“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking”- Agnes De Mille
Erin babbs
OWNER/DIRECTOR
ERIN BABBS has been dancing since the age of three. She has studied with some of the most well-known dance instructors and professional schools throughout the United States. Erin received her BA in English from San Diego State University while on the SDSU dance team and professionally training and teaching at various schools dedicated to the arts.
Erin’s training has led her to dance professionally with the Brain Setzer Orchestra, the Black Eyed Peas, MTV, DJ AM and DJ Aoki to name a few. In addition, Erin has modeled for Divine Eyewear, Juicy Couture and Shuz and has been a featured vocalist for Moonshine Records and One World Entertainment. Erin has been teaching dance for the past 25 years. She has been named a top choreographer in the industry for the past 20 years.
Erin’s passion for teaching and love for kids led her to open Murrieta Dance Project in 2006. As MDP’s main Progressions Instructor, Erin is always studying new teaching techniques and finding new ways to collaborate the classic techniques with the most cutting edge tricks. She has a way a breaking down each movement so that her students have a better understanding of their bodies and how to use them.
Her students have been featured in film and television, won top awards and scholarships as well as agent representation and have taken the United States by storm! Erin’s students have gone on to dance with the world-renowned companies: The Nederlands Dans Theatre, Julliard, Joffery, USC Glorya Kauffman School Of Dance, LA Lakers, Rams and more! Erin has also trained dancers who have been top 10 finalists on So You Think You Can Dance as well as the winner of season one of Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition! Her students have also appeared on America's Got Talent, Ellen, Little Big Shots and more!
Erin was a featured choreographer on Life Time’s Dance Moms and was also able to participate with a group of dancers for multiple seasons on the show.
Currently, Erin is a teacher for CLI Studios, Art Of Movement Dance Convention and the choreographer for the opening number of a Las Vegas dance event.
Erin is proud and excited to share her love and knowledge of dance, art and life with all of her talented dancers here at Murrieta Dance Project! Erin feels that dance will empower all of her students to move forward in life and succeed in whatever lies ahead!
Breonna Vann
Breonna Vann is an MDP Alumni who has been dancing and training since she was 3 years old. She is adequately trained and skilled in all styles but began focusing on her love for hip hop when she was a teenager. After highschool, she went on to go pursue her professional dance career in the commercial dance industry where she has danced and worked with many amazing artists and celebrities such as BIA, Lakeyah, Flau’jae, Keke Palmer, Jojo Gomez, Diana Matos, Danyel Moulton, and many more!!
She has such a deep passion for dance and teaching. Breonna has been teaching for over 7 years at various studios in California and Nevada. Breonna is dedicated to helping each student grow and learn to be not only the best dancer they can be but also a great human.
Carsyn Stiff
CARSYN STIFF is an MDP alumni who has been dancing since she was just three years old. Carsyn is one of the most accomplished tap dancers at Murrieta Dance Project and trained under the direction of Orialis Ashley for many years. Carsyn has also trained as an assistant for multiple years as and was then hired in 2022 to take on classes of her own! Carsyn is excited to be teaching and inspiring young dancers.
In addition to her time with MDP, she has danced with the pre professional tap program at metropolitan school of the arts and Sole Talk with “Chloe and Maud”. Carsyn is so thankful to be given this opportunity within her home studio and MDP family.
CHLOE VERKINDER
BALLET DIRECTOR
CHLOE VERKINDER is a Southern California native and began her dance training at the age of 7 at Ballet Pacifica under the direction of Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner. From there, she started training in the Vaganova Method at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy and has trained with master teachers in that style including Alexander Greschenko, Larissa and Gennadi Saveliev, and Misha Tchoupakov. In addition to her classical Ballet training, Chloe has also had extensive training in Contemporary, Horton and Limón Modern, Jazz, as well as Character dance.
In her professional career as a ballerina, Ms. Verkinder has worked primarily as a freelance ballerina in Southern California and New York as well as with companies such as Ajkun Ballet Theatre, Anaheim Ballet, Contempo Arts Productions, and Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre. Chloe has also had the pleasure of dancing as a guest artist with SoCal Ballet Scene in their festivals. Her repertoire includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Carmen, Cinderella, Don Quixote, Flower Festival in Genzano, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty, among others and has performed roles such as Kitri, Cupid, Esmeralda, Lilac Fairy, Rosa, and many more.
