SvetlanasDanceAcademy Instructors

Svetlana Waisman

Artistic Director/Owner./

Born in the Ukraine, Svetlana trained in the best traditions of Russian classical ballet. After completing an eight year program of formal studies in ballet and character dance in 1985, she graduated with honors from Voronezh State School of ballet and choreography. Svetlana then danced professionally with the Voronezh Opera and Ballet Theatre and later became a principal with Don Cossaks Dance Ensemble. In between world tours she also served as choreographer and teacher of classical ballet and character dance for the Rostov Cultural Academy. With over twenty years of professional experience, she provides instruction that molds young dancers into beautiful budding artists that reflect her exclusively Russian style, poise, grace, and technique.

Jose Gonzales

Ballet/Pas

Born in Chile, Jose started dancing at 19 and has since trained and
studied Ballet, Modern, and Salsa. Jose has performed with Omaha Ballet Theater with Artistic Director Robin Welch, Santiago Ballet School with Artistic Director Ivan Nagy, Ballet Art NY Director Aber Deen Scotland , Redlands International Ballet Director Cecillia Hering, California Riverside Ballet and Inland Pacific Ballet. Jose has performed at the Latin Grammys and has graced the stage in Las Vegas in the Fuego Raw Talent Show and Shake Rattle and Roll. He has also performed in many ballets, including Cinderella, Nutcracker, Peter and the Wolf, Midsummer Night's Dream, Coppelia, and Dracula.

George Ortiz - Jazz

George Ortiz came out of the womb dancing, but began his official dance and performing arts training in musical theater and as a company member with the 24/7 Dance Company on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. At 17 he moved to Hollywood after receiving a scholarship to The Edge Performing Arts Center. Immediately after his term at the Edge, he was signed with the Dorothy Day Otis agency and quickly began working with LA's top choreographers, directors, and actors, assisting Jaime King and Robin Antin, the creator of The Pussycat Dolls. George has worked on many films--notably The Sweetest Thing, with Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate, and Selma Blair; Three To Tango as Matthew Perry's body double and lead dancer in the opening credits; and Zalman King's Women of the Night. He has traveled the world on tours with Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Shayanne and can be seen dancing and acting on Friends, Six Feet Under, The Drew Carrey Show, The Andy Dick Show, Jack and Jill, and Fame L.A. He also had a recurring role on The Young and the Restless. George has a long list of music video credits: Choreography includes Matchbox 20's "The Mean Season" and Bare Naked Ladies "Pinch Me" and "One Week." He has danced for nine major celebrities, including Michael Jackson, Offspring, Smashmouth, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin. His most current choreographic work focuses on the award-winning Act One Productions, a company producing musicals, recently closing Oklahoma!, Footloose, and Rent. George also commits his gifts and talents to teaching classes from L.A. to San Diego and everywhere in between. His greatest passion is heading his dance ministry at New Covenant Fellowship, serving and giving back to the Lord what the Lord has given to him.

Karissa Martin

Jazz

Karissa Martin has been training for in ballet, contemporary lyrical, hip hop, and jazz for the past decade. She has assisted at various studios, conventions and workshops all over the US, including The Edge Performing Arts, Dolce Dance Studio, Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, and Coastal Dance. Karissa continues to train and perform all over the US.

Renee Baldwin

Jazz/Lyrical/Choreographer

Quanze

Hip Hop

Quanzae Bakari commonly known as "Q". Dance is not a hobby to me
but a life style and a craft that I strive to better myself in. I have been a
mover my whole life however I've only been learning and teaching choreography
for about 3 years now. I am currently a senior at Temecula Valley High school,
and also captain of the Alliance Dance Team.

Kerry Flores

Jazz/Tap

Kerry has been in musical theatre for the past 15 years, has directed and choreographed various musicals, and has performed in over 15 ballet productions. She is currently director of dance at SCEGA, where she trains competitive gymnasts in jazz and ballet. She has taught tap and jazz at various levels for the past six years. Kerry attended UCI, where she majored in dance and worked as a professional dance instructor for the Universal Cheerleading Association. She taught dance camps for both high school and college teams throughout California. She is also an accomplished singer and has produced a CD with the Tyler Praise Band.