OWNERS AND FACULTY
Shannon McNey, Co-owner
Shannon began teaching at Dance Studio 84 in 1993, but her career here started long before that! At just five years old she became a part of the Dance Studio 84 family. Her love of dance developed and continues to this day.
Trained in tap, jazz and ballet, Shannon teaches ages 2-13. As a student, she competed in many dance competitions and has proudly taken her own students to some of those same competitions.
Shannon feels that her nearly 40 years at Dance Studio 84 is a testament to what a great place it is to be. Watching her daughters, Morgan & Ashlyn, grow up dancing at the studio has been one of her greatest joys. Becoming the new owner of DS84 along with Carrie in 2022 was a dream come true. The best is yet to come!
Carrie Pumilio, Co-owner
Carrie is so honored to work along side her partner Shannon as the new owners of Dance Studio 84! They plan to continue with all the greatness that Miss Carla has built and keep it growing to build it stronger than ever. The importance of the “home away from home” feel, gives our students a safe place to be and to learn. We will continue to educate our dancers in both the art and sport of dance while helping them learn and grow through discipline, hard work, and fun!!!!
Carrie was born in Buffalo, New York, and started dancing at the age of 9. She joined the company team 2 years later and competed in numerous competitions in jazz, tap, acrobatics, and hip-hop. During this time, Carrie was awarded the title of Miss NY Dance Olympics.
After college, she went on tour with Sesame Street Live followed by 42nd Street. After touring for a few years, Carrie moved to NYC where she studied at Broadway Dance Center, with Alvin Ailey and received a scholarship at Steps on Broadway. In NYC she was contracted with Everlast Apparel and appeared in events promoting the wear in a hip hop dance show as well as print ads. She also did fashion shows for United Colors of Benetton as a dancer. Then she auditioned for Royal Caribbean Cruises and worked with them as a performer for years traveling all over the world.
Following her time with Royal Caribbean, she moved to Los Angeles, where she was a teacher for Princess Cruise Lines. It was while teaching for Princess Cruise Lines that she discovered Dance Studio 84. Here at the studio she teaches jazz, tap, and tumbling, and brings a little “east coast” to her home away from home, Dance Studio 84.
Andrew Allan
Since 2020 · Company Instructor, Jazz, Contemporary
Andrew Allan is originally from Thousand Oaks California. Dance was merely a hobby he picked up in high school, but it transitioned into his deepest passion and now full time career as a performer and dance educator. He has worked with companies including Disney, The Masked Singer, So You Think You Can Dance, World of Dance, Royal Flux Dance Company, and Coachella, and for artists such as Sia, Lorde, Beck, Ingrid Michaelsen, Ed Sheeran and Natasha Bedingfield. As well as dancing, he is also the Head Coach of the nationally ranked Valencia High School Dance Team.
Mindy Blank
Mindy was born and raised in Santa Clarita and has been teaching dance for over 20 years. She has taught at many studios across California and Colorado. Her latest journey was owning her own dance studio in Colorado for the past 7 years. Mindy has choreographed many award winning groups, solos and specialties and specializes in technique, stretch and strength classes. She recently moved back to Santa Clarita to be closer to family and is very excited to teach at Dance Studio 84!
Since 2024 · Contortion, Technique
Shante Boudaghi
Shante's love for dance blossomed a bit later than most dancers. She started dancing in high school when she was encouraged to try out for the dance team, after enrolling in their intermediate dance classes. After 3 years of training in an array of styles ranging from Hip-Hop, House, Jazz, and Contemporary, Shante decided to continue her dance journey at UCSB with Untitled Dance Co. It was with Untitled that she truly found her voice and solidified her style - choreographing for university performances, community events and competitions while simultaneously teaching Hip Hop classes throughout Santa Barbara.
A monumental teaching experience for Shante was with Everybody Dance Now!, a non-profit where Hip-Hop fundamentals are taught alongside Social and Emotional learning exercises. EDN!'s goal was to bring Hip-Hop culture to lower income areas and provide students with the confidence and knowledge to not only carry dance into their everyday lives but to also feel more at ease and confident in daily life.
Shante's exposure to the Santa Barbara dance scene was a major catalyst in her decision to pursue a professional dance career and continue her training when she moved back to LA. She has since trained with KMElite and Troupe Dance Co. and has worked on a multitude of projects from music videos to live performances. She is excited to be a part of the Studio 84 team!
