amara galloway | Ballet department head, Instructor

Amara Galloway, originally from Fairfax, Virginia, received her formal training from BalletNova Center for Dance before joining The Joffrey Ballet Chicago Trainee Program and Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company. She is currently a professional dancer with State Street Ballet. Her performance experience includes principal roles in Cinderella and The Nutcracker, as well as originating the title role of The Little Mermaid. She has performed ballets by George Balanchine, Sir Frederick Ashton, Gerald Arpino, and Nilas Martins. In 2021, Amara performed as an Ababu Princess and was the Dance Captain for the musical Kismet, directed by Lonny Price. She has had opportunities to tour nationally and internationally including to the United Kingdom and Japan. Amara has a background in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, tap, improvisation, hip hop, and acrobatics and was a semi-finalist at The Youth America Grand Prix Competition. She is looking forward to a new season sharing her love of dance with the students of Santa Barbara Dance Arts!

Rachyl Pines | Instructor

Rachyl has more than 8 years of experience teaching ballet. She began her ballet training at The Ballet Studio in Temecula, CA. She attended summer intensive programs with American Ballet Theater, Joffrey Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Walnut Hill School of the Arts to augment her training. Rachyl was a company member at City Ballet of San Diego for 3 seasons when she shifted focus to go to graduate school. Rachyl completed her PhD in Communication at UCSB. Rachyl is now a company member in her fifth season with Selah Dance Collective and Nebula Dance Lab. She  is also a professional aerial silks artist! 

Laura Luevanos | hip hop department head, INSTRUCTOR

Laura Luevanos has been dancing for over 15 years and specializes in hip hop and jazz, with additional training in ballet and contemporary. She continued her education at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in Los Angeles, where she trained under industry professionals and performed in showcases featuring emerging artists.

Laura has been teaching at SBDA for the past four years and is passionate about helping dancers grow in both confidence and technique. She strives to create a positive, supportive environment where every dancer feels encouraged to challenge themselves, express their individuality, and develop a lifelong love for dance the way she has!

Meredith Ventura | jazz department head, instructor

Meredith Ventura is a multidisciplinary artist, choreographer, educator, and scholar based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from UC Santa Barbara with a B.F.A. in Dance and earned her M.F.A. in Dance from Hollins University through its international partnership with the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt am Main and the Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company (formerly the Forsythe Company). She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at UC Santa Barbara, where her research focuses on cabaret, early modern dance, and jazz modernism.

As the founder of Selah Dance Collective, Meredith has created and presented original works and produced evening-length performances throughout the United States and internationally. She is also the founder of Novus Contemporary Ballet, a professional ballet company and year-round training program dedicated to developing the next generation of contemporary ballet artists. Her choreography has been presented in more than a dozen countries, reflecting a choreographic voice that bridges contemporary dance, ballet, theater, and interdisciplinary performance.

An accomplished educator, Meredith has extensive teaching experience across a wide range of dance disciplines, with more than a decade of experience teaching acrobatics. She is certified with distinction in Acrobatic Arts Modules 1 & 2. In addition, Meredith serves on the Board of Directors for Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, where she advocates for accessible, community-centered performing arts.

Krystal Belluomini | Adult class Instructor

Krystal is an ACE certified Instructor with a bachelor’s degree in dance, who has been teaching beginner adult hip hop at SBDA for nearly three years. She is passionate about helping others feel strong and empowered in a fun, welcoming community where everyone can connect through dance. Her classes are packed with high energy, great music, and positive vibes, helping dancers of all levels have fun, build confidence, and leave feeling their best. When she’s not teaching, Krystal is a busy mom of two who loves spending time outdoors, soaking up the sunshine, and making memories at the beach with her family.

ALIYAH HABIB | INSTRUCTOR, marketing and educational assistant manager

Aliyah is a dancer and instructor originally from the Bay Area, California. She began dancing at just 2 years old, training in a variety of styles including hip-hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap. She started competing at age 9 and has continued to cultivate her passion for dance ever since. Aliyah graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2025 with a B.A. in Political Science and Environmental Science. During her time at UCSB, she was a member and later served as Executive Director of Untitled Dance Company, a hip-hop-based team that performed and competed throughout the 805 area. Aliyah is passionate about fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive dance community, and is excited to share the same sense of connection and joy that dance has brought to her.

