MDP FACULTY

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“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

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!

Breaonna Vann

Breaonna Vann

Breaonna Vann

Carsyn Stiff

Carsyn Stiff

CARSYN STIFF is an MDP alumni who has been dancing since she was just three years old.  Carsyn is one of the most accomplished tap dancers at Murrieta Dance Project and trained under the direction of Orialis Ashley for many years.  Carsyn has also trained as an assistant for multiple years as and was then hired in 2022 to take on classes of her own!  Carsyn is excited to be teaching and inspiring young dancers.

In addition to her time with MDP, she has danced with the pre professional tap program at metropolitan school of the arts and Sole Talk with “Chloe and Maud”. Carsyn is so thankful to be given this opportunity within her home studio and MDP family.

Chloe Verkinder

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.

Damian Kelly

Damian is currently part the Anaheim Ballet company & has performed in their productions of The Nutcracker since 2016; along with performances of their Martini Ballet & #NoFilter. He currently teaches weekly ballet classes at Elevation Studios, Legacy Dance Studio, & Center Stage Dance Academy. While training in ballet for the last 13 years he has performed with Disneyland parades, Ballet Etudes, Coast City Ballet, Akomi, & The Dance Co in the past.

Devin Ramirez

Bio coming soon.

Heather C

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

Bio coming soon.

JACOBIE BLUHM

JACOBIE BLUHM is a professional choreographer, artist, coach, director, and competitor in the hip-hop world. His positive energy, attention to textures, and musicality have impacted the performance of many of his students, while also expanding the knowledge and foundation of hip-hop. He continues to work with multiple schools in the valley, and studio programs across the country.

Jacobie is the founder of Project Minor, a competitive junior Hip-Hop team, bringing dancers together regardless of the studio or school, for extensive training and performance development. Jacobie is also an alumni of SGBM, ‘SuperGalacticBeatManipulators’, founded by Kevin Brewer of the JabbaWockeez in 2005. Jacobie’s credits also include The Pack’t, A1 Collective, Fam Royale, and a former contestant on Roku Original’s “Floored” hosted by Liza Koshy, and directed by Brian Friedman.

Jacobie’s unique style of choreography has gone on to receive high scores and top in category awards at regional and national competitions. In addition, his students go on to receive many hip-hop scholarships and awards at conventions and extensive training opportunities.

Jacobie was recently featured on the front page of the Press Enterprise Newspaper as a Rising Star in the community. The article highlighted his day-job as a high school teacher in San Jacinto, and as well as his night-job as the Hip-Hop Instructor at MDP, showcasing the impact he provides to his students.

You may eventually see Jacobie throughout the Temecula/Murrieta area, as he’s engaged throughout the local school’s dance programs. Don’t hesitate to say hello if you do!

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

JUSTIN PHAM

INDUSTRY DIRECTOR

JUSTIN PHAM is a dancer, choreographer, and creative director 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, Justin 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 and performed in the Emmy award-winning number “Brand New.” 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. He is also a guest instructor for studios across the nation, as well as virtually on the global dance network, CLI Studios. 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

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 W

Kristi WOODING

KRISTI WOODING began dancing at the age of 3 and competing in the tap and jazz categories at the age of 6 in Riverside, California. After training for 6 years under Cory Finn at Freddie Finn dance studio, Kristi began her commute to West Coast School of the Arts in Orange County. During her time at West Coast, Kristi trained in jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap, hip hop, and musical theater under some of the most well known choreographers/instructors in Southern California, to date.

In 2001 at the age of 16, a junior in high school, Kristi chased her dream for wanting to teach dance and opened her own studio, Kristi's Forever Dancin' in Riverside California. After graduating high school Kristi made the competitive dance team at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, Ca. where she and her team took the title of 2004 national collegiate champions.

For the last 20 years Kristi’s students and choreography have received many high point awards in all styles of dance at both the Regional and National level.

Kristi began her career in judging for national dance competitions in 2007. Kristi has judged for Kids Artistic Review, Showbiz, Prime time, Rainbow, Countdown, and more! Traveling across the country teaching and setting choreography, and being placed on staff as a lyrical and jazz faculty member for KAR convention came shortly after.

In 2018, after two beautiful decades of running a studio, Kristi sold Kristi’s Forever Dancin’. Kristi is currently a lead judge for Kids Artistic Review and continues with her passion for teaching at Murrieta dance project, in Murrieta Ca.

Orialis Ashley

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, the Late Late Show with James Corden and also at Tokyo Disney.

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.

Ryann Alvarez

RYANN ALVAREZ started dancing at the 7 years old and has trained in all forms of dance. She trained and at Murrieta Dance Project under the ownership of Erin Babbs as well as Academy of Ballet Arts. Ryann is represented by one of the most exclusive agencies in Los Angeles, MSA where she has danced along side some of the industry’s best. During her extensive training, Ryann was awarded many scholarships along with bringing home regional and national titles throughout her elite competitive years. During her dancing career, she found a passion for teaching and choreography and started teaching at the age of 15. Since then, Ryann has used her knowledge and education to push future generations in their dance training. From coast to coast, her students and choreography have won countless Regional / National/ International awards making her one of Southern California’s most sought after Instructors. In 2018, Ryann had the opportunity to travel to Australia as a judge and teach, where she was able to share her love of technique and choreography with hundreds of dancers from across the country. Ryann is currently living in San Diego, and is very excited to be coming home to her studio as part of the Murrieta Dance Project faculty.

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.

Susan Barnett Lopez

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!

Victoria Albee

Victoria Albee coming soon.