I began dancing at age 5 and haven’t stopped!  As a teenager I wanted to take as many classes as possible and assisted classes to help offset the cost.  I found that I loved teaching and have been sharing my love of dance with students for over 30 years.  Although I taught competition teams to National Titles, the small successes of my students in the classroom and seeing how dance helps them in life has always been the most rewarding part of teaching for me.  Dance has always helped me to navigate life and I want to give that gift to as many people as I can.   

I started taking ballet at age 5 and was hooked! It was in my teen years where I became more serious and was awarded scholarships to The Joffrey Ballet and Ballet Pacifica summer programs. My love of dance deepened and I began teaching at 16. As I continued to teach, I also worked towards my BA in dance at UCI. As I taught a variety of students, I saw that anyone could dance. My most joyful moments as a teacher are when students conquer a difficult move, having a shy student come alive with dance, witnessing an active child calm, focus, and sharpen their skill, and lastly, those who believe they can't dance, really dance!

Hey all you Movers n’ Shakers, my name is Miss Charme Morales. I’ve been blessed to be part of the dance world for 25+ years. I’ve had so many amazing experiences, teaching both competitively and recreationally to students of all ages and performing on Holland America Cruise line.  One of my most treasured experiences was bringing to life my favorite character, “Toodee” the cat dragon, on the Nick Jr TV and Live show called “Yo Gabba Gabba”. Dance has always allowed a creative freedom to be me, the love to keep my body healthy and active and chance to work with so many awesome people.  I can’t wait for you to be part of this creative world too!

Hi! My name is Sierra and I have been dancing since I was 3 years old! I have studied in all sorts of styles such as ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. I also was a part of my high school dance team and would choreograph dances and help with our fall and spring shows. Dance has always been a big part of my life, and being a Kinesiology major currently, I love being active where I can. When not dancing, I am either watching movies, spending time with my friends and family or playing with my dogs! I am excited to teach the students and watch them grow gracefully!

I've been dancing for 33 years! I danced competitively growing up and studied dance at CSULB. I started teaching when I was 17 and quickly realized it was the best career choice for me! I love being able to pass on the utter joy that dance brings me! When I'm not dancing I love to spend my time reading and playing with my dog.

Hello, I am Amairany Suri Rangel but everyone calls me Ami. I found my love for dance when I was 7 years old at the Fullerton Community Center. In high school I joined the dance program and I was a part of the Sunny Hills High School Dance Department for 3 and a half years. I joined Academy 8:31 to expand, nurture, and hone my love and knowledge of dance. All the staff, dancers, and families feel like home. I love dancing, teaching, and being able to represent the place that I call my second home, Academy 8:31.

Hi! My name is Ms. Halley and I have been dancing since I was 3! I was trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop and musical theater and danced competitively for 12 years. I began teaching at the age of 18 and started learning what it’s like to work at a studio. I found my calling behind the desk as an office manager, helping with shows, meeting families and more! I am so blessed that Academy 831 provides me the space do to everything I love and share it with the next generation!

Office Manager