Katy Abrego Cortines - Owner
Miss Katy has been dancing since the age of five. She has studied jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, musical theater, modern, cheerleading, and gymnastics. Over the years, Katy has been captain of her college dance team, been a member of international touring company "All American Dance Team" (traveling to Australia for the World’s Fair), and worked as a performer at Disneyland in many parades and shows, including the river show “Fantasmic”. She eventually began choreographing musical theater and cheerleading for public schools which led her to teaching dance at many schools and studios in Southern California. Katy has created numerous pre-school programs, dance camps, and other performing arts opportunities for elementary age students. For the last 17 years, Katy has operated her own dance studio in the high desert. She has seen her small family studio grow exponentially and loves to build relationships with all the dancers and watch them grow into beautiful artists and people. Even if you have been dancing here for years, we bet there are plenty of things you didn’t know about Katy. She loves to hang out at the beach with her family and friends whenever she can. Fun Fact: Recently Katy told her students that she once danced as a Dancing Ostrich while working for Disney. Yes, you read that right – an ostrich!
Miss Katy has been dancing since the age of five. She has studied jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, musical theater, modern, cheerleading, and gymnastics. Over the years, Katy has been captain of her college dance team, been a member of international touring company "All American Dance Team" (traveling to Australia for the World’s Fair), and worked as a performer at Disneyland in many parades and shows, including the river show “Fantasmic”. She eventually began choreographing musical theater and cheerleading for public schools which led her to teaching dance at many schools and studios in Southern California. Katy has created numerous pre-school programs, dance camps, and other performing arts opportunities for elementary age students. For the last 17 years, Katy has operated her own dance studio in the high desert. She has seen her small family studio grow exponentially and loves to build relationships with all the dancers and watch them grow into beautiful artists and people. Even if you have been dancing here for years, we bet there are plenty of things you didn’t know about Katy. She loves to hang out at the beach with her family and friends whenever she can. Fun Fact: Recently Katy told her students that she once danced as a Dancing Ostrich while working for Disney. Yes, you read that right – an ostrich!
Megan Williams - Artistic Director, Competition Team
Miss Megan has been a part of Studio K’s teaching staff since shortly after it’s opening in 2007. Megan began her training at age 7 and has since studied styles such as Gymnastics, Pom, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, Hip Hop, Breaking (Break Dance), Modern, and Contemporary dance. She also was a part of the Serrano Show Choir (Vocal Point) during her 4 years of High School and went on to choreograph competition shows for the Serrano Choirs for many years. Megan received her Bachelor’s degree from Westmont College where she majored in Kinesiology and minored in Dance. At Westmont Megan was a part of both the hip hop team (N’STEP) and dance team (Windancers) where she performed and choreographed for several years. During her time at Westmont she was also an associate professor for the Theater department where she taught Jazz and Hip Hop college dance classes. She received her Master’s degree from California Baptist University in Athletic Training, and she has been working as a Certified Athletic Trainer ever since. Megan was able to combine her passion for the medical field as well as dance by completing Shenendoah Univiersity’s Graduate Certificate Program in Performing Arts Medicine leading to her taking an additional position working at Disneyland as an Athletic Trainer/ Injury Prevention Specialist with their elite parade performers, character performers, dancers, and musicians. Megan is also a full-time Certified Athletic Trainer at Victor Valley College. Megan has been teaching dance classes and choreographing for the Studio K Dance Company for many years and in the 2023-2024 season she transitioned into the role of Artistic Director for Studio K Dance Center.
