Faculty
Shelby Walls
Owner/Dance Instructor
Ms. Shelby was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA and started dance at the age of 3, spending majority of her time growing up in a dance studio environment. She danced competitively for 15 years and has been teaching and choreographing for 10+ years in styles such as jazz, ballet, lyrical, acro and jazz funk. Shelby is a graduate of California State University of Bakersfield with a degree in Business Management. She is passionate about getting creative with choreography and inspiring young artists. The time and dedication she puts into her studio and students is incomparable.
Pamela Sosa
Dance Instructor
Pamela Sosa is an Advanced Member and registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance, London. She began her ballet training with Heather Benes at Mojave Movement Arts Center. When she was 15 her family moved to Bakersfield where she began training with Patti Ashby at Ashby Academy of Dance. While there she completed her Advanced 2 exam. She also became a member of the Kern Classical Ballet Company. While with KCBC, she performed roles including the Ballerina in The Steadfast Tin Soldier, Tigerlily and the Caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland, and the Autumn Fairy in Cinderella. She also performed the lead Mirliton as a guest artist with Santa Barbara Festival Ballet. She taught in Bakersfield for 5 years at Ashby Academy of Dance and then at Turning Point Academy. In 2004, Pamela moved to Santa Clarita and began teaching at Santa Clarita Ballet Academy. She was there for 14 years working with all ages and coaching kids for their RAD exams. She also choreographed 5 full length ballet productions for the Santa Clarita Ballet Company. She choreographed Alice in Wonderland (2008, 2011, 2017), Snow White (2010, 2014), Peter Pan (2012, 2016), Far Far Away (2013), and Little Mermaid (2015). Pamela is also certified in Yoga and Pilates. She feels that they are both important cross training methods for ballet. Pamela enjoys sharing her love of ballet with her students and helping to bring out the best in them.
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Victor Mendez
Dance Instructor
Victor Mendez was born and raised in Bakersfield, Ca has been dancing for 19 years now. He established his passion at 12 years old. As a young boy he tried all sorts of sports and hobbies, but after watching the CATS musical he knew then, that’s where he wanted to be. Up on that stage. He first started his dance lessons at a local dance studio back in 2002. Where he was built the confidence and knowledge to know about all types of dancing methods. From tap to ballet, to gymnastics to lyrical. After a few years of dance competitions he knew he wanted to further his passion by joining one of the Top 10 dance studios in the US located in Orange County, Ca. Here he was thought even further technique and knowledge by some very experienced teachers. After gaining some great experience in the OC he was ready to take a step into the career of dance. At the age of 23 he was accepted for a scholarship program at Edge Performing Arts Center located in Hollywood, Ca. For 3 years he would undergo intense discipline in the world of dance to help him reach his full potential, and launch his future career. After dancing side by side, and gaining knowledge from some of the US best choreographers he is eager to teach the youth of today. He has been teaching for 5 years now. Has choreographed several numbers for competitions, and received 1st overall for multiple competitions. Victors’ dance style is categorized in Lyrical/Contemporary.
Shelby Howell
Dance Instructor
Shelby Howell is a senior at Ridgeview High School. She started her dance training at age 9 and began competition dance at age 12. She plans to continue her dance training and continue teaching at DanceNation while also pursuing her college education. Ms. Shelby is excited to inspire young dancers and spread her joy for the arts.
Eden Marquez
Teacher Assistant
Eden Marquez is a teacher assistant at DanceNation.
Romy Hernandez
Teacher Assistant
Romy Hernandez is a teacher assistant at DanceNation.
Paris Boyd
Teacher Assistant
Paris Boyd is a teacher assistant at DanceNation.
Luther Gray
Dance Instructor
Luther Gray is the founder of non profit organization DAT Krew Academy, a Performing Arts program for underprivileged and inner-city youth. He was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. His clients include: • A former Emergency Medical Rescue Specialist (EMR) • Musical Dance Theatre instructor for Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) • Rally Club Dance instructor for West High School • Yoga and Meditation instructor • Defensive Coach for Bakersfield Heat youth basketball traveling team • A former Activity Leader for Thorner Elementary School • Volunteer services for ShePower Leadership Academy, Cultural Elegance Studios, African American Network of Kern County and MLK CommUnity Intiative • Active Partner with ShePower Leadership Academy and MLK CommUnity Intiative • TYM4CHANGE Board Member Luther envision developing relationships worldwide to help our struggling youth break the cycle of being uninspired and build for a greater future through performing arts, athletics and academics. He is dedicated to fulfilling his mission by being a positive role model and a great example to our youth. DAT Krew Academy was created for the benefit of our youth having more options in a community that does not embrace their self expressive talents. Before devoting his work full-time to DAT Krew Academy, the former West High School Viking served our country as a United States Marine while attending CSU Monterey Bay in 2004 - 2008. Luther is the owner of the first Performing Arts Studio on the southeast side of Bakersfield, California. He is also co-founder of Project DCLXI, a street dance team whose mission is to provide a safe haven for freestyle dancers and youth. In addition to being a dance instructor, Luther provides medical transport to the elderly and impaired with partner Trinity Medical Transportation. Luther prides himself on his ability to motivate and inspire others through art and dance.
Lizzie Amacker
Dance Instructor
Ms. Lizzie has been dancing since she was three years old and starting competing when she was five years old. Lizzie studied genres of tap, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz and acro. She is currently attending Cal State University of Bakersfield to pursue a degree in Math Education. She looks forward to teaching kids and improving their technique skills!
Olimpia Frederick
Dance Instructor
Ms. Olimpia is a self-taught dancer and has been dancing for about 16 years. She was the head choreographer for the hip-hop dance team in high school for all 4 years. Olimpia has choreographed hip-hop performances for local Community events as well as private events such as birthday parties and weddings. Olimpia has competed in local and non-local dance competitions. Olimpia has taught hip-hop at multiple local dance studios, one including Eve-lyne's Dance Studio, who was the head ballet instructor at Bakersfield College. Dancing has always been her passion. She loves to teach it is a part of who she is!
Connie Walls
Office Manager
Ms. Connie has been married for 30+ years and has two grown children. She was a dance mom for 16 years and is now enjoying her role as "dance grandma." Connie is a graduate of California State University of Bakersfield with a degree in Accounting. She worked for the City of Bakersfield for 30 years, as an accounting supervisor, retiring in December of 2017. One of her goals after retiring was to help her daughter, Shelby, fulfill her dream of opening her own dance studio, DanceNation!
Ashley Meiners
Front Desk
Ashley Meiners grew up in Bakersfield, CA and has been dancing since the age of two. She danced competitively for 14 years with Ms. Shelby and has trained under award winning choreographers in styles such as ballet, jazz, and lyrical. During her dance career she booked several jobs including dancing during a Lakers Game half time show and acting in a Sizzler commercial. After graduating high school Ashley moved to San Diego where she met her husband, John. Now that she’s back in Bakersfield she’s excited to be apart of the DN family!