Teachers

Miss Andi

Miss Andi has been described as The Mary Popins Of Dance. With her love of children and ability to create such magic, she has made it her purpose to touch every student’s heart that walks through the door of Penny Lane.

Miss Andi comes to you from Liverpool, England. Andi was educated and awarded scholarships for the prestigious Arts Educational School, Tring Park, and Laine Theatre Arts College where she studied classical ballet under Frank Freedman of the Royal Ballet. Along with her studies in R.A.D. (Royal Academy Of Dance) she studied tap, jazz, and contemporary, Modern, Musical Theatre.

In 1992 she was certified by the Imperial Society of Teachers for Dance, recognized internationally as a top qualification in dance.

Miss Andi has literally performed around the world as both a dancer and vocalist, from Royal Air Force bases in the Falkland Islands to the Cathedrals of Rome, and The Albert Hall in London where she entertained the British Royal Family. Andi’s credits include working for many years with The BBC Radio 4 as a character actress, A featured dancer with Carnival Cruise Lines, musicals include Joseph, My Fair Lady, and Oaklahoma.

As a member of Giant/Warner Records pop group I*5, Andi had a Top 40 hit, and toured with Britney Spears and NSYNC playing every major arena in the U.S.A. Their song ‘First Kiss’ can be heard on the dance movie soundtrack “Center Stage”. She has been featured in 17 Magazine, Cosmo Girl and has appeared on Extra, NBC’s Later, as well as Nickelodeon and CNN.

Miss Andi’s passion for dance is only equaled by her love of children. Having been through such quality training at ballet school, Miss Andi wanted to create a dance studio that brought that same caliber and yet made dance fun and inspiring to all her students. Her students mean the world to her, and she is dedicated to creating the most inspiring and magical dance school.

 

Miss Jill

Miss Jill began dancing in her hometown of New Castle, PA. at the age of three. She earned her BFA in Dance Education with a concentration in modern Dance from the University of the Arts Philadelphia, PA. She is certified to teach children by Dance Masters of America. Miss Jill studied the Cecchetti System of ballet levels I-V which we incorporate along with I.S.T.D. and R.A.D. curriculums here at the studio. As a professional dancer Jill performed in Philadanco’s second company D2, Underground Dance Works and TLS Modern Co. Miss Jill can be seen in music video Dirty Dancing 2 Havana Nights. She currently performs with the Sahlala Dancers, an International dance company.

Jill is a delightful teacher who really brings the traditional aspects of ballet to our students through a gentle and cheerful disposition.
Miss Jill quote: I have never experienced anything like the magic of Penny Lane, I feel fortunate to be a part of such a talented and positive team!

 

Miss Lindsey

Miss Lindsey graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelors Of Arts Degree in Theatre with a specialization in Dance and History of Art. She also studied at the Michael Howard Conservatory, Steps and Broadway Dance Center in NYC. Lindsey studied the acclaimed Checchetti Ballet syllabus.  As a teacher Lindsey enters her seventh year, and during this time has taught at the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts. Lindsey is entering her fourth year here at Penny Lane and is an integral part of our faculty. Lindsey performes as a professional dancer and actress in numerous commercials, movies, videos and local theatre. You can catch her as Delilah in the ever so popular Satin Dollz 1940"s group and Fauni the Faery in the acclaimed "A Faery Hunt". She also has choreographed for many productions both live stage and film. Into every class Lindsey brings a real zest for theatre and a love of children. Her quirky humor and extensive knowledge of theatre and dance are a joy to watch.

Mr. Zach

Zach Saunders is dancer originally from Columbus, OH and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. Zach has trained with Nathan Trasoras and Steven “Twitch” Boss from So You Think You Can Dance. Zach is a powerful Hip-Hop dancer with an emphasis on Poppin’. Not only a well rounded Hip-Hop and Tap dancer, but is also considered a “triple threat” with heavy training in singing and acting. Since being in LA, he was in Warner Bros. feature film Project X, danced in Ray Romano’s new television series Men of a Certain Age and performed in a pre-VMA event for up and coming recording artist Rachele Royal. Not only is Zach’s choreography creative and innovative, but as a teacher he approaches every class with a kind heart and a constructive eye.

Miss Erin

Miss Erin has a B.A. In Child Development form California State University Los Angeles and has worked with children since a young teen in many different capacities as a nanny, Kindergarten aid, Preschool teacher, birthday performer, behavioral therapist and as a mom of 2 little boys. She discovered her love for dance 17 years ago while performing in local musical theater. Erin was soon rewarded a dance scholarship at Debbie Reynolds dance studio where she was mentored by Rosemarie Rand and studied with some of the best teachers Los Angeles has to offer. Erin continued training at Millennium Dance complex, Van Nuys Performing arts annex, California state Los Angeles, The Edge, and spent several summers training at Steps on Broadway. She has performed on stage in many dance and theater productions and recently was the assistant choreographer to Billy Blanks Jr. for the exercise video, “Dance with Me”, which she also appeared in. Miss Erin has been with Penny Lane for 8 years and continues to be in love with using her knowledge of dance and child development to help nurture and inspire young dancers.

