Dance Studio 84 currently has 23 staff members - 21 of whom are instructors.

Below, you will find photos of our staff members along with short biographies. First, the instructors are listed, in chronological order based on when they started teaching with the studio; and, next, the desk staff, also in order of seniority.

Included on this page are: Carla Hunt Smallwood, Connie Russo, Shannon McNey, Wendy Wickman, Shauna Rice, Nancy Alterman, Michele Bachar, Ashley Calendo, Carrie Schott, Kelsey Dolan, Laura Carson, Carrie Melendez, Denise Bailey, Melissa Miles, Robert Schultz, Gregg Russell, Shirlene Quigley, Kobi Rozenfeld, Lilian Manansala, Kersten Todey, Haley Kostas, and Daphne Dindal.

Carla Hunt Smallwood
Since 1978 (Director since 1986) · Combo, Tap, Jazz, Special Needs

Carla has been teaching dance for as long as she can remember… including in her Kansas basement when she was 13 years old teaching neighborhood kids for 25 cents per class! Moving to Santa Clarita Valley in 1976, living just blocks away from Reena’s Dance Studio, Carla continued her dance training there, started working the desk, which led to substitute teaching, which led to teaching her own classes, which, ultimately led to purchasing the studios in 1986.  As an adult, Carla trained at a variety of professional dance studios - Morro Landis with Joe Tremaine and Pat Rico; EDGE with Gregg Russell, Randy Allaire and many others; Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center. After more than 30 years of teaching dance in Santa Clarita, many former students have brought their own children to take from “Miss Carla!” Having raised three now grown children in the Santa Clarita Valley, Carla continues to give back to the community that has provided her the opportunity to do what she so loves: teach children to dance!

Connie Russo
Since 1983 · Combo, Ballet

Connie started dancing when she was just 4 years old. Throughout her life, she has extensively studied dance, including: with the Elizabeth Farnsworth Dance Academy in Indianapolis; with Butler University, also in Indianapolis; with Dance Caravans, in both Indianapolis and Chicago; with the Irene Kosmovaska School of Ballet in Beverly Hills; and with the Buddy Ebsen School of Dance in Pacific Palisades. Connie also studied extensively with the UCLA Dance Department. The styles of dance she has studied and passes on to her own students include: Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Folk, Ballroom and Gymnastics.

Connie's many accomplishments in dance include: starting dance lessons at age 4 (and Connie was only 10 when she started teaching dance herself); placing 2nd in the Indianapolis All City Talent Competition in 1965 (for her ballet performance); being the student choreographer for all musicals at both her junior and senior high schools; serving as Dance Captain and Choreographer for the Palisades High Dance Team; also serving as Dance Captain and Choreographer for the UCLA Dance Team; being the Choreographer for the Mary and Joseph League Mardi Gras Ball (Los Angeles) for 13 years; being the Choreographer for the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Debutante Ball for 24 years; teaching with the Newhall Elementary School After-School Dance Program for 3 years; and performing with the London Royal Ballet in 1995.

Connie considers her life accomplishments to include: being married to John Russo (for over 35 years now); raising three wonderful children, Joseph, Robert and Kelly; teaching Kindergarten at Newhall Elementary School; being a member of the Santa Clarita Valley community for over 33 years; volunteering for Henry Mayo Hospital; and being a dance instructor with Dance Studio 84.

Connie has been teaching at the studio for more than 25 years (with several different directors/owners). She continues to thoroughly enjoy passing on her love of dance to new generations of students.

Shannon McNey
Since 1993 (w/ studio since 1983) · Creative Movement, Combo, Tap, Jazz

Shannon began teaching at Dance Studio 84 in 1993, but her career here started long before that! At just five years old she became a part of the Dance Studio 84 family. Shortly after she joined, she started dancing in Miss Carla’s class (the current director) and her love of dance developed.

Trained in tap, jazz and ballet, Shannon teaches ages 2-15. As a student, she competed in many dance competitions and has proudly taken her own students to some of those same competitions. She has worked for the Saugus Union School District teaching dance in their after school programs. She also enjoys running the summer dance camp at the studio.

