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< Back Caitlin Mead Faculty: Ballet & Tap Caitlin Mead began her dance training at the age of two in the Conejo Valley and has trained and competed over the years in various styles of dance, including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Modern, and Hip-Hop. She competed for several years at industry dance conventions and competitions as well as attended summer dance programs with American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Peridance Capezio Center, and was invited by ABT to join their Junior Associate program. In 2021, Caitlin graduated Magna Cum Laude from Chapman University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and a minor in Entrepreneurship, receiving departmental honors. While at Chapman, Caitlin received professional training from acclaimed faculty and guest artists and performed in high-caliber productions as well as choreographed numerous pieces. Following graduation, Caitlin continued her training at Millennium Dance Complex, Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, and Exactitude in Los Angeles and New York City, training with industry professionals. Caitlin is excited to join SCPA and provide her students with a strong technical foundation while also striving to share her love of creativity, expression, and passion for dance with others.

< Back Sierra Tanji Faculty: Tap Sierra Tanji grew up dancing at SCPA and then moved on to graduate from Cal State University Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Dance Science. She has always been interested in injury prevention for young dancers, and one day intends to further this career in kinesiology. However, she also has a strong drive towards movie musicals, and bridging the gap between narrative film and dance film. Sierra recently choreographed, starred in, and co-directed a dance short film called "C'est LA Vie" which premiered at the Long Beach Art Theater and will be featured in more film festivals coming up in 2024. In 2023, Eliza Loran and Tanji created a theatrical concert dance work titled "1:23 AM 4th & Cherry Ave." which fuses vaudeville acting, tap dance, and contemporary dance to form a silly and joyous performance piece. This work won them "Best Performance” at the 2023 Socal Dance and Choreography Dance Festival. Sierra is trained in a variety of dance forms including, tap, contemporary-modern, jazz, hiphop, and ballet. Tanji tries to blend the variety of skills she has in order to create unique and new work to further the art industry in LA film and concert dance. South Coast performing Arts was her second home growing up and she is thrilled to be coming back to create new experiences for the current dancers and students to learn from! Love you SCPA FAM!

< Back Colin Harabedian Faculty: Hip Hop Colin Harabedian is a dancer and choreographer from Carlsbad, CA. His specialty is in hip hop and contemporary dance, with focuses on hip hop, breaking, popping, and house dance. His history and experience in both the street dance, dance studios, concert, and the commercial dance world has led him to build a very well rounded and seasoned career that he brings into his classes and students. As a teacher, he feels that it’s important to share the proper foundation to students, regardless of style, and provide an open and safe space to learn and grow. He believes that when teaching hip hop, teaching multiple styles creates a stronger foundation for students to pull from in their choreography, freestyle, and general practice of the dance and culture. His teaching style focuses on building the tools to be able to freestyle, knowledge of dance, growth as a dancer, literacy and fluency of movement, strength and control, and mental and physical stamina. He loves getting to work with kids of all skill levels and watching them improve in their movement and their love of dance grow. Having a positive role in students’ lives is something he holds very dearly. Being able to play a small part in their journey as a dancer and person is a joy for him, and he loves watching the next generation of dancers that are coming up. colin@southcoastperformingarts.com

< Back Gina Quintana Faculty: Creative Movement Gina comes to us with over twenty five years of teaching experience. A graduate of University of California, Irvine with a degree in dance, Gina has taught ballet, jazz, tap, modern, creative movement, and cotillion in studios and schools throughout central and Southern California. When she isn't in the studio she can be found at elementary schools with The Wooden Floor, and in hospitals teaching dance for Parkinson's disease, and Discovery Arts, bringing the arts to hospitalized children. She also teaches at UCP in their recreation department, and spends her evenings performing at Disneyland. Gina is grateful for her many opportunities to share the joy of dance! gina@southcoastperformingarts.com

< Back Megan Buell Front Office Megan has been part of the South Coast Performing Arts family since enrolling her daughter in dance at the age of three. Now 16, her daughter has grown up in the studio, and Megan has become deeply involved in supporting the dance community. She currently serves as the president of the South Coast Stars non-profit booster club, where she works alongside other dedicated parents to enhance opportunities for the studio’s competitive dancers. In addition to her role at South Coast, she brings a wealth of experience as a former business owner and currently works part-time as a Catering Server at the Honda Center. This variety of roles reflects her passion for helping others and making a positive impact in her communities. Working at the studio’s front desk once a week allows Megan to stay connected with families, sharing her love for the studio and welcoming everyone who walks through the doors. Megan's current passion project is working to expand the non-profit to help spread awareness about mental health in the dance community, and bringing the benefits of dance to the underserved and vulnerable communities. megan@southcoastperformingarts.com

