“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking”- Agnes De Mille
Erin babbs
OWNER/DIRECTOR
ERIN BABBS has been dancing since the age of three. She has studied with some of the most well-known dance instructors and professional schools throughout the United States. Erin received her BA in English from San Diego State University while on the SDSU dance team and professionally training and teaching at various schools dedicated to the arts.
Erin’s training has led her to dance professionally with the Brain Setzer Orchestra, the Black Eyed Peas, MTV, DJ AM and DJ Aoki to name a few. In addition, Erin has modeled for Divine Eyewear, Juicy Couture and Shuz and has been a featured vocalist for Moonshine Records and One World Entertainment. Erin has been teaching dance for the past 25 years. She has been named a top choreographer in the industry for the past 20 years.
Erin’s passion for teaching and love for kids led her to open Murrieta Dance Project in 2006. As MDP’s main Progressions Instructor, Erin is always studying new teaching techniques and finding new ways to collaborate the classic techniques with the most cutting edge tricks. She has a way a breaking down each movement so that her students have a better understanding of their bodies and how to use them.
Her students have been featured in film and television, won top awards and scholarships as well as agent representation and have taken the United States by storm! Erin’s students have gone on to dance with the world-renowned companies: The Nederlands Dans Theatre, Julliard, Joffery, USC Glorya Kauffman School Of Dance, LA Lakers, Rams and more! Erin has also trained dancers who have been top 10 finalists on So You Think You Can Dance as well as the winner of season one of Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition! Her students have also appeared on America's Got Talent, Ellen, Little Big Shots and more!
Erin was a featured choreographer on Life Time’s Dance Moms and was also able to participate with a group of dancers for multiple seasons on the show.
Currently, Erin is a teacher for CLI Studios, Art Of Movement Dance Convention and the choreographer for the opening number of a Las Vegas dance event.
Erin is proud and excited to share her love and knowledge of dance, art and life with all of her talented dancers here at Murrieta Dance Project! Erin feels that dance will empower all of her students to move forward in life and succeed in whatever lies ahead!
Angelique Villasenor
Angelique Villasenor is a Murrieta Dance Project alumni who is proud and honored to contribute to the same environment that nurtured her training and passion for dance. Angelique shares her extensive dance background through teaching Jazz, Technique, and Lyrical where her focus in class is on precision, control, and expressive performance. She believes in nurturing each dancer’s individual strengths while challenging them to grow both artistically and technically. Angelique blends discipline with positivity creating a safe space for each dancer to feel confident, motivated, and prepared to succeed.
Angelique has had the privilege to compete on 2 highly respected collegiate dance teams, Orange Coast College and San Diego State University, where she refined her technical foundation and gained extensive experience in performance and team dynamics. Angelique brings aspects of competitive and collegiate experience into the dance room to leave students with lasting knowledge extending far beyond the studio walls.
Belle Hatchel
Belle Hatchel, born and raised in Southern California, started dancing at the age of two in Tiny Tot classes. She quickly developed a passion for dance and was dancing at home, the studio, school, or wherever she could. At the age of ten Belle made the decision to move to Murrieta Dance Project to further enhance and push her in her dance training. Murrieta Dance Project is where she continued to train in styles like ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and tumbling, but was also where she was exposed to new dance styles like hip hop, jazz funk, musical theater, and contemporary as well. She continued to train in these styles all the way through to her post high school graduation, and has taken a special interest & appreciation in tap.
When Belle began dancing in the teen age group, she had decided she wanted to start learning to assist, teach, and learn how a studio runs and works. She began volunteering around the studio as well as at MDP’s annual Revue show. Her senior year of high school she joined the Assistant Program at MDP and was able to see and experience first hand how to run classes for younger dancers in beginning level classes.
Belle was a competitive dancer (outside of school dance teams) for a total of six years. She competed in numerous styles and began taking master classes and competed for specialty awards offered at numerous competitions.
While in primary school, Belle was on the dance team for a total of five years, all the way up until graduation. This is where she learned and began training pom and where she went on to compete with her schools. Her senior year of high school, she was captain of her dance team, where she got to teach, choreograph, and lead a team.