Shannon feels that her more than 25 years at Dance Studio 84 is a testament to what a great place it is to be. She is looking forward to passing her love of dance on to her young daughters Morgan and Ashlyn.

Nancy Alterman
Since 1999 · Lyrical Jazz

Nancy’s dance career has taken her around the world. She has performed on a cruise Ship to South Africa and South America and toured in the international company of A Chorus Line. Nancy danced and choreographed Industrial Shows throughout the United States and Europe.

Her professional musical credits include: A Chorus Line (in CA), West  Side Story, Flower Drum Song, Pacific Overtures, Mack and Mabel and Lunch Room. Some music video credits include dancing for Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, Joni Mitchell and Elton John. She has performed in many award shows such as the Academy Awards. Television credits include: The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, The Tracy Ullman Show, Desi and Lucy, and numerous commercials. Some of her film credits include Grease II, Dick Tracy, Bugsy, Dr. Detroit and Rat Race.

Nancy has choreographed and/or directed 16 musicals at several high schools. She has a B.A. in Dance from U.C. Irvine and has taught in Los Angeles and at UCLA, including their summer musical theatre workshop. She has been an instructor with Dance Studio 84 for almost 10 years and is in awe of Carla’s incredible dedication to the “art of dance”.  "Thanks Carla!"

Michele Bachar
Since 2000 · Ballet

Michele Bachar was born and raised in Los Angeles, and started dancing at age 5. She studied ballet at the Los Angeles Ballet school under the direction of John Clifford. Her primary teacher at the school was Irina Kosmovska, who was a former dancer with the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo. At fifteen, Michele moved to the Westside School of Ballet in Santa Monica, and continued her training with Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire. In addition, she also studied with many guest teachers such as Alexander Goudenov, Melissa Hayden, Violet Verdy, and attended a summer session at the Pennsylvania Ballet School.

At the end of high school, Michele couldn't decide whether she wanted to go to college or be a dancer. She was torn between the two worlds and had to make a decision. She decided to do both. While studying for her Bachelor's Degree in History at UCLA, Michele expanded her dance training to include jazz, hip-hop, modern, and acting. She attended various schools in the L.A. area including the EDGE Performing Arts Center. After her graduation from UCLA, she signed on with the Bobby Ball Talent Agency and began to book professional dance jobs.

Michele's versatility in dance styles gave her many opportunities to always work in different fields of dance. She has appeared in national commercials for Pepsi, Betty Crocker and AT&T; on television shows such as The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show and Murder She Wrote; and videos for bands such as Blink 182 and Smashmouth. She has done industrials for companies such as Herbalife and Aveda; and live shows for Disney, Glen Cambell and The Radio City Rockettes. She also has performed with several dance companies in the L.A. area, most recently, The Francisco Martinez Dance Theatre.

Since an ankle injury in 2000, Michele changed her focus to teaching and doing her own choreography. She is thankful for all of the gifts that life has given her and loves teaching at Dance Studio 84!

Ashley Calendo
Since 2002 (with the studio since 1988) · Combo, Ballet, Tap, Jazz

"Dance Studio 84 has been an amazing part of my life for 20 years".

Ashley started dancing at Studio 84 at the age of 3. She has performed in many national competitions and studio recitals. She has also performed in many of the Nutcraker productions; Earning highlighted roles by auditioning, she has danced the solo performances of Clara, Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Mouse King. She further studied performing arts classes in college, but the majority of her dance training has come from her fellow teachers, "the best".

Now 23, she has been substitute teaching at the studio for 7 years and has had her own Saturday morning classes for almost two years. She teaches combo classes for ages 3 to 7, and subs ballet, tap and jazz for all ages.

"I could not ask for a better job, I love every minute of it!"

Carrie Schott
Since 2004 (with the studio since 1992) · Ballet

"I was lucky enough to start dancing at Studio 84 when I was five years old. My mom took me to see the annual performance of the Nutcracker and as soon as I saw the Sugar Plum Fairy on her pointe shoes I was hooked!!!"

