Jessica Warwick: Owner
Jessica grew up dancing the majority of her life; receiving ballet, jazz, and tap training at Kane Dance Academy from 8 -17 years old...and diving into years of Lyrical and Contemporary training from 18 years and on. In high school, she performed and competed with Centennial High School's dance team (Song squad) and trained several hours a week under the amazing talent of some of the best choreographers, including many from the well-known NCA DANCE. In addition to dancing at varsity football and basketball games and halftime shows, attending dance camps, and training hours worth of classes, Jessica placed in several competitions and won countless awards both with her team and including many for her individual work. She traveled all over to compete with her dance squad, including National Competitions spanning from Anaheim to Texas for NCA. Jessica was also very active with Musical Theater and was selected to play leading roles on stage in Musicals, including playing the Tap-Dancing & Singing lead actress of "Bonnie" in their rendition of the Tony Award Winning Musical "Anything Goes". She also traveled and sang competitively with Centennial High School's Madrigal Choir, which allowed her to travel across the country to our Nation's Capital of Washington D.C. to perform. Whether dancing at Disneyland, competing with her dance team, acting on stage, or singing at the White House....performing is where Jessica has always felt her heart belonged.
Immediately after high school, Jessica went to The University of California, Riverside - where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science with a concentrated Minor in Law. During her four years there, Jessica continued to dance with UCR's revered dance department with strong lyrical and modern dance training under the direction of renowned director Wendy Rogers, and invited to be a part of their performance team. After getting her Bachelor's Degree, she moved on to get her teaching credential followed by a Master's Degree in Elementary Education. Teaching elementary school since she was 23 years old, for years she volunteered after school to teach students at her school how to dance, who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn the art.
Growing up in a family of successful business owners, Jessica had the vision and experience to open her own dance studio to provide children with an opportunity to explore the wonderful world of performing arts. When she and her husband Josh saw the need of a quality dance studio to cater to the areas of Temescal Valley and Corona, they jumped at the opportunity to fulfill this dream. With her highly qualified education and experience with children, mixed with her training and passion for dance & blended with her strong family business ethic, she created an atmosphere that resembles a motto she likes to live by: Live...Laugh...Love....DANCE! "I feel beyond blessed and I'm incredibly thrilled to have this opportunity to combine my strengths, education, and passion for dance to help guide Brooklyn Dance Academy to the top!" Without further ado, let us introduce you to our amazing, professional, and award winning dance instructors:
Miss Felicity
Competition Coach
Musical Theater Director
Also Specializing in
Contemporary
Lyrical
Tap
Jazz
Piano
Voice
Felicity has always had a strong background with the performing arts since the age of 4; growing up with professional training in not only dancing, but singing and acting as well! As a dedicated dancer, she began her intense training at De-An's Jump Dance & Performing Arts Center. She trained and competed here in the styles of ballet, pointe, lyrical/contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, tumbling, tap, and musical theater for 10 years. This studio was well known for their big theatrical productions performed at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium and Felicity was gratefully chosen to play various leading roles; such as Gerta from "Snow Queen", the White Rabbit from "Alice in Wonderland" and Little Red Riding Hood from "Into the Woods". She was also a part of the studio's competition team known as the "Jump Dance Talent Troupe", competing as a singing soloist and teammate of several 1st place winning group routines.
At the age of 8, she began her journey as a triple threat performer traveling out to LA for multitudes of auditions in commercials, television series, and Disney animations. She signed with Abrams and DDO Artists Agencies and continues to dedicate her time and efforts outside of school towards building her own brand and name. Felicity was also lucky to be a part of the 'Just Dance 2: Kids' video game, featured in a Disney Parks Family commercial, and the 2009 winner of the OC Idol Singing competition.
During her time at Santiago High School, she joined the competitive Varsity Dance Team for four years and became the Co-Captain of the team her Junior and Senior years. The SHS Dance Team participated in USA dance camps, performed during half-time football and basketball shows, and entertained at themed School Pep Rallies. They've also competed at several prestigious competitions: such as WCE, CADTD State, and USA Nationals. During her time on team, Felicity became a 5x CADTD State Champion in various group numbers and a USA National Champion in the Extra-Small Elite dance category. Her senior year, she received special recognition by one of the USA Dance Instructors and was offered the opportunity to tour London and become a part of the USA Instructional Dance Staff.
