meet our team
Alexa von der Hoff
CORE Dance Owner, Director of CORE Dance Company
Originally from Southwest Michigan, Alexa began dancing at a young age and quickly fell in love with it. After years of training and competitive dancing, she continued her education at Eastern Michigan University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship and Dance. During her time at EMU she concentrated on perfecting her ballet and modern technique and took extensive classes in choreography and dance history. Alexa performed multiple times both in guest faculty showcases and student choreography showcases. She also choreographed multiple times for the program and her works were featured in multiple shows including the Elements of Composition Showcase and the Advanced Composition Showcase.
After graduating in 2014 she decided she was suited for warmer weather and quickly moved to California to take in the sunshine. Soon after moving, she was fortunate enough to meet the wonderful staff and students at CORE Dance and quickly fell in love with the encouraging and positive atmosphere. In addition to teaching at CORE Dance, Alexa also taught dance at Paso Robles Public Schools where she worked on developing a brand new dance program while teaching to grades TK-5 for a year before moving to Flamson Middle School where she taught for an additional 2 years while completing her teaching credential and Master’s in Education. In January of 2018 Alexa took over as owner of CORE Dance and has loved every moment of it.
Lindsey Caudill
CORE Dance Company Artistic Director
Bio coming soon!
Oscar Gutierrez
CORE Dance Company Assistant Director
Oscar is local dance instructor and traveling professional born in Sacramento and raised on the central coast. First training in gymnastics and when his family moved he switched to dance, and only dance since then.
In middle school, Oscar was a recipient of “The Mercer Sanchez Scholarship” which helped pay for expenses competing and training in dance. Since middle school Oscar knew we wanted to dance as a professional and after graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to train and work in 2019. Unfortunately that was during the events of Covid and after sometime he has returned home keeping busy with all things dance.
Oscar has performed in many states with shows he’s been a part of just recently coming from Mississippi performing and being an associate to the choreographer at an MGM resort “Beau Rivage” with musical Footloose. Continuing to expand and grow his resume with various projects he’s also been an associate choreographer, assistant and performer for Cirque Dreams with Cirque Du Soleil. Enjoying both production and performing sides of the life of a dancer.
Apart from working professionally, Oscar is our associate director for our Advanced company, which he loves to do.
Other than dance, Oscar enjoys spending time with family and friends, living an active lifestyle, handstands, programming lights ,and traveling.
Isabella Lund
Core Minis & Pre-Company Director
Isabella has been dancing since she was 2 years old. Beginning at Pat Jackson's American Dance and then continuing here at CORE ever since they opened their doors in 2010.
Isabella graduated from San Luis Obispo High School in 2023 and is currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at Cuesta College. She plans on transferring to Cal Poly SLO in Fall 2025 to obtain her bachelors in Psychology.
She attended many competitions with CORE, as well as dancing in local performances. She has received numerous scholarships and opportunities from competitions such as ASH, Tremaine, Hollywood Vibe, and Dupree. She also had the opportunity to travel to Austria with CORE in 2019 to preform as part of the Stars Of Tomorrow program.
She fell in love with teaching dance a few years ago. Alongside teaching, she has still been able to continue her passion of dancing due to professional performance and job opportunities from award winning, Emmy nominated choreographer/director Doriana Sanchez.
Isabella is excited to share her knowledge and training with our dance community!
Molly McKiernan
CORE Ballet Director
Molly is an American Ballet Theatre Certified Dance Teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching in the Performing Arts. Her first ballet class was at the age of 5 at Mary Coudin Snyder’s Dance Studio. Her dance training continued at American Dance and then on to Academy of Dance in San Luis Obispo where she spent many years studying ballet and jazz as a young dancer.