Belle joined the administrative staff at Murrieta Dance Project in 2024, and she has now joined the faculty, beginning in 2025 to teach tiny tot classes. She looks forward to teaching classes and helping to inspire children of all ages to find a love, appreciation, and passion for dance.
When she is not dancing or at the studio, Belle is going to school at California Baptist University in Riverside, California, where she is majoring in Exercise Science. She hopes to use this degree to give better instruction to her students and to help prevent injury among dancers.
CHLOE VERKINDER
BALLET DIRECTOR
CHLOE VERKINDER is a Southern California native and began her dance training at the age of 7 at Ballet Pacifica under the direction of Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner. From there, she started training in the Vaganova Method at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy and has trained with master teachers in that style including Alexander Greschenko, Larissa and Gennadi Saveliev, and Misha Tchoupakov. In addition to her classical Ballet training, Chloe has also had extensive training in Contemporary, Horton and Limón Modern, Jazz, as well as Character dance.
In her professional career as a ballerina, Ms. Verkinder has worked primarily as a freelance ballerina in Southern California and New York as well as with companies such as Ajkun Ballet Theatre, Anaheim Ballet, Contempo Arts Productions, and Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre. Chloe has also had the pleasure of dancing as a guest artist with SoCal Ballet Scene in their festivals. Her repertoire includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Carmen, Cinderella, Don Quixote, Flower Festival in Genzano, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty, among others and has performed roles such as Kitri, Cupid, Esmeralda, Lilac Fairy, Rosa, and many more.
Chloe also has a great passion for teaching and passing along this beautiful art form to the next generation. She has been teaching the Vaganova Method for almost a decade and continues to train in that method in order to expand her knowledge continuously. Chloe has taught at schools such as Jimmie Defore Dance Center, XD Studios, Whitely Ballet School, and Reve Dance Conservatory. She hopes to inspire peoples’ love of Ballet through her dancing and teaching.
As the Ballet Director of Murrieta Dance Project, Miss Chloe oversees all ballet classes, ballet exams and holds meetings with all ballet parents and students to help with future progression.
David Ramirez
With over 17 years of experience in the dance industry, David Ramirez is a professional choreographer, backup dancer, and mentor known for transforming passionate students into working professionals. His work has helped countless dancers break into the industry, with former students performing at the Super Bowl, World of Dance, So You Think You Can Dance, the Grammys, VMA’s, and on international tours. Many have gone on to dance for top artists like Kanye West, Enrique Iglesias, Britney Spears, FKA Twigs, and many more.
As a choreographer and creative force, David has developed innovative dance programs for studios nationwide and continues to shape the next generation of artists. David’s choreography career highlights include artists like Sezzy, Arely C, and Enrique Iglesias, being featured in multiple commercials, and appearing on major platforms such as So You Think You Can Dance, BET’s 106 & Park, NBC Disneyland, Mañana latina, Vision latin Famosos, The wedding singer musical and the prestigious Tejano Music Awards.
David is currently an Assistant Director at Ultra Dance Competition and Creative Director for “ON SET Dance Experience” where his passion, professional insight, and visionary choreography inspire dancers across all levels to reach their highest potential.
Devin Ramirez
Originally from Murrieta, California, Devin Ramirez discovered a deep passion for dance at a young age, setting the stage for a lifelong journey in the art form. Over the past 16 years, Devin has cultivated a rich and diverse background in dance, training extensively in all styles, from ballet and jazz to hip-hop, contemporary. A significant chapter in Devin's journey was spent with the esteemed Murrieta Dance Project, where rigorous training and performance opportunities helped refine a versatile and dynamic skill set.
Currently signed with Bloc Talent Agency, Devin has had the privilege of working on a variety of professional projects, ranging from performances to choreography. This extensive experience has sharpened Devin’s technical skills while also strengthening a profound dedication to the artistry of dance.