Since 2023 · Hip-hop
Megan Deffenbaugh
Hey all! I am a dancer, choreographer, and musician based out of LA! I love finding a balance of groove and intricacy in my classes, and I bring a combination of the many styles I have studied into my interpretation of hip hop. I have danced in the commercial/film industry, choreographed award winning pieces at studios, colleges and schools around California, and currently teach/assist on convention with Heat Dance Convention. I have a degree in Global Studies from UCSB, where I was also Artistic Director of Urban Dance Company. I value authenticity and intensity as an artist and teacher, and look forward to working with ANY and all who are willing.
Since 2023 · Hip Hop
Maggie Doty
Since 2021 · Company Instructor, Jazz
Maggie Doty was born and raised in Southern California where she began training in dance at a young age. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance from California State University, Long Beach where she studied Modern, Ballet, Floor Work, Countertechnique, and Improvisation, to name a few. She has trained with many Contemporary dance companies in the LA area such as BodyTraffic, Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company, Backhaus Dance, Royal Flux, and more.
Doty is currently represented by Got2Talent Agency and works professionally as a dancer, dance teacher, and choreographer in the Los Angeles area. She tours with Heat Dance Convention as a Pro and is a member of the dance entertainment company Karmagraphy. Additionally, she is a certified fitness instructor through the National Academy of Sports Medicine where she coaches classes in weight lifting, HIIT cardio training, barre, indoor cycling, and more. Doty is a huge advocate for strength training with dancers and is passionate about injury prevention and sharing her anatomical/physiological knowledge with her students in a practical, functional way.
Jenna Laspinas
Since 2021 · Company Instructor, Jazz, Tap
Jenna Laspiñas is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher based in the southern California. She started dancing at the age of 3 years old at Dance Studio 84 where she received extensive, well-rounded training in styles such as contemporary, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, tumbling and tap, to name a few. Currently, Laspiñas is signed with Go2 Talent agency and is touring with Heat Dance Convention as a pro. Additionally, she holds the title as the National Teen Honored Dancer ‘19 with both Adrenaline and Revive dance conventions and can be seen working as an assistant on Season 17 of Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. Alongside her teaching, choreographing, and dancing professionally, Laspiñas also works as a traveling assistant for Julia Harnetiaux, Mandy Korpinen & Elizabeth Petrin, and Kersten Todey.
Yunni Lin
Since 2023 · Hip-hop and Jazz
Yunni Lin is a passionate dancer, educator, and costume designer. She received a BFA in Dance as well as Digital Arts from California Institute of the Arts. She has been dancing for over 20 years and is skilled in a wide scope of dance forms from contemporary to hiphop, jazz, ballroom, vogue, to Chinese dance. She has a diverse background as a performer and is an active dance maker in LA.
Yunni has had the honor of working with some influential artists such as Dimitri Chamblas, Sidra Bell, Danielle Agami, Rosanna Tavarez, Rosanna Gamson/Worldwide, Peter Chu, and Dolores Ninja.
Ashley Calendo Mann
Dance Studio 84 has been an amazing part of Ashley's life for over 25 years. Ashley started dancing at Studio 84 at the age of 3. She has performed in many national competitions, T.V. shows, and studio recitals. She also has performed and choreographed in many of studio 84's Nutcracker productions. Earning highlighted roles such as Clara, Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Mouse King. She further studied performing arts courses in college at California Lutheran University receiving her minor in dance. The majority of her dance training and foundation came from her fellow teachers here at Studio 84. She furthered her education after college as a recent graduate and certified teacher with the Yogaworks corporation as a 200 hour graduate of yoga training. She trains and teaches styles at their Valencia studio such as Danceworks and Barreworks classes. Ashley started subbing classes at Dance Studio 84 years ago, and now she has many of her own classes teaching tap, jazz, and ballet toall ages.
"I really couldn't ask for a better job, I love every minute of it, and I appreciate teaching for a great studio, family, and group of students, who make everyday fun to be a part of it all. Studio 84 has truly become a second home for me and my family. I know my fellow teachers here would agree with me that the goal of teaching is not about the rewards received and appraised, it's more about the life lasting memories and imprints we leave with our students that they also leave with us. Our studio has done just that for me. Left me confident and grateful for life's adventures."
