Lana’s Dance Studio began in 1979 under the direction of Lana Wright at a small studio in the Candy Park Shopping Center. After many moves and the expansion of a second location in Gilroy five years after opening the original Morgan Hill location, we have the largest growing studios in the South County. We offer a wide variety of classes in a non-competitive environment where your child’s well-being is our first and foremost priority. While we make the classes fun and appropriate, we operate in a very structured environment where listening skills are taught to ensure that your child is getting the most out of their weekly lessons. We start children as young as 18 months old and continue through adults. At the conclusion of each dance season, we have our Annual Production Show in June at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts to showcase your children’s talent and give them an incredible professional experience. We look forward to welcoming you to our dance family!
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LANA WRIGHTOWNER & DIRECTOR
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LEILA WRIGHT BOBZIENCO-DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIVE TEAMS
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ANGIE DIXONDIRECTOR OF RECREATIONAL DANCE & OFFICE MANAGER
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CASSIDY PASKETT WEBBRESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER
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KARA RICHEYCOMPETITIVE TEAMS
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CHLOE CANCECOMPETITIVE TEAMS
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PAULINE LOCSIN-KANTERDIRECTOR OF ADULT PROGRAMS
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MADISON MURO MILLSMORNING TOT PROGRAM RECREATIONAL CLASSES
COMPETITIVE TEAMS |
EVELYN BURCHRECREATIONAL CLASSES
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TORI EVANSRESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER
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JOSH ESCOVERRESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER
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LAUREN VENOSTANUTRITIONIST ADVISOR
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ERIN SCHULZ
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ADVISOR
LANA WRIGHT
It all started back when she was just two years old and went to her very first dance class. She was a natural and quickly became skilled in tap, jazz, ballet, hula and soon after acrobatics. Born in Gilroy and raised in San Martin, Lana was quite active in her community. Besides being talented in dance, she also played fast pitch softball in Jr. High, playing both pitcher and shortstop. She was involved in the 4H Club, where she raised an award winning pig named Rascal and won numerous awards in cooking and sewing. She was a cheerleader at Raymond Gwinn Jr. High, which is named after her grandfather!
At Live Oak High School, Lana was an active member of the gymnastics team and was a cheerleader for three years and a song girl for one year. During her senior year, she was a member of the first and only CCS Championship gymnastics team and was voted “Most Spirited” in her class. Lana performed throughout the community at various events, rest homes and for the troops at Fort Ord. In October 1979, she opened Lana’s Dance in Morgan Hill. A second location in Gilroy was added just a few years later. Soon after the opening of the studio, Lana married her high school sweetheart, Doug and their family grew to three with her daughter Leila. Her son Joel was born just five years later and their family was complete! Lana formed her very first competition team within a couple of years of opening. Lana quickly became a popular choreographer and set routines for the Sacramento Kings Fast Break Dancers and the San Jose Jammer Girls. She was a judge and choreographer for the Dance Masters of America Competitions/Conventions and I Love Dance. She also traveled as a guest teacher/choreographer to Australia 1998 with the I Love Dance Sweethearts. In addition, she taught master classes in Florida, Texas and Lake Tahoe.
Her students have gone onto many successful careers on Broadway, music videos, cruise ships, The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes and have danced for teams such as the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers GoldRush, San Diego Chargers Girls, Oakland Raiderettes, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and the San Jose SaberKittens. She has received many different choreography awards for her creative and clean tap style. Currently, Lana and her daughter Leila co-direct the Tap/Jazz/Lyrical Competition Teams. They just enjoyed another one of their most successful seasons to date. Lana is so excited to be celebrating her 46th year as Owner/Director of the most successful dance studio in the south county.
At Live Oak High School, Lana was an active member of the gymnastics team and was a cheerleader for three years and a song girl for one year. During her senior year, she was a member of the first and only CCS Championship gymnastics team and was voted “Most Spirited” in her class. Lana performed throughout the community at various events, rest homes and for the troops at Fort Ord. In October 1979, she opened Lana’s Dance in Morgan Hill. A second location in Gilroy was added just a few years later. Soon after the opening of the studio, Lana married her high school sweetheart, Doug and their family grew to three with her daughter Leila. Her son Joel was born just five years later and their family was complete! Lana formed her very first competition team within a couple of years of opening. Lana quickly became a popular choreographer and set routines for the Sacramento Kings Fast Break Dancers and the San Jose Jammer Girls. She was a judge and choreographer for the Dance Masters of America Competitions/Conventions and I Love Dance. She also traveled as a guest teacher/choreographer to Australia 1998 with the I Love Dance Sweethearts. In addition, she taught master classes in Florida, Texas and Lake Tahoe.
