With over 25 years of experience, Lisa Cooley Smelser has enjoyed a lifetime of dance. Beginning as a young dancer with Imperial Valley Dance Company, Lisa quickly discovered her talent and began competing in various dance competitions. In addition to competing, Lisa spent her summers developing her talent at the Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts and the Cecchetti Council of America’s summer program. She holds a certification from the Cecchetti Council, was a runner up for a scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet summer intensive, and performed during half-time at the Citrus Bowl. Lisa believes in the importance of continuing her own dance education and has participated in Master Classes with Alivin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Lynne Taylor Corbett, Greg Russel, Doug Caldwell and Al Gilbert.
Before joining our Ooh La La family, Lisa began her dance teaching career at IV Dance Company where she taught ballet, tap, jazz and song & dance for six years. She was an assistant dance instructor with the Southwest Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (SAVAPA) and has volunteered her time with elementary school students teaching the basics of dance. “Miss Lisa” as she is known to her students brings with her enthusiasm and dedication, not only to her craft but to her classes as well.
Megan started her dance education at the age of six with Imperial Valley Dance Company. A talented tap dancer and musical theatre aficionado, she continued to dance her way through high school and college. While at San Jose City College, Megan specialized in performance theatre under the tutelage of Dr. Donna Mendoza. She continued her dance experience at the Atlas School of Dance with Fran Atlas Lara, the Director of Dance for Santa Clara University. Her professional experience includes stage production and theatre management for North County Coalition of the Arts and character makeup for the American Musical Theatre of San Jose. Megan brings to Ooh La La a unique brand of creativity that is an asset to her students and sets her apart from her peers.
Darren is a recent graduate of Brawley High where he was a standout student and athlete. He is currently furthering his education at Imperial Valley College while continuing to master the art of dance. As a founding member of the dance crew, Mixt 2 one, he performs at local venues and events. As one of our newest staff members, Darren instructs the boys hip hop classes, assists in several creative movement classes, and in our opinion is just an all-around great guy. Goal oriented and enthusiastic about life, Darren shares the Ooh La La philosophy of developing confidence through dance. His energy and enthusiasm as well as his attention to his students makes Darren one of our most popular instructors.
Alyson Smith - coming soon
Madelyn York - coming soon
Amy Rebollar - coming soon
