Our Staff
Karen Lee Willes
Karen Lee Willes
Karen Lee Willes
“Born in a Trunk”– Miss Karen's parents were on a song and dance team in Vaudeville and owners and operators of 2 successful Ohio dance studios, so she was literally “born in a trunk.” Dance instruction as a child began in Cleveland, Ohio, and continued through her teen years in Chicago, Boston, and finally New York. Miss Karen performed
“Born in a Trunk”– Miss Karen's parents were on a song and dance team in Vaudeville and owners and operators of 2 successful Ohio dance studios, so she was literally “born in a trunk.” Dance instruction as a child began in Cleveland, Ohio, and continued through her teen years in Chicago, Boston, and finally New York. Miss Karen performed in musicals at the Cleveland Playhouse, in club dates in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, and was a member of The Cleveland Civic Ballet Company along with credits as a dancer in several television productions and pilots. She also worked as a Production Assistant on several television recorded concerts with the Cleveland Orchestra and worked as a Productions Assistant at WIXY Radio and WKYC TV. She began working as a class assistant at the age of 12 and has been teaching Ballet and Tap since the age of 16. Karen, along with her mother, was co-director of 2 dance studios in the suburbs of Cleveland. She is now the Owner and Director of the very successful Carousel Dance Studio in the West San Fernando Valley since 1984 and is the Artistic Director of the equally successful and nationally recognized Carousel Dance Company, a performance/competition dance group. There’s a saying that goes “Those who can’t do, Teach.” Karen prefers this one:
“Those who care, Teach.”
Natalie Willes
Karen Lee Willes
Karen Lee Willes
Born in Hollywood, Natalie went straight from the hospital to her mother’s dance studio. At sixteen she moved to New York to work with Alvin Ailey and Dance Theater of Harlem. While in NY, she was chosen to be a Radio City Rockette -- the youngest in history. Ms. Willes’s performance credits include Broadway’s Movin' Out, Saturday Night F
Born in Hollywood, Natalie went straight from the hospital to her mother’s dance studio. At sixteen she moved to New York to work with Alvin Ailey and Dance Theater of Harlem. While in NY, she was chosen to be a Radio City Rockette -- the youngest in history. Ms. Willes’s performance credits include Broadway’s Movin' Out, Saturday Night Fever, Leap of Faith, Jersey Boys the Movie, Ted 2, the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, the Oscars , the 2016 Tony Awards, Chicago the Movie, Fox’s Lucifer, SF Opera La Rossignol, LA Opera Tanhouser, Day N Vegas, during which she performed with Kendrick Lamar, and more. Ms Willes’ directorial/ choreography credits include The Travels of Shaka-Muni, Vox Lumieres Phantom of The Opera, 2018 Universals City Gala, the 2016 White House Halloween Spectacular, Bravo Television promotions, Honeywell, Ameriprise Financial, and Amgen. Natalie and her Mother Karen Willes were recipients of the 2017 Professional Dancers Society Choreographers Award. Natalie also received the Los Angeles Music Centers Spotlight Award for choreography and performance in contemporary dance. Natalie is the proud Artistic Director/Choreographer of the highly acclaimed Carousel Dance Company. Her pieces “The Giving Tree” “Blurred Lines”, “To Life” and “Winter Wonderland” have won top honors at Tremaine, ASH, Hollywood Vibe, Dance League, and McCallum Theater competitions. Natalie’s multicultural background has opened many doors to her all over the world and has given her an opportunity to perform and teach on every continent. Her newest passion project is founding The Ishan Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness for autism and neurological disorders. The Foundations' mission is to use artistry and creative means to inspire philanthropy. Creating, educating, and entertaining for children has always been a passion of Natalie’s, and it is her children, Rasha and Ishan, who inspire her creativity, moves, and joyful spirit.
Rebecca Hennessy
Karen Lee Willes
Rebecca Hennessy
Rebecca's life has been spent dancing on the floors of Carousel Dance Studio. She started dancing at the age of 4, and from the moment she met Karen and Natalie Willes, they have been family.
She is professionally trained in all genres of dance and has danced throughout the world. Over the years, Rebecca has danced for some of the world's
Rebecca's life has been spent dancing on the floors of Carousel Dance Studio. She started dancing at the age of 4, and from the moment she met Karen and Natalie Willes, they have been family.
She is professionally trained in all genres of dance and has danced throughout the world. Over the years, Rebecca has danced for some of the world's most renowned dance groups and venues. Most notably, Rebecca has performed with Cirque du Soleil, where she danced a principal role in the show Mystere. Recently, she has danced at Day N Vegas, performing with the world-renown rapper, Kendrick Lamar.
