Focus Faculty


	Monie Adamson Founder/Director Tap Program Dept. Head Monie Adamson's diverse choreographic abilities have earned her three Emmy Nominations (2002, 2004, 2005) and five American Choreography Award Nominations, winning the Award in 2004 for "Outstanding Achievement in Television Variety Series" (MAD tv). She is also a recipient of a 2007 Choreography Media Honor for her choreographic work in the television industry. During the decade of the 1990.s she was Resident-Choreographer for Warner Bros. Television on such shows as Family Matters and Step-By-Step. Since 2000 Monie has held title as Resident-Choreographer for FOX's MAD tv. And most recently choreographed the music video “If I Didn’t Have You” starring Hannah Montana’s Mitchel Musso & Emily Osment. She has performed in Music Videos, at Disneyland, and was a Principal Dancer with the highly acclaimed dance company, Rhapsody in Taps, for eight-years. Monie has studied with such Tap-Masters as Gregory Hines, Arthur Duncan, Pat Rico, Sandman Simms, and Eddie Brown. Other training includes such teachers as Joe Tremaine, Doug Cauldwell, El Gabriel, Jere Curry, and Linda Sohl-Donnell. She holds a B. F. A. in Dance from the University of California, Irvine. She has been on the faculties of the University of California Irvine, United States International University, Cypress College, Chapman College and held a Professorship at California State University, Chico. She was an Adjunct Faculty Member at Orange Coast College for 20 years and, while Director of Orange Coast College's Danc'N E.T.C. (Educational Touring Company), Monie was named "Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year" and received a "2000 Dance in Action Award" for her work with Danc'N E.T.C. Monie is known for her vivacious teaching style and creative choreography. As a Choreographer as well as Director/Founder of FOCUS Dance Center for the Performing Arts (Irvine, CA), her contagious energy and fresh approach are well known. Monie has a great enthusiasm and immense passion for dance, and a huge desire to instill this in her students and dancers.

	Gretchen Pate-Allred Assistant Director Lyrical Program Dept. Head Gretchen Pate-Allred holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Brigham Young University, where she was a member of the seven-time National Championship dance team, The Cougarettes. She has been dancing since the age of four and began teaching at the age of fifteen. She has performed in halftimes for the NBA’s Utah Jazz and BYU’s football and basketball teams, danced on the television show, "Step By Step," and danced in a special event for Disney and Otis College. She has also performed in the opening and closing productions of the Miss Utah pageant, as well as choreographed for one of the contestants. Gretchen’s competition choreography and her dancers have earned national recognition for their performances, including multiple “Best in Choreography”, “Overall High Score” awards and other Entertainment, Technique and Performance awards at Hall of Fame, Bravo, Tremaine, Spotlight and Showstopper Competitions, to name a few. Her students have also earned the honored opportunity to dance in the Opening Number for Showstopper National Finals and her pieces can be seen in the Showstopper National Finals Videos in 2004, 2006 and 2007. Gretchen is a Tremaine and Urban Jamm Scholarship-Winner and has choreographed for several high school dance teams and companies in Utah. She is a mother to two beautiful sons, Hunter and Finn. She teaches jazz, lyrical, ballet, musical theater dance, and turns & technique, and is known for her energetic teaching style, her commitment to each individual student and their goals, and her passion for dance and thus desire to share it with all of her “children.”

	Hanne Pate Schmidt Jazz Program Dept. Head Hanne holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University, where she was also a member and choreographer of the four-time NDA national champion dance team, the Cougarettes. She has performed in BYU football and basketball games, NBA "Utah Jazz" half times, and the many venues of the Salt Lake Winter 2002 Olympics. Upon returning to California, Hanne danced on the streets of Disneyland and California Adventure in "A Christmas Fantasy" and "Block Party Bash". She has also worked professionally for the Crystal Cathedral's "Creation," Mattel's Barbie Doll Collector's Convention, and "The Rick Thomas Magic Show'. Hanne has choreographed several local musicals including “Urinetown,” "High School Musical," and "The Wiz" Currently, Hanne is dedicated to developing talent within the dancers at FOCUS and in doing so also hopes to develop her own talent.

