Meet Your Instructors

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Director - Instructor
Marianna grew up in Imperial Beach and went to Mendoza Elementary school where she joined the VPA program. Then moved onto Chula Vista Middle and High School for their SCPA Program. Without programs like this she would not have been able to have the dance experience to get her onto the CSUSM competitive dance team later on in life. On this team, they competed at the national level and won in their category multiple times! This is why Marianna, with the help of those in the community, started teaching in IB. She wanted to give kids in the area an opportunity to start dance in their neighborhood!

Co-Director & Instructor
Melissa's passion for dance started at the age of 3. After laying a foundation at various dance studios, Melissa entered Chula Vista Middle and High School's SCPA program. A scholarship to the Academy of Performing Arts solidified her dedication. Now, with 25 years of experience and certifications from the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teaching Melissa can ignite a love for dance in students as young as 18 months! She brings her expertise and 10 years of teaching/competition experience to IB Dance, excited to inspire the next generation of dancers!

Instructor
Joelle began dancing at four years old at, what used to be, Rubio's Dance Studio in El Cajon, CA. Her dance journey continued to the Element Dance Center in La Mesa. From elementary school through middle school, Joelle trained in various styles of dance. The styles included jazz, hip-hop, and ballet. Due to financial constraints, Joelle took a break from dance in high school. Four years later at the start of her college career at UC Davis, Joelle found a student lead and free dance team called Mobility. The dance team centered around a modern style of dance with emphasis on hip-hop. Mobility allowed Joelle to rejoin the dance community and it relit the passion she had since a child. Ever since graduating in 2023, Joelle has been looking to work in dance and pass on the passion to new dancers. IB Dance Co. is a great new opportunity for Joelle and she is grateful to be part of the team. The students at IB Dance Co. remind her everyday why she began to dance in the first place.

Instructor
Angel began dancing at the age of four, starting with ballet at a community center in Monterey, California. After moving to San Diego, she continued dancing at Neisha’s Dance & Music Academy, where she trained in ballet, hip-hop, and contemporary. At age eight, Angel discovered K-pop, which sparked a deeper love for hip-hop and performance.
Throughout high school, Angel danced with Olympian Dance Company and All Female while competing with hip-hop teams NIDC and 110. During her time at San Diego State University, she was the captain of KASA Ignite, a K-pop dance team. Dance has played a huge role in Angel’s life, and she is passionate about helping dancers build confidence, find their creativity, and discover the same love for dance that has inspired her for years.