Miss Megan has been a part of Studio K’s teaching staff since shortly after it’s opening in 2007. Megan began her training at age 7 and has since studied styles such as Gymnastics, Pom, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, Hip Hop, Breaking (Break Dance), Modern, and Contemporary dance. She also was a part of the Serrano Show Choir (Vocal Point) during her 4 years of High School and went on to choreograph competition shows for the Serrano Choirs for many years. Megan received her Bachelor’s degree from Westmont College where she majored in Kinesiology and minored in Dance. At Westmont Megan was a part of both the hip hop team (N’STEP) and dance team (Windancers) where she performed and choreographed for several years. During her time at Westmont she was also an associate professor for the Theater department where she taught Jazz and Hip Hop college dance classes. She received her Master’s degree from California Baptist University in Athletic Training, and she has been working as a Certified Athletic Trainer ever since. Megan was able to combine her passion for the medical field as well as dance by completing Shenendoah Univiersity’s Graduate Certificate Program in Performing Arts Medicine leading to her taking an additional position working at Disneyland as an Athletic Trainer/ Injury Prevention Specialist with their elite parade performers, character performers, dancers, and musicians. Megan is also a full-time Certified Athletic Trainer at Victor Valley College. Megan has been teaching dance classes and choreographing for the Studio K Dance Company for many years and in the 2023-2024 season she transitioned into the role of Artistic Director for Studio K Dance Center.
Cheryl Buckle - Musical Theatre , Vocal Training
Miss Cheryl has been performing since she was a child. Playing at many theaters across California, she's been in the cast of numerous shows including: “Cabaret”, “Sister Act”, “West Side Story”, and “Camelot”. Some of her more memorable theatre credits include Laurey in “Oklahoma”, Tanya in “Mamma Mia”, Grace Farrell in “Annie”, Nancy in “Oliver”, Nellie Forbush in “South Pacific”, Dorothy Brock in “42nd Street”, and Gladys in “The Pajama Game”. Cheryl's musical background includes being a soloist in the internationally acclaimed Citrus Singers with tours in Hawaii and Europe, which included a tour singing the Brahms Requiem with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Cheryl has directed and choreographed a plethora of shows and has quite a few commercials to add to her credits. Cheryl is the current president of the Snowline Players, a nonprofit community theatre group located in the Tri- Community. She also works as a private vocal coach as well as a teacher of dance, voice, and musical theatre at Studio K. Prior to Covid, Cheryl had the opportunity to go to NYC to study theatre in the teaching and directing capacity with greats such as Patty Lupone and Christian Borle. She loves that she can share what she learned with her students at Studio K!
“The theatre was created to tell people the truth about life and the social situation” Stella Adler
Miss Cheryl has been performing since she was a child. Playing at many theaters across California, she's been in the cast of numerous shows including: “Cabaret”, “Sister Act”, “West Side Story”, and “Camelot”. Some of her more memorable theatre credits include Laurey in “Oklahoma”, Tanya in “Mamma Mia”, Grace Farrell in “Annie”, Nancy in “Oliver”, Nellie Forbush in “South Pacific”, Dorothy Brock in “42nd Street”, and Gladys in “The Pajama Game”. Cheryl's musical background includes being a soloist in the internationally acclaimed Citrus Singers with tours in Hawaii and Europe, which included a tour singing the Brahms Requiem with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Cheryl has directed and choreographed a plethora of shows and has quite a few commercials to add to her credits. Cheryl is the current president of the Snowline Players, a nonprofit community theatre group located in the Tri- Community. She also works as a private vocal coach as well as a teacher of dance, voice, and musical theatre at Studio K. Prior to Covid, Cheryl had the opportunity to go to NYC to study theatre in the teaching and directing capacity with greats such as Patty Lupone and Christian Borle. She loves that she can share what she learned with her students at Studio K!
“The theatre was created to tell people the truth about life and the social situation” Stella Adler
Theresa Kitts - Combo, Contemporary, Jazz
Miss Theresa is originally from Dancin’ in Acton, a successful family-owned business of over 36 years. She is an instructor and choreographer of dance, specializing in lyrical and young children’s classes such as creative movement, ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop. Theresa co-directed Dancin’ in Acton’s company Quikstyle and choreographed lyrical and specialty dances for the award-winning Performance Team. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Theresa continues to learn about dance and perform. To keep up with the latest trends and styles of dance, Theresa attends dance conventions and seminars under top industry professionals including Joe Tremaine, Laurie Johnson, John Crutchman, Joelle Martinec and Doug Caldwell. She continues to train in Yoga and is active in Pickleball, hiking, spending time with family, and long walks on the beach.
