Alana Tillim  | Owner/Director

Alana has owned Santa Barbara Dance Arts for 28 years and is a proud mother, speaker, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. She is a leader in the national dance industry, where she speaks at conferences and coaches studio owners to run impactful and successful businesses. In 2025, she gave a TEDx and is passionate about inspiring others to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. Though she no longer teaches regularly, she still steps in the classroom once a year to to choreograph the Company Production number.  

She began her journey in Corporate Marketing and the Political Arena. While SBDA was in its infancy, she co-founded a local dance nonprofit with Steven Lovelace that she led successfully for over 18 years. Recently, she founded the new nonprofit Move With Purpose. In the last 20 years, she has donated over $450,000 in scholarships to local youth and has helped raise over $1,000,000 for marginalized communities to participate in dance. She is the visionary behind the Mother Daughter Empowerment Brand, I am Her. She is Me and will be expanding to include Mother and Son bonding events in 2026. 

Alana was honored to be named a Pacific Coast Business Times “Top 40 Under 40” in 2009, and was also recognized as a “More Than Just Great Dancing Member of the Year” in 2020. She has since received honors from several dignitaries and local organizations for her dedication to the community.  Alana has volunteered for several local non-profits, including United Way, Girls Inc., and Fun In the Sun. Alana served on the board of the SB Neighborhood Clinics and served as president of SB Dance Alliance from 2007-2011. 

Alana believes that dance can heal and that the lessons dance teaches extend far beyond the classroom.  Alana hopes that all who visit SB Dance Arts feel a sense of belonging, community, and creative freedom.

Hannah Hayward |  educational director, competition team director, instructor

Hannah Hayward is a vibrant artist who is passionate about movement, education, and performance. She graduated with honors from the Ailey School Scholarship Program in NYC and holds certifications from American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum and the University of Tennessee, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Philosophy and Psychology. 

Hannah has been a teaching assistant to Francisco Gella, a Pre-Professional Trainee with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, a tour assistant for Artists Simply Human, and is on faculty at Rock the House Dance Convention. She has received numerous accolades, including YAGP Regional medals and top awards at The Dance Awards. Her performance credits span notable events like the Dizzy Feet Foundation Gala, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and New York Fashion Week. Hannah is proud to say that some of her dance students have gone on to train at Rambert School, The Ailey School, Kanyok Arts Initiative, Georgia Ballet, and Ballet Idaho. Hannah co-founded Tessera Dance Theater, contributed to Tennessee Theatre’s Marquee Awards, and teaches nationwide, setting choreography across the U.S.

JERELYN alcantar | MARKETING AND OPERATIONS Director

Jerelyn has lived and worked in Santa Barbara for 14 years. Originally from a small Texas town, she made the trek to San Antonio several times weekly to attend Jazz and Ballet classes at her dance company through her high school years. She graduated with a BFA in Studio Arts from Biola University in 2010. She loves working at Dance Arts and finds the newness of eash season so exciting. Jerelyn spends her free time learning traditional cooking techniques, camping, reading history books, spending quality time with her husband, two kitties, and new baby boy, and making art and jewelry. Jerelyn believes in the power and ability of dance to transform community and lives. She’s thrilled to be surrounded by dance, and to call Santa Barbara Dance Arts her home for the past 4 years. Watching your kids grow up has been such a privilege for her.

Maria Pantoja | Sr. Customer Care Manager

Maria is an Oxnard/Ventura native who has over 16+ years of administrative and customer service experience. Coming from managing state programs and accounting, Maria is excited to offer exceptional office support and transition into the Sr. Customer Care Manager role with SBDA. Maria and her husband, Cesar, are a blended family of 7! She enjoys weekly soccer games with her step kids and Violin recitals with her daughter. They have a Yorkshire Terrier named Simba who is about to be 3yrs old and the baby of their home! Maria is also a former Sizzling Dulzura Bachata/Salsa dancer and performed Folklorico for several years! In her free time, she enjoys horse races, reading, rollerblading, and Zumba classes. She is also a State of California wedding officiant and celebrates weddings most every weekend! Maria enjoys building relationships and looking forward to working with you to have a successful season with SBDA! You'll find Maria in the office ready to help!

