Meet Our Instructors

At Footlite, our instructors aren’t just amazing dancers- they are mentors, and cheerleaders who pour love and intention into every class. Many have danced professionally, but what sets them apart is how deeply they care! They know every dancer by name. They celebrate the little wins. They help the shy kids find their voice and confident kids find their humility. We’re so proud to call this team our dance family and even more excited for you to meet them!

A group of five young girls and one adult woman smiling and posing together indoors, with a door and window in the background.
An older woman warmly hugging a young girl in a school hallway, both with eyes closed and smiling, conveying a moment of affection.
A handwritten note from a dance teacher to dancers expressing gratitude and encouragement, signed with a heart and the name Miss Isabella.

Miss Lori

Founder and Artistic Director

“Cling to what makes you happy”!
Fun Facts:

  • Miss Lori performed in the theater production “Oklahoma” whose director was on Broadway with Ethel Merman. The director said in the newspaper that Miss Lori’s voice, “was like a blow torch on sheet metal”.

  • Miss Lori worked under Grace (from Grace Arts Live) in the production Nunsense as Sister Amnesia (not a very difficult role for her to play).

  • Miss Lori was LHHS Home Coming Queen in 1984.

  • Miss Lori was 1st runner up for the Arizona Home Coming Queen pageant.

Group of young girls in dance costumes gathered around an adult woman, possibly a dance instructor, in a hallway inside a building, celebrating or preparing for a performance.

Miss Emma

Footlite Dance Company Director and Coach

Emma started dancing in elementary school and has 10 years of studio ballet, contemporary, jazz and hop-hop as well as 6 years of competitive dance experience. Emma had the honor of instructing classes and coaching the competitive team at the studio she grew up dancing in! She heavily values the relationship between her and her dancers and is passionate about inspiring the next generation to express themselves through movement and choreography.

Fun Facts:

  • Miss Emma graduated high school early.

  • Miss Emma danced on her competitive high school dance team as well as her studio team, clocking 13+ hours a week dancing on top of working and an 8 hour school day.

  • Miss Emma was the first in her ballet class to be promoted to pointe and thus becoming the youngest dancer in her level.

  • Miss Emma’s favorite Jazz dance she ever performed was The Greatest Showman and she was cast as the ringmaster.


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Miss Lisa

Instructor

Over 40 years of dance training and teaching experience across multiple schools, studios and dance teams in Southern California. Lisa excels in teaching fun, expressive and technical dances in all styles! She has performed in Japan, Italy, France and all across the U.S. with competition dance teams with Riverside College and the Velvet Knights of Anaheim. Miss Lisa looks forward to forming new memories with all her dancers!

“Dance should be an emotional journey that teaches a dancer to let go, and express music through movement”.

Fun Facts:

  • Miss Lisa has performed at every Disney Park in the world (except Shanghai- which wasn’t built at that time).

  • Miss Lisa has 2 grandsons! They are her pride and joy!

  • Miss Lisa has her Masters degree from Purdue University!


A woman smiling on a boat with the ocean in the background, wearing a colorful floral dress with pink and red flowers and black accents.

Miss Cheyenne

Hip Hop Instructor

Cheyenne grew up in Southern California where they learned to dance. At sixteen years old they made the first ever Jr. Hip Hop team ‘Snowtorious’ at the elite hip hop studio Snowglobe Perspective in California. They have dancing credits in many of Corona Del Mar High School’s theater productions. Cheyenne has trained under established hip hop dancers David Slaney and Johnathon Sisson. These days they teach a classy and engaging hip hop class at Footlite. Cheyenne emphasizes confidence and technique building in their classes. You will leave their class with a smile on your face, guaranteed!

“You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t even have to be good. You just have to be!”

Fun Facts:

  • Miss Cheyenne is shorter than 5ft!

  • Miss Cheyenne’s favorite color is pink!

  • Miss Cheyenne’s favorite animal is a monkey!

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Miss Isabella

Instructor

Isabella is a performer with over 15 years of passion and dedication to the art of dance. Skilled in many styles such as ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop and pointe. With a focus on technique, expression and creativity, Isabella is committed to fostering a positive and encouraging environment where students of all levels can grow and thrive. Whether working with beginners or advanced dancers, Isabella hopes to bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to every class, helping students develop their skills and confidence.


Portrait of a woman with long, dark brown hair, makeup, and pink floral earrings, smiling softly against a white background.