MEET OUR LA DANCE FACULTY
LINDSEY GAARDSMOE
DANCE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Lindsey’s dance journey started at a young age where she trained in various styles at her local studio. Her passion for dance continued to grow and has now led her to pursue a career in dance.
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After studying Marketing and Dance at Gonzaga University, Lindsey began working in the professional dance industry in Los Angeles in the business, teaching, and performing realms. Some of her most rewarding work includes dancing and choreographing for music videos, assisting choreographers, working with college and pro dance teams, live event performances, and more!
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Lindsey believes in the power of dance and its ability to transform lives. With over 8 years of experience in teaching, she has seen first hand the positive influence that dance brings the youth - increased self confidence, connection to mind and body, a support system and community, and more. She is passionate about encouraging dancers that she works with to step into their greatness and leaves them with tools that they can take into their lives beyond dance!
KAI MORFÍN
DANCE EDUCATOR
Kai Morfín is a professional performer who has been choreographing and teaching dance for the past decade at schools, studios, and privately. Trained in ballet, tap, Zumba, and hiphop, Kai performs and choreographs regularly in Los Angeles as a backup dancer and in music videos. He was formerly a member of The Drop Fam (two time Hip Hop International USA Champions) in Tucson, Arizona where he grew up. When teaching, Kai enjoys 'demystifying’ dance and sharing it as an outlet for energy and creativity.
Outside of dance, Kai is also a passionate film & stage actor, often providing fight choreography for projects he works on and previously performing as a company member of the acrobatic Occidental Children’s Theater. In addition, Kai regularly works as a stage technician & stage manager with credits including plays at Dynasty Typewriter & Greenway Court Theatre, as well as Labyrinth Masquerade Ball, POP Opera, & the CSArts Gala.
JANAI JOHNSON
DANCE EDUCATOR
Janai Olive-Rose Johnson is an actress, dancer, and model, originally from New York City, now living in Los Angeles, California. She grew up studio trained in many styles including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop, modern and ballroom.
She has worked in the industry for many years, including guest starring in a role on the TV show ‘Jane The Virgin’, completing a 3rd year of touring with Mariah Carey on The “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS” Special at The Beacon Theatre on Broadway and Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas NV, walked the Runway in LA FASHION WEEK LIVE SHOW, and more!
DANA MANGOBA
DANCE EDUCATOR
Dana is from the small city of Reno, NV and has been teaching, choreographing, and coaching dancers for almost ten years. She grew up training as a ballet and technical dancer in the style of Cecchetti ballet, then adopted other various styles of dance such as hip-hop, which is demonstrated throughout our program's classes.
As a professional dancer and educator, she is passionate about sharing this creative outlet with the youth, as she too was once in their positions.
To cultivate a fun environment for these kids is something so special, as she prides herself in giving back to the community that helped shape the dancer and person that she is today!