As a dance instructor, Devin specializes in contemporary and jazz funk. Bringing a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the studio. Devin is known for fostering a supportive and inspiring environment, where dancers of all levels are encouraged to push their boundaries, explore their unique expression, and grow both technically and artistically. Whether you’re stepping into the studio for the first time or are looking to advance your skills, Devin is dedicated to guiding you through every step of your dance journey with passion, energy, and a confident understanding of the craft.
Ella Terracciano
Ella Terracciano is an MDP alumni who has been dancing for 17 years. She started dancing at MDP when she was eight years old and has been dancing competitively throughout her whole life. While dancing competitively, she had guidance from Erin Babbs along the other amazing faculty at MDP. She has various training in styles like jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, and contemporary. During her time as a student at Murrieta dance project Ella became a teachers assistant at the age of 14 and found her love for guiding the young dancers at the studio. Ella is currently attending California State University of San Marcos to further her education, along with trying to educate the next generation of dancers at the MDP.
She is looking forward to the opportunities of being able to mentor and guide the young dancers and is so grateful and excited for this next chapter of her life. Ella hopes to share her dance knowledge, love and excitement to her students and help them discover their passion for dance!
Heather Christian
HEATHER CHRISTIAN began dancing at the age of 6. She has trained under some of the most talented dance instructors and choreographers throughout her training years. She has won many scholarships from conventions, including New York City Dance Alliance, Tremaine, LA Dance Magic and more. Heather won a scholarship to be on the LA Dance Magic Company at the age of 17. She then traveled as an apprentice for 2 years training under the LADM faculty every weekend. Heather’s dream since the age of 14 was to be a choreographer. She began choreographing at a young age and has been choreographing for competitive studios throughout Southern California for 12 years. Her choreography has since gone off to win many overall awards and choreography awards throughout the years at some of the biggest competitions on the circuit. Hall of fame dance challenge, Showstoppers and Showbiz to name a few. Her teams have won 1st place at nationals for the past 6 years.
Heather is technique focused in her training for young dancers. She has a talent for breaking moves down, helping young dancers to understand movement and better their technique.
Heather is currently the set choreographer for Discount Dance Supply’s photoshoots and has been in music videos for “Prince of Eden” "Dead Off Center" and "Circuit Assassins". Her theatrical credits include Final Cut, "Grease", "Annie" - Molly. She was in the LA Dance Magic Company as an Apprentice from 2010-2012 and has been an assistant to many professional choreographers including Michael Rooney, Jackie Sleight, Artem Chigvintsev, Christian Vincent and Ayodele Casel. She has modeled for Discount Dance Supply and Marcea dancewear.
Heather teaches all level and various styles at Murrieta Dance Project and is excited to be a part of the faculty team!
Izabel Hurtado
Izabel Hurtado began dancing at the age of 5. She quickly discovered her love for dance as she began dancing competitively from ages 6-18. Izabel is an MDP alumni and trained under the direction of Erin Babbs, along with many other talented instructors and choreographers. She is trained in jazz, ballet, lyrical, and contemporary.
During her time as a student at MDP, Izabel began training as an assistant. Through assisting, she developed her passion for teaching and inspiring young dancers. Izabel is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the MDP faculty, and hopes to share her knowledge and love of dance to her students!
JACOBIE BLUHM
Jacobie Bluhm is a dynamic choreographer, artist, coach, director, and competitor in the hip-hop community. Known for his infectious positivity, keen attention to detail, and strong musicality, Jacobie has helped shape the performance skills of countless students while deepening their understanding and appreciation of hip-hop culture. He collaborates with schools throughout the valley and works with studio programs nationwide.
He is the founder of Empire951, a brand-new hip-hop training and competition program designed for dancers ages 7 to 18. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to level up your skills, This program is built to train, inspire, and empower the next generation of hip-hop artists. Jacobie is alumni of SGBM, The Pack’t, A1 Collective, Fam Royale, and he appeared as a contestant on the Roku Original series Floored, hosted by Liza Koshy and directed by Brian Friedman.