Maria habla español

michelle mauk | customer care Manager

Michelle came to SB Dance arts in January 2021 after a long successful career in Consumer Product and Pharmaceutical sales in the SF Bay Area. She spent 25 years representing Consumer Product companies like Bristol Myers Squibb, L'Oréal and Mars with both Regional and National accounts. Michelle and her husband KC returned to Santa Barbara from the Bay Area after he retired to be closer to her parents. They have three adult children with their oldest son and his wife now also living here in Santa Barbara. Michelle enjoys using her career skills to help administratively and more importantly engaging with kids of all ages and their families. Michelle is also a new grandma to twin girls Rye & Shay and enjoys spending lots of time with them!

ALIYAH HABIB | INSTRUCTOR, marketing and educational assistant manager

Aliyah is a dancer and instructor originally from the Bay Area, California. She began dancing at just 2 years old, training in a variety of styles including hip-hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap. She started competing at age 9 and has continued to cultivate her passion for dance ever since. Aliyah graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2025 with a B.A. in Political Science and Environmental Science. During her time at UCSB, she was a member and later served as Executive Director of Untitled Dance Company, a hip-hop-based team that performed and competed throughout the 805 area. Aliyah is passionate about fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive dance community, and is excited to share the same sense of connection and joy that dance has brought to her.

Erika Cruz | youth and preschool department head, Instructor, Asssistant customer care manager

Erika Cruz is a graduate of AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts, where she earned her BFA in Performing Arts: Musical Theatre through studies in both Los Angeles and New York City. She also holds multiple degrees in Ethnic Studies, Native American Studies, Chicano Studies, and Black Studies from Santa Barbara City College, which has further strengthened her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts. Erika has performed professionally with equity theaters across Los Angeles as well as touring nationally and performing on world cruises. Since 2021, she has been dedicated to arts education, teaching Ballet, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Jazz, Acro, and Contemporary dance throughout Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. She is certified in Acrobatic Arts Modules 1 & 2. She has worked with children from 18 months through their teen years, fostering creativity, compassion, and positivity in a safe and supportive environment. Erika is thrilled to be part of the SBDA family and is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and lifelong learning through the art of dance.

lacy olivera | costume concierge

Lacy Olivera was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California. At the age of 4 she was bouncing around doing cartwheels and handstands wherever she could. She became a competitive gymnast and traveled all over the United States for over ten years. After quitting gymnastics there seemed to be something missing in her life, so she tried out for the dance team at her local high school. From there another passion grew and she started taking jazz, ballet and hip hop classes. She performed with her dance studio and competed at many competitions with her school dance team. After college and working full time, she became a mom of two little girls. Lacy's passion for dance came back after her children were born and has never stopped since. She loves teaching the Cardio Hip Hop for adults at Santa Barbara Dance Arts. She enjoys the escape that dance brings and how all the problems of the day just seem to melt away. Lacy describes dance as a therapy and has seen how it can impact so many people. The concept of making dance accessible to all and the community that it builds is something that she knew she wanted to be a part of.

amara galloway | Ballet department head, Instructor

Amara Galloway, originally from Fairfax, Virginia, received her formal training from BalletNova Center for Dance before joining The Joffrey Ballet Chicago Trainee Program and Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company. She is currently a professional dancer with State Street Ballet. Her performance experience includes principal roles in Cinderella and The Nutcracker, as well as originating the title role of The Little Mermaid. She has performed ballets by George Balanchine, Sir Frederick Ashton, Gerald Arpino, and Nilas Martins. In 2021, Amara performed as an Ababu Princess and was the Dance Captain for the musical Kismet, directed by Lonny Price. She has had opportunities to tour nationally and internationally including to the United Kingdom and Japan. Amara has a background in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, tap, improvisation, hip hop, and acrobatics and was a semi-finalist at The Youth America Grand Prix Competition. She is looking forward to a new season sharing her love of dance with the students of Santa Barbara Dance Arts!

