Meet Our Staff
Dance Conservatory is staffed with caring instructors whom are expert in their respective fields. Together, they have decades of experience in teaching students of all ages and skill levels.
Jennifer Cheng
Executive Director
Jennifer Cheng is the owner and executive director of DCP. Jennifer is a long time resident of Pasadena. She attended Westridge School and graduated from Polytechnic School. Jennifer received her bachelor’s degree in art history from Pomona College, her law degree from UC Davis School of Law and her MBA from UC Irvine School of Management. She has been an attorney for 25 years, and is currently an attorney at an insurance company.
Jennifer started dancing at the age of 5 with Yvonne Cusack. She then trained with Stanley Holden as one of his first students at the Music Center in Los Angeles and then later at his studio in West Los Angeles. She received her Advance Certificate from the Royal Academy of Dance at age 15. She was a recipient of the Ford Foundation Scholarship. She also received a scholarship at the School of American Ballet. As a young dancer, she performed with the Australian Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet, as well as dancing on various TV shows such as the Brady Bunch and the Odd Couple.
Jennifer also has a second degree black belt in kenpo karate. She trained under Masters Larry Tatum and Masoud Salehi. She loves working and living in Pasadena and is the proud parent of her twin children, Alex and Elizabeth.
Caroline Russell Broes
Artistic Director
Caroline Russell Broes started her ballet training at age 5 at Ballet Petit in La Canada. She later studied at Le Studio in Pasadena, and at the San Francisco School of Ballet. As a young dancer she starred in many performances, including the “White Cat Pas de Deux” from Sleeping Beauty, and the “Snow Queen” from the Nutcracker.
Ms. Broes holds a BA degree in Dance from Cal State Long Beach, and is also a certified personal trainer. Although she has been teaching and choreographing ballet in the Pasadena area for over fifteen years, her greatest talent is working with very young dancers. Ms. Broes lives in La Canada with her husband and two children. Giving young children their first positive ballet experience is her joy and passion.
Daniel Coffman
Associate Executive Director
Daniel is an energetic and fun Dance Instructor that specializes in teaching a wide range of skill levels. He is a graduate of Culver-Stockton College. There he earned his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre with an emphasis in Dance for the Stage. His professional credits range from roles in National Musicals to dancing for in the top rated shows with the Walt Disney Corporation. Daniel’s training in dance comes from all over the country. He is a DVIDA Certified Ballroom Instructor. Having spent time training with Master classes and Colleges, Daniel has a very eclectic dance style that appeals to a variety of people. Daniel is an active member of the National Dance Council of America. Come see Daniel and his students at some of the world's prestigious dance sport ballroom competitions, or get yourself enrolled today and join the fun. Whether your ambitions are to just get by on the dance floor or shine like the stars, Daniel is your man.
Francisco Martinez
Ballet Master
Francisco began his dance studies in Monterrey, Mexico in 1959 in Mexican Folk Dance, Flamenco and Spanish Dance at La Casa de la Cultura. Formal dance training started at the University of Arizona and Texas Christian University with subsequent studies in NYC at the Nikolais/Louis Dance Studio, The Martha Graham Dance School and the Harkness Ballet. His mentors include Judy Scalin, Betty Jones, Sue Pfaffl, Sandra Noll Hammond, Fernando Schaffenburg, Gyula Pandi, Alwin Nikolais, Murray Louis, Hanya Holm, Yuriko Kimura, Peter Sparling and David Howard.
He has taught at CSULA, CSULB, LACHSA, developed the ballet program at Plaza de la Raza in Lincoln Heights where he taught for 15 years and currently is the head of the dance program at Occidental College. He has accumulated an impressive body of work for the concert stage. His works The Colorado, Miniatures and Te Verde received the Lester Horton Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography—Long Form in 1999, 2000 and 2006, respectively. In addition, Mr. Martinez received the same award for Outstanding Achievement in Set Design for his work Orbital Dances in 2008. In addition, California Dance Educators Association selected Mr. Martinez as recipient of their Artist Award in 2001 for outstanding artistry, creativity, outreach and dedication in the field of dance.
He is a sought-after classroom artist throughout Southern California under the auspices of the Education Division of the Music Center of Los Angeles County. He was invited to join MCED in 1990 and through this agency, Mr. Martinez continues his passion for teaching 3rd grade students improvisation and choreography that mesh with their curriculum.
He founded Francisco Martinez Dancetheatre in 1981.
Leena Akopian
Studio Director
Leena joined the Dance Conservatory of Pasadena as a freelance graphic artist and entrepreneur with a background in advertising, creative development and art. After graduating from the prestigious Art Center College of Design, she managed and led several advertising and branding campaigns for large clients. With her keen eye for design and attention to detail Leena quickly became the DCP’s School Director. Not only does she manage and execute the studio’s programs, Leena, serves as our very own in house graphic designer.