	Linda Love-Simmons Ballet Program Dept. Head Choreography and direction have been seen in/on theme parks, television and stages across the country. She has created choreography for the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, Disney, Sesame Street Live, Paramount, Holland America Cruise lines Mattel and the fitness line Under Armor. Her favorite works being an award winning production of the musical “Swing” and the new musical “Bite”. In 2002 Linda created directed and choreographed 23 separate shows for the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Currently she is the resident choreographer for Mattel Doll collectors, the fitness line Under Armor, director for several shows at the Disneyland resort including the Youth Education Series and master teacher for Disney and the National Dance Association. She also holds a BFA in dance from Brigham Young University.

	Noelle Snavely Co-Assistant Ballet Program Dept. Head Noelle Snavely holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from University of California, Irvine. Dancing since the age of three, Noelle has been teaching and choreographing for the past eleven years. Her vast teaching styles include ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hiphop, modern and salsa. Her formal training includes notable dance masters Monie Adamson, David Allen, Donald McKayle, Loretta Livingston, Linda Sohl-Ellison, and Molly Lynch. Additionally, Noelle has studied with Soath Coast Reperatory and performed in the production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” She has also appeared on the television production “The Great Pretenders,” as well as being featured in Orange Coast Magazine and Dance Magazine. A diverse dancer, she has performed with Ballet Pacifica, Dance N’ ETC, Fiesta Latina and Orange Coast College Jazz Ensemble. Currently, Noelle guest performs with the Architectural Dance Company. Noelle has competed in the professional division of Palm Desert’s Dance Under the Stars with the renowned performance of “Blue Java.” Within the professional division of Palm Deserts Dance Under the Stars, Noelle was honored as a top solo dancer with the original choreography of “The Awakening.” “The Awakening” continues to be requested by large audiences. Noelle’s prestigious awards include Karen Shanley Scholarship, Anita Mann Grossman Memorial Scholarship, and Tremaine Dance Scholarship and OCC Dance Award.

	Terre Marriott Tiny Dancer & Stargazer Program Dept. Head Terre Marriott has been teaching dance for over 25 years. She received her certification to teach dance from Dance Masters of America, Inc. in 1983. As a member of the Executive Board of Directors for Dance Masters of Southern California, Terre formerly served as the 1st Vice President. Terre directed the Miss and Mr. Dance of Southern California Competition for three years. She is the Student Activities Director, Dance/Drill Advisor, and the head of the Jr. High Performing Arts Department at Bethany Christian Academy in Westminster. She has received commendation from the City of Westminster Mayor and City Council for being one of Westminster's finest and dedicated performing arts teachers. Terre danced with, and was the assistant director, for Orange Coast College's Educational Touring Company, Danc 'N E.T.C. under the direction of Monie Adamson. She also danced for choreographer Monie Adamson on the Warner Bros. Televison pilot entitled "New York Daze" She was the choreographer and teacher of the 1984 Jr. Star Search Dance Champions. Terre is the former owner of the Marriott Dance Center, which she directed for seven years. (1993 - 2000). Terre has performed and choreographed professionally for stage, television, and for videos. Many of her students have gone on to successful dance careers in musicals on Broadway, in major Ballet Companies, dance videos, film, television, and have become choreographers and instructors as well. Her motto to all of her students is "The sky is the limit!"

	Heather Holt-Smith Assistant Tiny Dancer & Stargazer Program Dept. Head Born and raised in Augusta, Georgia, Heather began her dance training at Augusta West Dance Studio at the age of three. She began competing at local and national levels at the age of nine and began teaching at the age of fifteen. She has studied tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern and musical theater. Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and a minor in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton. In 1997 she was asked to perform with Frank Hatchett at Broadway Dance Center in New York City. She has assisted and demonstrated for teachers such as Sonny Leo and Hank Crabtree on the Dance Makers, Inc. convention circuit. Twice she was invited as part of her studio to represent the state of Georgia at Dance Excellence, an International Festival for Young Dancers. Heather moved to California after high school to perform with The Young Americans National Music Outreach Tour. Last summer she was asked to assist for the Radio City Rockettes Summer intensive held in Long Beach and she can currently be seen dancing in Disney’s “Parade of Dreams” and “Electrical Parade”.