Chloe also has a great passion for teaching and passing along this beautiful art form to the next generation. She has been teaching the Vaganova Method for almost a decade and continues to train in that method in order to expand her knowledge continuously. Chloe has taught at schools such as Jimmie Defore Dance Center, XD Studios, Whitely Ballet School, and Reve Dance Conservatory. She hopes to inspire peoples’ love of Ballet through her dancing and teaching.
As the Ballet Director of Murrieta Dance Project, Miss Chloe oversees all ballet classes, ballet exams and holds meetings with all ballet parents and students to help with future progression.
David Ramirez
With over 15 years of experience in the world of dance, David Ramirez has dedicated his career to teaching, choreographing, and inspiring dancers at all levels. Throughout his journey, David has played a pivotal role in helping numerous dancers achieve professional status, with many of his students going on to perform at events like the Super Bowl, World of Dance, so you think you can dance, the Grammys and world tours. They have also worked with renowned artists such as Kanye West, Enrique Iglesias, Brittany spears, FKA Twigs, and many more. He has also created innovative dance programs for multiple studios across the country.
David’s career highlights include artists like Sezzy, Arely C, and Enrique, being featured in multiple commercials, and appearing on major platforms such as So You Think You Can Dance, BET’s 106 & Park, Disneyland, and the prestigious Tejano Music Awards.
Currently, David serves as the Assistant Director at Ultra Dance Competition and is the lead choreographer for artist Arely C. His passion for dance, combined with his experience and creative vision, continues to inspire dancers and artists alike.
Devin Ramirez
Originally from Murrieta, California, Devin Ramirez discovered a deep passion for dance at a young age, setting the stage for a lifelong journey in the art form. Over the past 16 years, Devin has cultivated a rich and diverse background in dance, training extensively in all styles, from ballet and jazz to hip-hop, contemporary. A significant chapter in Devin's journey was spent with the esteemed Murrieta Dance Project, where rigorous training and performance opportunities helped refine a versatile and dynamic skill set.
Currently signed with Bloc Talent Agency, Devin has had the privilege of working on a variety of professional projects, ranging from performances to choreography. This extensive experience has sharpened Devin’s technical skills while also strengthening a profound dedication to the artistry of dance.
As a dance instructor, Devin specializes in contemporary and jazz funk. Bringing a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the studio. Devin is known for fostering a supportive and inspiring environment, where dancers of all levels are encouraged to push their boundaries, explore their unique expression, and grow both technically and artistically. Whether you’re stepping into the studio for the first time or are looking to advance your skills, Devin is dedicated to guiding you through every step of your dance journey with passion, energy, and a confident understanding of the craft.
Heather Christian
HEATHER CHRISTIAN began dancing at the age of 6. She has trained under some of the most talented dance instructors and choreographers throughout her training years. She has won many scholarships from conventions, including New York City Dance Alliance, Tremaine, LA Dance Magic and more. Heather won a scholarship to be on the LA Dance Magic Company at the age of 17. She then traveled as an apprentice for 2 years training under the LADM faculty every weekend. Heather’s dream since the age of 14 was to be a choreographer. She began choreographing at a young age and has been choreographing for competitive studios throughout Southern California for 12 years. Her choreography has since gone off to win many overall awards and choreography awards throughout the years at some of the biggest competitions on the circuit. Hall of fame dance challenge, Showstoppers and Showbiz to name a few. Her teams have won 1st place at nationals for the past 6 years.
Heather is technique focused in her training for young dancers. She has a talent for breaking moves down, helping young dancers to understand movement and better their technique.
Heather is currently the set choreographer for Discount Dance Supply’s photoshoots and has been in music videos for “Prince of Eden” "Dead Off Center" and "Circuit Assassins". Her theatrical credits include Final Cut, "Grease", "Annie" - Molly. She was in the LA Dance Magic Company as an Apprentice from 2010-2012 and has been an assistant to many professional choreographers including Michael Rooney, Jackie Sleight, Artem Chigvintsev, Christian Vincent and Ayodele Casel. She has modeled for Discount Dance Supply and Marcea dancewear.
Heather teaches all level and various styles at Murrieta Dance Project and is excited to be a part of the faculty team!
Izabel Hurtado
Izabel Hurtado began dancing at the age of 5. She quickly discovered her love for dance as she began dancing competitively from ages 6-18. Izabel is an MDP alumni and trained under the direction of Erin Babbs, along with many other talented instructors and choreographers. She is trained in jazz, ballet, lyrical, and contemporary.
