Meet Our Teachers

As a dance educator of 45 years former studio owner of a thriving 400+ student dance studio in San Diego, Ali is an award-winning director, choreographer, and creative visionary, passionate about the transformative power of movement. She trained in Hollywood, studying at industry-leading professional dance studios under legendary teachers and working professionals. After performing professionally, she discovered her true passion was behind the scenes—teaching, choreographing, directing, and bringing creative visions to life.As co-founder of Uptown Dance Collective, She is committed to providing technically strong, high-quality dance education in a positive and supportive environment. Her mission is to create meaningful experiences that inspire people to move, connect, grow, and celebrate life.

With 30 years of dance experience. Casey is a professionally trained dancer, choreographer and instructor with a BA in Dance Performance & Choreography from San Francisco State University. Her training includes contemporary/modern, jazz, ballet, aerial, african, & samba. She has performed and choreographed professionally and has been teaching dance for about 10 years. At The Uptown Dance Collective, she brings her extensive technical and performance background to the floor, while encouraging individually, musiciality, artistry and strong expression.

Dali has been dancing salsa and Argentine Tango for over 25 years,  and has been teaching salsa for 16 years, specializing in both lead and follow. For Dali, dance is about so much more than steps.It's about connection, confidence, and the joy of sharing music with others. Students who take Dali's classes discover not only how to dance Salsa, but they also discover new friendships, community, and a welcoming safe place to grow. 

Dali believes everyone can learn to dance, build their confidence and discover their own unique expression on the dance floor.

When she's not teaching Salsa at The Uptown Dance Collective, you can find Dali at her shop, The Lift Coffee House, making your favorite cup of coffee and building community there, too.

Ericka is the creator of Power & Poise and the developing Force Wielder’s Academy, drawing on a lifetime of movement, performance, and physical training. Her journey began with a lifelong love of dance and grew through gymnastics, cheerleading, kickboxing, and weightlifting. At The Uptown Dance Collective, she brings those experiences together with mobility, tai chi, yoga, defensive movement, and the science of physical forces. Through Power & Poise, Ericka helps people discover strength, confidence, balance, and joy in their own bodies. Force Wielder’s Academy expands that philosophy into an all-ages exploration of the mind, body, movement, and the forces that connect us to the world around us. Her philosophy is simple: Different bodies. Different paths. Same force.

Xina is a professionally trained, multi-disciplinary artist originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, whose passion for movement has taken her across a diverse spectrum of dance and performance styles.Beginning her training at just five years old, Xina developed a strong foundation in Jazz, Ballet, and Flamenco, later expanding her artistry into contemporary movement and breaking. Her professional performance experience includes work with the Maria Benitez Flamenco Dance Company’s “Next Generation,” Sue West's Contemporary Dance Company, "The Santa Fe Dance Company", and the breakdancing crew, "Holy Faith 3HC". Xina is a lifelong learner and passionate educator who continually expands her knowledge and artistry. As a certified aerial instructor at The Uptown Dance Collective, she brings her ever-growing expertise and love of movement to the studio while continuing to share her passion for dance and performance throughout the region.

Vivy is an aspiring dancer with a lifelong love and passion for dance. She considers it an honor to share that passion through teaching. Vivy is both self-trained and professionally trained in K-Pop, Hip-Hop, and Open Style, and is professionally certified to teach Aerial Arts. She strives to uplift others and inspire confidence in each student’s individuality. She aspires to become a young business owner, and is currently participating in clubs such as FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). At The Uptown Dance Collective, Vivy promotes a growth mindset and creates an environment that encourages self-expression, creativity, and inspiration. Her goal is to help students discover their strengths, embrace their individuality, and grow through movement.

Lori is an experienced dance and theater educator with over 20 years of teaching, choreography, and performance experience. Hailing from New York and now a Colorado resident, She is sharing her expertise at The Uptown Dance Collective as a seasoned children's musical theater director who has shared her programs across the United States and Europe. From dance and acting to imagination games and performance skills, she inspires kids to step into the spotlight and have an unforgettable experience.

Anavah Meck is a passionate dance educator, performer, and choreographer whose training and performance experience span multiple styles and international stages. Anavah has trained extensively in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and modern techniques, with programs such as Zion Dance Project, the Joffrey Ballet Trainee Program, and Heartbridge Performing Arts.

Her performance credits include productions and showcases in the United States, Hawaii, Cameroon, South Korea, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. She has also been featured in music videos.

Anavah brings her love of movement and creativity to The Uptown Dance Collective through ballet, contemporary, and combo instruction. She is passionate about helping dancers develop strong technique, confidence, and their own unique artistic voice.