Isabella Bautista | INSTRUCTOR

Isabella Bautista is a student at UCSB Double Majoring in Dance and Psychology Brain Sciences. She was born and raised in San Diego where she began dancing at the age of 10, and has grown to love and appreciate dance and can’t imagine her life without it. She began taking jazz classes, and over the years has added ballet, jazz funk, contemporary, hip-hop, improvisation, and choreography to her training. She competed with Neisha's Dance and Music Academy for 5 years as well as with her high school dance team, Eastlake Dance Company for 4 years. Her senior year of High School she began traveling across the country as an ambassador for Guidance Experience Competition and Tremaine Performance Company. As a part of these companies, she assists several convention teachers for a variety of styles and works backstage during competitions. She will continue to travel and assist for Tremaine Performance Company throughout her college career. Isabella is also currently going on her 3rd year competing with UCSB’s Hip Hop Team Untitled Dance Company. Isabella is so excited to help dancers learn and grow their love for dance, like her teachers did for her!

Hannah Hayward |  educational director, competition team director, instructor

Hannah Hayward is a vibrant artist who is passionate about movement, education, and performance. She graduated with honors from the Ailey School Scholarship Program in NYC and holds certifications from American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum and the University of Tennessee, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Philosophy and Psychology. 

Hannah has been a teaching assistant to Francisco Gella, a Pre-Professional Trainee with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, a tour assistant for Artists Simply Human, and is on faculty at Rock the House Dance Convention. She has received numerous accolades, including YAGP Regional medals and top awards at The Dance Awards. Her performance credits span notable events like the Dizzy Feet Foundation Gala, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and New York Fashion Week. Hannah is proud to say that some of her dance students have gone on to train at Rambert School, The Ailey School, Kanyok Arts Initiative, Georgia Ballet, and Ballet Idaho. Hannah co-founded Tessera Dance Theater, contributed to Tennessee Theatre’s Marquee Awards, and teaches nationwide, setting choreography across the U.S.

Erika Cruz | youth and preschool department head, Instructor

Erika Cruz is a graduate of AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts, where she earned her BFA in Performing Arts: Musical Theatre through studies in both Los Angeles and New York City. She also holds a degree in Ethnic Studies from Santa Barbara City College, which has further strengthened her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts. Erika has performed professionally with equity theaters across Los Angeles as well as touring nationally and performing on world cruises. Since 2021, she has been dedicated to arts education, teaching Ballet, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Jazz, Acro, and Contemporary dance throughout Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. She is certified in Acrobatic Arts Module 1 and 2. She has worked with children from 18 months through their teen years, fostering creativity, compassion, and positivity in a safe and supportive environment. Erika is thrilled to be part of the SBDA family and is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and lifelong learning through the art of dance.

Lyla Beck | student teacher

Miss Lyla is a second year teacher and has been dancing at SBDA for 10 seasons. She is going into her junior year of high school at San Marcos High School and her favorite subjects are math and sciences. At the studio Lyla loves taking contemporary classes and competing with SBDA’s competition team. She also love to choreograph and has created several pieces for the company show Configuration. She is a graduate of the Move With Purpose teacher training program where she trained and learned how to teach! Also under Move With Purpose, Lyla is the head chair of the inclusion coalition and is so excited to help spread love in her community and create the annual video project! Lyla is so excited to get to teach again this year in Santa Barbara Dance Art’s 29th season!

Michelle okeke |  instructor

Michelle Okeke is a passionate dancer and student born in Long Beach, California and raised in Grand Prairie, Texas. She is currently a third-year Biopsychology major at UC Santa Barbara, with plans to attend medical school and specialize in radiology.
Michelle began dancing at age eight alongside her twin sister, starting with hip hop and eventually training in jazz, ballet, contemporary, modern, and tumbling. She honed her skills at Garner Fine Arts Academy and Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy, where she took master classes, studied pedagogy, and choreographed for musicals.
She has attended dance conventions and competitions, earning a Judges’ Choice Award at the VIP Dance Competition for her contemporary/modern duet “Sunova.” Michelle has also directed two praise dance teams—P149 and Victory Dancers—and used dance to further her platform in a local Miss America pageant. She is excited to join Santa Barbara Dance Arts and share her love for dance with the next generation.

taylor alfama | instructor

Taylor is an alum of Santa Barbara Dance Arts and Axis Dance Company. Taylor has been dancing for 15+ years. She is currently student at SBCC and is excited to continue to share her passion for dance with her students. Dance has always been a big part of her life and she is so excited for this season!

Maria-Paz Villanueva is a dynamic dancer known for her vibrant energy and passion! 

She brings an infectious blend of rhythm, confidence, and fun to every class she leads.

Creating an environment that is welcoming, empowering, and accessible for all levels, her Saturday morning Beginner Reggaeton Hip Hop class is open to all levels and ages of dancers (ages 16+).

Whether you’re stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or looking to build confidence, Maria is committed to helping you move, sweat, and shine!