Miss Theresa is originally from Dancin’ in Acton, a successful family-owned business of over 36 years. She is an instructor and choreographer of dance, specializing in lyrical and young children’s classes such as creative movement, ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop. Theresa co-directed Dancin’ in Acton’s company Quikstyle and choreographed lyrical and specialty dances for the award-winning Performance Team. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Theresa continues to learn about dance and perform. To keep up with the latest trends and styles of dance, Theresa attends dance conventions and seminars under top industry professionals including Joe Tremaine, Laurie Johnson, John Crutchman, Joelle Martinec and Doug Caldwell. She continues to train in Yoga and is active in Pickleball, hiking, spending time with family, and long walks on the beach.
Keri Livingston - Tap, Hip Hop
Miss Keri began dancing at the age of 8 and was trained in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. She earned a tap scholarship at the University of California, Riverside and had the honor of studying under the great tap master, Fred Strickler. In addition, she has studied under several amazing tap artists, such as Gregg Russell, Chance Taylor, Ken Bell, Garrett Minniti, and so much more. She has spent the past 20 years teaching at various studios throughout the Inland Empire and has been recognized for her choreography at numerous competitions such as KAR, Encore, NRG, Thunderstruck, Showbiz, and Showstopper. As a tap instructor, Keri believes it is important to focus on tap technique, musicality, and most importantly, cultivating both a love and respect for the art of tap dancing. She is excited to join the Studio K Dance family and looks forward to teaching tap in her own community!
Miss Keri began dancing at the age of 8 and was trained in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. She earned a tap scholarship at the University of California, Riverside and had the honor of studying under the great tap master, Fred Strickler. In addition, she has studied under several amazing tap artists, such as Gregg Russell, Chance Taylor, Ken Bell, Garrett Minniti, and so much more. She has spent the past 20 years teaching at various studios throughout the Inland Empire and has been recognized for her choreography at numerous competitions such as KAR, Encore, NRG, Thunderstruck, Showbiz, and Showstopper. As a tap instructor, Keri believes it is important to focus on tap technique, musicality, and most importantly, cultivating both a love and respect for the art of tap dancing. She is excited to join the Studio K Dance family and looks forward to teaching tap in her own community!
Amy Verdin - Business Manager
Miss Amy has been dancing down grocery aisles since she was a toddler. She danced and sang with Sunshine Generation throughout her childhood and developed her love of music through piano lessons and school choir. At Serrano High School, she performed and competed with Vocal Point show choir and the Diamondback Singers all four years. She holds two Bachelor Degrees, a B.S. in Religious Studies from Moody Bible Institute, where she also studied Sacred Music -Voice, and a B.S. in Accounting from Western Governors University. Throughout the years she has performed financial supportive services for small businesses, and has ran social service programs in the inner city of Chicago. She is excited to be managing Studio K Dance Center where her two young daughters Violet and Gemma also study dance.
Miss Amy has been dancing down grocery aisles since she was a toddler. She danced and sang with Sunshine Generation throughout her childhood and developed her love of music through piano lessons and school choir. At Serrano High School, she performed and competed with Vocal Point show choir and the Diamondback Singers all four years. She holds two Bachelor Degrees, a B.S. in Religious Studies from Moody Bible Institute, where she also studied Sacred Music -Voice, and a B.S. in Accounting from Western Governors University. Throughout the years she has performed financial supportive services for small businesses, and has ran social service programs in the inner city of Chicago. She is excited to be managing Studio K Dance Center where her two young daughters Violet and Gemma also study dance.