In her 13 years as a student at the studio, she trained in ballet, lyrical, modern, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and competed and performed with the Company. "Each of my teachers, Carla, Christine, Connie, Jacq, Michele, Shannon, Shauna, and Wendy, all made such a wonderful impression on my life. I feel so thankful that as a teacher I can now pass down the incredible gift of dance as well as the discipline, life lessons, and support that I have always received here at Studio 84."

When she's not teaching at the studio, Carrie works as a hairstylist at Priscilla's Salon, where she specializes in color. The salon is located just a few bocks from the studio off of Newhall Ranch Rd. Carrie offers 10% off to all Studio 84 dancers and families. "Come visit me and see my other creative outlet!"

Kelsey Dolan
SInce 2005 (with the studio since 1991) · Jazz

Kelsey was born and raised in Valencia, California. She began dancing at Studio 84 when she was 3 years old, has been teaching at the studio for the past 4 years, and is currently teaching Jazz dance.

In 2006, Kelsey graduated from Valencia High School, where she had spent all 4 years on the Dance Team. She competed and performed at many dance team competitions and dance shows. Also while on the Dance Team, she perfected her skills as a Jazz, Hip-Hop and Contemporary dancer. These styles of dancing have helped her create choreography that is beautiful and unique.

She currently attends California Institute of the Arts and is majoring in Dance. She is studying many styles of modern dance, such as the Limon Technique (Jose Limon) and the Horton Technique (Alvin Ailey and Lester Horton), as well as Ballet. Many other approaches in choreography and improvisation are also included in her curriculum at Cal-Arts. She expects to graduate in May 2010 and hopes to continue a career in dance.

Laura Carson
Since 2006 · Hip-Hop

Laura Carson is an international celebrity, dancer and choreographer. She came to Los Angeles three years ago from Japan, where she had operated her own dance studio for seven years. She is famous for her annual dance shows, television performances and theater spectacles.

Laura specializes in Hip-Hop, and has trained in New York, Japan & Los Angeles. In addition to teaching at Studio 84, Laura is a private dance coach and an active choreographer. Most recently, she choreographed for the Jr. Clippers.

Laura is passionate about helping people gain confidence, health and style from dance. Her signature “Hollywood” style and immense talent are an inspiration to all of her students.

Carrie Melendez
Since 2006 · Combo, Tap, Jazz, Tumbling

Carrie was born in Buffalo, New York, and started dancing at the age of 9. She joined the company team 2 years later and competed in numerous competitions in jazz, tap, acrobatics, and hip-hop. During this time, Carrie was awarded the title of Miss NY Dance Olympics.

After college, she went on tour with Sesame Street Live followed by 42nd Street. After touring for a few years, Carrie moved to NYC where she studied at Broadway Dance Center, with Alvin Ailey and received a scholarship at Steps on Broadway. In NYC she was contracted with Everlast Apparel and appeared in events promoting the wear in a hip hop dance show as well as print ads. She also did fashion shows for United Colors of Benetton as a dancer. Then she auditioned for Royal Caribbean Cruises and worked with them as a performer for years traveling all over the world.

Following her time with Royal Caribbean, she moved to Los Angeles, where she was a teacher for Princess Cruise Lines. It was while teaching for Princess Cruise Lines that she discovered Dance Studio 84. Here at the studio she teaches jazz, tap, and tumbling, and brings a little “east coast” to her home away from home, Dance Studio 84.

Denise Bailey
Since 2006 · Company 84, Jazz, Hip-Hop

A line spoken from the musician Atmosphere states, “Inspiration stems from love and stress compounding.” With this idea and by taking the energies of everyday life to transform them into movement, Denise has found a way of having her own, true personal voice.

Having spent most of her childhood growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, Denise was exposed to an eclectic array of sounds and music.  Whether the source was a train passing in the night by her house, or the way a local band would stir in motion to their tunes at a local venue, she quickly realized that she had artistry in her blood…it was innate.  So, she naturally turned to dance… choreography, teaching came later, but the point being she had things to say, ideas to express.  All those artistic hallways like music and movies and nature, only helped to jumpstart the pursuit to work on her craft, and make her dreams an everyday reality.

