Collette Sibal Ballet | Jazz | Tap | Private Coaching
Collette Sibal is an acclaimed dance educator, director, and choreographer, and the owner of San Marino Dance Academy, where she has devoted over three decades to advancing excellence in dance education and artistry. In recognition of her impact in the field of arts education, she was honored with the Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago. Renowned for her refined technical training, artistic leadership, and dedication to mentorship, she has shaped generations of dancers who have gone on to excel in professional and academic arenas worldwide.
Her pedagogical philosophy is rooted in strong technical excellence, while cultivating discipline, integrity, and artistic individuality in every dancer. Under her direction, students have advanced to esteemed university programs including NYU Tisch, University of Arizona School of Dance, UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts, Fordham University/The Ailey School, San Diego State University, Arizona State University, UC Santa Barbara, UNLV, Stanford University, and UC Berkeley, as well as professional careers in performance, choreography, and education.
Collette has served as a guest instructor at distinguished institutions including Harvard University, Caltech, and San Diego State University, and has contributed her expertise in mentoring collegiate dance programs.
Her students have achieved national and international distinction, performing across the United States and abroad, including four European tours with Young Tanzsommer Stars of Tomorrow. Additional highlights include appearances in the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade broadcast on ABC, halftime performances for the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena, and selection for the Hollywood Christmas Parade broadcast on The CW Network. The company was also invited to present work at the California Dance Education Association Dance Festival in 2026, underscoring its continued artistic recognition.
Sibal’s professional performance background includes work with the Joffrey Ballet, Los Angeles Classical Ballet, Chinese Dance Collective, the Z90/Pepsi Dance Team, and the salsa company Soundmasters, as well as appearances at the Latin Grammy Awards and Z90’s Jingle Jam. These formative experiences continue to inform her artistic vision and educational leadership.
Today, she remains a leading force in dance education, committed to cultivating the next generation of artists through a standard of excellence defined by discipline, artistry, and enduring professional achievement.
Her pedagogical philosophy is rooted in strong technical excellence, while cultivating discipline, integrity, and artistic individuality in every dancer. Under her direction, students have advanced to esteemed university programs including NYU Tisch, University of Arizona School of Dance, UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts, Fordham University/The Ailey School, San Diego State University, Arizona State University, UC Santa Barbara, UNLV, Stanford University, and UC Berkeley, as well as professional careers in performance, choreography, and education.
Collette has served as a guest instructor at distinguished institutions including Harvard University, Caltech, and San Diego State University, and has contributed her expertise in mentoring collegiate dance programs.
Her students have achieved national and international distinction, performing across the United States and abroad, including four European tours with Young Tanzsommer Stars of Tomorrow. Additional highlights include appearances in the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade broadcast on ABC, halftime performances for the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena, and selection for the Hollywood Christmas Parade broadcast on The CW Network. The company was also invited to present work at the California Dance Education Association Dance Festival in 2026, underscoring its continued artistic recognition.
Sibal’s professional performance background includes work with the Joffrey Ballet, Los Angeles Classical Ballet, Chinese Dance Collective, the Z90/Pepsi Dance Team, and the salsa company Soundmasters, as well as appearances at the Latin Grammy Awards and Z90’s Jingle Jam. These formative experiences continue to inform her artistic vision and educational leadership.
Today, she remains a leading force in dance education, committed to cultivating the next generation of artists through a standard of excellence defined by discipline, artistry, and enduring professional achievement.
Katherine Cheng Contemporary i Hip-Hop i Competition Team
Katherine Cheng is a Los Angeles based dancer who has been dancing for the past 18 years, and recently graduated with a BFA in dance from the University of Arizona. She has trained at competitive dance studios such as Northern Force Dance Company, and has also studied in the Pre-professional program at TU Dance center as well as at Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. Being at TU allowed her to train with current and past members of Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre and Alonzo King LINES Ballet.
