Cynthia Berning
(Owner and Artistic Director)
Cynthia Berning is originally from Torrance, CA. She began her training with the Palos Verdes Ballet under the direction of Uta Graf-Apostol where she performed in many ballets and worked her way up to dancing principle rolls such as Sugar Plum Fairy and Firebird. From 2004-2006 she studied at The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater as a trainee where she had the opportunity to perform with the company. Cynthia graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2009 with a BFA in Dance-Performance, a BA in Sociology, and minor in Education. She received extensive training in ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz from renowned faculty such as David Allan, Jodie Gates, Molly Lynch, Donald McKayle, and performed in works by George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Molly Lynch, Caleb Mitchell, and others. Cynthia most recently moved from Houston, TX where she was a 4 year company member at MET dance (formerly known as the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company). With the Met, she has performed in works by Larry Keigwin, Peter Chu, Sidra Bell, Kate Skarpetowska, Caleb Mitchell, Kiki Lucas, and many more. Additionally, she has performed at the APAP conference, the Dance Gallery Festival, Bayou City Arts Festival, the Texas Contemporary Dance Festival, and St. Louis Dance Festival. Cynthia has over 12 years of teaching experience. She began teaching at the Palos Verdes Ballet Summer Intensives and realized her love for teaching in Houston. Cynthia was managing director for Attitude Dance Academy, has taught at many studios in Houston, and has worked with numerous national ranking dancers.
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.
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!