Now residing in Los Angeles, Denise has been able to train with some of the top teachers and choreographers of this time.  She has been blessed with many opportunities to travel the world, as an assistant at different workshops and conventions, as well as teaching people herself of all ages who share her passion for the art.  With a solid background in ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and hip-hop, Denise has evolved her teaching techniques to focus on the perfect equality of stretch and strength in the body.  Believing that training the mind is just as important as training the body, with the right balance of focus, determination, and strength, dancers can conquer anything.

By continuing her dance education and broadening her experience via commercial and stage work, Denise hopes to continue to utilize the offerings only inspiration can bring to explore and expand herself as an artist, and therefore transcend that art to the next generation of dancers.  “This is only just the beginning…”

Melissa Miles
Since 2006 · Company 84, Jazz

Melissa was born and raised in East Lansing, Michigan.  She began training in gymnastics and dance at a very young age.  After high school, she attended the Jammnation dance convention and was awarded a scholarship to Broadway Dance Center in NYC. She studied in New York for a year before making the move to Los Angeles. Since her move to L.A., she has established herself  as being one of the most sought after dancers and  up and coming choreographers in the Industry.  She has performed with many artists including TATU, Lil’ Bubba, Ricky G., Jesse Morales, Kara, Sean VanDerWilt,  and Gloria Gaynor.  Other credits include The Latin Grammy’s, Adidas, Pin Up Girls USA, 30 Seconds to Fame, Miss USA Pageant,  USO European Tour, Gypsy Awards honoring Chita Rivera and Rob Marshal, iPop, and the Mtv Movie Awards.

Last summer she danced in the extreme sports show All Wheel’s Extreme. This year, she will not only dance in but also co-choreograph this same show. She choreographed the comedic play Seven Redneck Cheerleaders as well.

Melissa has had the chance to travel internationally dancing, teaching, and choreographing throughout France, Spain, Japan, Korea and Canada.  She also travels throughout the United States teaching master classes and working with top ten university dance teams including choreographing MSU’s national competition routine.

In addition to being part of the Dance Studio 84 family, Melissa is currently teaching an advanced jazz class at the EDGE and Debbie Reynolds Dance Academy in Los Angeles. Her class consists of a variety of styles including lyrical, thrash and funk.

Robert Schultz
Since 2006 · Guest Instructor

Robert trained in Michigan and is from the Turning Pointe Dance Studio. As a dancer he has worked on projects like Scrubs, Fox Music Mania, Billboard Awards, Late Show with Jay Leno, MTV Awards, Lady of Soul Awards and commercials for Jack In The Box, AT&T & Pepsi. Feature Films include: She's All That, Flintstones II and Gigli.

As choreographer he has worked on 5 episodes of Grounded for Life, Rome and Jewel movie, Ipoddy sketch - Late Show with Jay Leno, Pin Up Girls Promo Tour, half time shows for the Avengers and Booby Trap the Musical.

Robert wants to inspire the world and be a world renown actor, choreographer and Director.

Gregg Russell
Since 2007 · Guest Instructor

This Emmy nominated choreographer has worked with such stars as Bette Midler, Gene Kelly, The Nicholas Brothers and Michael Jackson. He directed a commercial for Carvel Ice Cream and performed with numerous music artists including Reba McEntire, Smashmouth, Sugar Ray, Jason Mraz, the B-52's, Toni Basil and Alanis Morrisette. You might have seen him on television in Even Stevens, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Tonight Show or national Gap commercials. Gregg was also featured on the cover of Dance Teacher Magazine as an entrepreneur who directs his own tap company titled Tap Sounds Underground, travels with the conventions Company Dance and Dance Olympus and owns the corporation 3D Dance Network, Inc.

"Gregg Russell brings to tap an eclectic mix of style including hip-hop, jazz and lyrical along with a traditional base, reminiscent of Gene Kelly and the Nicholas Brothers. It is a joy to watch him dance”
- Kenny Ortega, Director of High School Musical

Shirlene Quigley
Since 2008 · Hip-Hop

At a young age Shirlene Quigley knew that dance was her path in life. She began dance at the age of 4, and was on a national winning dance team all through high school. Once she became 18, she began the pursuit of a professional dance career. She signed with one of the top dance agencies in Los Angeles, McDonald Selznick Associates. Her second audition was for superstar Beyoncé, for her “Crazy in Love” video/promo tour, and she BOOKED!