Since 2002 · Ballet
Ami Mattison
Ami Mattison is a teacher, choreographer, and the artistic director of Dysfunctional Grace Dance Company. Originally from Michigan, Ami spent 10 years training and teaching in New York City before relocating to Los Angeles. She was a faculty member at the Edge Performing Arts Center and Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio until their closures. Ami has travelled nationally teaching master classes at studios and universities like Loyola Marymount University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Joffrey Academy of Dance. Ami specializes in Contemporary and Ballet. She teaches at Los Angeles Ballet Academy, LA Establishment Professional Program, and California School of the Arts — SGV. She developed and has run ballet programs at Los Angeles area studios, helping bring up the level of technique and commitment of the dancers. She has trained and choreographed awards winning original work for several YAGP soloists and ensembles. Ami focuses on making ballet accessible for all bodies and helping dancers learn to integrate the alignment and technique of ballet into their training.
Since 2024 · Ballet
Michele Mendicelli
Since 2000 · Ballet
Michele Mendicelli was born and raised in Los Angeles, and started dancing at age 5. She studied ballet at the Los Angeles Ballet school under the direction of John Clifford. Her primary teacher at the school was Irina Kosmovska, who was a former dancer with the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo. At fifteen, Michele moved to the Westside School of Ballet in Santa Monica, and continued her training with Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire. In addition, she also studied with many guest teachers such as Alexander Goudenov, Melissa Hayden, Violet Verdy, and attended a summer session at the Pennsylvania Ballet School.
While studying for her Bachelor's Degree in History at UCLA, Michele expanded her dance training to include jazz, hip-hop, modern, and acting. She attended various schools in the L.A. area including the EDGE Performing Arts Center. After her graduation from UCLA, she signed on with the Bobby Ball Talent Agency and began to book professional dance jobs.
Michele's versatility in dance styles gave her many opportunities to always work in different fields of dance. She has appeared in national commercials for Pepsi, Betty Crocker and AT&T; on television shows such as The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show and Murder She Wrote; and videos for bands such as Blink 182 and Smashmouth. She has done industrials for companies such as Herbalife and Aveda; and live shows for Disney, Glen Cambell and The Radio City Rockettes.
Michele has been teaching in the Los Angeles area for over 20 years. She is also a choreographer and has set many versions of the Nutcracker, as well as various jazz and musical theater productions. She is thankful for all of the gifts that life has given her and loves teaching at Dance Studio 84!
Sami Mennell
Since 2014 · Combo, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Front Desk
Sami's love for dance flourished when she began her dance training at six years old, here at Dance Studio 84. She joined Company 84 at age nine and loved the rigorous training in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. During this time, Sami attended an abundant amount of competitions and conventions and was awarded numerous awards and scholarships. After several years of competing and performing on the company, the studio's director, Carla, asked Sami (at fourteen years old) to assist along side her in numerous classes. Learning under Miss Carla not only deepened Sami's love for dancing, but also began her adoration for teaching.
Sami began substitute teaching at age sixteen and utilized discipline and passion as a teacher, which she had learned from studying under Miss Carla. Once she graduated high school, Sami was given her own jazz, tap, and combo classes to teach. Sami during this time also assisted company teachers, Kersten Todey and Kobi Rozenfeld, and furthered her knowledge about teaching. Now, Sami loves nothing more than teaching dance and watching children's passion for dance grow, just like hers did years ago at Dance Studio 84.
Sami feels incredibly lucky to have grown up and to have obtained a family here at Dance Studio 84. She has a job that she absolutely loves and hopes to always share and pass along her love for dance.
Kobi Rozenfeld
Since 2009 · Company Instructor, Jazz, Contemporary, Jazz Funk
Kobi Rozenfeld’s professional reputation and heightened demand in the dance industry has led him to work with some of the best entertainers and most notable celebrities in Hollywood such as Beyonce, Britney Spears, Natasha Bedingfield, Macy Gray and “Wonder Woman’s” - Gal Gadot. His most recent television credit featured himself, as World Judge and Expert for CBS’s new hit talent show “The Word’s Best”.