Katherine has also performed all around the Twin Cities in Minnesota. She has had the honor of performing the pieces “Earth”, and “Isms” choreographed for TU Dance Company, as well as “To Have and to Hold”, from the Shapiro & Smith Dance repertoire. Among other things, Katherine has also performed in the Carlson fashion show, "Off the Rack", Club Jete, at the Alumni of the Year Awards at the University of Arizona, and in the most recent television commercial for Hughes Federal Credit Union. Katherine can also be seen in Little Scream’s new music video, “Love as a Weapon”, and is currently a member in Marinda Davis' LA based company, "MarInspired; The Storytellers". She has also taken her dancing to different countries. This past winter, Katherine was able to perform in a cultural outreach project in Nogales, Mexico.
Katherine has also performed her own choreography and assisted former Giordano Dance Chicago company member, Sam Watson at the Kiel International Festival for Dance and Rhythmic Gymnastics in Kiel, Germany (Kieler Woche). She has also assisted at the Bolzano International Dance Festival & Workshop in Bolzano, Italy. While in Europe, Katherine was asked to teach several different contemporary workshops at studios in Germany such as, Minkov Tanzakademie and Rytmiko.
Katherine also enjoys teaching and choreographing for various different studios in Minnesota, Arizona, and Los Angeles, and has created many top scoring pieces with numerous choreography awards. She is also a member of The Riveters Crew, and The Drop Fam crew. She truly has a huge passion for dance and choreographing, and is eager to continue furthering her training and career.
Annie Yee Hula | Chinese Dance
Annie's training began when she was five years old at Alhambra Park and Recreation, where she danced through grade school. She also trained with Cheng Pei-Pei in Chinese dance and toured with her company in Hong Kong when she was thirteen. Next was Hollywood; Annie won a four-year scholarship from the Professional Dancers Society with Joe Tremaine, Karon Brown, and Paul De Rolf. Annie was also honored by the Inner City Cultural Center who chose one female and one male to be on merit scholarship with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York City. She trained with the Alvin Ailey company members and studied with Judith Jamison.
Annie is the first Asian-American to become a Laker Girl for the world champion Los Angeles Lakers basketball organization. She cheered for them professionally for three years and taught at their workshops. She is an honoree of the Chinese American Historical Society for her participation as the first Chinese American cheerleader for both the Lakers and the Los Angeles Rams. Annie has cheered for many of the major sports teams in the Los Angeles area including the Kings and the Lakers.
Annie is also an actress doing regional theatre across the country. She has performed at The Public Theatre in New York, Seattle Rep, Berkeley Rep, South Coast Rep, and here in Los Angeles at the Mark Taper Forum, East West Players, and Cornerstone Theatre. She was also an aerialist with Dream Circus performing Tissu. Annie was last seen dancing the part of Eliza in the King and I for the Fullerton Civic Light Opera.
In the spring of 2011, Annie became an instructor of dance specialties at East Los Angeles College teaching traditional Chinese Dance and Hula. Annie has been awarded numerous Certificates of Recognition from the California State Senate, California State Assembly, City of Monterey Park, and the County of Los Angeles for her dedicated service and achievements in the affairs of the community as a dancer. Annie is proud to be currently serving as an officer for the Chinese American Citizens Alliance and was the co-emcee at this year’s Centennial Gala celebration.
Annie is the first Asian-American to become a Laker Girl for the world champion Los Angeles Lakers basketball organization. She cheered for them professionally for three years and taught at their workshops. She is an honoree of the Chinese American Historical Society for her participation as the first Chinese American cheerleader for both the Lakers and the Los Angeles Rams. Annie has cheered for many of the major sports teams in the Los Angeles area including the Kings and the Lakers.
Annie is also an actress doing regional theatre across the country. She has performed at The Public Theatre in New York, Seattle Rep, Berkeley Rep, South Coast Rep, and here in Los Angeles at the Mark Taper Forum, East West Players, and Cornerstone Theatre. She was also an aerialist with Dream Circus performing Tissu. Annie was last seen dancing the part of Eliza in the King and I for the Fullerton Civic Light Opera.
