MEREDITH LEE
(SOLO COACHING, BALLET, TAP, CONTEMPORARY, JAZZ, HIP HOP)
Meredith has been teaching all levels of dance since she was a high school sophomore. In 1997, she entered the competition circuit, where she coached dozens of teams and soloists to earn Regional and National Titles. In 2002, right after earning a BA in psychology from UCLA, Meredith went on to open Got Rhythm in Thousand Oaks. She relocated the studio to Ventura in 2013.
Meredith dedicated herself to mastering the artistic, athletic and academic elements of technique, choreography and performance. She believes that experience on stage supplies a truly unique and highly effective way to develop the skills needed to achieve true success in all areas of life. Her greatest joy is coaching others to believe in themselves enough to step beyond their comfort zones.
Outside of the studio, Meredith can be found reading, writing, community building, or with her bulldog, Lalo.
(SOLO COACHING, BALLET, TAP, CONTEMPORARY, JAZZ, HIP HOP)
Meredith has been teaching all levels of dance since she was a high school sophomore. In 1997, she entered the competition circuit, where she coached dozens of teams and soloists to earn Regional and National Titles. In 2002, right after earning a BA in psychology from UCLA, Meredith went on to open Got Rhythm in Thousand Oaks. She relocated the studio to Ventura in 2013.
Meredith dedicated herself to mastering the artistic, athletic and academic elements of technique, choreography and performance. She believes that experience on stage supplies a truly unique and highly effective way to develop the skills needed to achieve true success in all areas of life. Her greatest joy is coaching others to believe in themselves enough to step beyond their comfort zones.
Outside of the studio, Meredith can be found reading, writing, community building, or with her bulldog, Lalo.
KAREN NARULA
(SOLO COACHING, ARTISTIC GRACE, ADULT BALLET & CONTEMPORARY)
“If you could do something that brings you endless amounts of joy, would you do it? That’s why I dance.”
Karen is a UCLA Dance graduate and former member of Los Angeles Modern Dance & Ballet, Los Angeles Choreographers and Dancers and Brockus Project Dance Company. She has been involved in the Ventura County Artists Program for over 20 years. Karen teaches because she believes anyone and everyone can dance. She spreads the joy, the focus, and the fun of movement—be it ballet, jazz, modern, tap or any form of dance that a person wants to explore.
Karen hope everyone will give themselves the chance to dance!
(SOLO COACHING, ARTISTIC GRACE, ADULT BALLET & CONTEMPORARY)
“If you could do something that brings you endless amounts of joy, would you do it? That’s why I dance.”
Karen is a UCLA Dance graduate and former member of Los Angeles Modern Dance & Ballet, Los Angeles Choreographers and Dancers and Brockus Project Dance Company. She has been involved in the Ventura County Artists Program for over 20 years. Karen teaches because she believes anyone and everyone can dance. She spreads the joy, the focus, and the fun of movement—be it ballet, jazz, modern, tap or any form of dance that a person wants to explore.
Karen hope everyone will give themselves the chance to dance!
KIMBERLY CASTILLO
(INTRO BALLET)
Kim Castillo has been studying Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Swing since she could walk, and to this day there are few things which Kim enjoys more than dancing, and sharing her joy of dance with others. Kim believes dancing is food for the mind, body, and soul. She hopes that through teaching, she can enable others to experience all the benefits dance has to offer.
Kimberly is a Doctor of Optometry, the owner of Silver Strand Optometry, and a best-selling author. When she’s not dancing or helping our community see better, Kim can be found singing, writing, and lounging with her cats.
(INTRO BALLET)
Kim Castillo has been studying Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Swing since she could walk, and to this day there are few things which Kim enjoys more than dancing, and sharing her joy of dance with others. Kim believes dancing is food for the mind, body, and soul. She hopes that through teaching, she can enable others to experience all the benefits dance has to offer.
Kimberly is a Doctor of Optometry, the owner of Silver Strand Optometry, and a best-selling author. When she’s not dancing or helping our community see better, Kim can be found singing, writing, and lounging with her cats.
JAYSON REYES
Jayson grew up in Atsugi Japan where he began training in martial arts and dabbled in dance through the local youth center. In high school he was the Captain of the color guard. After high school he went on to complete a BS in Material Science and Chemical Engineering at San Jose State University. While at SJSU Jayson was part of the Spartones A Capella Musical Group and he was also a member of the University’s Kendo Team. Jayson started seriously training after college, and still today, Jayson regularly takes classes in hip hop, tap, ballet, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, and aerial silks; the bulk of which were taken at Got Rhythm.
Jayson’s philosophy in teaching - and learning - dance is that if you don’t feel a little bit uncomfortable, you’re not allowing yourself to be open enough to truly enjoy dance. It’s is not about looking good or being perfect, its about being able to hear music and then translating it to a visual representation of your emotions.
Outside of dance, Jayson works in an engineering firm. His hobbies include, rock climbing, circus acrobatics, skateboarding, snowboarding, OneWheeling, and international traveling.