	Amanda Wanstreet Hip-Hop Program Dept. Head Amanda Wanstreet has earned a B.S in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton and is working on her Masters degree in Nursing. She has been dancing and performing for 20 years and been teaching since the age of 15. Amanda had the pleasure of dancing with Disneyland in the Parade shows in 2007. Amanda also performed in Sacramento in The Nutcracker in 1995,1996, as well as with Ballet Pacifica's The Nutcracker 1997,1998. Amanda performed under the direction of Tyson Garner with "Christmas Tree Lighting" in 2000. Amanda has had the opportunity to work with incredible choreographers such as: Monie Adamson, Jason Bitel, Doug Cauldwell, Linda Sohl-Donnell, Gentry Wilbanks, Laurie Johnson, Joelle Martinec, Marie De La Palme, Gillian Finley, Rhonda Kaufman,Tim Stevenson, and much much more. Amanda has won numerous awards for her choreography including " Overall High Score", "Best in Show", "Most breathtaking" to name a few from competitions such as Spotlight, LA Elite, Bravo and Showstoppers. Amanda has also won a scholarship at Orange Coast College for excellence in choreography.Amanda won the Leadership scholarship in 2003. She also was voted Tremain dancer of the year in 2002. Amanda was voted all-star dancer at USA Spirit leaders in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Amanda teaches Hip-hop, Lyrical,Jazz, Tap, and technique and turns. Amanda is known for having a big heart and reaching out to each child as an individual and making sure they reach their goals. Amanda is also known for having an energetic fun teaching style that keeps the class room filled with excitement. Amanda would like to say that she enjoys working at FOCUS and loves working for a studio with great moral values and truly enjoys working at a studio that has an incredible faculty and great aspirations to make sure each dancer becomes the best that they can be.

	Bobby Amamizu Bobby Amamizu, 18, is a graduate from the Orange County High School of the Arts and is attending UC Irvine. He began his training at the age of five under the direction of Monie Adamson. Bobby has won a number of competitions and awards including: Mr. Dance Masters of America, Tremaine Teen Male Dancer of the Year, the Commercial Dance Conservatory Director’s Award from Orange County High School of the Arts, 1st place in YAGP contemporary category in 2007, L.A. Dance Magic Excellence in Technique Award, the winner of Tomorrow’s Stars at the Center in OCPAC, 2nd place in YAGP contemporary category in 2008, and 3rd place in YAGP classical category in 2008. Along with these awards, he has had the opportunity to perform with Fiona Apple in the music video “Paper Bag”, on the Jerry Lewis Telethon choreographed by Jason Samuel Smith, the John Walsh Show, the United Television Broadcast, the Walt Disney music video “Your Library”, and on America’s Most Talented Kids. In addition to this Bobby has assisted Monie Adamson, Laurie Johnson, Rhonda Kaufman, Cory Finn, Tina D’Amato, and Joe Loera. He has guest performed with Cory Finn for Justin Giles Company Soul Escape Dance Company in Texas. This past year he was picked up by Courtney Miller to be one of the faculties for Elite Dance Conventions which he teaches ballet and tap. He was given an opportunity to perform in Orlando, Florida for Ben Vereen, Christina Applegate, Lisa Mordente, Chita Rivera, and Liza Minnelli. Recently he was invited by YAGP to perform at the International Ballet Festival of Miami as a soloist receiving the title “Youth International Young Medal Winner” and invited by Jodie Gates to perform at the Laguna Dance Festival. He feels honored to have had the opportunity to work with Monie Adamson, Jim Kolb, Cindy Peca, Fiona Apple, Jerry Lewis, Tom Hanks, Ryan Stiles, Jason Samuel Smith, Arthur Duncan, Skip Cunningham, Arlene Kennedy, Fayard Nicholas, Joe Tremaine, and Brian Friedman.

