Meet our Staff!
Studio Owner
Drew Shaw
Drew started dancing at one and a half and has trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, modern, tap, hip hop, pointe, and pas de deux. She began working professionally in Los Angeles with Howie Mendell, Joffrey Ballet, Napoleon and Tabitha, Sonja Tayeh, Twitch, and more! She then started teaching at fourteen and has absolutely loved sharing her passion for dance with others! As a certified Pilates instructor, she combines her knowledge of anatomy with her passion for dance to provide safe training practices for her students. She has also graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and loves to incorporate this knowledge into her teaching philosophy for student growth. Her most recent certification in Acrobatic Arts has helped her develop a wealth of knowledge to further her teaching abilities.
DIRECTORS
Dallas Austin
Communications Director/ Instructor
Dallas is our friendly face at the front office to help with all your needs here at Performing Arts Empire! She has an associates degree in Business Administration and many years of customer service experience. Her background in cheer, color guard, and dance helps her to understand our classes and the importance of a positive environment for the growth of our dancers.
Skye Rodine
Financial Director
Skye Rodine is highly motivated and dedicated to taking care of all your account needs! She brings over 4 years of managing, office organization, and finance expertise experience. Along with her exemplary ability behind the desk top, she is also a professional dancer who knows all the ins and outs of life at the dance studio. Skye is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and comfortable behind-the-scenes experience, allowing your children to fully enjoy their classes.
Instructors
Ms. Kara
Kara has been dancing since she was three years old and discovered her love for ballet at the age of seven. Though she’s explored many styles of dance, ballet has always been her true passion. Kara studied tap, jazz, and ballet as a musical theatre major at Cal State Fullerton and danced en pointe in the pre-professional division at The Academy of Dance, OC’s Dance Conservatory. She now shares her love of learning and creativity as a preschool Sunday School teacher and finds great joy in inspiring young dancers to express themselves through movement.
Ms. Lex
Lex aka Alexandra has been dancing since the age of four, training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and pom. She was a dedicated member of her high school's varsity song team for all four years, where she secured two national titles and two state championships, honing her technique and performance skills. Passionate about growth and artistry, she is now continuing her dance journey as a member of the RCC dance team. Lex loves inspiring her students by sharing her knowledge and love for movement. She strives to create a supportive and energetic environment where dancers can develop their skills and confidence.
Ms. Olivia
Olivia is currently attending Chapman University as a dance major. As a professional dancer, ​Olivia has participated in many live events, dancing with Todrick Hall, Madison Beer, and Jordan Fisher ​through Velocity Dance Convention. She has also participated in music videos with the LE SSERAFIM girl ​group and Now United. Olivia is represented by Bloc Talent Agency. She has trained in dance at PAVE School of the Arts for 8 ​years. Olivia is an MVA (+) Alumni at Velocity Dance ​Convention and is currently touring with Hollywood Vibe Dance Convention and Intrigue Dance ​Convention. Olivia has worked with various choreographers, including Nina McNeely, Entity Dance Company ​members, and Hollywood Vibe Dance Convention faculty.
Ms. Mara
Mara Feier, originally from Troy, Michigan, is a skilled and versatile dancer who, before college, trained at Juliana's Academy of Dance in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, tap, modern, lyrical, heels, musical theater, and ballroom. A seasoned performer, Mara has danced with renowned artists such as Tove Lo, Ava Max, Todrick Hall, and Now United, and has appeared in music videos, NBA halftime shows, and more. She is currently at Chapman University pursuing a BFA in Dance and a BS in Business Administration simultaneously. Mara combines her artistry with leadership. She has toured nationally with Velocity Dance Convention and Revel Dance Convention, assisting top choreographers while mentoring young dancers. Mara’s commitment to education and advocacy shines through her work promoting dance equity and accessibility through the Dance Education Equity Association. Mara hopes to inspire dancers of all ages with her passion and utilize her platform as a teacher to uplift and educate the new generation of dancers.
Ms. Karah
Karah has been trained as an instructor at Performing Arts Empire. She joined dance later in life but has grown up playing sports and trying new activities. Karah is passionate about creativity and enjoying the process of learning new things. She teaches the younger ages and prioritizes teaching the basics they will continue to use throughout their dance journey. She brings a great energy to young dancers that keeps engagement and excitement throughout her classes!
Ms. Ashley
Ashley Contreras has been dancing for the past 10 years. She has trained in many styles including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop. She currently attends Hillcrest High School and is going into her fourth year on their Varsity Song & Dance Team and second year as a captain. As Ashley’s passion for dance grew, she began her journey into musical theatre. Some musicals she has performed in are Beauty and the Beast, High School Musical, Legally Blonde and Mamma Mia. She also has tech crew experience working behind the scenes of shows. She is excited to begin teaching and sharing her passion for dance and musical theatre. Ashley's teaching philosophy is centered around the belief that dance is for everyone. She encourages students to explore their creativity in an inclusive and nurturing class environment where all students can grow and learn.