Jacobie’s choreography is widely recognized for its originality and impact, earning top scores and category wins at both regional and national competitions. His students consistently receive scholarships and awards in hip-hop at conventions and gain access to elite training programs.By day, he brings that same passion to the classroom as a teacher at Vista Murrieta High School, where he’s shaping the next generation of students with style, heart, and purpose.
Jasmine Hossner
JASMINE HOSSNER is a dancer and choreographer who trained and competed throughout Southern California. She attended the University of California, Irvine as an undergraduate studying Dance with a focus in Choreography, while working as the Creative Director at Miss Dance Drill Team under Brenda Crawford.
Jasmine was on So You Think You Can Dance Season 11, as well as played a role as a featured dancer in the documentary “Don’t Change the Subject”. She was a finalist for the NFL Charger Girls, the NBA Blazer Dancers, and The Music Center’s Spotlight Awards Scholarship as a non-classical dancer. Jasmine has worked with well known choreographers in the commercial space like Tiana Gandelman and Tony Gonzalez. She also carved a name for herself in the dance team and studio competition world working for companies like West Coast Elite Dance, The Countdown Competition, and Showbiz Talent Competition.
Along with her dance experience, Jasmine is also recognized for her choreography. She has 8 years of experience teaching in the competitive studio and convention space. Her students have gone on to tour with artists such as Justin Beiber, Jojo Siwa, The Weekend, Taylor Swift, and various KPop bands. As a teacher, Jasmine hopes to push dancers to be well rounded in their talents, and learn how to apply the discipline and training they receive in class to their future careers no matter what field of study they aspire to pursue.
JULES CHAVARRIA
JULES CHAVARRIA has danced professionally throughout America, Europe, and Asia. Her most recent credits include, dancing for the NBA Legends tour, and being an LA KISS Girl for the LA KISS Arena Football Team.
Jules has enjoyed performing around the world. Her credits include the Mexico/Alaskan tour, and Caribbean/Mediterranean tour, dancing onboard Holland America Cruise Lines.
Jules has danced for such artists as "N'Sync", "PINK", and "Destiny's Child, on Nickelodeons "SNICK HOUSE" and "Teen's Choice Awards".
In addition to her professional dance career Jules can be seen singing and acting throughout Southern California. She has performed in various musicals. her most recent credits include: "Funny Girl" with 3-D Theatricals, and "Wonderful Town" with the Musical Theatre Guild. Other credits include: "Annie", "Peter Pan", "Oliver", "Cabaret", "Grease", "Cinderella", and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamboat".
Dance is a passion for Jules and has opened up the door to being even more creative through choreography. Jules's most recently had her choreography debut on America's Got Talent.
Jules Chavarria is one of MDPs competitive instructors and her choreography has received many national titles with her creative and innovative cutting edge style. Jules continues to share her love of dance on stage and in the studio and is excited to continue to share her passion with her students at Murrieta Dance Project!
JUSTIN PHAM
INDUSTRY DIRECTOR
Justin Pham is a dancer and choreographer originating from San Diego, California. He graduated from the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance with a BFA in Dance and Minor in Cinematic Arts, where he had the opportunity to study under renowned artists and directors such as William Forsythe, Jodie Gates, and Desmond Richardson. During his time in school, he signed with Go 2 Talent Agency, performed in iLuminate’s Las Vegas show, and was featured on “So You Think You Can Dance” where he advanced to the Top 20. He has also danced in music videos for artists such as Half Alive and Jesse y Joy. While his love for dance is strong, Justin has found a true passion for choreography. In addition to setting pieces across the country, he has directed and produced multiple independent dance films and was a finalist at the 2017 McCallum Choreography Festival in Palm Desert and the 2020 Capezio A.C.E. Awards in Hollywood. Justin has also performed and presented work at the Laguna Art Museum commissioned by the Laguna Dance Festival. Justin is a master instructor for studios across the nation, virtually on the global dance network, CLI Studios, and on faculty for dance conventions such as Immerse Artist Experience and Art of Movement. Justin hopes to create a more cognitive and educational perspective on dance and choreography, specifically through the mediums of film and television, and works to become a multifaceted and interdisciplinary artist to innovate the dance industry for generations to come. Justin is the director of the Industry program at MDP, which prepares dance students for a career in dance beyond the competition stage.
