Our Story
West Coast Dance Arts, founded in 2021 by Anelysse Keenan, was established with the vision of restoring the joy and opportunity of dance within the community.
Our mission is to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive environment where passion, creativity, and excellence intersect. We are dedicated to providing exceptional dance education that nurtures growth, artistry, and self-expression for dancers of all ages and experience levels.
At West Coast Dance Arts, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality instruction led by dedicated professionals. Through a thoughtfully designed curriculum, individualized mentorship, and a diverse range of dance disciplines, we aim to inspire students to reach their fullest potential both artistically and personally.
We believe that dance is a powerful medium for transformation—fostering confidence, discipline, and connection that extend beyond the studio. Our goal is to empower each dancer to embrace their unique talents, develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts, and contribute positively to the dance community.
Together, we strive toward a future where creativity knows no bounds and every dancer has the opportunity to shine.
Welcome to West Coast Dance Arts—where artistry, excellence, and passion come to life.
Studio D
Parent Area
Studio A
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Studio B
Studio C
Meet our Instructors
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Anelysse Keenan
Studio Executive Director, Apprentice Company Director
Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Combo, Company
Mrs. Anelysse has been dancing since she was very young. She has been teaching for over 16 years in Northern California throughout Sacramento, El Dorado, and Amador Counties. She is experienced in teaching Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and Musical Theater for ages 18 months to adult. Her passion for dance began in an afterschool traveling dance program that soon ignited her love for dancing and performing, living her best life training every day.
She has been an guest performer for Disney's Magic Music Days for multiple years and even had the amazing opportunity to be a cast member at Disneyland Anaheim in the Entertainment Costuming Department getting an up close experience with all of our favorite Disney characters and helping make the stage magic happen. Anelysse was also invited as a guest performer for the Volcano Theater Company and has had the opportunity to travel and perform in New York and Hawaii.
Anelysse takes pride in making everyone feel included, from the recreational dancer to the more experienced, and providing opportunities for every dancer, of every stage to enjoy.
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Lilly Gallego
Office Manager, Dance Instructor
Jazz, Lyrical
Miss Lilly is so excited for her first season at West Coast Dance Arts. She began dancing at age 3, but took a 7 year break after experiencing stage fright! At age 11, Miss Lilly began dancing at El Dorado Dance Academy where she trained with Miss Anelysse, Miss Johanna, and Miss Dana for three years.
As Miss Lilly started high school, she transitioned to Hawkins School of Performing Arts where she trained on the Contemporary Jazz Company. Lilly worked her way up and spent her last year of high school dancing on the Pre-Professional Contemporary/Jazz Company. During her last year she also began subbing for other teachers at the studio. The summer after she graduated high school she taught dance camps at Hawkins.
Miss Lilly studied Sociology with minors in Marketing and English at Fordham University in New York City. She will be using those skills as she helps Anelysse behind the front desk. Being in New York exposed her to some amazing dancers. She danced in a piece called Ozymandias which was featured in Harpar’s Bazaar Vietnam. Each summer when she was home from school, Miss Lilly would teach yoga and dance for kids. After graduating college, Lilly is ready to begin sharing her love for dance again.
Miss Lilly has been teaching at West Coast Dance Arts since 2026.
Dana Tescher
Showcase Artistic Director and Stage Manager,
Senior Company Director
Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz, Technique & Progressions, Company
Miss Dana has been a choreographer and teacher for over 14 years. Earning her black belt at the age of 11, Miss Dana chose to transition her passion for movement into dance and began studying. With training in Martial Arts, Gymnastics and Dance, she has been exploring movement almost her whole life. She became a feature dancer in the Production of “How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” She has also played roles in “Anything Goes” and “Les Miserables.” Pursing her dance degree at Folsom Lake College and American River College, she eventually focused on Composition and Production. She became the Mosaic Dance Company treasurer and Vice President during her tenure at Folsom Lake College from 2009-2012. During this time she organized 3 dance tours for her dance company that included performance opportunities and workshop opportunities with industry professionals.
Applying these teachings and skills for the past 14 years, Dana was able to take on the role of artistic director for teen and senior dance troupes with emphasis on touring performances and competitive dance. Earning an overall Best Choreography award in 2021 along with “Creative Concept” and various “Storyteller” awards from 2019-2023. Her competition troupes have placed in the top ten and earned highest technical placement awards.
Miss Dana believes that dance is for everyone and can help say the things we cannot say. She can’t wait to keep sharing her journey with others in hopes of inspiring them to be confident with who they are.
Miss Dana has been teaching at West Coast Dance Arts since 2023.
Johanna Crittenden
Assistant Showcase Artistic Director, Showcase Stage Manager,
Teen Company Director
Ballet, Technique & Progressions, Company
Miss Johanna has been teaching and inspiring young dancers for over 8 years. Starting at age 4 she trained in Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Tap, and Jazz. Johanna attended Sacramento Ballet Summer Intensives, was involved in her high school dance program, and in
the Folsom Lake College program giving her exposure to Modern and Contemporary dance and the stylistic vocabularies of dance pioneers such as Paul Taylor and Martha Graham.
Miss Johanna participated in several classical ballets such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Giselle and danced the title role Swanhilde in excerpts of Coppelia in her home studio. Johanna has extensive competitive experience as a soloist and in groups, winning awards at a variety of competitions including Starbound and Spotlight. Over the last 8 years Miss Johanna has helped to develop and lead a competition program, as well as set several pieces across a wide variety of ages.