Since then Shirlene has danced around the world, on television, in film, and on stage with artists such as Beyoncé, Missy Elliot, Chris Brown, Destiny’s Child, Ray J, Mary J Blige, Jamiroqui, Rhianna and many more. With the love of dance, she has been blessed to be able to spread her knowledge and inspiration to children of all ages for over 5 years and now is proud to be an instructor at Dance 84.

Kobi Rozenfeld
Since 2009 · Jazz

Kobi moved to the United States from Israel several years ago, but his dance career began long before the move. His impressive choreography credits include Israel's So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars as well as many other television shows, musical theater productions and live shows/artist tours. In addition to these many choreography credits, Kobi also took first place for choreography not once but twice at the National Israeli Jazz Contest.

Kobi also began teaching dance in Israel. He specializes in Jazz and Jazz Funk but has also taught Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical and Israeli Folk.

Since the move to Southern California, Kobi has taken on several teaching jobs including assisting Andre Fuentes at EDGE. He has also continued to add to his impressive resume with his choreography for the Beyoncé World Tour 2009.

Lilian Manansala
Since 2010 ·Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical

Dancer, choreographer, and Master Teacher, Lilian Manansala has a passion for the arts, teaching, and performing. She trained at Retter’s Academy of Dance under the direction and guidance of Darryl Retter and Linda Bernabei-Retter, and was a faculty member and studio manager. Lilian’s performances include Concert of Love, Choreographers Carnival, Tremaine Scholarship Showcase, Jazz Dance L.A., PDS Fall Ball, Pops Goes the Century, Broadway Dance Center Showcase, City of Hope, Spectrum Dance, Friends in Dance, Art4Life, Dance4Life, and Move to Groove Ball, among others. Lilian has taught for Al Gilbert Seminars, DMI, and tamjams, and has assisted Master Teachers on Tremaine Conventions, Encore Convention, Dance Masters Association, and Hoctor’s Dance Caravan. She was co-founder and co-director of the contemporary companies abbybruce company of dance and [kaslem mmrmg], and is currently a member of and choreographer for Artists Community for Change in Los Angeles (ACFCLA), and an instructor at Degas Dance Studio, Dance Studio 84, and Pacifica Christian High School.

Assistant Director and an instructor for TAMJAMS since 2001, Lilian has travelled throughout the United States teaching master classes and choreography. In New York, she taught at the world-renowned studio, Steps on Broadway, and at Dancespace. Lilian co-directed Southern California-based R & B Dance Company from 2002-2007, and has modeled for costume company, Stagewear L.A. Lilian has choreographed for and appeared in Disney’s That’s So Raven, Cory in the House, and Kickin' It, and has choreographed for Sonny with a Chance, Good Luck, Charlie, and So Random, and Disney, Jr.'s Choo Choo Soul. She has choreographed for R & B vocal group, SX4, and worked with Diva Trip. She has also taught at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, 2005-2008, in Fairbanks, Alaska. She choreographed the pilot episodes for Disney’s Hannah Montana, Keke & Jamal, and Better Days and has choreographed for the Cartoon Network’s Out of Jimmy’s Head. She has also choreographed for ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars. Her Rhythm Machine Company piece, Arabia, performed at the 49th Annual L.A. Holiday Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, which was telecast on KCET and received an L.A. Local Emmy nomination. She has also danced with Ashley Argota from the Nickelodeon Show, True Jackson, VP and performed in the award-winning Cabrillo Music Theatre’s production of King and I, starring Deborah Gibson. Lilian choreographed and performed in an indie event to help raise awareness for the organization ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History. She also attended UCLA and majored in World Arts & Cultures. Committed to compassionate empowerment, Lilian hopes to inspire a love and appreciation for dance, and most of all, a respect and pride in oneself.