Rebecca enjoys teaching all styles of dance from beginner to advanced at Carousel Dance Studio. For years, her commitment to teaching has trained dancers that have graduated and moved onward to some of the most sought-after dance schools in the country as well as professional dance careers. When she's not dancing, Rebecca's passion for fitness kicks in. She shares her pursuit of living a healthy lifestyle with others and teaches fitness classes at Carousel Dance Studio, as well.
Aside from being a teacher, Rebecca is a devoted wife to Christopher and an incredible mother to her children, Hana and Kai. She thanks them for always being her biggest fans and supporting her every step of the way.
Emily Figueroa
Emily Figueroa
Emily Figueroa
Born and raised in Florida, Emily began her dance training at the age of 8 and instantly fell in love with the craft. Growing up through the competition and convention circuit, she trained with some of the most admired educators in the industry, which made her come to realize that she wanted to dance and choreograph as a career. She start
Born and raised in Florida, Emily began her dance training at the age of 8 and instantly fell in love with the craft. Growing up through the competition and convention circuit, she trained with some of the most admired educators in the industry, which made her come to realize that she wanted to dance and choreograph as a career. She started with the Tremaine Performance Company at age 12 and traveled with Joe Tremaine and staff every chance she could, picking up not only vital dance instruction, but also unforgettable life training. She attended New World School of the Arts for 4 years where she trained strictly in Ballet, Modern, Pointe, and Improv/ Choreo composition and graduated with Honors. Shortly after graduation she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams and has had the opportunity to perform with Tyga, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, and other artist. She has also been featured on So You Think You Can Dance Season 14 Academy Week, and she has been a back-up dancer for the World of Dance Opening Episode. She continues to audition, train, and create. Teaching is and always will be her creative escape. She is able to share her voice and pass down knowledge that has made such an impact on her. Emily genuinely loves teaching, choreographing and creating!
Roman Vasquez
Emily Figueroa
Emily Figueroa
Coming from Los Angeles, California Roman Vasquez has had the opportunity to work for artists such as Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Celine Dion, the Backstreet Boys, Eva Longoria, Roselyn Sanchez, and Anastasia, just to name a few. Other television/film and video credits include the American Music Awards, MTV Music
Coming from Los Angeles, California Roman Vasquez has had the opportunity to work for artists such as Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Celine Dion, the Backstreet Boys, Eva Longoria, Roselyn Sanchez, and Anastasia, just to name a few. Other television/film and video credits include the American Music Awards, MTV Music Awards, Kids Choice Awards,Pepsi, Sprite, EL Pollo Loco, Days of Our Lives, Rock the Reception, Bring it On 5, Indiana Jones 4, Mobbed, and Alvin and the Chipmunks 3d. Stage shows include EFX with Michael Crawford and David Cassidy, Splash, the Christina Aguilera Tour, and the Jessica Simpson Promo stage show. He has also choreographed and performed with companies such as Nike, FUBU, Adidas, Red-kin and Paul Mitchell. Roman Vasquez continues to choreograph and teach across the country on workshops and dance conventions.
Jai Robinson
Emily Figueroa
Anna Chorneyko
Jai "Jiggy Jai" Robinson was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. At the age of six, he began battling at Verve Dance Studio in Battle @ Buffalo, where he was spotted and offered the Michael Jackson Scholarship at The Future Dance Center for his formal dance training. From ages eight to 18, Jai traveled the United States with Future Dance Cent
Jai "Jiggy Jai" Robinson was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. At the age of six, he began battling at Verve Dance Studio in Battle @ Buffalo, where he was spotted and offered the Michael Jackson Scholarship at The Future Dance Center for his formal dance training. From ages eight to 18, Jai traveled the United States with Future Dance Center and continued training in hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, modern and lyrical. During his travels, he also worked as an Assistant for Tremaine and Pulse Dance Conventions, and as a dancer on stops in Janet Jackson’s Unbreakable Tour and Jody Watley’s SRL tour.
Jai is currently a graduate of the Bachelor of Fine Arts dance program at USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. He has had the opportunity to perform works by choreographers William Forsythe, Merce Cunningham, Jiří Kylián, Toyin Sogunro and Tessandra Chavez, among others. Jai is also signed with Bloc Talent Agency where he has worked as a dancer for artists Drea D’Nur, Brandy, Chance the Rapper, Dante Bowe and as a body movement coach for Joey McIntyre. He is also the Founding Coach and Choreographer for the Cardinal Divas of SC.
Anna Chorneyko
Allie Lieberman
Anna Chorneyko
Anna Chorneyko was born and raised in Chicago, IL. During her formative years, she attended rigorous dance programs, notably with The Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Company. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance.
Signed with MSA Agency, Anna has worked internationally
Anna Chorneyko was born and raised in Chicago, IL. During her formative years, she attended rigorous dance programs, notably with The Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Company. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance.
