Toni Ricci - Director/Instructor- Jazz/ Leaps & Turns/ Lyrical
Toni has been studying dance for almost 30 years and teaching dance for 20 of them. She got her start in Maine where after her first recital, she fell in love with the world of dance. She attended an arts enriched high school, which allowed her to make dance the primary focus of her high school education. It was here that she began teaching, choreographing, and directing numerous dance shows and musicals.
Toni also obtained her first dance certification at that time. She then went on to the University of New Hampshire to further enrich her training in dance. Shortly after, she was given the opportunity to tour the United States as a dancer in live musical productions. This included performances on Broadway and at the Kodak Theater. After two years on tour, Toni decided to move to Los Angeles and further her dance career. Once in California, Toni began studying ballet with the Anaheim Ballet and teaching at numerous dance schools in the area. At that time, she completed her education with a B.A. in Dance from the University of California State Fullerton. She also made numerous television appearances and choreographed many events.
Toni proudly opened the Elite Dance and Performing Arts Centers in 2012 and has spent the past ten years devoted to the growth and success of the business. She still teaches several classes a week in jazz technique, lyrical, and ballroom. Being a teacher is still her most important role at the studio. With an award-winning competition team with over 120 members, she also spends her hours choreographing and overseeing the company.
In 2015 she was awarded Cameo’s Entrepreneur of the year award for California Senate. She has also been awarded three Women in Business awards. Toni is also a proud member of Dance Masters of America and More Than Just Great Dancing.
Toni has taught and inspired hundreds of students in southern California in the past decade. The Elite Dance Center is a testimony to her love of dance. “My job isn’t to just teach dance, it’s to teach students to love to dance.
Keli Adams - Artistic Director/Instructor- Contemporary/Improv
Keli Adams is a visionary dance artist whose work seamlessly weaves classical discipline with contemporary creativity and a deep improvisational spirit. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, Keli is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers. Her formal training began at the age of three under the direction of Stanley Holden and Kim Maselli at Pacific Festival Ballet in Los Angeles. Drawing from a diverse background in classical ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, contemporary, improvisation, and GAGA technique, Keli brings a rich and eclectic approach to both her choreography and teaching.
She began performing professionally at a young age, working with top pop and R&B artists as well as prestigious ballet companies. This early exposure to both the commercial and concert dance worlds shaped her signature style.
Keli currently serves as Artistic Director at The Elite Dance Center, where she also helps runs the competitive company and leads the Contemporary Department. Her contemporary classes are grounded in improvisation, with strong influence from GAGA techniques. These classes provide a creative framework where students explore movement through imagination, physical awareness, and emotional connection—bridging mind, body, and spirit.
Over the past 10 years, Keli has been developing a comprehensive improvisational curriculum that encourages dancers to move authentically and uncover their unique artistic voice. Her classes often combine a yoga-based warm-up, improvisational scores, and phrase work set to music, creating a fast-paced, energetically charged environment (with a touch of essential oils for grounding and atmosphere).
In 2024, Keli launched Sangha II, a contemporary dance company focused on experimental creation, collaboration, and community. The company serves as an extension of her vision—one that centers connection, exploration, and bold storytelling through movement.
Keli’s contemporary choreography has earned numerous awards on the competition circuit, and her classwork is regularly featured on Instagram under #keliadamschoreo. For daily insight into her creative world, follow @keliadams.
Lauren Pafford - Office Manager Lauren Pafford is originally from Arkansas where she began dancing at a young age and attended Arkansas Arts Academy, the premier performing arts school for Arkansas, through Elementary and High School. She always knew dance was where she belonged. She later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she was classically trained in Ballet and Modern. Before coming to us she honed her customer service and guest relations skills working at the Disneyland Resort and CLI Studios. It was through these organizations that she decided to pursue working in Dance Administration to help others find the art form she loves so much. She also shares her knowledge of dance software systems and programming as an Enrollio Edge Coach.
- Ballet
Lesli began her life-long journey in dance at age two when she began her dance training at The Dance Center owned by her Mother in Mobile, AL. Her technical dance training includes ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, tap, lyrical, and acrobatics. While training, she discovered her passion for teaching at the age of fourteen. Even though at that age her focus was to have a professional performance career she continued teaching throughout her professional dance career.