Kobi is also credited for directing and choreographing the world tour of “Barbie Live” - The Musical, produced by “Mattel” and EMS. In addition, Kobi has choreographed for the British singer and songwriter, Natasha Bedingfield, at the “LifeBall” concert in Vienna and Macy Gray with her hit “Beauty in the World”. In summer 2006, Kobi began working with Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble upon his arrival in the United States as a dancer and as the lead choreographer.
Topping this list, is Kobi’s work with Britney Spears during her 2009 comeback and choreography for the incredible pop sensation, Beyonce, in her “I AM...” World Tour. That same year, he performed alongside Beyonce as one of the dancers at the Grammy Awards. Kobi has also choreographed for Israel’s “So You Think You Can Dance”
Kobi was born in Israel and has been dancing and choreographing from a very early age.
As a choreographer, Kobi is represented by Go2Talent, one of the top choreography and dance agencies in the industry. Kobi travels the world as a free-lance choreographer. He has taught master classes at the Broadway Dance Center in New York and Pineapple Dance Studio in London. He has instructed workshops around the world in Israel, Guam, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, France, Slovakia, Spain, Croatia, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Cyprus and the United Kingdom.
As of 2020, Kobi has undertaken the mission to train the next generation of dancers as creator and artistic director of HEAT Convention & Competition, a convention that bridges the gap between the overall care of dancers and career dance industry opportunities.
Connie Russo
Connie Russo started dance at the age of four. Lessons included ballet, tap, jazz, modern, acrobatics, ballroom and folk dance. She not only performed in all of her school musicals but was selected to be the student choreographer as well. Both in high school and UCLA she was captain of the dance teams that performed during half time shows during football games. After college, she became involved with volunteer programs that also enlisted her dance skills. She choreographed Debutante Balls for the Mary and Joseph League, the Children's Home Society, and the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Connie found her home at Dance Studio 84 after moving to Santa Clarita in 1976. She and husband, John, have three children all of whom have danced with our studio. And now, her granddaughter is continuing the legacy. Connie's immense love of children also lead her to become a schoolteacher. For 20 years she taught at Newhall Elementary School where she started an afterschool dance program for both boys and girls. They performed at various events throughout the years. Dance has brought her many wonderful friendships and tremendous joy in her life. Connie thanks Miss Carla, Miss Carrie, and Miss Shannon for giving her the opportunity to continue to dance.
Since 1984 - Ballet
Kelly Russo Alferes
Kelly Russo Alferes is a professional actress and ballet teacher. She has acted and danced in film, television, commercials and theatre. Recently she played Brad Garrett’s daughter on the Showtime Network’s “I’m Dying Up Here” opposite Garret and Academy Award winner Melissa Leo. Miss Kelly is an alumni of Dance Studio 84 and credits her training here contributed to her successes in the entertainment industry. During her formative years at DS84, she found a healthy self-confidence, a hard work ethic, technique, and artistry. Miss Kelly is delighted to be teaching at the studio and pass on that tradition of excellence.
Since 2021 · Ballet
Carla Hunt Smallwood
Since 1984 · Combo, Tap, Jazz, Special Needs
Carla has been teaching dance for as long as she can remember, including in her Kansas basement when she was 13 years old teaching neighborhood kids for 25 cents per class! After moving to SCV in 1976, living just blocks away from Reena's Dance Studio, Carla continued her dance training there. She started working the desk, which led to substitute teaching and then teaching her own classes. Carla purchased the studios in 1986 when there were three locations. A fourth was added in 1989. In 2003 DS84 moved into the current beautiful 9000 square foot facility - the biggest and best SCV has to offer. As an adult, Carla trained at a variety of professional studios in the LA area - Morro Landis with Joe Tremaine and Pat Rico, EDGE with Gregg Russell, Randy Allaire and many others at Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center when in NYC. After almost 50 years of teaching dance in Santa Clarita, many former students have brought their own children to take from "Miss Carla"! Having raised three now grown children in the SCV, being a grandma to six boys, and after 35 years running the studios, Carla has now happily retired as director/owner of DS84. She loves supporting new owners Carrie and Shannon (Shannon was her student at age 5!) and continuing to teach, which is where her passion lies. Carla is eternally grateful for ALL that DS84 and the SCV community has brought to her life - the friends, families, staff and community - and looks forward to sharing her passion for dance with many more of their students now and in the future!