At the age of 10, Molly auditioned for Ballet Austin and was accepted to their Junior Company program for 3 years of classical ballet training under the direction of Eugene Slavin and Alexandra Nadal of Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. She performed many of the children’s roles in their acclaimed production of The Nutcracker. Upon returning to Academy of Dance, Molly became a member of the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo. For more then 12 years she performed corps de ballet, solo and principal roles for the ballet company including Snow Queen, Rose Queen and Sugarplum Fairy. Contemporary roles in Alice in Wonderland, West Side Story, Where the Wild Things Are and soloist for Jon Anderson’s “Earth Mother Earth”. She was hired as Lead Guest Artist for 2 seasons of Ballet Fantastique’s Nutcracker and went on to further her training with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
Molly’s devotion to dance transitioned seamlessly into teaching and choreographing. She was appointed Artistic Director for 2 seasons of the Civic Ballet’s well received Sleeping Beauty at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, Master Ballet Teacher for Dance in Action’s Summer Convention in Hawaii, Guest Choreographer at The San Luis Obispo Little Theatre for “Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison Legends Shows” and Co-Director for their ACT Children’s Broadway Camp programs, Artistic Director for The San Luis Jazz Dancers, Choreographer/Master Teacher for Mission College Prep, Morro Bay High School, Alan Hancock’s Spectrum and Cal Poly’s Orchesis Dance Company, performer/choreographer for Academy of Dance’s International Dance Festivals in China, Cuba and Spain, creator and Teacher for San Luis Coastal Unified School District’s Elementary PE/Dance program which provided an enrichment through dance for over 2000 students a year. She has been recognized for her collaborative and choreographic works with the San Luis Obispo Symphony in “Carnival of the Animals”. Molly was the Artistic Director of Coastal Chamber Youth Ballet from its inception and spent 9 years developing a quality ballet program through training, performances and outreaches.
Jordan Manchin
Bio coming soon!
Izzy Russell
Izzy has been dancing for 13 years and competed for 11 of those years at former Pam Rossi Dance Ten! She also was a part of the Moorpark Civic Ballet where they did the Nutcracker annually. Izzy has been casted in many roles including Snow Queen and Clara! She is so excited to continue her dance journey as a part of the dance team at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she will be attending school starting in Fall 2024.
Holly Hoffman
Holly Hoffman began dancing at the age of 4 in the Bay Area and was a member of the nationally award winning competition team at Lana's Dance Studio.
She was praised for some of the best character work in the Bay Area for her work as a performing character, singer and dancer at Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, CA.
Holly continued dancing in college and explored modern, swing, ballroom, West African, aerial silks, breakdance and line dancing. During grad school, Miss Holly taught dance at Laguna middle school through an after school program with SLO Parks & Recreation.
After graduating from Cal Poly with dual masters degrees, Holly worked as Choreographer for the annual musicals at Central Valley Christian Schools in Visalia. She also taught Creative Movement through Advanced Tap at Elite Dance Academy before moving back to SLO.
Miss Holly loves sharing the joy of tap at CORE Dance!
Justin Grapentine
Justin has been with Core since 2015, and has loved every second of it. With Core, Justin has performed internationally and has won numerous awards, titles, and scholarships. Justin graduated from Templeton High School, and now studies Biological Sciences concentrating in Anatomy and Physiology at Cal Poly in hopes of becoming a doctor.
Justin has experience choreographing for local companies including Core Dance, THS drama, and Flex Performing Arts. His dance training ranges from Cecchetti ballet to Jazz Funk and everything in between, as well as Theater training with THS Drama, Cuesta College, and Suzy Miller.
In his free time, Justin dances professionally for local companies including Civic Ballet, NCDPAF, and SLO Mac. Additionally, Justin conducts novel Immunological research at Cal Poly as a Frost Research Scholar.
Other hobbies of his includes volunteering at the local senior nutrition program “Meals that Connect”, tutoring, playing the guitar, and learning new things. Justin is honored to be part of such an extraordinary studio and looks forward to continuing to shine with them.
Leslie Baumberger
Leslie Baumberger is a founding pillar of the Central Coast dance community as a teacher, choreographer, and director for the past 35 years. She was an Artistic Director and Company Director of Pat Jacksons American Dance under owner Pat Jackson, and American Dance of SLO under owner Lissa Beck. Her dancers have gone on to tour with famous musicians, work professionally on both stage and screen, become successful choreographers, and open their own studios across the country.
Leslie’s companies consistently place first overall in competitions throughout the United States. In 1996, she was invited to be a master teacher by the Kalinka Ballet School in St. Petersburg, Russia. Her dancers were invited to perform in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia and were featured in such dance publications as Dance Spirit and Dance Teacher magazine. She directed the All American Dancers, who were named Performers of the Year 1998 and again in 2000.
In 2014, Leslie was honored with the Arts Obispo lifetime achievement award in dance. And, in 2015 the California State Legislature honoured Leslie with a Certificate of Recognition in the dance arts. She loves being a part of the Central Coast Dance community and is proud to help dancers continue to SHINE forever.