Lesli was awarded scholarships and had the opportunity to train with world-renowned teachers at The Joffrey Ballet School, The Ailey School, Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, and Broadway Dance Center. After graduating from a communication and arts high school Lesli moved to Chicago, IL. While in Chicago she became a company dancer with Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre and Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago.
After her performance career in Chicago Lesli moved back to her hometown and took over the position of Artistic Director of her family-owned dance studio. Becoming the director of the studio fueled her passion even more for teaching and choreographing. During this time she also served on the board and was a resident choreographer for the Alabama Contemporary Dance Theatre and casting director and assistant choreographer under the direction of Ray Collins at Children’s Musical Theatre. In addition, she performed as a Guest Artist for Mobile Ballet and served as assistant choreographer and rehearsal director for many full-length ballets such as The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, and many more.
In 2007 Lesli moved to Charlotte, NC where she continued her dance career as a performer, teacher, and choreographer. During her time in Charlotte Lesli was a company dancer for The Moving Poets, taught dance and choreographed for the Union County Youth Ballet, served as the director of the Dance Davidson Jazz Company, and served as a teaching artist for the outreach program and guest faculty for the Charlotte Ballet. Independently her choreography was nationally televised in collaboration with the NBA Charlotte Bobcats and McDonald's corporation. In 2010 Lesli opened her own dance studio Harmony Dance Center where she served as artistic director and cultivated a pre-professional dance company for aspiring youth dancers. Lesli has been the recipient of several prestigious choreography awards from UNCSA, the Panoply Festival of the Arts, and several national dance competitions.
Since moving to Los Angeles in 2017, Lesli has continued teaching and choreographing, and sharing her expertise and love for dance with dancers of all levels. She is sought after for her ability to teach technique and has been a guest teacher at many different studios throughout Southern California and the US. She currently teaches at Elite Dance and Performing Arts Center where she also serves as the Ballet Director and The Artist Collective as Ballet Mistress. Her choreography was also featured on the Nickelodeon Network for “Kids Pick the President” hosted by KeKe Palmer.
Throughout her career, Lesli has trained and mentored hundreds of students that desire to have a professional career in dance. Her knowledge, passion, and unique ability to mold a dancer for a career in dance have proven successful throughout the years. Lesli has seen many of her former students follow in her footsteps and go on to have successful dance careers on Broadway, Music, Film/Television, Professional Dance Companies, Teaching, and Choreography.
- Jazz/Leaps & Turns/Lyrical/Future Stars
Bailey began her dancing career when she was 6 years old. She joined the Elite Dance Center eight years ago and was highly involved as a Dance Company member. She traveled and trained with some of the top teachers and choreographers in the business. Bailey began teaching and assisting at the age of 16 and has loved every second. She graduated in 2020 and has dedicated herself to teaching and working at Elite as the team coordinator. She is beyond excited to have now switched roles from a student to an instructor and give back to the community that helped shape her as a dancer and instructor.
David Juarez - Team CoordinatorDavid Juarez has been passionate about dance from a young age, dedicating countless hours to honing his craft at the Elite Dance Center, where he eventually became an alumnus. Now a college student at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), David continues to pursue his education while staying connected to his roots in dance. He now has the opportunity to give back to the community that nurtured his talent by working at the front desk of Elite Dance Center, supporting the next generation of dancers and contributing to the studio's welcoming and creative environment.
Alyssa Cortez - Customer Care TeamAlyssa Cortez began dancing at the age of two and joined Elite Dance Center in 2018. After years of training, she graduated as an EDC alumna in 2023. Alyssa is thrilled to return as a member of the Elite staff, working at the front desk and continuing to be part of the community she grew up in. She is currently studying Kinesiology at Moorpark College with aspirations of becoming a physical therapist or working in cardiac rehabilitation. Dedicated and welcoming, Alyssa is always eager to support students, families, and staff, and she is passionate about helping foster a positive and encouraging environment at EDC.