In the spring of 2011, Annie became an instructor of dance specialties at East Los Angeles College teaching traditional Chinese Dance and Hula. Annie has been awarded numerous Certificates of Recognition from the California State Senate, California State Assembly, City of Monterey Park, and the County of Los Angeles for her dedicated service and achievements in the affairs of the community as a dancer. Annie is proud to be currently serving as an officer for the Chinese American Citizens Alliance and was the co-emcee at this year’s Centennial Gala celebration.
DAPHNE ZNIMER BALLET
Daphne Zneimer, a native of South Pasadena, began her dance journey at the San Marino Dance Academy. After receiving her pointe shoes, she continued her training with the Los Angeles Classical Ballet, Yuri Grigoriev, and the Marat Daukayev School of Ballet. During her time in Los Angeles, Daphne performed with the Royal Danish Ballet, Los Angeles Classical Ballet, and as a guest artist for Aoelian Ballet.
Daphne has also participated in summer programs with prestigious institutions such as ABT, the Kirov Academy, Boston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, and LINES Ballet. She spent a decade in San Francisco, performing both nationally and internationally with Liss Fain Dance, Napoles Ballet, Adhesive Dance Theatre, Perceptions West, Maligrad, and Push Up Something Hidden.
Daphne holds a B.F.A. in Ballet Pedagogy from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. There, she was featured in productions such as La Bayadere, Sleeping Beauty, and works by Martha Graham. She also performed the title role of Juliet in Jean Grand-Maitre’s Romeo and Juliet and danced with the Adam Miller Dance Project. Upon returning to Los Angeles, Daphne earned her Pilates certification from Whole Body Method.
Currently, Daphne teaches dance and Pilates at SMDA, Marat Daukayev School of Ballet and Bodyscape Physical Therapy Clinic. She is dedicated to using her extensive knowledge of ballet, modern dance, and Pilates to develop strong, healthy movers and dancers.
Daphne has also participated in summer programs with prestigious institutions such as ABT, the Kirov Academy, Boston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, and LINES Ballet. She spent a decade in San Francisco, performing both nationally and internationally with Liss Fain Dance, Napoles Ballet, Adhesive Dance Theatre, Perceptions West, Maligrad, and Push Up Something Hidden.
Daphne holds a B.F.A. in Ballet Pedagogy from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. There, she was featured in productions such as La Bayadere, Sleeping Beauty, and works by Martha Graham. She also performed the title role of Juliet in Jean Grand-Maitre’s Romeo and Juliet and danced with the Adam Miller Dance Project. Upon returning to Los Angeles, Daphne earned her Pilates certification from Whole Body Method.
Currently, Daphne teaches dance and Pilates at SMDA, Marat Daukayev School of Ballet and Bodyscape Physical Therapy Clinic. She is dedicated to using her extensive knowledge of ballet, modern dance, and Pilates to develop strong, healthy movers and dancers.
MYRA JOY VELUZ CONDITIONING | MODERN I NDEO
Ms. Joy achieved success early in her dance career, earning numerous scholarships and performance opportunities, including 2by2.net's All-Star Summer Jam and the Stars of Tomorrow European Tour. She later performed professionally in both commercial and concert dance settings, most notably as a company member with Blue13 Dance Company.
A nationally recognized dance educator, Ms. Joy completed her fourth and final year as a Lead Teacher in the National Dance Education Organization's (NDEO) CAN Teacher Leader Project, one of only 15 educators selected nationwide. Throughout her tenure, she presented at national and state conferences, developed and shared innovative curriculum and pedagogical practices, and co-mentored fellow dance educators across the country. As a culmination of this work, her action research now lives on the National Endowment for the Arts website as a resource for dance educators and arts advocates worldwide, extending the impact of her research beyond the classroom and into the broader field of arts education.