Her students have gone onto many successful careers on Broadway, music videos, cruise ships, The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes and have danced for teams such as the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers GoldRush, San Diego Chargers Girls, Oakland Raiderettes, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and the San Jose SaberKittens. She has received many different choreography awards for her creative and clean tap style. Currently, Lana and her daughter Leila co-direct the Tap/Jazz/Lyrical Competition Teams. They just enjoyed another one of their most successful seasons to date. Lana is so excited to be celebrating her 46th year as Owner/Director of the most successful dance studio in the south county.
LEILA WRIGHT BOBZIEN
Leila began her training the minute she was born, but actually began class at the ripe young age of one. She was competing by the age of six, where she began her award winning career on the Lana Wright Competition Team. To list all her accomplishments would take all day, but lets just name a few of her titles….she was Miss Headliner from 1995 – 1999, Miss Showbiz from 1996 – 1999, Miss StarPower from 1997 – 1999, Miss Elite Dance Rave form 1998 – 1999, Miss KAR in 1999, LA Underground Outstanding Technique and Distinguished Performer Awards and LA Dance Magic Distinguished Performer.
She was an overall high score soloist for over eight years and a member of the overall high scoring competition team for fourteen years. She was a member of the I Love Dance Sweethearts for eight years and was fortunate enough to travel with them to Japan in 1994 and Australia in 1998. In between her various competitions, she also managed to squeeze in a little modeling and did various billboard modeling from 1990 – 1995 for such companies as Gap & Mervyn’s. Leila was crowned Miss Almaden Valley USA in 1999 and was in the Top 15 in the Miss California USA Pageant. After graduating high school, she became a Radio City Rockette and was a member of the first international tour of the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular Show in Mexico City in 1999. Leila was also the Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen in 2000 where she was able to serve her community and volunteer at the Garlic Festival. She then became a member of the best dance team in the Arena Football League as a SaberKitten for the San Jose SaberCats from 2000 – 2003. She was named SaberKitten Dancer of the Year in 2001 and 2002 and was the SaberKitten of the Year in 2003. Leila was a member of the San Francisco 49ers GoldRush from 2004 – 2006. After the GoldRush, she became a member in 2006 – 2008 of the Ambassador Alumni GoldRush Squad. She has trained with some of the greatest teachers including Mark Meismer, Cindy Ricalde, Keri Quinn, Jackie Sleight, Mia Michaels and Kristin Needham to name a few.
In 2005, she graduated from San Jose State University with her BS in Business Management and a minor in Speech Communication. Currently, Leila says her biggest accomplishment is her family with her husband Kevin and their two beautiful children. She heads the competition teams with her mom and is an inspiration to all the up and coming dancers in the studio.
She was an overall high score soloist for over eight years and a member of the overall high scoring competition team for fourteen years. She was a member of the I Love Dance Sweethearts for eight years and was fortunate enough to travel with them to Japan in 1994 and Australia in 1998. In between her various competitions, she also managed to squeeze in a little modeling and did various billboard modeling from 1990 – 1995 for such companies as Gap & Mervyn’s. Leila was crowned Miss Almaden Valley USA in 1999 and was in the Top 15 in the Miss California USA Pageant. After graduating high school, she became a Radio City Rockette and was a member of the first international tour of the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular Show in Mexico City in 1999. Leila was also the Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen in 2000 where she was able to serve her community and volunteer at the Garlic Festival. She then became a member of the best dance team in the Arena Football League as a SaberKitten for the San Jose SaberCats from 2000 – 2003. She was named SaberKitten Dancer of the Year in 2001 and 2002 and was the SaberKitten of the Year in 2003. Leila was a member of the San Francisco 49ers GoldRush from 2004 – 2006. After the GoldRush, she became a member in 2006 – 2008 of the Ambassador Alumni GoldRush Squad. She has trained with some of the greatest teachers including Mark Meismer, Cindy Ricalde, Keri Quinn, Jackie Sleight, Mia Michaels and Kristin Needham to name a few.