Jayson grew up in Atsugi Japan where he began training in martial arts and dabbled in dance through the local youth center. In high school he was the Captain of the color guard. After high school he went on to complete a BS in Material Science and Chemical Engineering at San Jose State University. While at SJSU Jayson was part of the Spartones A Capella Musical Group and he was also a member of the University’s Kendo Team. Jayson started seriously training after college, and still today, Jayson regularly takes classes in hip hop, tap, ballet, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, and aerial silks; the bulk of which were taken at Got Rhythm.
Jayson’s philosophy in teaching - and learning - dance is that if you don’t feel a little bit uncomfortable, you’re not allowing yourself to be open enough to truly enjoy dance. It’s is not about looking good or being perfect, its about being able to hear music and then translating it to a visual representation of your emotions.
Outside of dance, Jayson works in an engineering firm. His hobbies include, rock climbing, circus acrobatics, skateboarding, snowboarding, OneWheeling, and international traveling.
MARLENE PELAYO
Marlene grew up in Oxnard where she spent her early years studying Tap and Ballet. As a teen, she served her high school’s Advance Dance performance class as a co-officer. Marlene went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from CSU Channel Islands. Marlene believes in the importance of dance as an inclusive activity for all and is very excited to return to the classroom as part of the Got Rhythm team.
Marlene grew up in Oxnard where she spent her early years studying Tap and Ballet. As a teen, she served her high school’s Advance Dance performance class as a co-officer. Marlene went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from CSU Channel Islands. Marlene believes in the importance of dance as an inclusive activity for all and is very excited to return to the classroom as part of the Got Rhythm team.
CHASEN GREENWOOD
Chasen has been featured in Dancer Magazine as "one to watch," completing a nationwide tour as soloist with State Street Ballet. His choreography won "Best Young Choreographer" at Regional America Southwest. Chasen began his career performing with Leann Rimes, and in the musical Casper (national tour), training on full scholarship with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Ballet Austin.
Chasen has been featured in Dancer Magazine as "one to watch," completing a nationwide tour as soloist with State Street Ballet. His choreography won "Best Young Choreographer" at Regional America Southwest. Chasen began his career performing with Leann Rimes, and in the musical Casper (national tour), training on full scholarship with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Ballet Austin.
AHNA LIPCHIK
Ahna grew up dancing at the Milwaukee Ballet School and Academy, and age 16, left home to attend the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Later, she earned high marks and choreography awards at both the Youth America Grand Prix and World Ballet Competition.
Ahna is passionate about sharing the unique art form of dance, and honored to play a role in the development of her students' self-awareness, discipline and responsibility, while they learn to express emotions and stories through movement.
When she's not teaching, Ahna is in the studio rehearsing or on tour performing with State Street Ballet in Santa Barbara.
Ahna grew up dancing at the Milwaukee Ballet School and Academy, and age 16, left home to attend the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Later, she earned high marks and choreography awards at both the Youth America Grand Prix and World Ballet Competition.
Ahna is passionate about sharing the unique art form of dance, and honored to play a role in the development of her students' self-awareness, discipline and responsibility, while they learn to express emotions and stories through movement.
When she's not teaching, Ahna is in the studio rehearsing or on tour performing with State Street Ballet in Santa Barbara.
ALISSA HARTT
Alissa has trained her whole life in various styles including jazz, contemporary, lyrical, ballet and tap, her favorite. She danced competitively for eight years during which she performed multiple award-winning group dances and solos, and was the Varsity Captain of her high school dance team. Alissa received most of her formative training from Meredith Lee, and continues to take her weekly Tap and Contemporary classes.
Alissa graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Psychology, and works as a Behavioral Therapist. Alissa’s passion dance and teaching, make her a strong, caring, and enthusiastic instructor.
Alissa has trained her whole life in various styles including jazz, contemporary, lyrical, ballet and tap, her favorite. She danced competitively for eight years during which she performed multiple award-winning group dances and solos, and was the Varsity Captain of her high school dance team. Alissa received most of her formative training from Meredith Lee, and continues to take her weekly Tap and Contemporary classes.
Alissa graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Psychology, and works as a Behavioral Therapist. Alissa’s passion dance and teaching, make her a strong, caring, and enthusiastic instructor.
NATALIE KRAMER
Natalie has danced Principal and Soloist roles, appeared in FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance” Promo,” Fashion and Awards Show, films, music videos and TV series, and modeled for L.A. Fashion Week and “Project Runway.” She was co-director of East Wind Productions, and later founded Commedia Ballet Theatre in Dallas.
Natalie’s vision is “to honor the heritage and history of classical ballet while utilizing modern stories, music, and theatrical elements to produce new, creative performances that will entertain, entice, and excite a new generation of audiences as never before seen.”
Natalie has danced Principal and Soloist roles, appeared in FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance” Promo,” Fashion and Awards Show, films, music videos and TV series, and modeled for L.A. Fashion Week and “Project Runway.” She was co-director of East Wind Productions, and later founded Commedia Ballet Theatre in Dallas.
Natalie’s vision is “to honor the heritage and history of classical ballet while utilizing modern stories, music, and theatrical elements to produce new, creative performances that will entertain, entice, and excite a new generation of audiences as never before seen.”