Andy Huerta- Customer Care TeamAndy joined Elite in September 2025 as a member of the Customer Care Team, bringing over 10 years of experience in customer service and 3 years in retail management. She is excited to continue learning and growing in her role at Elite!
Outside of the studio, Andy is a ceramic and mixed-media artist who teaches handbuilding classes to families in Pasadena. She dreams of one day opening her own ceramic studio and building a fan base around her art. Known for her bright, silly energy, Andy loves welcoming families, building meaningful connections, and supporting students, families, and staff within the Elite Dance Center community.
Natalia Bekker - Instructor- Ballroom
-Aerial Silks
Nikki has taught all over the United States and Internationally. She freely shares her passion for dance and the aerial arts with the intention to inspire and encourage our inner authentic artists. As an Artistic Director, she inspired and created a state-of-the-art Aerial Dance Program with groundbreaking success. She is currently dancing, teaching, and choreographing in Los Angeles. Nikki has worked professionally with Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Lenny Kravitz, Jane’s Addiction, and Debbie Allen on stage and on television. She has appeared on Dancing with the Stars, the Annual American Music Awards, Billboard Live Music Awards, and Fame the reality series. She is also well versed in Hoop, Hammock, Tissue, Cube, and many innovative aerial apparatus. Currently, Nikki can be seen performing with Terry Beeman’s, Mental Head Circus now playing at Tim Robbin’s theater, The Actors Gang, and Hollywood’s King King Club.
Jacob Bowers - Instructor-Acro
Jacob grew up in San Jose, California. He found his love for dance when he was young and his natural abilities helped him progress quickly. He joined a local studio and quickly excelled in his craft. Jacob started to train in acrobatics and contortion as well. Acrobatics and dance soon became a huge part of his life, doing it all day every day. He later got a job working as an acrobatic instructor/choreographer at numerous studios in the Bay Area. He recently moved to Los Angeles and has taught at numerous studios and has started to branch out into his dance/acrobatic/choreographer career. Jacob is so excited to be a member of the EDC family and can’t wait to share his love of acro with the next generation!
Jizel Cruz - Instructor-Ballroom
Jizel Cruz, originally from Los Angeles, has been passionate about dance since she was seven years old, with dreams of becoming a professional dancer and choreographer. She has trained in a variety of dance styles but has a special love for ballroom dancing.
For almost ten years, Jizel has been a part of the Elite Dance Center, where she has honed her skills and had the opportunity to perform. She also participated in Lacey Schwimmer's mentorship program, which further developed her artistry. Jizel was a member of the EDC Dance Company for several years.
Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, as she has received several scholarships and awards from competitions and EDC throughout her journey. She is thrilled to be teaching Ballroom again this year at EDC!
Emma Feeheley- Instructor-Acro
Emma, a Michigan native, discovered her passion for dance at a young age, immersing herself in various styles. Her journey led her to the renowned Interlochen Arts Academy, where she majored in modern dance under the guidance of world-class faculty.
Post-graduation, Emma ventured to California, dedicating herself to a full time teaching career in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Throughout the years, Emma has directed competition teams, coached award-winning high school dance teams, and many of her dancers can be seen on Disney channel, Netflix, and Nickelodeon. Emma's entrepreneurial spirit flourished as she founded a dancewear company, gaining national visibility on the E! Network and connecting dancers nationwide.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, Emma teaches across the country and judges for in10sity dance competition and Star dance alliance. She is PBT and AcroArts certified and is thrilled to be a part of the EDC team!
Robson Freire - Instructor- Ballet
Robson is a dancer and actor who first stepped on stage at age 10. After training in his hometown of Manaus, he moved to São Paulo city in 1996 on a full scholarship with the historic Brazilian dance company, Balé Stagium. Freire studied with some of Brazil’s most prestigious professionals (Liliane Benevento, Ricardo Ordoñez, Décio Otero, Ismael Guiser and Yoko Okada), joining ventures in opera, theater and dance, including the 1996 Youth Coke Award Winner, O Pássaro do Limo Verde.