Pic to come...	Joelle Cosentino Joelle Cosentino is originally from NJ, where she received her training at the Performing Arts Academy and Broadway Dance Center, NYC. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in World Arts and Cultures, Joelle began to work in films, (American Pie, National Lampoon's, Dreamgirls) television (Jimmy Kimmel, Madtv, Grammy's), and in commercials (Right Guard, Grey Goose, FOX Sports) along side some of the world's hottest performers (Beyonce, Mick Jagger, Lenny Kravitz). This marks the conclusion of her first year on staff at FOCUS and she couldn't be happier!

	Dawn Costello Dawn, who is originally from New Jersey, began teaching all forms of dance, ages 3 through adult, at the age of 17. She has studied extensively at the Broadway Dance Center, and at Steps, in New York City. Significant instruction included Henry LeTang, Frank Hatchett, Germaine Salsberg, and Michele Assaf. Dawn began her professional career in the New York area, before engagements with a number of major cruise lines, including Holland America, and Royal Viking. In 1986, Dawn returned to solid ground, with productions in San Juan, Puerto Rico, before eventually relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. Dawn continued her life’s work there, with performances in FOLLIES BERGERE, ABRACADABRA, SIEGFRIED & ROY, ENTER THE NIGHT, JUBILEE, AND LASTING IMPRESSIONS.

	Kameryn Denarro Kameryn Denaro holds a Master of Science in Statistics from San Diego State University, where she also worked as a dance teacher and group fitness instructor at the ARC for the past two years. At the age of 3, Kameryn started dancing. She trained and performed in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip hop, and funk with BBC Dance Company, Touch of Class Dance Boutique, and San Diego Dance Centre. In addition, Kameryn performed with the Rocket Swing Dancers in Lindy Hop for 6 years; where she was able to do live performances and music videos for the band, “Speak Easy Spies”. At the age 17 she began teaching at Studio D Productions, BBC Dance, and the Aztec Recreation Center. New to Irvine, Kameryn is excited to join the Focus family and share their passion for dance.

	Gillian Finley Gillian Finley comes to Focus Dance Center with over 18 years of teaching experience. Ms. Finley danced professionally with Ballet Pacifica, Nevada Dance Theatre and Eugene Ballet. She obtained a B.A. in Dance from UCI and an M.A. in Arts Management from American University. From 1995 through 2005, she served as the Director of Ballet Pacifica’s elite ballet Conservatory program. Ms. Finley is delighted to join Focus Center’s prestigious faculty and is excited to co-direct Focus Dance Center’s new Ballet Conservatory coming this fall!

	Quincy Jacinto Quincy Jacinto was born in Manila, Philippines, and began his training at the age of 8 under the tutelage of his father, noted teacher and choreographer Eli Jacinto, with the Theatrical Ensemble and Artistic Movement. On Quincy, the elder Jacinto choreographed roles that gained acclaim from the local dance audience, including Puga (Struggle) and the lead fisherman in Philippine Ballet Theatre's Magdaragat (Seafarer). He was then accepted to the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, under a dance and academic scholarship in 1992. From 1990, he would dance as a guest artist with the Philippine Ballet Theatre, always performing principal roles, and was engaged as principal in 1999. He toured nationally and internationally with the company performing leading roles, such as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Basilio in Don Quixote, Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly and Hilarion in Giselle. In November 2000, Quincy Joined Ballet Pacifica. He portrayed an inspired Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, with characterization and performance much raved about by critics despite his height. Quincy was a runner up to the 2003 Best Male Dancer Award, presented by the Beverly Hills Outlook, A Biweekly Review of the Arts and Culture in Southern California.