During her time as a student at MDP, Izabel began training as an assistant. Through assisting, she developed her passion for teaching and inspiring young dancers. Izabel is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the MDP faculty, and hopes to share her knowledge and love of dance to her students!
JULES CHAVARRIA
JULES CHAVARRIA has danced professionally throughout America, Europe, and Asia. Her most recent credits include, dancing for the NBA Legends tour, and being an LA KISS Girl for the LA KISS Arena Football Team.
Jules has enjoyed performing around the world. Her credits include the Mexico/Alaskan tour, and Caribbean/Mediterranean tour, dancing onboard Holland America Cruise Lines.
Jules has danced for such artists as "N'Sync", "PINK", and "Destiny's Child, on Nickelodeons "SNICK HOUSE" and "Teen's Choice Awards".
In addition to her professional dance career Jules can be seen singing and acting throughout Southern California. She has performed in various musicals. her most recent credits include: "Funny Girl" with 3-D Theatricals, and "Wonderful Town" with the Musical Theatre Guild. Other credits include: "Annie", "Peter Pan", "Oliver", "Cabaret", "Grease", "Cinderella", and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamboat".
Dance is a passion for Jules and has opened up the door to being even more creative through choreography. Jules's most recently had her choreography debut on America's Got Talent.
Jules Chavarria is one of MDPs competitive instructors and her choreography has received many national titles with her creative and innovative cutting edge style. Jules continues to share her love of dance on stage and in the studio and is excited to continue to share her passion with her students at Murrieta Dance Project!
JUSTIN PHAM
INDUSTRY DIRECTOR
JUSTIN PHAM is a dancer, choreographer, and creative director originating from San Diego, California. He graduated from the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance with a BFA in Dance and Minor in Cinematic Arts, where he had the opportunity to study under renowned artists and directors such as William Forsythe, Jodie Gates, and Desmond Richardson.
During his time in school, Justin signed with Go 2 Talent Agency, performed in iLuminate’s Las Vegas show, and was featured on “So You Think You Can Dance” where he advanced to the Top 20 and performed in the Emmy award-winning number “Brand New.” He has also danced in music videos for artists such as Half Alive and Jesse y Joy.
While his love for dance is strong, Justin has found a true passion for choreography. In addition to setting pieces across the country, he has directed and produced multiple independent dance films and was a finalist at the 2017 McCallum Choreography Festival in Palm Desert and the 2020 Capezio A.C.E. Awards in Hollywood.
Justin has also performed and presented work at the Laguna Art Museum commissioned by the Laguna Dance Festival. He is also a guest instructor for studios across the nation, as well as virtually on the global dance network, CLI Studios. Justin hopes to create a more cognitive and educational perspective on dance and choreography, specifically through the mediums of film and television, and works to become a multifaceted and interdisciplinary artist to innovate the dance industry for generations to come.
Justin is the director of the Industry program at MDP, which prepares dance students for a career in dance beyond the competition stage.
Katharine MILLER
KATHARINE MILLER is a lifelong lover of the art of dance with a passion for teaching. Katharine has spent her career focused on studying and working in young dancer curriculums, classical forms of dance, and teaching technique. She holds a certification for Junior - Advanced levels in Progressing Ballet Technique as well as being certified in Acrobatic Arts (AAM1). Over the course of more than 20 years of teaching and working with young dancers she has had the opportunity to work with over a thousand students and continues to grow as a dance educator through master classes, teacher training courses, conferences, and certification programs.
Prior to joining the Murrieta Dance Project faculty Katharine taught at studios throughout North San Diego, was director of the dance program at a private school for two years, and owned, as well as artistically directed, her own studio for 15 seasons. As a competitive teacher her pieces have won numerous awards. In addition to extensive training and teaching experience, in 2017 Katharine developed a pre-school and young dancer program that was launched at a studio local to her at the time. She also had the opportunity to run the faculty training program prior to the implementation of her curriculum.
As a dance educator Katharine strives to bring fun, structure, and technique to each of her classes, “My goal is for all of my students to have a lifelong love of dance and to carry that into their adulthood, to give them an appreciation for the arts that will enrich their experience of the world.” When not teaching dance Katharine enjoys being a dance mom, homeschooling, and spending time with her family including her husband and four children.