Returning to Manaus in 1998, he joined the first generation of the Corpo de Dança do Amazonas/CDA (resident company of Amazonas Opera House), touring between 1998 and 2004 while receiving training from Ivo Karagueorguiev (National Ballet of Sofia/Bulgary), Ronald E. Brown (Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre/NY) and Ivonice Satie (Grand Théâtre de Genève/Switzerland). He then became the Ballet Master of the Balé Folclórico do Amazonas. He has choreographed for CDA, The Amazonas Opera Festival(The Magic Flute/Mozart and the Brazilian opera, Pedro e Malazarte).
In 2001, Robson founded his own company, Elenco Alternativo de Dança, with the support of Villa-Lobos Cultural Foundation (2001), the Government of Amazon State (2006), FUNARTE (2003) and the Manaus City Hall Counselor of Culture (2007). In 2006, he was invited by Ronald E. Brow to attend the First Dance Seminar of Long Beach State University.
Now based in California, Robson has danced as a guest dancer and soloist in local companies such as Pacific Ballet Dance Theater, Brockus Project Dance Company, Project 21, Lion’s Pounce Dance Theatre, Lake Arrowead Classical Company, Ballet Collective LA, Belly Twins Production, La Danserie , and Le Studio Dance. He has performed roles in several classical ballet productions. Robson has been teaching all over the state of California bringing Ballet for regular students as well as those brand new to the discipline and wishing to learn in a dynamic setting. He is now excited to share his knowledge with the students of The Elite Dance Center!
Misha Gabriel - Instructor- Hip-Hop
Misha has garnered a near-cult following throughout his dance career. He began touring at the age of 16, dancing for superstars Janet Jackson, Beyonce, Pharell, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Kylie Minogue, John Legend, Chris Brown, Omarion, Ne-Yo, Hillary Duff, etc. He performed at the Oscars, Grammys, VMAs, AMA’s, Billboard Music Awards, and renowned television shows such as The Voice, Oprah, Ellen Degeneres, The Today Show, and Good Morning America. Slated to dance with Michael Jackson on the 2009 “This Is It” World Tour, Misha can be seen dancing for Michael in the documentary with the same title. He has also danced in several films including Footloose, The Muppets, Center Stage 2, Love & Mercy, and others. His breakout role as an actor came in 2012 as a lead character in the popular Step Up: Revolution and Step Up: All In movies.
Misha has choreographed for some of the most well-known artists. Credits include; Justin Timberlake’s 20/20 Experience and Future Sex Love tours, Jon Bellion’s Music Video for his debut single Guillotine, Grammy Award winning artist Beck on his recent hit Wow, Watt Burning Man ‘ft Post Malone: #1 on Spotify in its first week.
Misha has also contributed choreography to So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, X-Factor, Austin & Ally, Superstore, American Music Awards. In addition to choreography for Music Videos including; Gwen Stefani, The Pussy Cat Dolls Domination Tour, Hilary Duff’s Dignity Tour, and Cheryl Cole’s World Tour.
Misha Gabriel won the 2015 World Choreography Award for Best Choreography in a Music Video for his collaboration with DWTS ballroom pro/recording artist Mark Ballas on Mark’s debut video.
Angelica Keamy - Instructor-Hip-Hop
An LA native, Angelica Keamy began dancing at the age of 2. Training vastly in several styles, Keamy specializes in hip hop, contemporary, and tap. Her training is majorly from the Elite Dance Center in Woodland Hills, California, with contribution to their well decorated competition program. Furthering her education and training, Keamy attended the CLI Conservatory in Massachusetts, graduating with the class of 2025. Keamy’s resume extends from films by Tyce Diorio and Kenichi Kasamatsu, to live stage performances by Martha Nichols and Kurtis Sprung, to national television with America’s Got Talent. Some teaching credits include the CLI Conservatory and Calabasas High School.