To contact Leena please email her at leena@dancepasadena.com.
Instructor Bio
Derrick Garcia
Body Percussion and Hip Hop Instructor
Derrick has a very unique induction into dance as his first professional dance class experience happened for him at the beginning of his college career. Derrick grew up in southern Texas and was first inspired to dance after being introduced to a dance style called Step. By the age of 15 he founded the first step team, The Blaze Step Unit, at Harlingen High School South and began to develop his creativity as a step choreographer through his consistent research on the art. At that same time, he started performing with Masters Commission USA in front of thousands at church conventions Nation-Wide as a hip-hop and step dancer. With a strong foundation in God and entering the dance world, Derrick has been blessed with numerous opportunities but keeps the Word of God as his driving force. Some of Derrick’s credits include: LG, AERIAL Experience Prod., ACDFA, LA Choreographers Carnival, The Shack Tour, Frontline Worship Tour, and the NBA. While serving as a student of the North Orange County Community College District, he has been able to develop his artistic endeavors in various ways. In 2009, Derrick was selected to represent Fullerton College at The American College Dance Festival Association in which provided Derrick with the unique opportunity to not only perform in front of a panel of nationally recognized dance professionals, but also allowed him the honor of being scouted by The Jacob’s Pillow in MA by Director JR Glover. Currently, he is represented by DDO Artists Agency where he is privileged to work with the most sought after Choreographers / Dancers in the entertainment industry.
Derrick is also a company member of the Bollywood / Bhangra dance company, Blue13, while continuing his education at Millennium Dance Complex, Debbie Reynolds and many other prestigious venues in Los Angeles. Due to Derrick’s foundation in God, his approach to dance movement, philosophy, and teaching is exceptionally unique and has been received and loved by many. He is extremely excited to give back to those that have given so much to him, through the art of dance!
Patricia Godfrey
Ballet Instructor
San Francisco-born Patricia Godfrey studied at The National Academy of Dancing with Gemze DeLappe and Michael Maule, among others; at The San Francisco Ballet School with Harold Christiensen, Ludmilla Schollar, Anatole Vilzak, Jean Haet and the Royal Academy of Dancing during the Jubilee Summer School. She has passed both the Elementary and Intermediate examinations of the RAD.
After dancing with San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Ballet of San Francisco, and with several touring companies in Europe she concentrated on her teaching career and has students who have moved on to The School of American Ballet, Joffrey II and other European companies.
Achinta S. McDaniel
Bollywood Instructor
Achinta S. McDaniel is a pioneer of modern Bollywood dance in the United States, and the founder and Artistic Director of the world renowned blue13 dance company. She is known for her experimentation with international styles and her theatrical, inventive staging of many genres. McDaniel’s choreography appears in feature films, television, commercials, music videos, and live theatrical dance productions from LA to Mumbai, and she has worked with Todd Haynes, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Manasi Scott, and many more.
In 1999, McDaniel founded blue13 dance company, the country’s first contemporary Bollywood dance ensemble, since enjoying great success in creating live touring dance productions in her signature Bollywood-Tech™ style. The press describes, "Truly beyond all spectacle [is] the dancing seductress artistic director Achinta S. McDaniel, who brightens up the stage with her presence and brings to the crowd a wave of enthusiasm that leaves them yelling from their seats."
McDaniel is LA’s top Indian Dance Instructor, teaching her famous Bollywood Bhangra Beats™ and many other dance classes with The Blue School all over the city for a decade. For a full list of classes and upcoming Bollywood performances, please visit www.blue13dance.com.
Heather McManama
Kids Hip Hop and Tap Instructor
Heather began her dance career at the age of five in Colleyville, TX. Growing up in a competitive dance environment she soon took to the stage. She has won many solo awards as well as taken home group national titles. By the age of 14 she was assisting children’s classes at the studio, and by graduation had her own summer classes as well as collaborating with other teachers in a baby workshop.
Heather was accepted into The Performing Arts Center, a professionals apprentice program, in the fall of 2005. She trained under Joe Malone for two and a half years, working professional jobs and performances throughout. Since leaving the program, Heather has signed with MSA talent agency and has had the fortune to work for one of the choreographers of High School Musical, Charles Klapow, along with the Disney Channel. Heather has such credits as American Idol, Skating with the Stars, and a film titled What Just Happened. She has also had the opportunity to assist choreographers on conventions, such as Joe Tremaine’s Tremaine Dance Expo, and The In10sive directed by Jacob Flynn.
Heather has taught her own master classes for Roland Dupree’s Dance Expo as well, and hopes to continue to teach on the road in the future. Currently, Heather is working with the Whiskey a GoGo on the project Stars of the Decade, and enjoying her time teaching at the Dance Conservatory.
"I am very excited to share my passion for dance. Let’s learn and grow together!"
