is excited to give back to the studio that shaped her as both a dancer and a person. She looks forward to sharing her passion for hip hop with her students, encouraging them to work hard, express themselves authentically, and, most importantly, find joy in dancing.
Katie FreemanKatie was born and raised in Texas and began dancing when she was 5. She spent her summers training in the youth programs at Houston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet and Tuzer School of Dance. Some of her fondest memories are performing the role of Clara in the Nutcracker with the Texas Ballet under the direction of Leo Ahonen and Soili Arvola for 3 seasons. Other notable mentors were Linda Holland, Anne Burton, and Susanna Bienviedos. As a teen she had the opportunity to attend a Tremaine Dance Convention and she was instantly enthralled! At 16 yrs old she was awarded the singular scholarship prize to come train at the Joe Tremaine Dance Center in Hollywood for the summer. She returned to Texas to complete her senior year of high school and following graduation made her way back to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams of being a dancer! She trained extensively on scholarship at the Tremaine / Sleight Dance Center with legendary teachers such as Joe Tremaine, Jackie Sleight, Doug Caldwell, Sallie Whalen, Tony Copolla, Marguerite Derricks, and more. She loved the training process so much and felt so at home “in the studio” that she decided to stay! She assisted Mr. Tremaine’s classes and helped develop the youth program at his studio, eventually leaving to pursue a career in Post Production. A decade later, she found herself drawn back into the dance world with the opportunity to open a dance studio in 1999. First as Creation Station and then as Shooting Stars Dance, she owned and operated the studio, taught thousands of classes, and ignited a love of dance in countless young dancers for 24 years. She
produced and directed many shows and events throughout this time and these accomplishments remain some of her fondest memories. She is immensely proud of the relationships formed within her studio walls and the dance and life lessons that were learned by all. Her students have gone to study at prestigious institutions like Juilliard and the Ailey School, to dance professionally; and to find success as entrepreneurs, teachers, nurses, and a host of other careers. Katie is a passionate teacher to both children and adults alike. Her expertise is in ballet & jazz technique; however, she is well-versed in many genres. She also enjoys incorporating new ways of training strength, flexibility & conditioning elements in specialty classes likes turns, jumps, and extensions; while staying committed to tried and true foundational work that is so important to a young dancers’ training. |