Kersten Todey
Since 2011 · Company, Contemporary, Lyrical

Kersten grew up dancing at Bobbies School of Performing Arts in Thousand Oaks, CA, where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and contemporary styles. She then went on to graduate from the Edge Scholarship Program in Los Angeles. In 2003 she became a member of Myo Dance Company under the direction of Josie Walsh. Kersten has assisted and danced for some of the most well renowned choreographers in the business, including Michael Rooney, Mandy Moore, Dan Karaty, and more.

Credits include Dancing with the Stars, Fox’s hit show Glee, the regional tour of Glee, America’s Got Talent, the National American Idol Promo Ads, the upcoming film, The Muppets, Nickelodeon show The Fresh Beat Band, assistant on So You Think You Can Dance, and more.

Kersten is also a master teacher and choreographer in the L.A. area and around the country. She is now a third time finalist for the Ace Award in New York City for her choreography. In March 2011 she was awarded the Emerging Choreographer Award at Regional Dance America/Southwest for her work set on Louisiana Delta Ballet. Kersten is incredibly grateful to have dance in her life and is excited to see where it will bring her next!

Haley Kostas
Since 2011 · Company, Jazz

Dancer and choreographer Haley Kostas was born in Overland Park, Kansas, and began dancing at the age of three. Haley trained for many years at her hometown studio, Starstruck Performing Arts Center, before becoming a student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where she studied ballet and modern through the Conservatory of Music and Dance.

Over the next couple of years she danced and choreographed her way through the competition/convention circuit receiving numerous overall awards both as a soloist and choreographer across the Midwest. She then moved on to perform with multiple dance companies such as Seamless Dance Company, a contemporary company based in Kansas City, Quixotic Dance Company and The Commonality Dance Company, as well as assist along side many of the industry’s top choreographers nationwide.

In 2008, Haley moved to Los Angeles, CA, to further pursue her career as a professional dancer and choreographer. Since arriving in Los Angeles, Haley has performed with companies such as Tap Sounds Underground, ACFCLA and on television and award shows including: Entourage, Dogg After Dark, George Lopez at Night, Guy’s Choice Awards, The 7th Annual WeHo Awards, and So You Think You Can Dance - Season 2, as well as the film Fired Up. She has performed with musical artists such as Katy Perry and The Flight of the Concords. She also danced on the Nip/Tuck promo - Season 6, Microsoft’s Most Talented Hottie and an LG Phone commercial. Most recently Haley joined Justin Giles’ contemporary company SOULESCAPE as a lead dancer going on tour in 2011.

Kostas’ experience as a dancer both on and off the stage gives her choreography a fearless and innovative edge, making her a favorite with dance studios and companies around the world, such as MUSE Dance Company, ACFCLA, and SADA (The Sacramento Area Dance Alliance). Haley was also a part of New York City's Capezio A.C.E Awards’ Choreographers Ball hosted by Dance Teachers Summit. She can also be found teaching in Los Angeles at multiple studios, now including Dance Studio 84, as well as internationally at studios such as Affinity Dance Inc. and Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver, Canada.

Daphne Dindal
Since 2004 (with the studio since 1993) · Desk Staff

Daphne has been a Dance Studio 84 employee since 2004, but has been a studio family member since 1993, when her daughter began dancing with "Miss Carla."  When her second daughter became a DS84 student, her relationship with the studio and all its staff and families was secured as an exciting friendship.  Her family is still firmly rooted in Dance Studio 84, with both daughters expressing their love of dance at the studio.

Born in a small town in Hawaii, Daphne grew up enjoying slow paced island life dancing the hula, playing the piano and ukulele, and volunteering until she moved to Massachusetts to experience a different world through college and work.  There, she received inspiration working with children and the handicapped.  She then entered CalArts, and later began working in freelance art and animation.  Being a mom ended her work as a regional office manager for a datachecker company and began many years of child rearing and volunteer activities.

Daphne is grateful to all the wonderful friends she's discovered in the staff and families of Dance Studio 84 who make her work rewarding and fun!  One of her favorite quotes that reflects the studio is by Helen Keller, who said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."