Piero della Santina
Ballroom Instructor
Piero della Santina was first exposed to dance at an early age when he would mimic Michael Jackson and put on shows for his family and friends. It was at the age of nine that he took his first dance class. From the moment he walked onto the studio dance floor, Piero knew he would devote his life to the art. After participating in cotillion from which he learned proper etiquette and discovered his love for partner dancing, he dove into the world of ballroom dance. Piero attended school in Utah where he earned a Bachelor or Arts degree in Dance with a Ballroom Emphasis. He excelled as a member of the university’s Ballroom Dance Company and has performed in many Television Performance Broadcasts. Piero currently competes in International Latin, American Smooth, and American Rhythm where he has ranked as a finalist at numerous competitions. When he is not teaching or competing, he is dancing on cruise ships all around the world. In 2008, Piero created the della Santina Dance Company at Regency Ballroom in Lomita, CA. The dancers perform throughout Los Angeles County entertaining audiences not only with ballroom dancing but also humorous production numbers. Whether it is your first time dancing or you are working on refining your technical and performance skills, Piero will be sure to enrich your love for the art all while having a good time. After all, is that not what dancing comes down to?
Joanna Vargas
Streetease Instructor
Joanna Vargas has been studying dance and performing on stage since
she was 5 years old. She’s been making her name in the dance world for
over fifteen years as a dancer, choreographer, instructor, studio
founder and producer. She is a professional fitness coach and personal
trainer and loves teaching fitness through the vehicle of dance. Her
versatility as a dancer, choreographer and teacher include training in
styles such as: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Streetease, Hip Hop, Hula,
Tahitian, Folklorico, Pilates and Aerobic Fitness. Joanna has trained
under some of the most prestigious dance programs in Southern
California. She has studied Jazz, Ballet, and Modern at California
State University, Long Beach and the University of California, Santa
Barbara and majored in Dance at both schools after high school. She
has also trained with popular choreographers and working dancers from
all over the Hollywood dance community which has given her an
unprecedented talent as a dancer and choreographer.
Joanna has been seen in several music videos including Usher, Jewel,
Daniel Bettingfield and more. She’s also choreographed for such
networks as The WB Television Network, several Los Angeles Clippers
Basketball Game half time shows, several Avengers Football Team half
time shows, and as a guest choreographer for numerous high school
cheer, song, and dance teams. She's toured all over the world
performing with several recording artists and opening concerts in
different well know venues. She has also started several professional
dance companies and competition groups for younger dancers through
adult.
In 2009, Joanna created Streetease Fitness & Dance, a very successful
line of fitness and dance instructional DVD's and dance classes for
adult women. She is the brainchild of this high energy, confidence
boosting and toning dance workout! One of Joanna’s most successful
endeavors is the development of the annual Maxt Out Dance Competition
which she began producing in 2001. She has created an event that
brings over 1,000 dancers from all over the Western United States to
come perform and compete under one roof in a one day event. Joanna is
expanding her production company with new clothing lines, DVD's,
competitions, infomercials and more. Her tenacity, diligence and
commitment drives her stay motivated as she continues to develop her
empire.
Hesen Weiren
Ballet Instructor
Hesen Weiren is originally from Beijing, China, studied at Xian dance Academy in Xian, China and was awarded a Master of Arts Degree from Beijing Dance Academy. He won critical acclaim in both Japan and Hong Kong for his highly acclaimed interpretation of Balanchine’s Who Cares? Described by Dance Magazine as "dancing like he was born in a Broadway trunk," Hesen has proven his ability for interpreting a wide range of roles; from classical to contemporary.
He has danced with Nakajima Ballet and Kimula Ballet in Tokyo and was the principal dancer with The Hong Kong Ballet, Cleveland Ballet and Colorado Ballet. His repertoire includes Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, The Nutcracker, Coppélia, Cinderella, Anna Karenina, Swan Lake, Concerto Barocco, The River, and Les Sylphides.
Bridget Wilson
Lyrical / Jazz Instructor
Bridget Wilson has been dancing for 18 years and began competing at the age of 4 with her studio Priscilla and Dana's School of Dance in Gladstone, MO. She has won various scholarships to dance all over the United States, including New York where she worked with choreographers such as Cris Judd, Laurie Ann Gibson, and Dave Scott and performed in a show. Along with dancing, she also has a strong background in gymnastics and cheer, giving her a well-rounded sense of movement, strength, and technique. Growing up, Bridget was trained in all styles of dance, including, jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, jazz funk, and ballroom. She has taught many of these styles for 3 years now.
Most importantly, Bridget connects with her students on a level deeper than just the technique. She has inspired many young dancers from all over to further their education in dance. This includes the 20 young boys that took their very first dance class with her in Shawnee, KS and continued with her class because they all loved how she taught. She enjoys nothing more than creating a positive, energetic learning environment for her students and seeing the immense amounts of progress her dancers make.