Laura Luevanos | hip hop department head, INSTRUCTOR

Laura Luevanos has been dancing for over 15 years and specializes in hip hop and jazz, with additional training in ballet and contemporary. She continued her education at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in Los Angeles, where she trained under industry professionals and performed in showcases featuring emerging artists.

Laura has been teaching at SBDA for the past four years and is passionate about helping dancers grow in both confidence and technique. She strives to create a positive, supportive environment where every dancer feels encouraged to challenge themselves, express their individuality, and develop a lifelong love for dance the way she has!

Meredith Ventura | jazz department head, instructor

Meredith Ventura is a multidisciplinary artist, choreographer, educator, and scholar based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from UC Santa Barbara with a B.F.A. in Dance and earned her M.F.A. in Dance from Hollins University through its international partnership with the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt am Main and the Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company (formerly the Forsythe Company). She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at UC Santa Barbara, where her research focuses on cabaret, early modern dance, and jazz modernism.

As the founder of Selah Dance Collective, Meredith has created and presented original works and produced evening-length performances throughout the United States and internationally. She is also the founder of Novus Contemporary Ballet, a professional ballet company and year-round training program dedicated to developing the next generation of contemporary ballet artists. Her choreography has been presented in more than a dozen countries, reflecting a choreographic voice that bridges contemporary dance, ballet, theater, and interdisciplinary performance.

An accomplished educator, Meredith has extensive teaching experience across a wide range of dance disciplines, with more than a decade of experience teaching acrobatics. She is certified with distinction in Acrobatic Arts Modules 1 & 2. In addition, Meredith serves on the Board of Directors for Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, where she advocates for accessible, community-centered performing arts.

Allie Francis | instructor

Allie Francis was born and raised in Southern California where her passion for dance was ignited. She started dancing at California Dance Theater at the age of 4 and instantly fell in love with it. By age 12 she started going away for summer intensives every year. She studied at Colorado Ballet, Houston Ballet (twice) and Boston Ballet. She has a strong foundation of Vaganova training but quickly fell in love with the style of Balanchine. Throughout the years she danced the roles of Dewdrop Fairy, Snow Queen, Arabian Soloist and Spanish Soloist. Though ballet was always her main focus, she is well versed in lyrical, jazz, modern, contemporary, hip hop and musical theater as well. Throughout high school she assisted with teaching and rehearsals at her home studio as well as performing on her school’s varsity dance team. Her goal was to become a professional ballet dancer, but COVID hit at the end of her junior year and shortly after she experienced a few injuries. Due to this interference she took a step back to recover and pursue her college career at age 18. She attended SBCC where she studied Sociology and Art, then transferred to Los Angeles College of Music to study Vocal Performance. Towards the end of her college experience she decided to return to her first love, dance. She started taking classes again and shortly after decided to start teaching. This quickly reignited the passion she missed so dearly and created a strong sense of purpose for her. She is joining Novus Ballet as a trainee this season and cannot wait to step back into performing. She is overjoyed to be a part of SBDA and have the opportunity to help young dancers blossom. 

Mira Kulkarni | Instructor

Mira Kulkarni is a dance artist pursuing a B.F.A. in Dance and a B.A. in Economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her training spans ballet, contemporary, Horton, Graham, Taylor, Lewitsky, partnering, improvisation, and choreography, and she has performed in numerous student and faculty works throughout her time at UCSB. She also serves as the elected Class of 2028 Representative, advocating for students while contributing to the department's artistic community.

Mira earned her high school diploma in dance from Idyllwild Arts Academy, where she received pre-professional training in ballet and modern dance. She has continued to expand her artistic practice through programs with State Street Ballet, Carmel Dance Festival, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, BODYTRAFFIC, Nickerson-Rossi Dance, and Interlochen Arts Academy.

In addition to performing, Mira started teaching ballet at Santa Barbara Dance Arts in the Fall of 2026, where she is committed to fostering her students' technical development, musicality, artistry, and confidence. She approaches dance with a balance of disciplined technique and expressive storytelling, striving to create meaningful work that resonates with audiences. As she pursues a professional career in modern and contemporary dance, Mira hopes to combine her artistic background with her studies in economics to support the long-term sustainability of arts organizations and expand equitable opportunities for artists.

