Miss Vanessa has been dancing since the age of three and has never stopped—nor does she plan to anytime soon! Her dance journey spans ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, and pointe, along with high school dance team experiences in high kick, pom, and competitive dance. With such a diverse background, it was no surprise when, at just 12 years old, her dance teacher and studio owner recognized something special in her and encouraged her to start teaching. That moment ignited a lifelong passion for sharing dance with others.

Over the years, Miss Vanessa has taught a variety of styles, from Parent & Me classes to ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, and competitive dance. She has also led dance camps and workshops and is widely recognized for her ability to create out-of-this-world opportunities for her dancers. In 2009, she founded the Performance Teams at her home studio, giving dancers opportunities to not only compete but also perform in their community. What started as a group of 17 dancers quickly grew to over 35, as her leadership and vision brought dance to more children.

While shaping young dancers, Miss Vanessa also pursued her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work and becoming a licensed social worker specializing in short- and long-term care. She continued coaching high school dance teams in Minnesota before realizing her true calling was in studio dance. This passion led her to create Live & Love Dance Productions, a studio founded on the belief that a love for dance begins and grows through passion, community, and creativity.

Miss Vanessa’s journey has taken her across states, teaching in Minnesota, Wyoming, and California. She has built and expanded dance programs, including a role on a military base, and has worked with a prestigious Wyoming studio that opened new doors in her career. There, she devoted herself to both recreational and competitive programs, teaching five days a week. Upon relocating to California, she joined The Alley Project, refining and elevating her program to new heights.

A certified instructor in Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) and Acrobatic Arts, Miss Vanessa is committed to ongoing education to help her students achieve their goals. She believes in fostering a love of dance while developing close relationships with her students and their families, treating them as an extension of her own. She is known for her goofy personality (yes, she sometimes sings—badly, but it makes her students laugh!) and creates an environment where dancers feel comfortable, confident, and ready to grow. Her social work background enhances her ability to connect with students of all ages and abilities, ensuring every dancer feels heard, supported, and valued.

Known for her innovation and creativity, Miss Vanessa goes above and beyond to curate the perfect routine—from selecting the right music and props to designing stunning costumes. She takes pride in crafting unique and standout choreography that highlights each dancer’s individual strengths, ensuring they shine on stage with confidence and originality. Her ability to think outside the box allows her dancers to stand out, showcasing their unique talents in unforgettable performances. She is also highly regarded for creating groundbreaking opportunities that push dancers beyond their limits and open doors to new and exciting experiences in the dance world.

Miss Vanessa’s impact extends beyond technique and trophies. While she has won countless awards in her own dance career and has led her students to top placements, overall awards, judges' choice recognitions, and even studio excellence honors, her greatest joy comes from watching her dancers flourish. She believes success isn’t just about winning—it's about embracing the journey, working hard, believing in yourself, and stepping off the stage with confidence and pride. The tears she sheds at the end of performances? They're not just from joy but from the deep honor of being part of each dancer’s journey.

Outside of the studio, Miss Vanessa is a proud mom to her energetic and happy son, Emmett, who shares her love for dance. She’s a Disney fanatic (especially The Little Mermaid), loves all things pink, sparkly, and glittery, enjoys art projects, reading, chick flicks, and spending time with her dog and family.

With an unstoppable passion, a huge heart, and boundless energy, Miss Vanessa is more than a dance instructor—she's a mentor, a cheerleader, and a guiding light for every student who walks through her doors. Her strong connections with both her students and their families make her program feel like home, where every dancer is valued, supported, and encouraged to thrive.

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