Currently, Felicity is on her fifth year of coaching several teams and solo dancers on our Double Platinum Competition Team. She continues to lead our team to Double Platinum and Top Ten awards at every event! Most recently bringing our studio home the highly coveted Crystal award from Showstoppers National Competition four times in 2022. In her little down time she has, she finds time to continue her dance training at places that challenge her abilities and creativity, such as the renowned Millennium Dance Complex in LA and OC. Also during her free time, she likes to run her YouTube Channel where she publishes her own singing covers, dance choreography or performances, and lifestyle vlogs. Felicity is constantly thankful for the opportunities that she's been blessed with; being able to share her dance passion with the kids and teach at the wonderful Brooklyn Dance Academy. Leading our Musical Theater program really shows our dancers that she can and SING and is a true triple threat! Her focus is on building the dancers' individual style, strength, and technique. She hopes to inspire young eager minds, cultivates their passions as a performer, and remind them to just "Live, Laugh, and Love Dance"!
Mr. Johnny
Specializing in Tumbling, Tricks, Advanced Hip Hop and Breakdance techniques
Mr. Johnny Dunn has been with Brooklyn Dance Academy since the beginning in 2015. Under his direction, our dancers build confidence and skills to build on their tumbling tricks that help them in dance genres across the board.
Johnny grew up in the bay area and always loved to dance. Inspired by Michael Jackson, Johnny taught himself to dance while dancing in front of his mirror for hours on end. After graduating college, studying Computer Graphics and Web design, Johnny knew he needed to pursue his passion. In 2001, he moved to Los Angeles to make his dream come true. He worked hard and made his vision a reality. With a skilled background in tumbling and Hip Hop, Mr. Johnny continues to bring energy and support to all of his dancers here at B.D.A.
Johnny's latest work, includes choreographing for Bruno Mars for his series of concerts in Las Vegas in 2018. You can also soon catch him on a new upcoming show on the BET Network that follows choreographers and dancers all over the United States. Not to stop there, Johnny has also taught for the renowned Miss. Debbie Allen and taught dance workshops along side tap dance and choreographer Jason Samuels Smith. In 2005, Johnny toured with M.C. Hammer as a lead backup dancer and performed on the MTV Music awards. He has also choreographed a music video for Universal Records recording artist "Cash" as well as working with the legendary disco artist Cheryl Lynn.
Today Mr. Johnny continues to be a leading B.D.A. Hip Hop and Tumbling Instructors - with classes offered for just teens, just boys. break dancing, pop-n-locking, and tumbling. Mr. Johnny is very blessed to have accomplished what he has in his life, and can never forget that the gifts and talents that come from his Lord Jesus Christ. He will inspire our dancers to never give up on their dreams and to follow their hearts and passion for dance.
Miss Ashley
Competition Coach
Specializing in
Jazz & Lyrical
Miss Ashley grew up her whole life dancing. By age 10, she was competing in competitions and went on to collect countless awards. Through high school, Ashley performed and competed with Temescal Valley High School varsity dance team all four years and collect several more first place wins.
Ashley loves children and loves dance. She has enjoyed merging her two loves with the students of Brooklyn Dance Academy for the last five years, specifically working with some of our competition team dancers for the last three. Ashley is the full package of talent and patience for all ages of Brooklyn dance Academy's dancers! She has brought us many Double Platinum awards and First Place Overall accolades for her talent that comes alive through our dancers.
Ashley is currently working towards one day becoming an elementary school teacher. "I love bringing my skills, technique, and love of children into my classes at Brooklyn Dance Academy. I am grateful to be a part of such a caring dance family".
Miss Kari
Competition Coach
Star Babies and Combo
Co-Director
Also
Specializing in Tap
Miss Kari started dancing at the age of 3 and her passion for the performing arts has only grown stronger over the years. She has a technical background in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, and hip hop—with tap being her favorite and most specialized style!
At the age of 13, Kari pursued dancing competitively, earning multiple high scoring awards. During her high school years, she branched out and became heavily involved in the hip hop community, competing and excelling with Nu Era Dance Team. She also danced on the Kennedy Dance Team and continued her training at reputable dance studios such as BoogieZone Utopia and IDA Hollywood.
Kari discovered her love for teaching at the age of 18 and has been teaching ever since! Parents and students adore her and her way to connect with her students on a great level. Miss Kari specializes in teaching all age groups and loves creating a warm and welcoming environment for all of her students. Her natural ability to connect with the tiniest of dancers is nothing short of a Disney Princess. (We sometimes wonder if she maybe lives in the Castle when not at Brooklyn Dance Academy). She focuses on providing a structured learning environment as well as inspiring her students to achieve their goals....and all of her students do!
Miss Kari is currently on her fourth year of teaching at Brooklyn Dance Academy and continues to foster her dance education at Millennium Dance Complex when she finds time in her busy schedule of work and school. Miss Kari loves sharing her dance knowledge, education and talents to the dancers of our Brooklyn Dance Academy Family.