Emma Stenger | Instructor

Emma was raised in San Diego and began dancing when she was 3 years old. In 2017, she furthered her training under the instruction of Jill Gibson with a focus on the ABT National Training Curriculum. Throughout her training, she took on roles as a teacher, choreographer, and rehearsal & production assistant which allowed her to develop versatile skills beyond ballet technique. Emma went on to graduate from Elon University in 2023 with a BS in Dance Science and minors in Dance Performance and Choreography & Exercise Science. She had the opportunity to train formally in modern technique, and worked with incredible guest choreographers including Lee Edwards, Ilya Kozadayev, and Janice Rosario. She also trained in lighting design, stage management, presented her own undergraduate research, and completed her Progressing Ballet Technique certification. Now, Emma is in her second year as a Company Member with Novus Contemporary Ballet and is thrilled to be teaching for her third season at Santa Barbara Dance Arts.

Isabella Bautista | INSTRUCTOR

Isabella Bautista is a student at UCSB Double Majoring in Dance and Psychology Brain Sciences. She was born and raised in San Diego where she began dancing at the age of 10, and has grown to love and appreciate dance and can’t imagine her life without it. She began taking jazz classes, and over the years has added ballet, jazz funk, contemporary, hip-hop, improvisation, and choreography to her training. She competed with Neisha's Dance and Music Academy for 5 years as well as with her high school dance team, Eastlake Dance Company for 4 years. Her senior year of High School she began traveling across the country as an ambassador for Guidance Experience Competition and Tremaine Performance Company. As a part of these companies, she assists several convention teachers for a variety of styles and works backstage during competitions. She will continue to travel and assist for Tremaine Performance Company throughout her college career. Isabella is also currently going on her 3rd year competing with UCSB’s Hip Hop Team Untitled Dance Company. Isabella is so excited to help dancers learn and grow their love for dance, like her teachers did for her!

Dylan Dincelli | student teacher

Dylan Dincelli is a current Junior at Dos Pueblos High School, and she has been dancing at Santa Barbara Dance Arts for eight years now! She started with hiphop in 2018, then moved to include Jazz, Ballet, and eventually pre-pointe and contemporary in the following years. Dylan has been a part of both pre-company and company in the past and is also on the TDA Senior Competition team. Her favorite dance styles are contemporary and Jazz. While this is her first year as a teacher, Dylan has been an assistant for the past two years, as well as a recent graduate of the SBDA leadership academy program.

Find out more about Dylan’s training with Leadership Academy.

Krystal Belluomini | Adult class Instructor

Krystal is an ACE certified Instructor with a bachelor’s degree in dance, who has been teaching beginner adult hip hop at SBDA for nearly three years. She is passionate about helping others feel strong and empowered in a fun, welcoming community where everyone can connect through dance. Her classes are packed with high energy, great music, and positive vibes, helping dancers of all levels have fun, build confidence, and leave feeling their best. When she’s not teaching, Krystal is a busy mom of two who loves spending time outdoors, soaking up the sunshine, and making memories at the beach with her family.

Lyla Beck | student teacher

Miss Lyla is a second year teacher and has been dancing at SBDA for 10 seasons. She is going into her junior year of high school at San Marcos High School and her favorite subjects are math and sciences. At the studio Lyla loves taking contemporary classes and competing with SBDA’s competition team. She also love to choreograph and has created several pieces for the company show Configuration. She is a graduate of the Move With Purpose teacher training program where she trained and learned how to teach! Also under Move With Purpose, Lyla is the head chair of the inclusion coalition and is so excited to help spread love in her community and create the annual video project! Lyla is so excited to get to teach again this year in Santa Barbara Dance Art’s 29th season!

Find out more about Lyla’s training with Leadership Academy.