Katharine MILLER
KATHARINE MILLER is a lifelong lover of the art of dance with a passion for teaching. Katharine has spent her career focused on studying and working in young dancer curriculums, classical forms of dance, and teaching technique. She holds a certification for Junior - Advanced levels in Progressing Ballet Technique as well as being certified in Acrobatic Arts (AAM1). Over the course of more than 20 years of teaching and working with young dancers she has had the opportunity to work with over a thousand students and continues to grow as a dance educator through master classes, teacher training courses, conferences, and certification programs.
Prior to joining the Murrieta Dance Project faculty Katharine taught at studios throughout North San Diego, was director of the dance program at a private school for two years, and owned, as well as artistically directed, her own studio for 15 seasons. As a competitive teacher her pieces have won numerous awards. In addition to extensive training and teaching experience, in 2017 Katharine developed a pre-school and young dancer program that was launched at a studio local to her at the time. She also had the opportunity to run the faculty training program prior to the implementation of her curriculum.
As a dance educator Katharine strives to bring fun, structure, and technique to each of her classes, “My goal is for all of my students to have a lifelong love of dance and to carry that into their adulthood, to give them an appreciation for the arts that will enrich their experience of the world.” When not teaching dance Katharine enjoys being a dance mom, homeschooling, and spending time with her family including her husband and four children.
Kristi WOODING
Kristi Wooding was born and raised in Southern California. She started dancing at the age of 3, started competitive dance at the age of 7, and she never looked back. Kristi trained for the majority of her competitive dance years in Orange County at West Coast school of the arts. She has been a well established dance teacher/choreographer for over two decades now.
In 2001 at the age of 16, Kristi cut her competitive dance years short and opened her dance studio in Riverside - Kristi's Forever Dancin.’ For the last 20 + years Kristi’s students have received numerous high point awards in all genres of dance at both the Regional and National level. She spent an intentional one year on the Orange Coast College dance team in Costa Mesa becoming a national collegiate champion in 2004. Kristi has won multiple choreography and top studio awards during her time owning a studio, and her choreography has earned numerous 1st place championship titles- for both studio dance and HS school dance competitions. Kristi began a career in judging for dance competitions in 2007.
Traveling across the country teaching/setting choreography, being placed on staff as a lyrical and jazz teacher for the KAR convention, and choreographing opening numbers for KAR nationals competitions all came shortly after. In 2018 she sold her dance studio and started a new chapter. Kristi is currently a lead judge for KAR and Ultra dance competitions, still on the road for choreography and master classes, and she continues her passion for teaching and choreographing at Murrieta dance project, in Murrieta Ca.
Maggie doty
Maggie Doty was born and raised in Southern California where she began training in dance at a young age. She earned her BFA Degree in Dance from California State University, Long Beach where she studied Modern, Ballet, Floor Work, Jazz, and Improvisation, to name a few. She currently stands as the Assistant Director of HEAT Dance convention where she travels the country directing, judging competition, and teaching to thousands of dancers each year. Doty is currently represented by Got2Talent Agency and works professionally as a dancer, dance teacher, and choreographer in the Los Angeles area.
In addition to her dancer training, Doty is a certified fitness instructor through the National Academy of Sports Medicine where she coaches classes in weight lifting, HIIT cardio training, barre, indoor cycling, and more. Doty is a huge advocate for strength training with dancers and is passionate about injury prevention and sharing her anatomical/physiological knowledge with her students in a practical, functional way.
ORIALIS ASHLEY
Orialis Ashley, a Puerto Rican native, is a Los Angeles based Dancer, Choreographer and Instructor. As one of the members of Chloe Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies, an all female tap dancing sisterhood , she has tap danced on stages worldwide, videos with over 50 million views and on screen for ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS’s Late Late Show with James Corden, BET’s 106 and Park, and most recently you can see Orialis tap dancing in Apple TV’s feature film “Spirited.”