In 2005, she graduated from San Jose State University with her BS in Business Management and a minor in Speech Communication. Currently, Leila says her biggest accomplishment is her family with her husband Kevin and their two beautiful children. She heads the competition teams with her mom and is an inspiration to all the up and coming dancers in the studio.
ANGIE DIXON
Angie was born and raised in Sacramento, CA and relocated to Morgan Hill in 2001. She began dancing at the age of three and trained at a Sacramento studio in tap, jazz and ballet for fifteen years. She began competing at the age of ten and won many awards throughout her ten years of competition. She began teaching at the age of sixteen and also traveled to Australia and New Zealand in 1995 on a Goodwill Ambassador tour.
Angie graduated from Sacramento State University in 1999 with her BA in Organizational Communication. She taught in Sacramento and Folsom for eight years before she began teaching for Lana eleven years ago. She specializes in the tot program because they are the same height as she is! Once they pass her up in height, they are shipped to Miss Lana’s classes! Just kidding! She teaches most of the tot program and teaches through pre-teen students.
Angie graduated from Sacramento State University in 1999 with her BA in Organizational Communication. She taught in Sacramento and Folsom for eight years before she began teaching for Lana eleven years ago. She specializes in the tot program because they are the same height as she is! Once they pass her up in height, they are shipped to Miss Lana’s classes! Just kidding! She teaches most of the tot program and teaches through pre-teen students.
CASSIDY PASKETT WEBB
Cassidy Paskett Webb is a dancer and choreographer based in Arizona. Having graduated from Chapman University, Cassidy has gained both her Bachelors of Arts in Dance Performance and her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology. Starting dance at the young age of three, Cassidy soon discovered her passion for dance performance and creativity through choreography. Cassidy trained in the styles of Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, and Hip Hop at Coastal Vibe Dance Company, Spector Dance Company, and Lana’s Dance Studio. She has been recognized at both regional and national competitions with choreography awards, performance awards, and was also presented as Dance Spirit Magazines “Future Star”. Cassidy went on to obtain her collegiate education from Chapman University in Orange County. During her time at Chapman, Cassidy trained with professional dancers and choreographers such as Will Johnston, Alicia Guy, Jennifer Backhaus, Nancy Dickson-Lewis and many others. In tandem with her training, Cassidy pursued her passion for choreography in the collegiate setting. During her time at Chapman, she has choreographed “Papaoutai”, a piece premiered in Works in Progress, “Heroes”, a piece shown in Concert InTime, and “Hurt”, a piece presented in Chapman Dance Alliance’s Annual Showcase. Cassidy has also choreographed award-winning competition dances, such as “Piece by Piece” danced by Jane Mannion’s School of Dance and awarded first overall at Spotlight Dance Cup Nationals. Cassidy has taught numerous master classes and workshops at studios such as Triple Threat Performing Arts, Captivating Dance by Nona, Pacific Arts Complex and Lana’s Dance Studio.
Cassidy has attended the Performing Arts Medicine Association Conference in New York City to present Pilates research to her peers and fellow professionals in the arts medicine industry. She has obtained her certification in the Pilates practice in hopes of teaching dancers the importance of injury prevention and dance health. Cassidy continues to use her experience and collegiate education of dance to work professionally in the areas of choreography, teaching, performance, and Pilates training. She is really excited to come back and teach where she began her dance training all those years ago; it truly has come full circle and we are so happy to have her working with our students for her seventh year.
Cassidy has attended the Performing Arts Medicine Association Conference in New York City to present Pilates research to her peers and fellow professionals in the arts medicine industry. She has obtained her certification in the Pilates practice in hopes of teaching dancers the importance of injury prevention and dance health. Cassidy continues to use her experience and collegiate education of dance to work professionally in the areas of choreography, teaching, performance, and Pilates training. She is really excited to come back and teach where she began her dance training all those years ago; it truly has come full circle and we are so happy to have her working with our students for her seventh year.
KARA RICHEY
Kara was born and raised in Brea, California where she grew up and trained at MKR Dance Productions for nine years and then successfully graduated from Dance Precisions in Anaheim Hills, Ca. During Kara’s senior year she competed at The Dance Awards in New York City as a “Dancer of the Year” participant. For many years she assisted her mother, Michelle Richey, traveling the United States and Australia while choreographing and teaching. During the last two years of Kara’s training at Dance Precisions, she was also choreographing and teaching for their competition teams. Kara graduated from San Jose State University with her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance. We are thrilled to have Kara with us for her ninth year working with our pre-comp hip hop team and co-running our hip hop competitive teams with Chloe.