Klar Kristian-Harder
Klar knew she would pursue dance professionally at the tender age of 3. When her 2 older sisters were in ballet class, Klar would imitate movements in the doorway of the observation room. She extensively trained in the Italian Cecchetti Syllabus with Teacher Emeritus Lucille McClure, in Whittier, California through her teens. Since those formative years, Klar has enjoyed professional opportunities dancing in soloist and principal roles, performing in the ballets The Nutcracker, Firebird, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Romeo & Juliette, Giselle, Paquita, Carmen, Cinderella, Don Quixote, Peter & the Wolf, among others, including numerous original ballets and Guest Artist invitations. Klar has performed the choreography of many regional and international choreographers. She considers it a blessing to have been honed and mentored throughout her career by noteable Artistic Directors.
She was honored to dance with numerous companies, spanning a performing career of over 25 years. Klar also danced in commercial venture companies, including The Walt Disney Company, Jerry Jackson Productions and The Really Useful Company (Phantom of the Opera). While performing, Klar had the good fortune of holding faculty positions at Marin Dance Theatre, Marti Gibeau School of Dance, and San Francisco Dance Center - home of Alonzo Kings Lines Contemporary Ballet.
Klar’s students have been awarded scholarships/acceptance into programs at Ballet Magnificat, Ballet San Jose, Boston Ballet, Joffrey, Long Beach Ballet, Anaheim Ballet, Lines Ballet, Marin Dance Theatre, Radio City Rockettes, School of American Ballet, The Gelsey Kirkland Workshop, ABT, among others. She has also guided students into acceptance and scholarship awards to prestigious colleges offering Fine Arts degrees.
Though primarily classically trained ballerina, master teacher and choreographer, Klar’s talents allowed her accessto the musical theatre arena as well. She performed in The Phantom of the Opera, A Chorus Line, My Fair Lady, The King and I, Funny Girl, Bye Bye Birdie and Broadway compilations shows internationally that included Riverdance,Singin’ in the Rain and West Side Story. She has also taught, choreographed, directed and danced internationally inthe US Commonwealth Islands of Guam & Saipan, Japan, Thailand, and India. Klar’s teaching arsenal includes classical and contemporary ballet, pas de deux, pointe, jazz, tap and musical theatre. She has maintained a strong focus on educating and training dancers and artists of all levels since 1991, continuing to perform in a vast array of eclectic and wonderful opportunities.
Ava Pacaoan
Ava started dancing at the age of 4 and soon after joined Costal Dance and Music Academy in Arroyo Grande, CA. Ava has studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acro, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Hula.
Ava is currently a part of our Advanced company here at CORE Dance. She also dances with the Arroyo Grande High School Dance Company and has debuted as a choreographer with them. Ava is training under our "Work-Study" program to learn and train on the fundamentals of becoming a dance teacher.
Since Ava started competing in 2021, she has won numerous scholarships and awards that include, but are not limited to; the AMDA Summer Conservatory Scholarship, the Hubbard Street Dance Summer Scholarship. Ava has been invited to assist at Dupree Dance Competition under the Collective Assistant Scholarship.
Ava is currently teaching our Saturday Children's Beginning Series classes and loves every second of it!
Maya Lowrie
Bio coming soon!
Becky Cota
For 36 years, Becky has trained dancers of all levels and ages at numerous dance studios throughout California in contemporary, musical theater, jazz, lyrical, ballet, acro, technique and more.
Becky attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo majoring in Psychology. She is a certified personal trainer specializing in senior fitness and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. She is also a certified group fitness instructor through NASM.
Her dance training began at the late age of 23 and studied from such notable teachers as Pat Jackson, Doug Caldwell, Jackie Sleight, Roland Dupree, Keith Clifton, Rhonda Miller, Joe Tremaine, Shea New and many more. Becky believes dance training never stops and continues to educate herself on the latest dance techniques, trends and industry developments to benefit and challenge her students.
Additionally, Becky danced in many industrials, musicals, touring companies, fashion shows, stage productions and music videos during her 15 year professional career. She is a master class teacher for dance studios, middle & high school programs, dance conventions, and private engagements. She has choreographed numerous musicals, plays, nightclub and casino shows, beauty pageants with her primary focus on dance companies and competition teams. Her choreography has won accolades throughout Southern and Northern California. Many of her dancers have gone on to work professionally in the entertainment industry.
Considering Becky’s background in fitness, she prioritizes the health and safety of her dancers by ensuring they understand basic anatomy and theimportance of using proper form.
Above all, her greatest joy is her daughter Aaliyah who is pursuing her dance career and teaching dance in the Los Angeles area. Becky enjoys sharing her passion for dance and developing her students' technique, building their self-confidence, helping them reach their personal goals, pushing them out of their comfort zone and encouraging their artistic expression.