In addition to teaching at Murrieta Dance Project, Orialis is on faculty as the tap instructor and a judge for Heat Dance Convention and travels across the country inspiring dancers all over the United States. She also guests teaches for many other conventions and studios throughout the year.
As a graduate from the Florida State University dance program, Orialis is also classically trained in ballet, modern and jazz with a professional background in concert dance. She uses her vast experience in all areas of dance when training her students and with over 15 years of teaching experience, her students and choreography have been seen many TV shows including So You Think You Can Dance, Little Big Shots, Ellen, and Dancing with the Stars Junior.
Orialis presently resides in Southern California with her son Rylan, where she continues to perform, choreograph and share her love of dance with her students all over the country.
Rorey Michelangelo
Coach, Educator, Mentor
Rorey Michelangelo brings the same passion and precision that define his stage career to his work as a tumbling and acrobatics coach. His performance credits include Newsies at The Gateway Playhouse in New York, which won the BroadwayWorld Long Island Award for Best Musical, as well as Cinderella with Musical Theatre West, West Side Story with Palos Verdes Performing Arts, CATS with Interlakes Theatre, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with La Mirada Theatre.
In the studio, Rorey specializes in training dancers ages 4 through 18+, breaking down advanced movement into clear progressions while instilling discipline, artistry, and confidence. His teaching style blends professional technique with performance-driven storytelling, giving students the tools to succeed in competitive dance, musical theatre, and beyond.
Sam Cantoria
Sam Cantoria graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance from Chapman University with a minor in Kinesiology. She trained in all forms of Dance at Just Plain Dancin’ and Co. Professionally with Westside Dance Project, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Sydney Dance Company in Australia, and Talia Favia’s “Between Actions and Words.” As a teen Sam has performed on Disney Channel’s “Make Your Mark” and “Live to Dance” with Paula Abdul. From the age of 15-20 Sam was the assistant to Emmy Award winning choreographer Mia Michael’s. Sam was contracted with Michael Jackson One by Cirque Du Soleil in Vegas as both dance ensemble and lead Character “Shy” 2018-2020. Sam’s most recent works have been with Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo in Sofia Carson’s Good Morning America Performance as well as SHEIN Rock the Runway with Blu DeTiger. Sam takes her passion for teaching and choreography all over the country and enjoys motivating and inspiring the minds of the next generation.
Skylar Yeung
Skylar Yeung, originally from Chicago, IL, began dancing at the age of three and quickly discovered her passion for the art. By the age of ten, she started competing, showcasing her talent and dedication. At thirteen, she made the bold move to Southern California, where she began her training at Murrieta Dance Project. There, she honed her skills in various dance styles, enhancing her technique through rigorous studio training and participation in conventions. At MDP, Skylar's role as an assistant ignited her passion for teaching, educating, and inspiring dancers of all ages.
After high school, Skylar pursued her love for dance at UC Santa Barbara, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a minor in Educational Studies. In college, she absolutely loved being able to continue performing in front of large audiences as she did before. During her four years at UCSB, she was an integral member of the UCSB Dance Team, balancing the demands of being a dance major while competing annually at UDA nationals in Orlando, FL. Skylar’s creativity flourished as she choreographed concert pieces for the UCSB dance shows and competition routines for the dance team.
Today, Skylar has embarked on her professional career as a cheerleader for the LA Rams. As she continues to make strides in the professional dance world, she remains committed to fulfilling her dreams of becoming a renowned dancer and choreographer.
SUSAN BARNETT LOPEZ
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
SUSAN BARNETT LOPEZ, a California native, is an accomplished teacher, choreographer and dancer whose energetic teaching style has been seen throughout Southern California. She began dancing later than most professional dancers training with various teachers and choreographers such as Sue Gilson, Currie Pederson, Mandy Moore and Malaya. Shortly after graduating high school, Susan ventured into teaching and setting pieces throughout Southern California, Arizona and the east coast. Her love of dance has led her to perform and choreograph for many exciting venues throughout the nation.