Michelle Okeke | Instructor

Michelle Okeke is a passionate dancer and student born in Long Beach, California and raised in Grand Prairie, Texas. She is currently a fourth year Biopsychology major at UC Santa Barbara, with plans to attend medical school and specialize in radiology. Michelle began dancing at age eight alongside her twin sister, starting with hip hop and eventually training in jazz, ballet, contemporary, modern, and tumbling. She honed her skills at Garner Fine Arts Academy and Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy, where she took master classes, studied pedagogy, and choreographed for musicals. She is excited to continue another season at Santa Barbara Dance Arts and share her love for dance with the next generation.

Gigi mcmanigal | Student teacher

Gigi McManigal is a sophomore at Santa Barbara High School. She has been dancing for many years and is a member of SBDA's Company and Competition Team. Gigi completed SBDA's Leadership Academy and assisted dance classes for two years. She loves working with kids and is beyond excited for the new dance season!

Find out more about Gigi’s training with Leadership Academy.

Rachyl Pines | Instructor

Rachyl has more than 8 years of experience teaching ballet. She began her ballet training at The Ballet Studio in Temecula, CA. She attended summer intensive programs with American Ballet Theater, Joffrey Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Walnut Hill School of the Arts to augment her training. Rachyl was a company member at City Ballet of San Diego for 3 seasons when she shifted focus to go to graduate school. Rachyl completed her PhD in Communication at UCSB. Rachyl is now a company member in her fifth season with Selah Dance Collective and Nebula Dance Lab. She  is also a professional aerial silks artist! 

Abby Macarah |  INSTRUCTOR

Abby Macarah is so excited to be teaching her favorite dance style, jazz, at SBDA this year! She is currently in her fourth and final year at UCSB, receiving a BA in Dance and English with a minor in Art History. At UCSB she is also a part of the competitive dance team, Untitled! She has had the opportunity to do summer intensives at companies such as Joffrey Ballet and Broadway Dance Center and had the privilege of assisting amazing dance teachers, including Hannah Gallagher for the Guy Groove class workshops! She is hoping to bring everything she has learned from her experiences and mentors to SBDA! While her favorite style is jazz, she also loves some good contemporary and hip hop! Abby can’t wait to meet everyone, collaborate creatively with the students and of course do some good old jazz technique training this year!

ryan birch | INSTRUCTOR

Ryan Birch is entering her fourth year at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance while also earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. In addition, she will be a member of the UCSB Senior Dance company this year. She is passionate about sharing her love of dance with others and enjoys helping students build both confidence and strong technical foundations! Ryan’s favorite style is contemporary and she also loves jazz, though she appreciates exploring movement across a variety of genres. This is her first official year teaching at SBDA, and she is excited to inspire young dancers in a positive, supportive, and creative environment. She looks forward to helping each student grow as both a dancer and an individual while fostering a lifelong love of dance!

taylor alfama | instructor

Taylor is an alum of Santa Barbara Dance Arts and Axis Dance Company. Taylor has been dancing for 15+ years. She is currently student at SBCC and is excited to continue to share her passion for dance with her students. Dance has always been a big part of her life and she is so excited for this season!

Faye zink | instructor

Originally from Evergreen, Colorado, Faye Zink began training at Kinetic Arts Dance Studio. She expanded her training through prestigious summer intensives with Sacramento Ballet, State Street Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, performing in works by Igal Perry and Mizuho Kappa. In 2024, Faye joined State Street Ballet’s Professional Track as a trainee and joined Novus Contemporary Ballet in 2026.

ava markovich | instructor

Originally from Los Angeles, Ava graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychological & Brain Sciences. She has been part of the SBDA community for two years and especially enjoys teaching and performing contemporary and jazz.

Ava began her dance training at a young age and later became captain of her nationally recognized competitive high school dance team. During that time, she helped lead her team to several national championships and earned multiple individual solo awards. While attending UCSB, she continued her dance education by participating in yearly dance concerts presented by the university’s Dance Department. Ava is passionate about helping students reach their fullest potential while creating a happy, healthy, and encouraging dance environment. Outside of the studio, Ava enjoys drinking coffee, spending time at the beach, and going on runs.

aubrey park | instructor

Currently a student at UCSB majoring in biology on the pre-med track, and a member of the dance team. Aubrey’s favorite styles are contemporary and jazz.

