“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.”
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'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.
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!
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 "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.
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.
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.
Kayley began dancing at the age of 4, immediately falling into a deep passion with dance. She spent most of her time at Curtis Studio of Dance in her home town, Carpinteria, where she trained in all styles of dance offered, competed with the Competition Corps, and was a class assistant. She was introduced to Carousel Dance Studio when she
Kayley began dancing at the age of 4, immediately falling into a deep passion with dance. She spent most of her time at Curtis Studio of Dance in her home town, Carpinteria, where she trained in all styles of dance offered, competed with the Competition Corps, and was a class assistant. She was introduced to Carousel Dance Studio when she was 15 at Body-Mind-Ballet with Miss Natalie and instantly fell in love with the environment and balance of the studio. She quickly began taking classes, training closely with Miss Natalie, and being a Peer Buddy with the Ishan Foundation's “I-Dance” program at Carousel. Over the years, Kayley has danced in various performances, including her local Nutcracker Ballet, Beach Boy concert, and the Rome New Year’s Day Parade. Kayley currently attends California State University Northridge, where she studies Kinesiology, allowing her to continue to train in and contribute to the field of dance. Kayley is so incredibly excited to be a part of the Carousel family and share her love and passion of dance.
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.
Natalie started dancing at Carousel Dance Studio when she was three years old. She would have started earlier if there weren’t an age minimum. She would insist on showing up ready for class with a bun and leotard at 18 months to watch dance classes. She joined the Carousel Dance Company at age eight and spent years competing and performi
Natalie started dancing at Carousel Dance Studio when she was three years old. She would have started earlier if there weren’t an age minimum. She would insist on showing up ready for class with a bun and leotard at 18 months to watch dance classes. She joined the Carousel Dance Company at age eight and spent years competing and performing with the team. Natalie was a class assistant and student teacher during her tenure at Carousel, starting her teaching career with Junior Jazz in 2005. During her time with Carousel Dance Company, She performed for the Professional Dancer's Society over the years honoring Milton Berle, Shirley Maclaine, June Haver, Gregory Hines and Dick Van Dyke.Natalie attended Loyola Marymount University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a minor in Dance with an emphasis in early childhood education. She is currently enrolled in the Fully Employed MBA program at Pepperdine University, due to graduate August 2019.Natalie has continued to teach part time since graduating from college at a number of studios in the San Fernando Valley, and is very happy to be back home at Carousel.
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!
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.
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