CHLOE CANCE
Chloe started dancing at the age of 4 at the one and only, Lana’s Dance Studio. She started in Miss Angie’s recreational classes for two years, and joined the competition team at age 6. Her years spent as a dancer at Lana’s Dance Studio inspired her to dream of one day becoming a dance teacher. Chloe spent 8 years doing solos, 6 years with her trio, and all her years performing in group dances with her teammates. Her favorite dance is without a doubt her duo with Mr. Damien, choreographed by our beloved Miss JP. Chloe was an awarded Magic Performer of the Weekend in each age division at the Santa Clara location with the LA Dance Magic convention. In addition, she worked on the LA Dance Magic Company for the 2014-2015 season where she assisted the faculty including: Dave Carter, Jackie Sleight, DJ Guthrie, Christian Vincent, and Eddie Moody. Chloe was crowned Miss Starquest, Miss Masquerade, and Miss KAR in 2013 - 2015.
Chloe graduated from Live Oak High School in 2015 and continued to pursue her passion for dance at Santa Clara University. Chloe started her time at SCU by performing in Torrie Ornelas’ senior recital titled “Dreams”, where she was asked to step in las minute due to an injured dancer. For her showcase in December 2017, she choreographed her own jazz piece titled “Grit & Grace” and was asked by the department to perform her piece in the faculty choreographed Images 2018. In addition to her own piece, she has performed in the following Images pieces: the dance department chair David Popalisky’s modern 2016 piece “Two Harriet’s and a Cynthia”, Ronnie Reddick’s 2017 hip hop piece “Experience”and Pauline Locsin-Kanter’s jazz pieces “Throwback” (2016), “Imperfect Picture Perfect” (2017), and “I Would Dance For You” (2018). Chloe graduated early in December 2018 with a BA in Theatre Arts with a Dance Emphasis, as well as a BS in Psychology. We are so proud of this young lady and all she has accomplished thus far but mostly excited to have one of our own alumni co-running the Hip Hop competitive teams and working with the Tap/Jazz competition teams as well.
Chloe graduated from Live Oak High School in 2015 and continued to pursue her passion for dance at Santa Clara University. Chloe started her time at SCU by performing in Torrie Ornelas’ senior recital titled “Dreams”, where she was asked to step in las minute due to an injured dancer. For her showcase in December 2017, she choreographed her own jazz piece titled “Grit & Grace” and was asked by the department to perform her piece in the faculty choreographed Images 2018. In addition to her own piece, she has performed in the following Images pieces: the dance department chair David Popalisky’s modern 2016 piece “Two Harriet’s and a Cynthia”, Ronnie Reddick’s 2017 hip hop piece “Experience”and Pauline Locsin-Kanter’s jazz pieces “Throwback” (2016), “Imperfect Picture Perfect” (2017), and “I Would Dance For You” (2018). Chloe graduated early in December 2018 with a BA in Theatre Arts with a Dance Emphasis, as well as a BS in Psychology. We are so proud of this young lady and all she has accomplished thus far but mostly excited to have one of our own alumni co-running the Hip Hop competitive teams and working with the Tap/Jazz competition teams as well.
PAULINE LOCSIN-KANTER
Pauline has been a fan of Lana Gwinn Wright since she was about 5 years old, as she would watch after school cheer practices involving her sister, Claire and Miss Lana. At the age of 10, she became a student of Lana’s Dance Studio through her dear friend, Tirina Della Maggiore Barnes, who “signed up” her friend, Pauline.
Since the first dance class with Miss Lana, she has never stopped. After high school, she received a scholarship to study Musical Theatre at USIU in San Diego. From that point on, her dance career took off. Pauline was a San Diego Charger Girl, danced for Norwegian Cruise Lines, Walt Disney World, where she also choreographed commercials and parades and was a Master Trainer for Disney’s Magic Music Days program. She danced on the country music tv show, “Countdown at the Neon Armadillo” with Buena VistaTV and was the reference model for Disney’s Animation, Mulan. Pauline has also taught on convention circuits for Starpower, Dance Masters of America, Dance Teachers United, Dancin’ in Disney Shoes and United Spirit Association. Continuing her career, she worked in New York City performing in national tours, regional theatre and was blessed to perform on the Great Stage of Radio City Music Hall, starring the Rockettes. She also worked many live business industrials as well as soap operas for ABC-TV.