Chloe Roberts  |  GUEST Instructor & Choreographer

CHLOE GRACE ROBERTS was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Chloe is trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, modern, musical theatre, hip-hop, tap, ballroom, and improvisation. She has worked with choreographers including Jodinik Jo of the Centre du Danse Marais in Paris and Tucker Knox of So You Think You Can Dance. Company work includes Urbanity Dance Company (Boston), Selah Dance Company (SB), Nebula Dance Company (SB), The Prague Shakespeare Company (CZ), and Reject Dance Theatre (NYC). Recent productions include Chicago (Liz and Dance Captain), American Psycho (SB), Grease (Cha-Cha and Dance Captain), How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (Choreographer), and High Society (Mavis and principal dancer). Chloe travels across the US to set choreography for studios and companies for both the competition and concert stages. She is a judge and member of Impact Dance Adjudicators.  She is also the Jazz Director at Santa Barbara Dance Arts.  @chloerobertsdance, #chloerobertschoreo

gianna burright | GUEST instructor & Choreographer

Gianna Burright is a California based dance artist who holds a BFA in Dance from UCSB and an MFA in Choreography from Trinity Laban Conservatory of Music and Dance. At UCSB she received the Tonia Shimin Award for excellence and promise in the field of dance and at Laban she was a Leverhulme Scholar and recipient of the Lesley Anne-Sayers Research Award. 

Gianna has presented her work in England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Czech Republic, The Netherlands, Cyprus, Greece and the US, including locations such as the Turner Contemporary Gallery, Bonnie Bird Theatre, Waterloo East Theatre, The Place and the International Edinburgh Fringe Festival, ZOO venues. Gianna’s credits include; UCSB Dance Company, Selah Dance Collective, The Improv Sessions, A Truefitt Collective, Nebula Dance Lab, Motion Theatre Dance Company, Santa Barbara Museum of Art (dance education lesson plans), Devin Fulton Dance, Irvine Valley College performance ensemble, assistant/rehearsal director to Danielle Agami of Ate9, a part of LA Contemporary Dance Companies first ever choreography lab and has been a guest artist for the dance departments at Nordhoff High School, Thacher High School, Ojai Valley School and Santa Barbara High School (Musical Theater). Burright is the co-founder/co- artistic director of the newly established international dance collective GBworks; which supports and produces work of female, female identifying and non-binary artists that has crossed the borders of the US, England and Scottland with desire to keep expanding. 

Gianna is passionate about creativity and collaboration which are her foundation for choreography, performance and dance education. She continuously asks the question of how dance can cross borders, change perspectives and outlooks on collaboration and communication. Gianna is currently dancing and choreographing professionally, and is honored to be on both a teacher and administrator at Santa Barbara Dance Arts.

keely ross | GUEST Instructor & Choreographer

Keely Ross is a student at UCSB Alum, having been admitted as a dance major. She has been dancing since the age of three at a studio based in Los Angeles, studying all disciplines of dance. She has competed and performed at The Pulse, Radix, Art of Movement, Dance Atak, and Nuvo, as well as numerous charity events, and local performances. Keely was chosen to be captain of her high school dance team junior and senior year, and continues creating choreography and training the team after graduation. Keely has choreographed for dance studios, high school dance teams, and competitive groups. Keely was captain of the hip-hop group at UCSB, Untitled Dance Company. Keely trains, conditions, performs, and choreographs for this collegiate team. Keely has worked with children at all levels, emphasizing safety, creativity, positivity, and fun. Keely is so grateful to teach at a studio that nurtures each student with open arms and big hearts!

