Kate McDonald
(Owner and Artistic Director)
Kate McDonald is from the Pacific Northwest where she began her dance training at a young age with Anacortes Dance Center, currently Fidalgo DanceWorks, under the direction of Paula Clancey. She holds a B.F.A. in Modern Dance from Texas Christian University, where she was a recipient of the Fine Arts Guild Scholarship Award. She has danced professionally with Life, Rhythm, Move Project, CityDance2, Caroline Calouche & Co., Martha Connerton’s KineticWorks, Opera Carolina and has had the opportunity to perform around the U.S., Japan & Middle East. She has taught at numerous institutions including Gabriella Charter Schools (Los Angeles, CA), Dancewave (Brooklyn, NY), CityDance (Washington D.C.), the Charlotte Ballet (Charlotte, NC), BalletNOVA (Northern Virginia), Berrend Dance Center (Olney, MD), and was a full-time Dance Educator in a public high school. Also, Kate has managed various outreach programs and was the Center Manager of CityDance Center at Strathmore, a premier school & conservatory in Washington D.C. Kate looks forward to sharing her love of dance with the students and families of The Dance Academy at Costa Mesa!
Hollis Wagoner
(Studio Manager)
Hollis began her dance career at three years old, however, she did not start competing until the age of five. In high school, her love of dance led her to join the drill team, dance team, and cheerleading. In college, Hollis danced with a national championship dance team, winning first place at the Universal Dance Association College Nationals for three consecutive years. Hollis has danced for many years with The Walt Disney Company working on shows such as The Lion King Celebration, Light Magic, Fiesta Latina, Eureka at Disney’s California Adventure and many special events. She also had the opportunity to dance as part of a touring company Dancin’ Etc. and appeared on MadTv in various dance roles.
She began choreographing at the age of 16 and has taught dance for the Universal Dance Association in Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, New York, Connecticut, as well as varies parts of California. She continues to study dance and choreographs for various teams in Orange County, specializing in jazz and cheerleading.
Leslie Daniels
Leslie Daniels has been dancing for most of her life. She has competed in numerous dance competitions, attended several conventions and attended many auditions in my lifetime. Leslie studied dance at Cal State Fullerton with some of the best dance teachers in the industry. She has been teaching for over 5 years and she has a passion for choreography. She has choreographed many solos and team dances which have won many awards and top overalls against elite studios all over California. Many of her dancers have won top awards including “Miss Dance” at KAR Nationals competition and many have won scholarships and have been signed to major talent agencies. Leslie’s goal is to teach students to be confidant; technical, strong dancers so they are able to succeed in any path they take.
Justine Protopapa
Justine Protopapa specializes in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, and Musical Theatre. Justine was invited to join the Royal Ballet School in London at age nine. She was the recipient of full dance scholarships to study the art of dance with Joe Tremaine and Jackie Sleight. She has danced in multiple stage shows for West End of London theatre program including ‘Sont et Lumiere’ and ‘The Sound of Music’. Justine won Young Choreographer of the Year – European Dance Awards in 1996. She has had the privilege of teaching at several dance conventions and has consulted on correct teaching techniques for varied ability dancers. Many of her students have gone on to dance as Principal dancers for The Grand Rapids Ballet. She also has former dancers in many theatre shows in West End of London theatre program as well as students currently working as dance captains in Fame and Starlight Express in London. Justine has had articles published in Dance Studio Life Magazine and was the previous owner and director of Velocity Dance Studio in Oakhurst, CA. Justine’s sole passion is instructing and aiding in the growth as well as confidence of young dancers. She thrives in an environment where she gets to help aspiring dancers expand their dance knowledge. Justine’s main emphasis is always correct technique, execution, and artistry.
Kenny Gary
Mr. Kenny Gary is a true performer of dance, and has artfully perfected his craft throughout many years of learning, performing, and teaching. Throughout his young dance career, he won many prestigious titles and awards under the instruction of Suzie Shoop. Some of his favorite performances have been at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on the Millennium Stage and Riverside Dinner Theater in Stafford (“Chicago”, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Hello Dolly”). Mr. Kenny is excited for the opportunity to share his love for musical theater with the dancers at The Dance Academy!