Pic to come...	Steven Inskeep Born in Germany and raised in Colorado Springs, Steven began at the Mavis Pakenham School of Dance. He went on to study at the San Francisco School of Ballet, the Ballet West School in Aspen, the Washington Ballet School and completed my training at the University of Utah. Steven has been part of many companies such as: Ballet Pacifica, Ballet West II/ Utah Ballet, Ballet Austin, Indianapolis Ballet Theatre, El Paso Ballet and the Delta Ballet. Highlights of Steven's career include: The Bluebird (Sleeping Beauty), Cavalier (Nutcracker), Allegro Brilliante, Valse Fantasy, Concerto Baroquo and Romeo (Romeo and Juliet). He currently teaches in Irvine and surrounding areas and designs costumes, headpieces, and scenery for ballet companies nationwide.

	Christine Nunez Born in Southern California, Christine began her formal classical ballet training in Auburn, California under the direction of Sheila Humphreys (Ballet Mistress for the Royal Ballet & Joffrey Ballet). She danced with the Sacramento Ballet from 1994 -1996 in three seasons of the Nutcracker. In 1995 & 1996 she attended the summer intensive programs of Ballet Magnificat! in Jackson, Mississippi, under the direction of Kathy Thibideaux (silver medalist at the 2nd USA International Ballet Competition). In 2002 she continued her dance training at Orange Coast College under the mentorship of Amelie Hunter, Associate Professor of Dance & free-lance choreographer. She has been invited to perform in several Faculty and Student contemporary ballets, including Gloria in 2007 & Espiral in 2006. In the spring of 2007 she completed an internship as a teaching assistant for Ms. Hunter and received her Associates degree. She began teaching for Focus Dance Center in August of 2007. In 2008 Miss Nunez was invited to join Marie de la Palme’s (award winning choreographer & director of Motion Tribe) Irvine Valley College Performing Ensemble, where she will perform in May.

	Deana Occhipinti Deana Occhipinti has been a dancer for over 22 years and her passion for dance has led her to both perform and teach for the last 10 years. Deana holds a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from California State University Fullerton (cum laude 2000), where she toured regionally with both The Kaliedoscope Players and The Preeminants' One Hundred Years of Broadway tours. Deana has performed in many reviews, industrials, musicals, dinner theatres and theme parks throughout the Southland. Leading roles in Annie, West Side Story, The Pajama Game, Steppin Out and Cabaret, have earned her many rave reviews. "Her energy and charisma are a standout"-OC Register. Deana’s competition choreography and dancers have earned national recognition for their energetic and entertaining performances. Achievements include "Top Choreographer 2006" (Starpower), "Broadway Diva Award" (Hall of Fame), "Fun, Fun, Fun Award" (Dance Rave) and various Entertainment Awards, Technique Awards, Costume Awards, Overall High Score Awards and Platinum Achievements. Deana’s teaching credits include Crystal Cathedral’s Rancho Capistrano Academy (Performing Arts Director), Cal State Fullerton, Costa Mesa High School, Golden State Ballet, and DNA The Dance Lab (Owner/Director). Deana loves teaching dancers of all ages, ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical. Deana and her husband are the proud parents of Sophia Bella, 1 year old.

	Britney Scoffield Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Britney began her dance training at the age of three and began teaching at the age of 17. She has studied jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, and hip-hop. Britney has danced with Ballet West, where she performed in The Nutcracker. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Brigham Young University, where she was also a member and choreographer of the four-time NDA national champion dance team, the Cougarettes. She was a member of the Cougarettes for three years, and received a scholarship each of those years. She has performed in BYU football and basketball games, and NBA "Utah Jazz" half times. Britney also coached the Timpanogos High School Drill Team for three years. Britney has a wonderful husband and a 2-year-old son.

	Chalatorn Ujamras Chalatorn Ujamras has been dancing for over 10 years. She attended the Orange County High School of the Arts and has trained with the West Coast School of the Arts and the Dance Company of San Francisco. Chalatorn has traveled throughout the United States as an assistant to Tina D’ Amato assisting with dance instruction and choreography and with the LA Dance Magic Conventions. Chalatorn has won numerous awards and scholarships at various dance competitions.