Lauren Serrano | guest Instructor

Lauren graduated from University of California Santa Barbara with a B.F.A. in dance. She is originally from Orange County where she trained at many local studios including Jimmy Defores, and Edge Performing Arts Studio in Los Angeles. She went to Orange County High School for the Performing Arts for classical and commercial dance. She has won various scholarships including a 3-month training scholarship at Edge Performing Arts studio, Miss Drill Team USA and she received the departmental achievement award from UCSB in 2011. Lauren moved to New York City in 2012 for a work-study scholarship with Jennifer Muller and the Works. She has had the opportunity to dance with singing artists such as Mayer Hawthorne, and performed choreography in New York for choreographers Young Soon Kim, Toni Renee Johnson, Jacobs Dance Collective, Pedro Ruiz, Jennifer Muller and Mike Esperanza. Lauren recently graduated Summa Cum Laude with her masters in dance education from the Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program at Hunter College with the Presidential Special Recognition Award. Lauren is also a certified Pilates mat teacher and certified personal trainer. She is currently dancing professionally in Santa Barbara and is honored to be teaching at Santa Barbara Dance Arts.

SARAH MARIE PICARD | GUEST INSTRUCTOR

Sarah Marie Picard is an American dancer, choreographer, actress, and painter. Born in Phoenix, Arizona to a family of professional athletes including her mother and father who were LPGA and PGA tour players. Her great grandfather, Armand Picard from France who was a painter and her great grandmother Lucille, a singer, both immigrants who arrived from France to Canada to this day remain one of Sarah’s greatest inspirations.

The sensation of painting, the feeling of color, texture, and expression is soothing to my soul and I often refer to the experience as a romance between me and my canvas.

This love for artistic expression took me to school where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in New York City at Tisch School for the Arts and since then I’ve worked full-time as an artist, most recently showcasing my solo exhibit in The Funk Zone of Santa Barbara. I now reside in Southern California I make the daily walk to my studio.

Ms. Picard resides in Southern California and when she’s not painting, she can be found with her beautiful pup, Auggie, recording her new 6 song EP album, in the dance studio, at the beach, or working on her next children’s book. 

SUNNY REICHERT | GUEST INSTRUCTOR & choreographer

Sunny Reichert was born in rural Illinois where she started training in dance at the age of 5. At the age of 10, she joined her first dance company and began traveling nationwide, competing in various dance competitions. Throughout high school she received numerous dance scholarships and earned national recognition with her dance companies. Sunny moved to Los Angeles in 2004 to pursue her career in dance and quickly began working in film, TV and print. Some of her career highlights were working for Aamco, Comedy Central, FOX, Matchbox 20, NBC, Pepsi and William Morris Entertainment. While working, Sunny also received her degree from Cal State Northridge in 2009, where she minored in dance. Sunny is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary and hip-hop and has used her well-rounded training to build a successful teaching career. For 18 years now, Sunny has been a teacher producing and choreographing many of her own dance performances and productions. She has also directed two different dance companies for children and pre-professionals. Sunny is proud to say some of her dance students have gone on to train at Julliard, NYU Tisch School of the Arts and The American Ballet Theatre. Sunny continues teaching dance full-time while also traveling to teach as a master teacher at other schools and dance intensives.

Steven Lovelace  | Instructor, Director Emeritus

Steven Lovelace founded Santa Barbara Dance Arts (formerly Santa Barbara Jazz Dance Academy) in 1997. Shortly after he met Alana Tillim, the two of them co-directed the business from 1998-2013, when Steven sold the business to Alana. Steven loves teaching at Dance Arts and choreographs for the Student Dance Companies. Steven began his dance career in Kay Fulton's Santa Barbara City College Dance Department. Since then, he danced with Repertory-West Dance Company, Santa Barbara Dance Theatre, Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera, Bill Evans Dance Company, and Nora Reynolds Dance. He was a member of the Lit Moon Theatre Company and co-directed Dance Warehouse from 1985-91. He has taught locally at Laguna Blanca, Marymount, Cate, and San Marcos, Crane and currently teaches at Peabody school. He co-directs Stage Left Theatre Company. 

Steven’s reach in the community includes work with the Summer Solstice Celebration, SB Dance Alliance and he is the co-founder and scholarship mentor for the Arts Mentorship Program. He has helped generations of children fall in love with dance!