At Pasadena City College, Ms. Joy was selected to participate in the PACTS Program, as their first arts-based educator. Through this initiative, she partnered with two students throughout the semester as co-collaborators in learning and inquiry, and worked alongside campus colleagues to strengthen relationships with Black and Latine students, cultivating a greater sense of belonging, and advancing culturally responsive and equity-centered practices that support student success.
Ms. Joy is also actively working alongside colleagues within NDEO to establish an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Affinity Group. This initiative seeks to create a dedicated space to elevate AAPI educator voices on a national level. She is passionate about increasing representation and ensuring that AAPI perspectives are visible, valued, and woven into the broader narrative of dance education leadership and advocacy.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Joy continues to contribute to the arts as a panelist for the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs and as a board member and advocate for arts education throughout California. Following an early appointment to the presidency track of the California Dance Education Association (CDEA), she currently serves as Co-President and has already begun advancing statewide initiative. Under her leadership, CDEA has confirmed the return of the Statewide Conference at CSU Long Beach, marking the first conference in the organization's history dedicated to centering the origins, cultural lineages, and foundational roots of dance. Additionally, she has advanced the continuation of CA Dances in Northern California, a signature statewide event that celebrates the nine pillars of CDEA through performance and collective action.
As she continues to lead at the local, state, and national levels, Ms. Joy remains dedicated to advancing equity, excellence, creativity, and community through dance education. She is deeply grateful to the families, students, and faculty of SMDA and proudly celebrates the studio's 43nd year of inspiring the next generation of artists, educators, and leaders.
ANGEL STRITTMATER HIP-HOP I CONTEMPORARY I ACRO I COMPETITION TEAM
Angel Strittmater is a professional dancer, choreographer and actress based in Los Angeles, CA. Initially from Minnesota, she grew up competing at Center Stage Dance Studio where she trained in a wide variety of styles. Angel then continued her dance education at The University of Minnesota where she received a BA in Dance. During this time she was a part of the national champion University of Minnesota Dance team and was also an Apprentice for Crash Dance Productions. She is currently studying acting with Robert D’Avanzo and is training in Improv Comedy at the Groundlings School.
Angel is signed with Bloc Talent Agency and has had the pleasure of working with artists such as Charli XCX, David Archuleta, Laura Marano, Super Sako, Minn, Arsen Grigoryan, Precious Wilson, Parg, Sabrina Salerno, Armenchik and Lilit. She has also performed in shows such as LA fashion week, The Armenian Music Video Awards, The Kid’s Choice Awards, Disney’s D3 with Nina West, Disney’s Super Bowl Snickers “Snacktivation” event, The Empire Strips Back, A Nightmare on Strip Street, “The King and I,” and the Vietnamese variety show “Paris by Night.”
Angel has been teaching since the age of 18 and has taught at Millenium Dance Complex, San Marino Dance Academy, The House Dance Complex, Northern Force Dance Company, The Vibe Dance and Fitness, Hothouse, and Center Stage Dance Studio. As a choreographer she specializes in Jazz, Lyrical, Acro, Contemporary, Pom, Musical Theater and Jazz Funk. Along with being a dance teacher, she is also a certified personal trainer at F45 and loves sharing her knowledge of exercise science with her students. When she’s not dancing she enjoys snowboarding, hiking, improv shows and enjoying the many coffee shops around Los Angeles. Angel loves her SMDA family and is proud to be a mentor to such kind, dedicated and talented students!
Ms. Joy achieved success early in her dance career, earning numerous scholarships and performance opportunities, including 2by2.net's All-Star Summer Jam and the Stars of Tomorrow European Tour. She later performed professionally in both commercial and concert dance settings, most notably as a company member with Blue13 Dance Company.