Signed with MSA Agency, Anna has worked internationally with the world’s leading artists. Her credits include Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, J-Lo, Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, Jeremih, Miguel, Paula Abdul, Kim Petras, Sam Smith, Paris Hilton, Foster the People, and more. She can be seen on MTV’s VMA’s, European Music Awards, iHeart Radio Awards, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Universal Studios Commercials, Germany’s Next Top Model, The Today Show, and Apple’s “Shot On iPhone” campaign with Lady Gaga. Anna was the choreographer’s assistant and body double for Doja Cat’s iconic Coachella 2022 performance. She has been a Movement Director for MAC’s 2024 VIVA GLAM campaign and Cosmopolitan Magazine. Currently, Anna is the Dance Captain for Kim Petras’s world tour along with choreographing Nessa Barrett’s 2025 world tour.
Allie Lieberman
Allie Lieberman
Allie Lieberman
Allie began dancing at Carousel Dance Studio at the age of seven. As soon as she stepped into the studio, she knew this was going to be the place she would call her second home. After just one short year, Allie tried out for Carousel Dance Company at the age of eight and went on to dance with her team for the next 10 years, competing and
Allie began dancing at Carousel Dance Studio at the age of seven. As soon as she stepped into the studio, she knew this was going to be the place she would call her second home. After just one short year, Allie tried out for Carousel Dance Company at the age of eight and went on to dance with her team for the next 10 years, competing and performing. During her time on CDC, she had many wonderful opportunities to dance professionally and honor some amazing dancers like Betty White and Dick Van Dyke. As soon as she was able to she became a class assistant, which trained her to become the teacher she is today. After Allie graduated high school she went on to dance professionally and worked with some amazing dancers and choreographers along the way. She was a member of a modern company called "Movement Theater CoLab" for 5 Years. Allie is currently working for a Tax Firm working with some amazing people and always learning something new each day. Allie is happy to be back teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers.
Amanda Carr
Allie Lieberman
Allie Lieberman
Amanda Carr is so excited to be teaching at Carousel! Amanda grew up in Los Angeles, CA dancing and doing musical theatre. She is now working as a professional dancer, with credits in tv, film, theatre, and live stage shows. Some of her recent credits include “Beauty and the Beast”, "Sister Act the Musical", "Oklahoma", "Bye Bye Birdie",
Amanda Carr is so excited to be teaching at Carousel! Amanda grew up in Los Angeles, CA dancing and doing musical theatre. She is now working as a professional dancer, with credits in tv, film, theatre, and live stage shows. Some of her recent credits include “Beauty and the Beast”, "Sister Act the Musical", "Oklahoma", "Bye Bye Birdie", "The League" on FX, The Queen Mary’s Chill, and shows at Six Flags Magic Mountain. AmandaCarrDance.com.
Becca Lind
Rasha Willes
Becca Lind
Becca Lind trained under the talented faculty at Carousel Dance Studio, where she first fell in love with dance at age 13. Prior to her dance training, she was a competitive Rhythmic Gymnast where she competed nationally for titles. After graduating high school, she continued her dance studies at Boston Conservatory, with a BFA in Contemp
Becca Lind trained under the talented faculty at Carousel Dance Studio, where she first fell in love with dance at age 13. Prior to her dance training, she was a competitive Rhythmic Gymnast where she competed nationally for titles. After graduating high school, she continued her dance studies at Boston Conservatory, with a BFA in Contemporary Dance Performance May 2023. Becca trained in styles including ballet, pointe, jazz and various modern techniques.
Becca is represented by Go2Talent Agency. She has worked professionally on jobs from TV in the NBC hit show This Is Us, to stage working with Nappy Tabs and Katy Tate in a skeleton crew for Jackie Cheung 60+ Concert Tour. She has also performed live in many performances including dancing for artist Jackie Moreno at the Palms Las Vegas.
Becca is excited to share her knowledge and love for dance with the younger generation at Carousel this upcoming season.
Carly Katz
Rasha Willes
Becca Lind
Carly Katz is a twenty two year old dancer from Los Angeles, California. Carly began her dance training at Carousel Dance Studio when she was four years old and trained under Natalie and Karen Willes for fourteen years. Carly graduated with a BFA in dance at The University of Arizona School of Dance. At The University of Arizona Carly has
Carly Katz is a twenty two year old dancer from Los Angeles, California. Carly began her dance training at Carousel Dance Studio when she was four years old and trained under Natalie and Karen Willes for fourteen years. Carly graduated with a BFA in dance at The University of Arizona School of Dance. At The University of Arizona Carly has had the opportunity to be a part of several amazing works. Carly was showcased in Paul Taylor’s masterwork, “Company B” where she performed “The Pennsylvania Polka” and in Alvin Ailey's masterwork "Streams" where she performed as "Danza Girl" in several shows on the Stevie Eller Stage. Carly is now continuing her dance career in Los Angeles where she hopes to book jobs for commercials, movies, and artists. Carly’s motivation for success and strong passion for dance is inspiring to the people around her and she hopes to be able to continue to inspire other dancers throughout her career.