Coming full circle and so happy to be home after a very fruitful performing and educating career, Pauline is on the faculty at Santa Clara University, where she teaches technique courses in dance as well as choreographs and directs dance concerts and musicals. Pauline is also the choreographer for Bellarmine College Prep and is currently choreographing for San Jose Lyric Theatre in the production of Oklahoma! Inspired by dance, all of her students and the longevity of their dance training, she has become certified in the Gyrotonic Expansion System. Pauline’s true loves are her family, but her first love is Dance and will always be. Thank you, Miss Lana for planting the seed and nurturing my growth.
Since the first dance class with Miss Lana, she has never stopped. After high school, she received a scholarship to study Musical Theatre at USIU in San Diego. From that point on, her dance career took off. Pauline was a San Diego Charger Girl, danced for Norwegian Cruise Lines, Walt Disney World, where she also choreographed commercials and parades and was a Master Trainer for Disney’s Magic Music Days program. She danced on the country music tv show, “Countdown at the Neon Armadillo” with Buena VistaTV and was the reference model for Disney’s Animation, Mulan. Pauline has also taught on convention circuits for Starpower, Dance Masters of America, Dance Teachers United, Dancin’ in Disney Shoes and United Spirit Association. Continuing her career, she worked in New York City performing in national tours, regional theatre and was blessed to perform on the Great Stage of Radio City Music Hall, starring the Rockettes. She also worked many live business industrials as well as soap operas for ABC-TV.
Coming full circle and so happy to be home after a very fruitful performing and educating career, Pauline is on the faculty at Santa Clara University, where she teaches technique courses in dance as well as choreographs and directs dance concerts and musicals. Pauline is also the choreographer for Bellarmine College Prep and is currently choreographing for San Jose Lyric Theatre in the production of Oklahoma! Inspired by dance, all of her students and the longevity of their dance training, she has become certified in the Gyrotonic Expansion System. Pauline’s true loves are her family, but her first love is Dance and will always be. Thank you, Miss Lana for planting the seed and nurturing my growth.
MADISON MURO MILLS
Maddy began her dance training at the age of 3 at her home studio, Lana's Dance Studio in Morgan Hill, CA. She primarily trained in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical & Hip Hop. She got the bug to be on stage more so at the young age of 8 she tried out for the Lana Wright Competition Dancers where she went on to have a very successful career with her team winning both Regional and National titles. After graduating high school she went on to continue her love of dance at Sonoma State University, competing on their collegiate Dance Team "The Sapphires." While on this team she was apart of their 1 National Title in Division 2/3 Hip Hop. After graduating with her Bachelors of Arts in Art Studio with an emphasis in Printmaking, she extended her love for dance once again by teaching and choreographing Hip Hop classes and routines for both recreational & competitive levels in Petaluma, CA. Maddy is so excited to relocate back to her home town of Gilroy and come back to her roots to teach at the place that quickly became a home away from home, Lana's Dance Studio. What a full circle moment and we are so lucky to have her back and on our staff! Miss Maddy is in her fourth year back home instructing so many of our wonderful dancers.
EVELYN BURCH
Evelyn has over 30 years of technical dance training in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap and Hip Hop. She began dancing at the age of 2 at a dance studio in San Jose and began dancing competitively at the age of 4. She was selected and performed at the 1994 Hula Bowl in Hawaii where she performed in the Hula Bowl parade, pre-game show, and halftime show. Evelyn joined Lana’s Dance Studio in 1996 and was a member of the competition team until 2002. Evelyn has attended dance conventions such as LA Dance Magic & Tremaine where she took classes from many different industry professionals. In high school, she was a member of her school’s dance company IndepenDANCE from 1997-2000. After High School, she taught song squads at local high schools in San Jose from 2002-2005.
In 2005 she began teaching at Dance Theatre International in San Jose. She is a former original member of Soul Con Dance Company, a professional Hip Hop Dance team that began in 2005 based out of San Jose. Soul Con Dance company performed all over the bay area from Private Yelp Events, Christmas in the Park, Great America Pride Day, Pride Events, Dance showcases, and Hip Hop competitions/ showcases. Her Hip Hop team was selected to perform and compete at San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest in 2007 where they competed against some of the best hip hop teams from around the world. She began teaching at our studio in February of 2011 and hasn’t looked back. Currently, he teaches at our Gilroy location where her Hip-Hop & Jazz classes have become quite popular. We truly value having Ms. Evelyn’s talent and there’s nothing better than having one of our own Alumni on our staff!