Kersten Todey
Since 2011 · Company Director, Jazz, Contemporary
Kersten grew up dancing in Thousand Oaks, CA, where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and contemporary styles. She then went on to graduate from the Edge Scholarship Program in Los Angeles. Soon after, she became a member of Myo Dance Company under the direction of Josie Walsh. Kersten has assisted and danced for some of the most well renowned choreographers in the business, including Michael Rooney, Mandy Moore, Dan Karaty, and more. Recently, Kersten was one of the featured dancers on Disney’s “The Muppets, and has appeared three times on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars”. Other credits include Microsoft Surface National Commercial, Nickelodeon “Halo Awards” and “The Voice” for Florence and The Machine, “Glee”, “America’s Got Talent”, a music video for The All American Rejects, the national American Idol Promo Ad, Nickelodeon show “The Fresh Beat Band”, assistant on “So You Think You Can Dance”, and more. Kersten is also a master teacher and choreographer in the LA area and around the country. She is now a third time finalist for the Ace Award in New York City for her choreography. In 2010 she was awarded the “Emerging Choreographer Award” at Regional Dance America/Southwest for her work set on Louisiana Delta Ballet. Kersten is incredibly grateful to live out her passion every day as a dancer and choreographer. “Passion is the genesis of genius.” –Tony Robbins
Desk Staff
Shari Mennell
Shari has been a member of the dance studio 84 family since 1987, when her oldest daughter Holly started dancing. While Shari’s three daughters all spent parts of their childhoods at the studio, it was Sami, or as you may know her, Miss Sami, who become deeply involved in the studio. When Sami joined company, Shari wanted to find a way in which she could best support the studio, teachers, and students. Whether it was rhinestoning costumes, working on props, etc., Shari has always loved being able to help on the operations side of the studio. As Sami neared graduation, Shari was not ready to part with the studio, and she was fortunate enough to join the staff. Shari’s favorite part of working at the studio is watching the students grow as dancers, supporting the parents throughout their journey, and being a part of the Dance Studio 84 family. She can’t imagine her life without her 84 family!
In Memoriam
We are eternally grateful for your love and light. Forever in our hearts.
DEANNA MONDELLO
2011 · Company, Contemporary, Lyrical
Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Deanna grew up training and competing in gymnastics. It was her poise and grace in her floor routines that led her to discovering her love of dance at age ten. She went on to study numerous dance styles at Michelle Ferraro’s Dance USA in Coram, NY and while competing won various titles and awards. After high school, wanting to further her training, she attended Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts on a Presidential Scholarship. She graduated magna cum laude, in three years, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance and a concentration in jazz. After college, she moved to Los Angeles to start her career and continue to train. From 2011 to 2013 she was a member of world-renowned choreographer Justin Giles’ company, SoulEscape and enjoyed traveling and performing with the company. She has also worked with some of the industry's top choreographers including Jennifer Hamilton, Sonya Tayeh, Alex Little, Stacey Tookey, and Andrew Winghart. Some of her credits include “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”, “Bunheads”, “Just Dance”, Das Tapes "This Party", ELCA Youth Gathering, as well as numerous festivals and benefit performances. She is a passionate teacher and loves sharing her knowledge and experience with her students. She is signed with MSA Agency and continues to train and teach all over Los Angeles.
“Rest in peace our beloved angel. We love and miss you so.
Thank you for all you shared with us. Forever in our hearts.”
GREGG RUSSELL
This Emmy nominated choreographer has worked with such stars as Bette Midler, Gene Kelly, The Nicholas Brothers and Michael Jackson. He directed a commercial for Carvel Ice Cream and performed with numerous music artists including Reba McEntire, Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Jason Mraz, the B-52's, Toni Basil and Alanis Morrisette. You might have seen him on television in Even Stevens , Buffy the Vampire Slayer , Tonight Show or national Gap commercials. Gregg was also featured on the cover of Dance Teacher Magazine as an entrepreneur who directs his own tap company titled Tap Sounds Underground , travels with the conventions Company Dance and Dance Olympus and owns the corporation 3D Dance Network, Inc.
Since 2007 · Guest Instructor
“Gregg Russell brings to tap an eclectic mix of style including hip-hop, jazz and lyrical along with a traditional base, reminiscent of Gene Kelly and the Nicholas Brothers. It is a joy to watch him dance.”
Rest in Peace. Hope you are making a lot of noise in heaven.