Rasha Willes
Rasha Willes
Rasha Willes
Rasha Willes is a professional dancer based in Los Angeles. She began her training at the age of three here at Carousel Dance Studio! Following in the footsteps of both her mother and grandmother, Rasha quickly fell in love with performing and spent the next fifteen years training, competing, and pursuing her greatest passion. Along with
Rasha Willes is a professional dancer based in Los Angeles. She began her training at the age of three here at Carousel Dance Studio! Following in the footsteps of both her mother and grandmother, Rasha quickly fell in love with performing and spent the next fifteen years training, competing, and pursuing her greatest passion. Along with dancing with our very own Carousel Dance Company, Rasha spent four years touring as an assistant with Tremaine Dance Conventions. Now a third year college student at UCLA, Rasha is continuing to pursue her dance and singing career whilst also completing a Bachelors degree in Psychology. Rasha is represented by Go2Talent Agency, and some of her performance credits include, World of Dance Live, The Post-Oscars City Gala, The Hollywood Christmas Parade, and most recently, performing as a Beauxbaton dancer at Universal Studios Hollywood. Along with dancing, Rasha has also found a great passion for teaching and choreographing, and has had the pleasure of teaching many of our students here at Carousel, as well as choreographing numerous pieces for Carousel Dance Company. Rasha is eager to see where her career in performance takes her next, and feels incredibly lucky to have Carousel as an outlet to share her creativity and love of the arts!
Chelsea McLaughlin
Chelsea McLaughlin
Chelsea McLaughlin
Chelsea was born and raised in Woodland Hills, California, and began dancing at Carousel at the age of 7. She joined Carousel Dance Company in 1998 and continued until 2002. She then transitioned to staff member when she began working as Carousel’s office manager 20 years ago. She truly loves managing the studio, building relationships wi
Chelsea was born and raised in Woodland Hills, California, and began dancing at Carousel at the age of 7. She joined Carousel Dance Company in 1998 and continued until 2002. She then transitioned to staff member when she began working as Carousel’s office manager 20 years ago. She truly loves managing the studio, building relationships with the students and families and watching Carousel continue to educate and raise the next generation of beautiful dancers. Also a Certified Pilates Instructor, she can't wait to share her knowledge with the students/families at Carousel. She is so grateful to be a part of the Carousel Family and hopes to continue for years to come!
Melissa Evans
Chelsea McLaughlin
Chelsea McLaughlin
Born and raised in West Hills, Melissa began dancing at Carousel at the age of 5. She continued until 2019 and began attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2020. In her four years at Cal Poly, Melissa choreographed, directed, and performed in several dance and multi-media performances. Most notably, Melissa choreographed and performed sev
Born and raised in West Hills, Melissa began dancing at Carousel at the age of 5. She continued until 2019 and began attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2020. In her four years at Cal Poly, Melissa choreographed, directed, and performed in several dance and multi-media performances. Most notably, Melissa choreographed and performed several tap and hula hoop dance pieces for the Music and Dance Department. After graduating, Melissa returned to Carousel as a manager and tap teacher in 2024. She is so happy to be back with her Carousel family and is excited to connect with the teachers, students, and parents. Melissa looks forward to helping Carousel do what it does best: provide a safe and creative space for dancers to develop their skills, just as it did for her. She is excited to continue fueling her passion for dance and share it with others.
Ariana Rodriguez
Chelsea McLaughlin
Ariana Rodriguez
Born and raised in South Florida, Ariana began dancing at age 3. Over the years she enjoyed several artistic and athletic passions from gymnastics, swimming, and soccer, to photography, design, and journalism. In her high school's Early Childhood Program, she worked hands-on in a preschool and earned her CDA Credential. She started teachi
Born and raised in South Florida, Ariana began dancing at age 3. Over the years she enjoyed several artistic and athletic passions from gymnastics, swimming, and soccer, to photography, design, and journalism. In her high school's Early Childhood Program, she worked hands-on in a preschool and earned her CDA Credential. She started teaching both school and dance at age 16. After High School, she moved to Orlando for two years to continue her training and education before moving to Los Angeles in 2020 to continue pursuing her dance career. She recently received her BA in Education from Florida International University.
She currently is dancing and touring with Diavolo- Architecture in Motion, a Los Angeles based Dance/Production Company. She is so happy to be a part of
the Carousel family.