In 2005 she began teaching at Dance Theatre International in San Jose. She is a former original member of Soul Con Dance Company, a professional Hip Hop Dance team that began in 2005 based out of San Jose. Soul Con Dance company performed all over the bay area from Private Yelp Events, Christmas in the Park, Great America Pride Day, Pride Events, Dance showcases, and Hip Hop competitions/ showcases. Her Hip Hop team was selected to perform and compete at San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest in 2007 where they competed against some of the best hip hop teams from around the world. She began teaching at our studio in February of 2011 and hasn’t looked back. Currently, he teaches at our Gilroy location where her Hip-Hop & Jazz classes have become quite popular. We truly value having Ms. Evelyn’s talent and there’s nothing better than having one of our own Alumni on our staff!
TORI EVANS
Tori Evans comes from Northern California where she trained at Lana’s Dance Studio for 15 years. She received a dance scholarship to the University of Arizona where she obtained her BFA from her professors, Sam Watson, Michael Williams and James Clouser. Not only did she train in Arizona, but she was also apart of LADM Company for two years, where she personally assisted, Dave Carter, along with Jackie Sleight, Christian Vincent, Huggy Ford, Leo Morimune and Dejan Tubic.
After graduating college, Tori toured Internationally with Barbie Live! The Musical and had her first pro job under her belt. She returned from tour and made the big move to Los Angeles where she worked at the Millennium Dance Complex. She has also been pursuing her fitness career by working with companies such as Reebok and Lululemon. Her dance credits include The Masked Singer Seasons 2-7, Mary J Blige BET Awards Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, A Christmas Story Live!, Empire of the Sun National & International Tours, The Backstreet Boys and Pentatonix ft. Whitney Houston. Her music video artist credits include Tyga, Cardi B, Jason Derulo, Pitbull and Maroon 5. Tori also toured with Ricky Martin on his International Tour and at his Residency Show at the Park Theater in Las Vegas! After ending that tour Tori was in Gwen Stefani's Residency Show at Planet Hollywood also in Las Vegas. Currently Tori is dancing for Taylor Swift on her "ERA'S" Tour both Nationally and International. We are so proud of this exceptional young lady and all she is achieving, more important is she is one of the biggest sweethearts you could ever meet. It is a pleasure having her at the studio anytime she comes back home for master classes and choreography.
After graduating college, Tori toured Internationally with Barbie Live! The Musical and had her first pro job under her belt. She returned from tour and made the big move to Los Angeles where she worked at the Millennium Dance Complex. She has also been pursuing her fitness career by working with companies such as Reebok and Lululemon. Her dance credits include The Masked Singer Seasons 2-7, Mary J Blige BET Awards Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, A Christmas Story Live!, Empire of the Sun National & International Tours, The Backstreet Boys and Pentatonix ft. Whitney Houston. Her music video artist credits include Tyga, Cardi B, Jason Derulo, Pitbull and Maroon 5. Tori also toured with Ricky Martin on his International Tour and at his Residency Show at the Park Theater in Las Vegas! After ending that tour Tori was in Gwen Stefani's Residency Show at Planet Hollywood also in Las Vegas. Currently Tori is dancing for Taylor Swift on her "ERA'S" Tour both Nationally and International. We are so proud of this exceptional young lady and all she is achieving, more important is she is one of the biggest sweethearts you could ever meet. It is a pleasure having her at the studio anytime she comes back home for master classes and choreography.
JOSH ESCOVER
Josh Escover grew up in Gilroy, CA and began his training at Lana’s Dance Studio and trained with them for 15 years. He danced competitively for over 10 of those years, earning a multitude of national titles and championships. After graduating high school, Josh attended Chapman University (Orange, CA) on both dance and academic scholarships. Here he earned his BFA in dance performance and a minor in Business Administration, learning from talented faculty such as Will Johnston, Alicia Guy, Jenny Backhaus, Charles Maple, and Wilson Mendieta. At Chapman, he was a part of the 13-time nationally accredited Chapman University Dance Team all four years, being president of the team his senior year. Also at Chapman, Josh was able to choreograph four concert pieces, two dance films, and two additional pieces for stage. Along the way, he taught and choreographed at various dance studios and high schools around California, including McCoy Rigby Arts, Troy High School, and Carlsbad High School. After graduating from Chapman in 2022, Josh signed with BLOC talent agency and moved to New York City. Since moving, he has worked with choreographers across the industry including Broadway choreographer Josh Prince, and is currently a featured performer in the Empire Strips Back (A Burlesque Parody) at the historic Orpheum Theater 8 times a week. We are so proud to have him on our staff and as a Resident Choreographer for our competitive teams. His pieces have continued to receive numerous recognition and choreography awards. Specifically at the Industry Dance Awards 2023, his Jazz routine, "Boots" was awarded Best Jazz Dance for the year!!! We are honored to have him back home each season and thru out the year with us!