< Back Chantal Ricci Faculty: Ballet, Jazz, Acro Chantal Ricci earned her B.A in Dance and B.S. in Business Administration from Chapman University where she studied, trained and performed with a diverse and accomplished faculty. In addition to training extensively at studios throughout Orange County, Chantal has studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Ballet Pacifica Conservatory and American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive programs. While growing up, Chantal was awarded many titles at various regional and national competitions. One of her most memorable early performances was dancing in the children’s cast of the Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker at the OCPAC. Chantal has also enjoyed dance roles in the Crystal Cathedral’s 'The Glory of Christmas' and Disneyland parades. For over a decade she has been choreographing and teaching ballet, pointe, tap, lyrical and jazz for local studios and high school dance programs. Chantal feels very blessed to have the privilege to share her knowledge and love of dance with her community. chantal@southcoastperformingarts.com

< Back Carolyn Lovett Ballet Director West Coast native Carolyn Lovett is an award winning choreographer and dance teacher. She received her early training from Anthony Sellers and Marnell Heimes of the Orange County Dance Center. Carolyn continued her training on scholarship at the Stanley Holden Dance Academy under Mr. Holden and Margaret Hills. Later she studied under Maredith Baylis, Basil Thompson and Cho San Go at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. Carolyn has been teaching Ballet, Lyrical and Modern Dance in Southern California for 40 years. Many of Carolyn's students have been accepted to and received scholarships to notable Ballet Company schools including The Australian Ballet, Houston Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, American Ballet Theater, San Francisco Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, The Rock, Pacific Northwest Ballet, The School of American Ballet, Princess Grace Academy of Classical Dance (Monaco) and Washington Ballet. She has also had students hired into Professional Ballet Companies as well as second companies and trainee programs. carolyn@southcoastperformingarts.com

Victoria Serra Owner Vicki is SCPA's original Dance Mom! She is dedicated to continuing the legacy of her daughter, Talia Serra Bradley. Read More Stacey Serra Hammond Owner Stacey is the Owner of SCPA. She has a passion for traveling and enjoys spending time with her family. Read More Julie Rhoton Artistic Director Julie is the Artistic Director at SCPA and passionately works to provide an inclusive space for all dancers. Read More Jessica Parr Competitive Director Jessica serves as the Competitive Director at SCPA. She believes in motivating & educating students, while building confidence. Read More MJ Wolff Creative Director As Creative Director for SCPA, MJ Wolff consistently creates award winning choreography, while helping to inspire & nurture our dancers Read More Shawna Skipps Operations Director Shawna Skipps is the Operations Director at SCPA, where she keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Read More Carolyn Lovett Ballet Director Carolyn serves as SCPA's Ballet Director. She also runs Lovett Dance Center, a renowned ballet training program. Read More Tasha Skipps Faculty: Hip Hop Tasha is a life-long dancer with a passion for positivity & creativity. She currently teaches Hip Hop for ages 8-12, and teens. Read More Anessa Davies Faculty: Tap & Hip Hop Anessa joined SCPA as a Tap instructor in 2024. She currently attends CSULB and continues her training in many different styles. Read More Colin Harabedian Faculty: Hip Hop Colin brings a unique blend of experience to SCPA. He is passionate about spreading positivity & bringing joy to dance. Read More Lindsey Lee Faculty: Jazz, Dance Team Lindsey is an award winning teacher and choreographer. When she's not teaching, she's probably taking her daughters to their dance class! Read More Devyn Lovett Faculty: Ballet Devyn is a seasoned performer and award winning ballet dancer. He brings fun and creativity to his classes and enjoys watching dancers embrace ballet. Read More Ashley Sutherland Parker Faculty: Ballet, Jazz & Combo Ashley teaches a variety of styles for our youngest dancers. She is passionate about creating a safe & fun space for all her students. Read More Gina Quintana Faculty: Creative Movement Gina has over 25 years of teaching experience. She is passionate about bringing dance & the arts to hospitals and schools. Read More Chantal Ricci Faculty: Ballet, Jazz, Acro Chantal is an accomplished dancer & choreographer. She recently received certification in Acrobatic Arts and is excited to grow the Acro program at SCPA. Read More Lauren Roberson Faculty: Hip Hop Lauren currently teaches Hip Hop in our recreational program, for ages 4-8 years old. She enjoys teaching dance and loves the kids. Read More Rachel Scott Faculty: Jazz & Ballet Rachel is a beloved ballet teacher at SCPA. When not teaching, you can find her behind a camera, perfecting her dance photography skills. Read More Sierra Tanji Faculty: Tap Sierra grew up dancing at SCPA and has returned to teach Tap. She is also passionate about injury prevention. Read More Caitlin Mead Faculty: Ballet & Tap Caitlin is committed to providing her students with a strong technical foundation while also striving to share her love of creativity, expression, and passion for dance with others Read More Megan Buell Front Office Megan is a dance mom, turned faculty member. She also serves as Booster Club president for the Competition Teams at SCPA. Read More Marisa Prolo Read More

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< Back Lauren Roberson Faculty: Hip Hop