Amanda Tannous
Amanda's journey in the performing arts began in her youth with cheerleading, eventually transitioning to dance through color guard and school band. This path naturally led her to a passion for dance and theater. Initially pursuing a degree in choral directing, Amanda soon discovered that her true calling lay in dance.
After raising two children and navigating significant life changes, Amanda proudly earned her Associate's Degree in Dance from Fresno City College. Her diverse experience spans dance, theater, cheerleading, teaching, judging, and choreographing. For five years, she had the honor of serving as the Director and choreographer for "Lassen County’s Best of Broadway." Amanda also participated as a professional dancer in the Lassen Family Service fundraiser, “Dancing for a Brand New Me,” where she celebrated victories alongside two of her talented dancers.
As the head coach for the LYFL Mavericks cheer team, Amanda led them to a remarkable 1st place finish at their competition. Additionally, she was the head choreographer for the high school cheer team at Parlier High School and crafted routines for senior recitals and pageant performances. Amanda is a proud member of the "MSYG and Ladies," contributing her talents for two seasons.
With over a decade of teaching experience, Amanda is dedicated to nurturing dancers of all ages, from creative dance classes for toddlers to advanced training for adults. She is also Acro certified, bringing a comprehensive skill set to her teaching. Her commitment to the art of dance continues to inspire her students and the community.
Leslie Baumberger
Leslie Baumberger is a founding pillar of the Central Coast dance community as a teacher, choreographer, and director for the past 35 years. She was an Artistic Director and Company Director of Pat Jacksons American Dance under owner Pat Jackson, and American Dance of SLO under owner Lissa Beck. Her dancers have gone on to tour with famous musicians, work professionally on both stage and screen, become successful choreographers, and open their own studios across the country.
Leslie’s companies consistently place first overall in competitions throughout the United States. In 1996, she was invited to be a master teacher by the Kalinka Ballet School in St. Petersburg, Russia. Her dancers were invited to perform in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia and were featured in such dance publications as Dance Spirit and Dance Teacher magazine. She directed the All American Dancers, who were named Performers of the Year 1998 and again in 2000.
In 2014, Leslie was honored with the Arts Obispo lifetime achievement award in dance. And, in 2015 the California State Legislature honoured Leslie with a Certificate of Recognition in the dance arts. She loves being a part of the Central Coast Dance community and is proud to help dancers continue to SHINE forever.
Justin Grapentine
Justin has been with Core since 2015, and has loved every second of it. With Core, Justin has performed internationally and has won numerous awards, titles, and scholarships. Justin graduated from Templeton High School, and now studies Biological Sciences concentrating in Anatomy and Physiology at Cal Poly in hopes of becoming a doctor. Justin has experience choreographing for local companies including Core Dance, THS drama, and Flex Performing Arts. His dance training ranges from Cecchetti ballet to Jazz Funk and everything in between, as well as Theater training with THS Drama, Cuesta College, and Suzy Miller. In his free time, Justin dances professionally for local companies including Civic Ballet, NCDPAF, and SLO Mac. Additionally, Justin conducts novel Immunological research at Cal Poly as a Frost Research Scholar. Other hobbies of his includes volunteering at the local senior nutrition program “Meals that Connect”, tutoring, playing the guitar, and learning new things. Justin is honored to be part of such an extraordinary studio and looks forward to continuing to shine with them.
Cory Lund
CORE Dance Company Treasurer
Testimonials
Amazing teachers and a welcoming, supportive environment. My daughter loves her classes at CORE!
Erin H.
I am SO thankful I am back to dancing again! I'm even happier I found Core! The people are friendly and classes are fun!
Stephanie G.
Contact Us
ADDRESS
882 Ricardo Ct, San Luis Obispo CA 93401
Monday: 3-7 PM
Tuesday: 3-7 PM
Wednesday: 3-7 PM
Thursday: 3-7 PM
Friday: 3-7 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 12:30 PM
Sunday: CLOSED
ADDRESS
882 Ricardo Ct, San Luis Obispo CA 93401
Monday: 3-7 PM
Tuesday: 3-7 PM
Wednesday: 3-7 PM
Thursday: 3-7 PM
Friday: 3-7 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 12:30 PM
Sunday: CLOSED
About
CORE Dance is a children's dance studio located in San Luis Obispo with an award-winning team dedicated to providing the best dance instruction whilst also empowering tomorrow's leaders.
Opening Hours
Mon – Wed : 8:00am – 06:00pm
Thu – Sat : 10:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday : Closed
ADDRESS: 882 Ricardo Ct, San Luis Obispo CA 93401
Email: coredance.cc@gmail.com
Telephone: (805) 590-4088
