Lana V.

Hi! I started dancing at the age of 3 and haven't stopped since. Up until my high school graduation, I studied many styles of dance at local studios in Orange County, mastering Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, African, and Character. I performed annually in studio productions, as well as shows with the Orange County Fair, The Drifters, and Saddleback College, to name a few. I performed in many roles as a soloist, featured dancer, and corps member, and learned that each performer is important in making the show come to life. I also took my training to the next level by studying with the professional ballet company in Split, Croatia, and also studying with some of the world's best ballet dancers at the American Ballet Theater summer intensive in Texas.

Upon entering the prestigious undergraduate university of UC Berkeley, I decided to jump right into the rigorous and heavily intellectual curriculum that encompassed being a Dance, Theater, and Performance Study major. During my time at UC Berkeley, the Department was ranked in the Top 5 Best University Dance Programs in the nation! There I studied modern dance almost exclusively. I became and expert in partnering, contact, improvisation, and emotive performing, studying from Bay Area professionals who were recognized as cutting-edge and innovative artists around the world. I was exposed to tremendous talent and soaked it all in with every company class, master class, and guest artist from around the world. Therefore my training was heavily in modern/contemporary dance and Afro-Brazilian movement. I also studied Laban and Bartinieff movement theory and analysis, as well as infant motor patterning, Budo, and other various techniques. I also choreographed a piece of my own, which earned wide acclaim in the dance community and after which I was offered to do a full-length production.

In addition to my modern training as a student of Dance pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, I also studied and pursued a degree in Psychology and Pre-Medicine. I think that a healthy individual is one in which the body, mind, and spirit are all united. Therefore, I am aware of the mechanical and physiological aspects of dancing as well. I also joined the Ballroom Dance Team during my time at UC Berkeley, and studied ballroom for the first time. I have been ballroom dancing for 5 years now, having earned awards at national competitions, and having privately trained with some of the top world professionals.

In terms of coaching and teaching experience, I have a bunch! I am big on sharing knowledge and helping others achieve. I love teaching! I have taught mostly ballet and modern to children during workshops and voluntary programs for kids. I also have taught the beginning ballroom class of 150+ students for two consecutive years as Head Instructor. I also taught weekly private lessons, office hours, and social dancing group classes for about 3 years now as well. Therefore, I have experience in a group setting and with enormous crowds! I currently teach privately to couples seeking to learn competitive ballroom, or just dance for fun at a wedding! In addition to teaching adults with the UC Berkeley ballroom dance team, which has earned me annual awards as "Best Teacher," I volunteer with an organization called CoachArt in which I teach children with various chronic illnesses how to dance, make art, and play sports.

I am often known as the 'tough love' teacher. With adults, I am not afraid to be honest, because I feel like learning happens fastest when you are challenged, motivated, and excited. I bluntly tell my students what is wrong, but I am also the most encouraging instructor ever. I am their biggest fan. Their success is my success, their happiness is mine. I have worked with lots of different dancers with a range of experience and therefore have learned to be flexible, accommodating, and adaptive. I use lots of humor and energy in my instruction.I use vast imagery, sounds, and tactile teaching to help my students progress. What I focus and how I conduct lessons depends on what our goal is. just getting moving and sweating? Being a national champion? Losing stage fright? Not embarrassing one's self at a wedding? Casual salsa on a Friday night? I cater to my students learning styles and goals. I would say that I specialize in technicality, detail, and precision.

Overall: I have lots of experience dancing, performing, teaching, and choreographing. Dance has been my life since childhood, and is now my adult passion. I have a B.A in Dance and Performance Studies and understand immensely dance and movement from a physical, emotional, and intellectual level.

National Ballroom and Latin Dance Finalist - USADance 2013
National and Regional ballroom wins in San Diego, Oakland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Mateo, Palo Alto, and Berkeley.
"Best Teacher" - Awarded by the UC Berkeley Ballroom Dance Team in 2012
Scholar Athlete - Mission Viejo High School Pep Squad

I like to get to know the person's work ethic first. I start off with some drills and exercises that are fairly simple and from those I can quickly determine the strengths and weaknesses of the athlete, as well as how the athlete conducts him/herself (are they serious, relaxed, open-minded, perfectionist, critical, etc). I then formulate a plan of action with the athlete, based on what their goals are and based on my observation, and we get to work. Step 1, here we go! I am very flexible as a teacher and I cater to the needs and personalities of my students first. Lessons plans are guidelines, they are not set in stone, it depends on many factors.