A nationally recognized dance educator, Ms. Joy completed her fourth and final year as a Lead Teacher in the National Dance Education Organization's (NDEO) CAN Teacher Leader Project, one of only 15 educators selected nationwide. Throughout her tenure, she presented at national and state conferences, developed and shared innovative curriculum and pedagogical practices, and co-mentored fellow dance educators across the country. As a culmination of this work, her action research now lives on the National Endowment for the Arts website as a resource for dance educators and arts advocates worldwide, extending the impact of her research beyond the classroom and into the broader field of arts education.
At Pasadena City College, Ms. Joy was selected to participate in the PACTS Program, as their first arts-based educator. Through this initiative, she partnered with two students throughout the semester as co-collaborators in learning and inquiry, and worked alongside campus colleagues to strengthen relationships with Black and Latine students, cultivating a greater sense of belonging, and advancing culturally responsive and equity-centered practices that support student success.
Ms. Joy is also actively working alongside colleagues within NDEO to establish an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Affinity Group. This initiative seeks to create a dedicated space to elevate AAPI educator voices on a national level. She is passionate about increasing representation and ensuring that AAPI perspectives are visible, valued, and woven into the broader narrative of dance education leadership and advocacy.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Joy continues to contribute to the arts as a panelist for the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs and as a board member and advocate for arts education throughout California. Following an early appointment to the presidency track of the California Dance Education Association (CDEA), she currently serves as Co-President and has already begun advancing statewide initiative. Under her leadership, CDEA has confirmed the return of the Statewide Conference at CSU Long Beach, marking the first conference in the organization's history dedicated to centering the origins, cultural lineages, and foundational roots of dance. Additionally, she has advanced the continuation of CA Dances in Northern California, a signature statewide event that celebrates the nine pillars of CDEA through performance and collective action.
As she continues to lead at the local, state, and national levels, Ms. Joy remains dedicated to advancing equity, excellence, creativity, and community through dance education. She is deeply grateful to the families, students, and faculty of SMDA and proudly celebrates the studio's 43nd year of inspiring the next generation of artists, educators, and leaders.
ANGEL STRITTMATER HIP-HOP I CONTEMPORARY I ACRO I COMPETITION TEAM
Angel Strittmater is a professional dancer, choreographer and actress based in Los Angeles, CA. Initially from Minnesota, she grew up competing at Center Stage Dance Studio where she trained in a wide variety of styles. Angel then continued her dance education at The University of Minnesota where she received a BA in Dance. During this time she was a part of the national champion University of Minnesota Dance team and was also an Apprentice for Crash Dance Productions. She is currently studying acting with Robert D’Avanzo and is training in Improv Comedy at the Groundlings School.
Angel is signed with Bloc Talent Agency and has had the pleasure of working with artists such as Charli XCX, David Archuleta, Laura Marano, Super Sako, Minn, Arsen Grigoryan, Precious Wilson, Parg, Sabrina Salerno, Armenchik and Lilit. She has also performed in shows such as LA fashion week, The Armenian Music Video Awards, The Kid’s Choice Awards, Disney’s D3 with Nina West, Disney’s Super Bowl Snickers “Snacktivation” event, The Empire Strips Back, A Nightmare on Strip Street, “The King and I,” and the Vietnamese variety show “Paris by Night.”
Angel has been teaching since the age of 18 and has taught at Millenium Dance Complex, San Marino Dance Academy, The House Dance Complex, Northern Force Dance Company, The Vibe Dance and Fitness, Hothouse, and Center Stage Dance Studio. As a choreographer she specializes in Jazz, Lyrical, Acro, Contemporary, Pom, Musical Theater and Jazz Funk. Along with being a dance teacher, she is also a certified personal trainer at F45 and loves sharing her knowledge of exercise science with her students. When she’s not dancing she enjoys snowboarding, hiking, improv shows and enjoying the many coffee shops around Los Angeles. Angel loves her SMDA family and is proud to be a mentor to such kind, dedicated and talented students!