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Doniesha Alexander - Hip Hop/Jazz
Miss Doniesha has always been passionate about dance. As a child, she taught herself dances she learned online and honed her dance skills through self-training. Driven by her love of dance, she was determined to be the best she could be for herself and others. She participated in her high school dance team and continued dance training at Antelope Valley College, where she strengthened her technique in Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Ballet. She was inspired by our own Cindy Jundy to teach dance and develop a passion for dance in others. She completed her dance degree and also choreographed and performed for Antelope Valley College dance shows. She became known for her hip hop dance pieces, inspiring more and more students to take dance classes. She is excited to be teaching at Studio K as a Hip Hop instructor. |
Cassandra Kendrick - Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz
Miss Cassandra found her love of dance at a very young age after trying cheer, karate, and other
forms of activities but dance is what ultimately stole her heart. She began dancing at the age of
7 and has been involved with the arts since. She started with Jazz and Tap, but ventured into a
variety of styles- including Ballet/Pointe, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, and anything
else offered her way. She grew up dancing at Dancetime Studio in Hesperia, CA but also
performed with various studios and programs throughout the years. She began sharing her love
of dance with others at the age of 15 when she started teaching. She started her career at
Dancetime Studio, then ventured into subbing and guest teaching at other studios, accepting a
position with Young Champions of America, and then ultimately finding a permanent dance
home at Studio K Dance Center in 2014. She has taught almost every style and has
choreographed an extensive number of recreational and competitive routines. Her routines
have earned a variety of awards, including First Place and Most Entertaining. Cassandra took a
small hiatus from dance in 2020 but is so excited to be returning for the upcoming season at
Studio K.
Miss Cassandra found her love of dance at a very young age after trying cheer, karate, and other
forms of activities but dance is what ultimately stole her heart. She began dancing at the age of
7 and has been involved with the arts since. She started with Jazz and Tap, but ventured into a
variety of styles- including Ballet/Pointe, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, and anything
else offered her way. She grew up dancing at Dancetime Studio in Hesperia, CA but also
performed with various studios and programs throughout the years. She began sharing her love
of dance with others at the age of 15 when she started teaching. She started her career at
Dancetime Studio, then ventured into subbing and guest teaching at other studios, accepting a
position with Young Champions of America, and then ultimately finding a permanent dance
home at Studio K Dance Center in 2014. She has taught almost every style and has
choreographed an extensive number of recreational and competitive routines. Her routines
have earned a variety of awards, including First Place and Most Entertaining. Cassandra took a
small hiatus from dance in 2020 but is so excited to be returning for the upcoming season at
Studio K.
Olivia Caudieux - Ballet
Miss Olivia started dancing in her hometown at a studio called Dancin’ In Acton. When she was a baby, Olivia’s mom started her in a class with her called “Mommy and Me”. She started taking combo classes then moved into her own dance classes as she found a love for ballet at the age of 7. She continued practicing her technique as she studied at different schools including Dance Magic and Maple Conservatory of Dance. She then went into a Ballet Company at Antelope Valley Ballet as a Corps de Ballet Member. Olivia performed in many ballets such as Clara in The Nutcracker, and many roles in Snow White, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, and many more! She is excited to be teaching at Studio K as a ballet instructor!
Miss Olivia started dancing in her hometown at a studio called Dancin’ In Acton. When she was a baby, Olivia’s mom started her in a class with her called “Mommy and Me”. She started taking combo classes then moved into her own dance classes as she found a love for ballet at the age of 7. She continued practicing her technique as she studied at different schools including Dance Magic and Maple Conservatory of Dance. She then went into a Ballet Company at Antelope Valley Ballet as a Corps de Ballet Member. Olivia performed in many ballets such as Clara in The Nutcracker, and many roles in Snow White, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, and many more! She is excited to be teaching at Studio K as a ballet instructor!