Miss Johanna believes in instilling sound technique and dance fundamentals at all ages. Having studied Early Childhood Education and the overall development of youth, Miss Johanna strives to help her students
grow as dancers and as people. She looks forward to meeting each and every dancer at West Coast Dance Arts and helping them in expressing themselves and their love
of dance.
Miss Johanna has been teaching at West Coast Dance Arts since 2023.
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Sydnie Warner
Dance Instructor
Ballet
Miss Sydnie began dancing at the age of three and trained for 15 seasons at Woodland School of Dance, where she developed a strong foundation in ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, and modern. She continued her dance education as a member of Le Corphyeux at California State University, Fresno for two seasons, further refining her artistry and performance skills. Following college, she spent two years teaching at Dixon Dance, where she enjoyed helping young dancers grow in both technique and confidence
After stepping away from the studio to raise her four children, Sydnie is thrilled to return to teaching and share her lifelong passion for dance. While she enjoys many styles of dance, ballet and pointe have always held a special place in her heart. She believes dance is about so much more than learning steps—it teaches discipline, perseverance, creativity, confidence, and teamwork while providing an outlet for artistic expression.
Sydnie is passionate about creating a positive, encouraging classroom where every dancer feels supported and inspired to reach their personal best. She is excited to share the joy of performing and help each student build strong technique, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance.
Miss Sydnie has been teaching at West Coast Dance Arts since 2026.
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Emma Hall
Dance Instructor
Combo, Hip Hop, Technique and Progressions
Miss Emma began her journey at Foothills Dance and Performing Arts at just 3 years old, where she spent 13 wonderful years dancing, seven of those on the competition team. Here she trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip hop, acro, modern, contemporary, musical theatre, and the list goes on. During her time there, she also had the opportunity to teach for four years, which is where she first discovered how much she enjoy working with young dancers.
In 2020, due to COVID-related changes, she transitioned to Hawkins School of Performing Arts. Until 2022, she danced with both the Elite and the Pre-Professional Contemporary Company while still training in ballet and hip hop. She graduated from high school and Hawkins in 2022, and continued dancing in a contemporary class at Folsom Lake College. After taking a brief break to focus on her studies, She found her way back to the studio in 2025, excited to reconnect with her passion for dance and teaching!
Miss Emma has been teaching at West Coast Dance Arts since 2025.
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Kaia Moniger
Dance Instructor
Jazz, Lyrical
Born in Las Vegas, Miss Kaia has been dancing for 12 going on 13 years, since she was 5 years old. She has also been dancing competitively since she was 11, experiencing many different venues and dancing with new and exciting people.
Kaia‘s passion grew from watching Angelina Ballerina and from the inspiration of her Grammie.
Ever since she was a little mini, ballet has always been her biggest passion. She also loves styles such as lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and modern. She has attended numerous workshops and conventions throughout her dance career. Miss Kaia has also performed at Disneyland with West Coast Dance Arts in the summer of 2025, as well as the El Dorado County Fair, and Six Flags.
Miss Kaia aspires to continue dancing after she graduates high school in 2027. Her hope is to someday have a studio of her own. She is so excited to begin teaching, and has been a dreaming about this from a very young age. Dance is herbiggest passion, and she wants nothing more than to dance through the rest of her life!
Miss Kaia has been teaching at West Coast Dance Arts since 2026.
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Alexis Giammona
Dance Instructor
Jazz, Technique and Progressions
Miss Lexi’s dance journey began in middle school when she began performing in show choir before continuing on to my high school dance team. She has trained in a variety of styles including hip hop, jazz, ballet, and contemporary. Miss Lexi danced competitively for two years at Pamelot School of Dance and for three years on her college dance team.
Miss Lexi has competed in hip hop, jazz, and contemporary, with her trio earning the Epic Overall Award at Epic Competition in 2024. As a member and treasurer of her college dance team, she performed in four concert productions and several nonprofit community events.
Miss Lexi enjoys both performing and choreographing, and has had the opportunity to create choreography for herself and others. She has also expanded her training through various master classes; one with a former Radio City Rockette and some with the Alvin Ailey organization. Miss Lexi is so grateful for every opportunity to continue to learn and grow.
Miss Alexis has been teaching at West Coast Dance Arts since 2026.
Emma Ainsworth
Dance Instructor
Combo, Technique and Progressions
Miss Emma has been passionate about dance since the age of four. She has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Hip Hop, with Hip Hop and Contemporary being her favorite styles. Through years of dedication and hard work, Emma has developed a strong technical foundation while embracing the artistry and creativity that dance offers.
Emma is currently a junior at Oak Ridge High School, where she has proudly been a member of the Varsity Dance Team for the past three years. She also trained at local dance studios for over 10 years, gaining extensive performance experience and a love for both recreational and competitive dance.
Throughout her dance career, Emma has performed in numerous recitals, including the beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker, where she had the opportunity to perform the lead role of Clara. As a competitive dancer, she has traveled to many regional and national competitions, including Starbound and Spotlight, and has performed at prestigious events such as USA Dance Nationals and West Coast Elite.
Miss Emma believes that dance is about more than just technique—it's about building confidence, expressing yourself, and creating lasting friendships. She is excited to share her love of dance with every student, helping them grow as dancers while encouraging them to have fun, work hard, and reach their full potential.
Miss Emma has been teaching at West Coast Dance Arts since 2026.