LAUREN VENOSTA
Miss Lauren’s dance career dreams started when she was a little girl, age 3 to be exactly right here at Lana’s Dance Studio. She joined the competition team at the age of 7 and competed for 11 years with the studio. Lauren is among the group of 15-year students at this studio which is a very special group of dancers! Through her competitive years, she was able to travel and be apart of various elite groups such as Team Rave San Francisco from 2003-2006, the L.A. Dream Team in the summer of 04 and traveled to Australia in 2007 with our studio for an International Studio Exchange. Her dancing brought her to San Diego State University and their Dance Team from 2008-2010. This is one of the Elite teams in the Nation and is quite an honor to be a part of. Through her years at SDSU, she goes to choreograph jazz routines for their dance team and also go the opportunity to work with Sonya Tayeh in 09 for their National competition routine. Nationals brought them Top 5 in the Nation standings in 2009 and in 2010 which is an incredible achievement!
She graduated from SDSU in 2013 with a B.S. in Nutrition & Dietetics and just 3 months after graduation, she started her own business called @totalbodynourishment.com. Her focus is working as a Clinical Nutritionist & Personal Chef in San Diego with personal clients and businesses events. She came back to her roots in August of 2013 to come and work with the competition teams here at our studio till 2018! From time to time she enjoys going back to her high school alma mater and helping judge for VCHS Vivid Dance Team Auditions. Lauren is currently living in San Diego with her beautiful daughters and fiancé. We look forward to continuing our learning from afar as she will always be apart of our dance family.
She graduated from SDSU in 2013 with a B.S. in Nutrition & Dietetics and just 3 months after graduation, she started her own business called @totalbodynourishment.com. Her focus is working as a Clinical Nutritionist & Personal Chef in San Diego with personal clients and businesses events. She came back to her roots in August of 2013 to come and work with the competition teams here at our studio till 2018! From time to time she enjoys going back to her high school alma mater and helping judge for VCHS Vivid Dance Team Auditions. Lauren is currently living in San Diego with her beautiful daughters and fiancé. We look forward to continuing our learning from afar as she will always be apart of our dance family.
ERIN SCHULZ
Dr. Erin Schulz, DPT, California licensed physical therapist, was a member of Lana’s Dance Studio’s award-winning competition team from 1999-2008. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Santa Clara University, she went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of the Pacific in 2016. During her time in physical therapy school, she interned at several prominent clinics and hospitals, including UCSF Medical Center, Golden Bear Physical Therapy and Sports Injury, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System at Menlo Park, Campbell Physical Therapy and Sports Care, and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. She was also the commencement speaker of her graduating class and was selected to speak at the annual UC Davis Memorial Service in 2015.
Erin currently practices in Morgan Hill at Fritter, Schulz, and Conlan Physical Therapy, an outpatient orthopedic clinic in association with Fritter, Schulz, and Zollinger Physical and Occupational Therapy in Gilroy and Hollister as well as Saint Louise Regional Hospital. She is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the California Physical Therapy Association. Erin enjoys educating our dancers about biomechanics, injury prevention, strengthening, and postural awareness. It’s an absolute honor to have one of our Alumni students of 15 years now come back to help our current dancers train smarter.
Erin currently practices in Morgan Hill at Fritter, Schulz, and Conlan Physical Therapy, an outpatient orthopedic clinic in association with Fritter, Schulz, and Zollinger Physical and Occupational Therapy in Gilroy and Hollister as well as Saint Louise Regional Hospital. She is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the California Physical Therapy Association. Erin enjoys educating our dancers about biomechanics, injury prevention, strengthening, and postural awareness. It’s an absolute honor to have one of our Alumni students of 15 years now come back to help our current dancers train smarter.