Samantha Ketcherside - Instructor-Adult Ballet/Acro/Stretch & Conditioning
Samantha began her teaching career while still in college. After earning her Bachelors of Science in dance at the University of Oregon she created Project Bounce, a youth hip-hop dance company. She has taught at numerous studios in Eugene Oregon including Musical Feet, The Edge academy of Dance and Gymnastics, and Ballet Fantastique. Aside from her college training Samantha has studied and performed with various dance schools including Lane Dance Co., Ballet Fantastique, Dance Northwest, The Foundation, Zapp, Musical Feet, Central Oregon School of Ballet, Eugene School of Ballet, and more. She has trained in both RAD and Vaganova methods for ballet. Since her move to Los Angeles, she has worked in film and music videos and currently dances with Sypher Elite Dance Company. Samantha has taught locally over the past year for Ballet Barre, Best Foot Forward, and Kids Music N Motion. Samantha enjoys her time sharing dance with many young students and looks forward to the years to come sharing her love of dance.
Leo Manzari - Instructor- Tap
Originally from Washington D.C., Leo Manzari is a Lucille Lortel award-nominated tap dancer and recording artist. He has headlined in the touring and Off-Broadway productions of Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life, featured Guest Artist on So You Think You Can Dance, The Mo’nique Show, The Kate TV, PBS News Hour, Jerry Lewis Telethon, and ABC’s The View. Leo has also featured as a solo tap dancer in Hozier’s music video “Almost (Sweet Music)” and performed alongside Grammy Award® winning band “The Free Nationals” in various virtual events. He also headlines alongside Byron Stripling and Grammy®-nominated Jazz vocalist, Carmen Bradford in a show called Uptown Nights, which has collaborated with multiple POPS orchestras across the world including The Winnipeg Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, The San Diego Symphony, and The Philly POPS. Leo is thrilled to share his tap knowledge and expertise here at the EDC!
Brooke Melilo - Instructor- Tap
Brooke has been dancing for 14 years, since the age of four. She started competing at the age of 5; winning many individual awards, overalls, and titles. Brooke was a part of the very first hip hop number in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. She performed in her first professional show at the age of 16 in LA. She is trained in all styles of dance from ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom, and hip-hop. Brooke is originally from Connecticut but now resides in California where she is pursuing her career in the dance industry. She travels the country all year long, taking classes from the most high-demand choreographers in the business. Brooke has been teaching dance since she was 15 years old. She loves to choreograph and teach all subjects. When she is not teaching, you can find Brooke in class. She believes the classroom is where you grow the most. Every class is a great class!
Brooklyn Piano - Instructor- Preschool
Brooklyn Piano has been dancing since the age of two and spent 13 years training at Elite Dance Center, where she also competed for 10 years as a Company member. She is well-versed in a wide range of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Ballroom, Hip-Hop, and more. In 2024, Brooklyn was honored with EDC’s highest recognition, Dancer of the Year. She aspires to pursue a career as a professional dancer, creative film director, and actor. Outside of teaching, she continues to train, take classes, and audition, always striving to grow as an artist. This season marks Brooklyn’s first year teaching at EDC, and she is thrilled to share her passion and knowledge with the next generation of dancers.
Hailey Piano - Instructor- Jazz, Leaps & Turns, Preschool
Hailey Piano has been dancing for 18 years! She trained and competed for 10 years at Elite Dance Center, where she began my teaching journey. After graduation, Hailey continued her career at the CLI Dance Conservatory where she trained under Teddy Forance, and so many other industry professionals. Hailey found her passion for teaching in High School, and hopes to continue for many more years!
Heidi Prendergast - Instructor- Ballet
Heidi Prendergast began her performing career at a young age traveling around Asia and Europe. She started her classical training at the age of fourteen studying at Cleo Parker Robinson, Lemon Spongecake and Longmont Dance Theater she continued her education receiving her BFA in dance and choreography from the University of Colorado. During that time she trained and performed with Gabriel Mason, Onye Ozuzu, Michelle Ellsworth, Robin Haig, Rennie Harris, Kevin Wynn, and Susan Marshall. After graduating she moved to New York where she continued to perform, with various dance companies and her own work, at Dance New Amsterdam, Triskillieon Arts, The Kitchen, St. Marks, and other venues. Heidi recently moved to Los Angeles and has been teaching dance throughout southern California and performing with Out of Habit, a multidisciplinary movement company. Heidi is also a certified yoga instructor through YogaWorks.