 

Miss Caitlin

Caitlin, a native of upstate New York, put on her first pair of dancing shoes at the age of 5. Her abilities and passion were strengthened through a trainee program in Kansas City that included study of the Vaganova ballet method and the Martha Graham modern technique and at 17 years old, she graduated from the program. During that time Caitlin also discovered her true love, jazz and contemporary dance, and was chosen to be a founding member a youth jazz company, Maxxas Dance Theater. Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and Spanish in 2009 from UMKC, Caitlin was accepted into Mona Storling-Enna’s professional modern and ballet company in Kansas City, Störling Dance Theater. During her time with the company, Caitlin toured nationally and performed in numerous original works, including the company’s production of Underground, named one of the top 10 productions of the decade in Kansas City in 2010. While she thoroughly enjoys performing, Caitlin also loves working with students and has close to a decade of teaching experience in numerous styles. She also has extensive experience in musical theater choreography and has choreographed numerous community productions of famous shows, such as Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof, Children of Eden, and The Music Man. Caitlin holds a deep love for the artistic expression of dance and possesses an incredible enthusiasm for sharing both its power and beauty with students and audiences alike.

Miss RAE

Rae has a degree in Theatre performance from the University of Maryland, and studied with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. She began her career originating the role of Patrice in the award-winning play Lagniappe at the prestigious Washington Kennedy Center in Washington DC. She toured with the Broadway musical Miss Saigon (eventually being offered the role of Associate Director and Dance Captain), and played the role of Annie in the LA company of CHICAGO: the Musical. She has various TV and film roles under her belt, including guest appearances on “Rita Rocks,” “CSI” and “The Unit.” She was also the host of the children’s show “Kidz on Location.” She had leading roles in both award-winning films “An Immigrant Girls Journey” and “ADOBO.” Also a successful choreographer, Rae has worked with a wide array of artists, including: Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Brian Mcknight, 98 Degrees, N*SYNC, Nelly, The Black-Eyed Peas, Liza Minelli, and Stevie Wonder. As a teacher, Rae believes in a constructive, caring and nurturing environment in order to find the “star” in everyone- no matter how great or small their experience with performing is. Many of her students have gone on to dance on NBA and NFL dance teams, appear on So you Think You Can Dance, star in local, regional and professional theatre, and in major TV and Films. While she takes great pride in those students, the ones she is most proud of, are the students who have blossomed from shy, insecure beings to powerful, confident beautiful performers that are loving the skin they are in! She looks forward to meeting every one of you and seeing you in class!

Miss LIZ

Liz is brand new to LA! After graduating from Yale with a B.A. in Theatre Studies, Liz moved to New York where she was active in the downtown theater and dance communities, working with Les Freres Corbusier, The Collapsable Giraffe, Sidra Bell Dance NY and at Lincoln Center's Clark Studio Theater, St. Ann's Warehouse, PS 122 and the Hangar Theater. She has also toured regionally and internationally, most recently to Shanghai, China. She is a founding member of the performance ensemble Immediate Medium and has collaborated on all IM pieces since 2002, contributing to their original and genre-defying works as a creator, performer, and choreographer. Additionally, while living in NYC, she taught dance, choreography, theater and yoga to children through the New York City Ballet's Education Department, at Discovery Programs and Karma Kids Yoga in Manhattan and through City Kids Dance in Brooklyn, to name just a few. She recently created and released an original dance video for kids ages 2-5, entitled Petite Feet. In her classes, Liz draws from her training as both an actor and a dancer, and she introduces technique and artistic concepts to her students in the most playful and creative ways she can. She incorporates a lot of story telling and imaginative games to keep the atmosphere active, fun and friendly and the emphasis on building confidence and self-expression.

Miss FELICIA

Felicia was born and raised in Los Angeles. For the past 22 years she has been performing and choreographing for small independent artists and nationally televised parades. She started dancing at the age of 5, training in classical ballet and jazz. Her first exposure to hip-hop was watching her uncle break-dance in the streets with his friends. She started choreographing at the age of 14, when she was the first sophomore to join the high school varsity cheer/dance squad. It was in her 3 years of high school cheer along with much exposure to the club scene that Felicia’s choreography and style of dancing evolved. Felicia continued to train in various styles of dance as well as taking on new endeavors such as tumbling and theatre to add and enhance to her multitudes of dance ability. Since her beginning exposure to dance, Felicia furthered her technique at Louisville Ballet School in Louisville, KY and Los Angeles Pierce College. She was also a member of North Hollywood Jazz Dance Ensemble under the direction of Michael Menna and Eric Ellis. Felicia also trained extensively under Pop Star Andrea McCormack of I5. In her extensive studies with Andrea, she learned the I.S.T.D curriculum, which is one of the universal ballet curriculums used in Britain. Felicia continued training with many of the top choreographer’s in the industry, performing with them in showcases and the famous choreographer’s ball, Carnival. As a teacher Felicia focuses on the individual needs of each dancer. Allowing them to be challenged in areas that are specific to them. Felicia strives to teach dancers how to push themselves while learning proper technique, so they can have longevity as dancers. Felicia was a two time all-star cheerleader for UCA and USA, and has been blessed to perform in many parts of the world from London to Japan. Her most recent credits include Snoop Dog, Beyoncé, MTV’s Top Floor, the world famous Magic Castle’s Annual Award Show and Carnival Cruise Lines. Felicia hopes to continue to share her love of dance with people all over the world.