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!

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 Ruby and my favorite style of dance is lyrical and jazz. I started dancing at 3 years old and instantly fell in love. I have been a dancer for 17 years and did cheer and song in High School for 3 years. My other passions include painting and drawing. I am truly blessed to be at Academy 8:31 and am very grateful to make many connections here.

It has always been my dream to work with children. While I was in High school, I coached cheer for children ages 5 to 12 years old. In the past, I have been a Production Leader in my church, organizing and putting together children’s plays. Later on, I became a Children’s Ministry Leader where I was in charge of curriculum, activities and events. Once the pandemic came along, I made the decision to focus on my family and again, God had other plans. I became a part of Academy 8:31 in 2022 and it has been an absolute blessing and a joy to be involved with all of the families here!

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 8:31 provides me the space do to everything I love and share it with the next generation!

Hi!! I’m Cortnie! I’ve been dancing since I was four years old. I fell in love with ballet and have focused on ballet and pointe technique my whole career. I now enjoy teaching and passing on my passion for dance to others. I remember how exciting it was to get my first pair of pointe shoes… and that excitement just never wore off! I am just as happy about putting on pointe shoes now as I was at twelve years old. I hope you’ll fall in love with dance too. When I’m not at Academy 8:31, I’m probably hanging out with the high school ministry at my church, or cooking up a storm in my kitchen.