Mira Kulkarni | Instructor

Mira Kulkarni is a dance artist pursuing a B.F.A. in Dance and a B.A. in Economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her training spans ballet, contemporary, Horton, Graham, Taylor, Lewitsky, partnering, improvisation, and choreography, and she has performed in numerous student and faculty works throughout her time at UCSB. She also serves as the elected Class of 2028 Representative, advocating for students while contributing to the department's artistic community.

Mira earned her high school diploma in dance from Idyllwild Arts Academy, where she received pre-professional training in ballet and modern dance. She has continued to expand her artistic practice through programs with State Street Ballet, Carmel Dance Festival, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, BODYTRAFFIC, Nickerson-Rossi Dance, and Interlochen Arts Academy.

In addition to performing, Mira started teaching ballet at Santa Barbara Dance Arts in the Fall of 2026, where she is committed to fostering her students' technical development, musicality, artistry, and confidence. She approaches dance with a balance of disciplined technique and expressive storytelling, striving to create meaningful work that resonates with audiences. As she pursues a professional career in modern and contemporary dance, Mira hopes to combine her artistic background with her studies in economics to support the long-term sustainability of arts organizations and expand equitable opportunities for artists.

Dylan Dincelli | student teacher

Dylan Dincelli is a current Junior at Dos Pueblos High School, and she has been dancing at Santa Barbara Dance Arts for eight years now! She started with hiphop in 2018, then moved to include Jazz, Ballet, and eventually pre-pointe and contemporary in the following years. Dylan has been a part of both pre-company and company in the past and is also on the TDA Senior Competition team. Her favorite dance styles are contemporary and Jazz. While this is her first year as a teacher, Dylan has been an assistant for the past two years, as well as a recent graduate of the SBDA leadership academy program.

Gigi mcmanigal | Student teacher

Gigi McManigal is a sophomore at Santa Barbara High School. She has been dancing for many years and is a member of SBDA's Company and Competition Team. Gigi completed SBDA's Leadership Academy and assisted dance classes for two years. She loves working with kids and is beyond excited for the new dance season!

Abby Macarah |  INSTRUCTOR

Abby Macarah is so excited to be teaching her favorite dance style, jazz, at SBDA this year! She is currently in her fourth and final year at UCSB, receiving a BA in Dance and English with a minor in Art History. At UCSB she is also a part of the competitive dance team, Untitled! She has had the opportunity to do summer intensives at companies such as Joffrey Ballet and Broadway Dance Center and had the privilege of assisting amazing dance teachers, including Hannah Gallagher for the Guy Groove class workshops! She is hoping to bring everything she has learned from her experiences and mentors to SBDA! While her favorite style is jazz, she also loves some good contemporary and hip hop! Abby can’t wait to meet everyone, collaborate creatively with the students and of course do some good old jazz technique training this year!

ryan birch | INSTRUCTOR

Ryan Birch is entering her fourth year at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance while also earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. In addition, she will be a member of the UCSB Senior Dance company this year. She is passionate about sharing her love of dance with others and enjoys helping students build both confidence and strong technical foundations! Ryan’s favorite style is contemporary and she also loves jazz, though she appreciates exploring movement across a variety of genres. This is her first official year teaching at SBDA, and she is excited to inspire young dancers in a positive, supportive, and creative environment. She looks forward to helping each student grow as both a dancer and an individual while fostering a lifelong love of dance!

Faye zink | instructor

Originally from Evergreen, Colorado, Faye Zink began training at Kinetic Arts Dance Studio. She expanded her training through prestigious summer intensives with Sacramento Ballet, State Street Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, performing in works by Igal Perry and Mizuho Kappa. In 2024, Faye joined State Street Ballet’s Professional Track as a trainee and joined Novus Contemporary Ballet in 2026.

ava markovich | instructor

Originally from Los Angeles, Ava graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychological & Brain Sciences. She has been part of the SBDA community for two years and especially enjoys teaching and performing contemporary and jazz.

Ava began her dance training at a young age and later became captain of her nationally recognized competitive high school dance team. During that time, she helped lead her team to several national championships and earned multiple individual solo awards. While attending UCSB, she continued her dance education by participating in yearly dance concerts presented by the university’s Dance Department. Ava is passionate about helping students reach their fullest potential while creating a happy, healthy, and encouraging dance environment. Outside of the studio, Ava enjoys drinking coffee, spending time at the beach, and going on runs.

aubrey park | instructor

Currently a student at UCSB majoring in biology on the pre-med track, and a member of the dance team. Aubrey’s favorite styles are contemporary and jazz.