Mr. Richard
Competition Coach
Advanced Hip Hop
Richard Clark has danced for as long as he can remember. Growing up in a musically inclined family and being surrounded by Hip Hop 24/7, Richard developed a strong passion for dance early on. At the age of 12, Richard began training at local dance studios and workshops in Southern California. Around this time he was also able to have a few TV appearances in Dreamwork's DreamGirls and CBS' CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; but it was dance that continued to call his name.
Richard found much happiness in all styles associated with hip hop which led him to join the Varsity Hip Hop Team at Santiago high School. The team was always a hit at half-time shows, rallies, and competitions. Today, Richard is currently the alumnus Head Coach for that same hip hop team and his love for the organization has grown tremendously.
Richard is a graduate from the University of California, Riverside (2018) and holds a BA in Dance Studies and Choreography with his concentration in the style of Hip Hop and West African Dance. Richard had some of his best times during his undergrad at UCR and will hold the knowledge that he learned in a special place. He continues to train his High School Hip Hop Team and likes to hone his skills at the well-known dance venues Playground LA and Millennium Dance Complex OC and in A when he gets the chance.
Richard is incredibly talented and very passionate about the art of hip hop. He is proud to be a member of the BDA family for the last two years and can't wait to bust a move with whoever comes his way. Trust me - if you try his class, you will LOVE the experience and dance education you will receive.
Miss Sarah
ACRO Director
&
Ballet & Jazz Instructor
Sarah Christensen has been performing for as long as she can remember. Since she was little, her and her two older sisters participated in many activities such as dance, musical theater, choir, and other performing arts and sports. Sarah first discovered her love for dance, not in a dance class, but alone in her room, living room, and at the school playground. Sarah would find different ways to practice dance until she finally attended her first studio when she was 11 years old. In the studio, Sarah studied ballet and tap at Kane Dance Academy.
When Sarah was 13 she had the exciting opportunity to attend an arts school where she trained in circus arts, dance, and many other artistic subjects. This opened an entirely new world for Sarah where she was able to explore the art of Cirque Du Soleil and its many fascinating attributions. During this time, Sarah continued to participate in musicals and take on lead roles such as Mary Lennox in Secret Garden and Minnie Fay in Hello Dolly, as well as dancing roles in other productions.
Sarah was the captain of her high school dance team her senior year and started her first job teaching gymnastics when she was just 16 years old and has been teaching dance and acrobatics ever since. Sarah's talents also has working as a Princess Impersonator on the weekends, where her frequent roles include Cinderella, Anna, and Alice. Sarah’s favorite styles of dance include contemporary and acrobatics, but she is well rounded at teaching across most genres. Sarah’s favorite aspect of teaching is getting to know each student individually and helping them enrich their talents.
Sarah is currently a student at California Baptist University pursuing her degree in English, with aspirations to one day teach English abroad in countries like Japan, South Korea, and many more. Sarah is delighted to be sharing her love and knowledge of dance with the dancers and staff at Brooklyn Dance Academy for over a year now and looks forward to many more years to come.
Miss Bonnie
Specializing in
Advanced Ballet
Pointe
Starting her Ballet training at age four, Bonnie attended the Academie De Ballet in Chesapeake, Virginia. She performed in various plays including Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol with The Patchwork Players Children’s Theater in Virginia Beach. At age twelve, Bonnie moved to California where she continued her training in dance, voice, and acting.
In 2007, as a senior in high school, Bonnie competed in AG Fine Arts Festival in California, and then moved on to compete in AG Fine Arts Festival Nationals in Indiana, receiving a superior ranking for female vocal solo and human video solo.
After graduating high school, Bonnie ran a ballet studio through her church where girls ages 4-12 attended classes. After attending California Ballet’s Advanced Summer Workshop in 2009, Bonnie began training with the California Ballet School. She worked as a Teacher’s Assistant for the former Prima Ballerina Denise Dabrowski, Faculty Principal Maxine Mahon, and Program Director Clarissa Palhegyi in levels I through IV to further her knowledge of teaching dance. As a teacher at California Ballet Company, Bonnie taught Tiny Tots, levels A through D, Ballet I and II, and Adult Ballet. She has worked and volunteered for studios and churches in San Diego, Orange County, Riverside, and Los Angeles.
Her Performance repertoire among other various productions includes The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and The Nutcracker.
Certificated through the American Ballet Theater as an instructor, Bonnie has been studying ballet for over 25 years and teaching for nearly 15 years. Although has experience teaching ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, lyrical, tap, conditioning, and musical theatre - her true passion and expertise has her our head Ballet Instructor at Brooklyn Dance Academy.
Miss Kasey
Want to join our team of Instructors?
Send Resumes to Jessica@dancebda.com
Provide your resume, dance bio, headshot, and any videos of yourself dancing! Thanks :-)
Live... Laugh... Love... DANCE!!