MEET OUR TEAM
Our team members are committed to helping each student foster a lifelong love of dance. Each of our instructors are Leap N Learn Certified and dedicated to helping students improve to reach their goals – whatever they may be.
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Krista Casey
I began dancing at age 5 and haven’t stopped! As a teenager I wanted to take as many classes as possible and assisted classes to help offset the cost. I found that I loved teaching and have been sharing my love of dance with students for over 30 years. Although I taught competition teams to National Titles, the small successes of my students in the classroom and seeing how dance helps them in life has always been the most rewarding part of teaching for me. Dance has always helped me to navigate life and I want to give that gift to as many people as I can.
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Kaylie Cook
Hello I’m Miss Kaylie! I started dancing when I was 6 years old and have continued performing for the past 20+ years. I’ve tried many styles of dance over time but my favorite has always been ballet. I’ve always loved being graceful and how much structure ballet provides. I am also a pilates instructor and understand the importance of having the correct alignment to set dancers up for success. Through teaching, I’ve found that giving back to the students everything I’ve learned is one of the most rewarding feelings.
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Lisa Dy
I started taking ballet at age 5 and was hooked! It was in my teen years where I became more serious and was awarded scholarships to The Joffrey Ballet and Ballet Pacifica summer programs. My love of dance deepened and I began teaching at 16. As I continued to teach, I also worked towards my BA in dance at UCI. As I taught a variety of students, I saw that anyone could dance. My most joyful moments as a teacher are when students conquer a difficult move, having a shy student come alive with dance, witnessing an active child calm, focus, and sharpen their skill, and lastly, those who believe they can't dance, really dance!
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Katie Guardado
Hi I’m Miss Katie! I have been dancing since I was 4 years old! No shocker considering my whole family loves to dance! Growing up my parents tried to put me in other sports but all I wanted to do was go to dance class. I have been blessed to have learned so many dance styles but my favorite has always been contemporary. In high school I continued dancing by competing with the Varsity Song team and brought back national titles in Pom and Jazz. Dance has always been such a safe space for me that also helped me grow my confidence, this is something I would love to give back to young dancers!
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Alexandra Hernandez
Hi, I’m Miss Alexandra! I started dancing when I was three years old and the older I got, the more I knew dance was my calling because I never wanted to stop. I graduated from Fullerton College in 2025 with my AA in Dance and my dance teaching certificate as well. In my many years as a dancer, I’ve tried a lot of different dance styles, but my favorites have always been Jazz and Hip Hop. Dance has been such a blessing in my life. It's given me confidence, a safe space to be myself and a sense of belonging. As a teacher, I strive to make a difference and use my God-given talent and love for dance, to lead this next generation of dancers.
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Selah Hernandez
Hi, I’m Miss Selah! I’ve been dancing since I was 7 and have loved it ever since! I’m passionate about all styles, especially hip hop and contemporary. I’m currently a psychology major focused on brain sciences, and I hope to become a school psychologist or work with children with special needs — kids have my heart! I’m so grateful God placed me at a studio I can call home. When I’m not dancing, I love fashion, traveling, and spending time with friends. Can’t wait to dance with you!
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Sheri Hoppe
Hello, I’m Ms. Sheri. At age three I began dancing at the local dance studio, and at age 8 began assistant teaching tiny tots with the owner. I have always found the places I fit in the best are teaching and support roles helping families and kids find their confidence in life and on the dance floor. God has blessed me to have 3 amazing sons and 10 grandkids. I’ve choreographed for 9 youth theatre productions, and directed grand balls with thousands of teens for over 2 decades. When not working or taking care of family, I can be found on a variety of local ballroom floors, enjoying all types of swing and ballroom dances, joyfully lost in the music, and following some of the best leads in the world.
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Charme Morales
Hey all you Movers n’ Shakers, my name is Miss Charme Morales. I’ve been blessed to be part of the dance world for 25+ years. I’ve had so many amazing experiences, teaching both competitively and recreationally to students of all ages and performing on Holland America Cruise line. One of my most treasured experiences was bringing to life my favorite character, “Toodee” the cat dragon, on the Nick Jr TV and Live show called “Yo Gabba Gabba”. Dance has always allowed a creative freedom to be me, the love to keep my body healthy and active and chance to work with so many awesome people. I can’t wait for you to be part of this creative world too!
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Tori Mehta
Hi, I'm Ms. Tori! I took my first dance class at just three years old — and I’ve been dancing ever since! With the inspiring guidance from some of my first teachers, Ms. Krista and Ms. Charme, I discovered a love for every style of dance and spent my childhood training and competing. In high school, I honed my craft at the Orange County School of the Arts with a focus in commercial dance, then continued my journey at Loyola Marymount University, graduating with a minor in dance. Dance has filled my life with energy, joy, and creativity, and nothing makes me happier than passing that spark on to my students and watching their passion take flight.
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Delilah Yick
Hello! my name is Miss Delilah! I’ve been dancing since I was 2 years old, and have trained in styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. I did most of my technical training with Academy 831 and Nouveau Chamber Ballet, and I’m so grateful to be back! In high school, I was the first girl to join the All-Male Hip Hop Division, and have been captain of the varsity hip-hop team for the past two years. I’m passionate about promoting inclusivity and the heart of dance, and can’t wait to share my love with young dancers!
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Jasmine Ceja
It has always been my dream to work with children. While I was in High school, I coached cheer for children ages 5 to 12 years old. In the past, I have been a Production Leader in my church, organizing and putting together children’s plays. Later on, I became a Children’s Ministry Leader where I was in charge of curriculum, activities and events. Once the pandemic came along, I made the decision to focus on my family and again, God had other plans. I became a part of Academy 8:31 in 2022 and it has been an absolute blessing and a joy to be involved with all of the families here!
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Halley Frazier
Hi! My name is Ms. Halley and I have been dancing since I was 3! I was trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop and musical theater and danced competitively for 12 years. I began teaching at the age of 18 and started learning what it’s like to work at a studio. I found my calling behind the desk as an office manager, helping with shows, meeting families and more! I am so blessed that Academy 8:31 provides me the space do to everything I love and share it with the next generation!
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Cortnie Gonzaga
Hi!! I’m Cortnie! I fell in love with ballet at four years old and focused on ballet and pointe technique my whole career of 14 years. I now enjoy passing on my passion for dance to others. I remember how exciting it was to get my first pair of pointe shoes… and that excitement just never wore off! I am just as happy about putting on pointe shoes now as I was at twelve years old. I hope you’ll fall in love with dance too. When I’m not at Academy 8:31, I’m probably hanging out with the high school ministry at my church, or cooking up a storm in my kitchen.