Our Staff
Karen Lee Willes
Karen Lee Willes
Karen Lee Willes
“Born In A Trunk”– Miss Karen parents were 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 the teen years in Chicago, Boston and finally New York. Miss Karen performed in mus
“Born In A Trunk”– Miss Karen parents were 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 the 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 ages 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 Fever
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, 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, Oscars , 2016 Tony Awards,Chicago the Movie, Fox’s Lucifer,SF Opera La Rossignol, LA Opera Tanhouser. 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 & 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 that 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 m
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 Soliel, where she danced a principal role in the show "Mystere".
Rebecca enjoys teaching all styles of dance from beginner to advanced at Carousel Dance Studio. For years, her commitment of teaching has trained dancers that have graduated and moved onwards to some of the most sought-after dance schools and professional dance careers.
When she's not dancing, Rebecca's passion for fitness kick's in. She shares her pursuit of living a healthy life style with others and teaches fitness classes at Carousel Dance Studio as well.
Aside from being a teacher Rebecca is a devoted wife and mother to Christopher and Hana. She thanks them for always being her biggest fans and supporting her every step of the way.
Natalie Simoni
Natalie Simoni
Natalie Simoni
Natalie started dancing at Carousel Dance Studio when she was three years old. She would have started earlier if there wasn’t an age limit. 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 w
Natalie started dancing at Carousel Dance Studio when she was three years old. She would have started earlier if there wasn’t an age limit. 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 Caro
Lolly Mitchell
Natalie Simoni
Natalie Simoni
Lolly Simoni Mitchell began dancing with Carousel Dance Studio at the age of three. She joined the dance company at age eight and spent ten years attending competitions and performing with the dance team at events honoring Gregory Hines, Dick Van Dyke, June Allyson, and Milton Berle. Lolly attended university at Harvey Mudd College in Cla
Lolly Simoni Mitchell began dancing with Carousel Dance Studio at the age of three. She joined the dance company at age eight and spent ten years attending competitions and performing with the dance team at events honoring Gregory Hines, Dick Van Dyke, June Allyson, and Milton Berle. Lolly attended university at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont California where she double majored in Digital/Electrical Engineering and Human Movement Studies with a focus on Biomechanics. Her thesis focused on the impact of dance on the human body using Laban Movement Analysis, and she uses this focus to help her students learn healthy movement patterns. In college Lolly danced with the Inland Pacific Ballet Company and co-founded an on campus tap company called On Tap working with choreographers Lynn Dally, Chloe Arnold and Gregg Russell during her tenure. She taught Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Turns, and Jazz at Dance Academy USA in Cupertino from 2011-2017, and coached Body Weight Movement at Mad Dawg Fitness in Redwood City from 2015-2017. In Summer of 2017 she returned to the Valley and Carousel and is happy to be home and back in the studio.
Emily Figueroa
Natalie Simoni
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 started
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 instructions but 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, as well as 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
Chelsea McLaughlin
Chelsea McLaughlin
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, BackStreet Boys, Eva Longoria, Roselyn Sanchez, Anastasia, just to name a few. Other television/film and video credits include American Music Awards, MTV Music Awards, Kids
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, BackStreet Boys, Eva Longoria, Roselyn Sanchez, Anastasia, just to name a few. Other television/film and video credits include 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 including EFX with Michael Crawford and David Cassidy, Splash, Christina Aguilera Tour, 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.
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 18 years ago. She truly loves managing the studio, building relationships wit
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 18 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. Having recently graduated the Pilates Certification Program, 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!
Anna Chorneyko
Chelsea McLaughlin
Anna Chorneyko
Anna was born and raised in Chicago, IL where she studied multiple styles of dance with SoleUnique Dance Company. During her formative years, she attended rigorous dance programs, notably with The Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Company.In 2017, Anna graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor of Arts degre
Anna was born and raised in Chicago, IL where she studied multiple styles of dance with SoleUnique Dance Company. During her formative years, she attended rigorous dance programs, notably with The Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Company.In 2017, Anna graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance. While there, she studied under Jason Myhre, John Todd, Lillian Barbeito, and Roz Leblanc Loo. Anna’s rigor and depth has created a versatile skill set allowing her to flourish in both concert and commercial work. Residing in Los Angeles, Anna is mentored by choreographers such as Dana Foglia and Cat Rendic. Anna will be featured in a documentary about Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company’s famous work, D-Man in the Waters premiering in 2021. Signed with MSA Talent Agency, she has performed with multiple artists including Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, Paula Abdul, Jennifer Lopez, Jeremih and many more. Most recently, Anna can be seen on Disney+ A Celebration of the Music from Coco and Apple’s “Shot On iPhone” campaign dancing in Lady Gaga’s music video, Stupid Love.
Amanda Carr
Ariana Rodriguez
Ariana Rodriguez
Amanda Carr is so excited to be back 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 Bird
Amanda Carr is so excited to be back 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.
Ariana Rodriguez
Ariana Rodriguez
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 teach
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 about 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 is currently working towards receiving a BA in Education from Florida International University, fully online. Her decision to complete school online has allowed her to travel and purse several artistic passions. She has and is working as a professional dancer, dance teacher, academic tutor, and school teacher. She looks forward to being a new, helpful hand within the Carousel family.
Kayley Huston
Ariana Rodriguez
Kayley Huston
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 & was a class assistant. She was introduced to Carousel Dance Studio when she wa
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 & 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 & being a Peer Buddy with the Ishan Foundations “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. Starting this Fall, she will be attending California State University Northridge, where she will study Kinesiology Dance and continue to train in dance. Kayley is so incredibly excited to be apart of the Carousel family & share her love and passion of dance by teaching this year.
Kai Ogawa
Raised in Los Angeles, Kai Ogawa began her dance career at the age of five and has trained in styles including ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop/ jazz funk. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance and a minor in Health Sciences at Chapman University. Upon graduation in 2019, she has worked on numerou
Raised in Los Angeles, Kai Ogawa began her dance career at the age of five and has trained in styles including ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop/ jazz funk. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance and a minor in Health Sciences at Chapman University. Upon graduation in 2019, she has worked on numerous projects including CBS: The Bold and Beautiful, Coco: The Celebration of Music at the Hollywood Bowl, Holland America Cruise Line with Step One Dance Company, and many more. She continues to share her love for dance through performing as well as teaching!