In addition to her many years of professional dance training, she has over 25 years of teaching experience. Her commitment to the art of dance and reputation for instilling technique and artistry in her dancers motivates her to continue to find new and innovative ways to teach her students.
Her distinctive choreography has received numerous high point and top choreography awards at regional and national competitions. With her dedication and commitment to dance education, many of her students have gone on to become instructors and choreographers, winning countless awards and dance competitions and conventions. Along with this, many are signed with talent agencies and go on to find success as professional dancers in the industry. She has also, with great pride, seen her dancers be accepted to various colleges as dance majors such as, Julliard, USC, UCLA, Cal Arts, Chapman, UCI and NYU. Her dancers have been accepted into programs and danced with world-renown companies like, The Nederland’s Dans Theatre, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, LA Lakers, Golden State Warriors, LA Rams and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders to name a few. Students of Susan have also competed on “So You Think You Can Dance” as Top 10 finalists as well as appeared on shows like “ELLEN", "World of Dance” and “America’s Got Talent”.
In 2006, Susan realized her dream of opening a dance studio along with Erin Babbs when Murrieta Dance Project opened its doors. Forever grateful of the opportunity to own such an amazing studio, she decided to retire from the position of co-owner/director in 2013 to focus more on teaching and continuing her education. Susan has great enthusiasm and passion for teaching and sharing this love with all of her students. She teaches from the heart, dedicated to her students, making sure each and every dancer understands, embodies, and loves the art of dance.
As MDP's Artistic Director Susan checks in on all of our dancers making sure each person is exactly where they need to be. Susan, with the help of our MDP faculty, sends out mid-season and end-of-season Dancer Report Cards to help all of our dancers and parents set goals and gain an understanding of his/her training, achievements, and more!
Miss Susan also heads up our Monthly MDP Newsletter giving all parents and dancers a fun and interactive way to see what is going on in all of our classes and to stay up to date on all studio-wide events!
Talia Seitel
Talia Seitel began dancing and competing at MDP when she was 5 and continued to do so until she graduated in 2019. While she has trained in many genres, Talia finds her expertise lies with turns and technique. Along with her extensive training in competitive dance, she also spent many weekends traveling the country to attend dance conventions such as Jump, Nuvo, and 24/7. She spent many summers furthering her dance education at intensives including Bat Sheva in Tel Aviv, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Joffrey ballet in Dallas, Camp Protege in Canada, Teddy Forance’s Gen IV dance, and Travis Wall’s dance Collective, and several Entity Contemporary Dance intensives.
Talia has won many national solo titles and technique awards including The Dance Awards Mini Best Dancer, and several Best Dancer top ten placements, Hall of Fame Dance inductee, NYCDA Outstanding Dancer finalist, and many more dance competition and convention awards. Talia has also performed with and was a member of Westside Dance Project, Points of View, Beat Squad at Dancerpalooza, CLI studios, Dancers
Against Cancer, Artists Giving Hope, and Cabaret for a Cause.
Her passion for dance continued into college where she double majored in Dance and Education at Chapman University, where she was a member and captain of the 16x national champion dance team. Since graduating she wanted to share her love of dance with the next generation and has since been teaching, choreographing, working as a turn coach and judging. Talia is so excited to take all the knowledge she has gained over the years and impart it onto her students.
Victoria Albee
Victoria Albee started training as a dancer at the age of 8 years old. Victoria trained in all styles of dance including, but not limited to: jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, lyrical, acro, tap, and musical theatre.
While attending San Diego State University, Victoria spent time as a USA Dance Staff coach, training high schools in dance team camps/choreography.
Victoria has attended numerous trainings relating to dance. Victoria became a YPAD certified instructor, attended physiotherapy in dance workshops, concussion awareness trainings, child development in dance trainings, as well as sports therapy and nutrition trainings.
Victoria loves to share her knowledge for the arts and performance to children of all ages. She focuses in on technique, flexibility, and mobility. Victoria has a passion for creating and placing choreography. And most importantly, helping each child to achieve their highest potential.