Our Mission

Connie Walls is the friendly face that helps keep DanceNation running smoothly. She earned her Accounting degree from California State University, Bakersfield, and spent 30 years working as an accountant for the City of Bakersfield before retiring.

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As a longtime dance mom and now a proud dance grandma, Connie has spent many years supporting dancers and their families. After retirement, she joined DanceNation to help make her daughter Shelby’s dream of opening a dance studio become a reality.

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When she’s not at the studio, Connie enjoys traveling in her RV, bowling, and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Ms. Lizzie has been dancing since she was 3 years old and has loved performing from an early age. Now in her sixth year of teaching, she shares her passion through Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip Hop.
 

She enjoys creating a positive classroom where dancers build confidence, improve their skills, and have fun while learning. Outside the studio, Lizzie is a licensed cosmetologist and enjoys spending time with her husband and family.

Ashley Reynolds began dancing at the age of 2 and competed for 15 years, training alongside DanceNation owner Ms. Shelby. Throughout her dance career, she studied Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary with award-winning instructors and performed in national commercials and a Los Angeles Lakers halftime show.
 

Now entering her sixith season at DanceNation, Ashley loves helping dancers build strong technique, confidence, and a lifelong love for dance. Outside the studio, she enjoys spending time with her husband, John, and their two sons, Jett and Jack.

Kellie Grantham began dancing at age 10, training in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, and Cheer. She later taught dance while attending beauty school and performed with her studio’s Show Team at halftime shows and community events.
 

Since joining DanceNation in 2022, Kellie has loved creating a fun, encouraging classroom where young dancers can learn, grow, and build confidence. Her favorite part of teaching is celebrating each student’s progress and excitement along the way.

Mistie Maldonado has more than 20 years of experience in dance, cheer, coaching, and instruction. During her competitive career, she earned multiple All-American Cheerleader honors and performed at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. She also cheered professionally for the Bakersfield Blitz and Bakersfield Jam, danced as a backup performer for Pitbull, appeared in an LA Clippers halftime show, and competed on the television series Your Chance To Dance.

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Today, Mistie loves helping students build confidence, master new skills, and reach their full potential through dance.

Kaylee has been dancing since the age of 2 and developed a lifelong passion for Tap. She trained under Broadway performer Lenore Smith, where she built a strong foundation in classical tap that she continues to share with her students today.
 

She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Bakersfield. As both a public school teacher and dance instructor, Kaylee is passionate about helping every student learn, grow, and enjoy the art of dance.

Aeralyn Rivera has been dancing for more than 16 years and brings both teaching and choreography experience to DanceNation. She enjoys creating a positive learning environment where dancers feel supported while developing strong technique and confidence.
 

She also teaches DanceNation’s Show Team and Pom classes, sharing her passion for collegiate-style performance with the next generation of dancers. Aeralyn has earned multiple dance awards, scholarships, and recognition from the Kern Dance Alliance.

Brandy brings more than 30 years of teaching experience to DanceNation. Since 1992, she has trained dancers of all ages in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Ballet, and Gymnastics while earning numerous choreography awards throughout her career.

Many of her former students have gone on to perform professionally with artists such as Britney Spears and Panic! At the Disco, as well as in Disney parades, commercials, films, and live productions. Brandy is passionate about helping every dancer reach their full potential through positive encouragement, strong technique, and a love for performing.

Addison Reighard is a dedicated and accomplished dancer, instructor, and aspiring dance professional with over a decade of training in Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre. A competition dancer and teacher at DanceNation, she is passionate about inspiring young dancers through positive leadership, creativity, and technical excellence. Addison has earned prestigious performance opportunities with Velocity Dance Convention, including performing in the Season Finale alongside Grammy-nominated artist Khalid, and continues to grow as both a performer and mentor while pursuing her education and leadership roles in varsity cheer.

Bella Martinez began dancing at the age of five and has trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, and contemporary. Over the years, she has served as a teacher’s assistant for multiple classes and instructors, where she discovered her passion for mentoring young dancers. Her dedication and talent have also led to exciting dance opportunities outside of the studio.

Bella loves teaching because it allows her to grow as both a dancer and a leader while helping the next generation discover the same love and passion for dance that has inspired her throughout her journey. She is excited to encourage her students to build confidence, work hard, and have fun in the classroom every week.

Elly Facio began dancing at age five and has been a dedicated member of DanceNation’s competitive team for the past five years. Through assisting in several classes, she discovered her passion for teaching and mentoring young dancers. Elly loves helping her students build confidence, develop a love for dance, and feel proud of their accomplishments.

Outside of dance, Elly is currently attending Bakersfield College to complete her prerequisite courses, with plans to pursue a sonography program and continue working toward a future career in women’s health.