Kristi WOODING
Kristi Wooding began dancing at the age of 3 and competing in the tap and jazz categories at the age of 6 in Riverside, Ca. After training for 6 years under Cory Finn and staff at FFDS, she began her commute to West Coast School of the Arts in Orange County. During her time at West Coast Kristi trained in jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap, hip hop, and musical theater under some of the most well known choreographers/instructors in Southern California to date.
In 2001, at the age of 16, Kristi chased her dream for wanting to teach dance and opened her own studio Kristi's Forever Dancin' in Riverside Ca. After graduating high school Kristi competed on the Orange Coast College dance team in Costa Mesa, where she and her team took the title of 2004 national collegiate champions.
For the last 20 years Kristis students and choreography have received numerous high point awards in all genres of dance, at both the Regional and National level.
Kristi began her career in judging for national dance competitions in 2007 and has judged for Kids Artistic Revue, Showbiz, Prime time, Rainbow, and Countdown to name a few. Traveling across the country teaching and setting choreography, and being placed on staff as a lyrical and jazz teacher for the KAR convention both came shortly after.
In 2018, after two decades of running her studio, Kristi sold Kristi’s Forever Dancin’ and closed that chapter.
She is currently a lead judge for Kids Artistic Revue and Ultra dance competitions, and she continues with her passion for teaching and choreographing at Murrieta dance project, in Murrieta Ca.
Maggie doty
Maggie Doty was born and raised in Southern California where she began training in dance at a young age. She earned her BFA Degree in Dance from California State University, Long Beach where she studied Modern, Ballet, Floor Work, Jazz, and Improvisation, to name a few. She currently stands as the Assistant Director of HEAT Dance convention where she travels the country directing, judging competition, and teaching to thousands of dancers each year. Doty is currently represented by Got2Talent Agency and works professionally as a dancer, dance teacher, and choreographer in the Los Angeles area.
In addition to her dancer training, Doty is a certified fitness instructor through the National Academy of Sports Medicine where she coaches classes in weight lifting, HIIT cardio training, barre, indoor cycling, and more. Doty is a huge advocate for strength training with dancers and is passionate about injury prevention and sharing her anatomical/physiological knowledge with her students in a practical, functional way.
Mikey Trasoras
Choreographer, dancer, Mikey Trasoras serves as the creator of The Art of Movement Dance Convention, that brings back the heART to dance and ATP an assistant program. Some of Mikey’s choreography credits include the sizzle reel for Hawaiian Style, Sarah Jaffe’s music video “Glorified High,” Ivivva Athletica YouTube video promotions, Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing season 5 kickoff in Hollywood, and for the Texas’ collegiate dance team The Apache Belles. Mikey’s students have appeared on So You Think You Can Dance, Abby Lee’s Ultimate Dance Competition, and X-Factor just to name a few. Like his freestyle dancing, Mikey’s choreography is intricate and stylistically innovative. His keen musical ear and captivating artistic expression of lyrics elevate Mikey as a true artist.
ORIALIS ASHLEY
Orialis Ashley, a Puerto Rican native, is a Los Angeles based Dancer, Choreographer and Instructor. As one of the members of Chloe Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies, an all female tap dancing sisterhood , she has tap danced on stages worldwide, videos with over 50 million views and on screen for ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS’s Late Late Show with James Corden, BET’s 106 and Park, and most recently you can see Orialis tap dancing in Apple TV’s feature film “Spirited.”
In addition to teaching at Murrieta Dance Project, Orialis is on faculty as the tap instructor and a judge for Heat Dance Convention and travels across the country inspiring dancers all over the United States. She also guests teaches for many other conventions and studios throughout the year.
As a graduate from the Florida State University dance program, Orialis is also classically trained in ballet, modern and jazz with a professional background in concert dance. She uses her vast experience in all areas of dance when training her students and with over 15 years of teaching experience, her students and choreography have been seen many TV shows including So You Think You Can Dance, Little Big Shots, Ellen, and Dancing with the Stars Junior.
Orialis presently resides in Southern California with her son Rylan, where she continues to perform, choreograph and share her love of dance with her students all over the country.
Sam Cantoria
Sam Cantoria graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance from Chapman University with a minor in Kinesiology. She trained in all forms of Dance at Just Plain Dancin’ and Co. Professionally with Westside Dance Project, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Sydney Dance Company in Australia, and Talia Favia’s “Between Actions and Words.” As a teen Sam has performed on Disney Channel’s “Make Your Mark” and “Live to Dance” with Paula Abdul. From the age of 15-20 Sam was the assistant to Emmy Award winning choreographer Mia Michael’s. Sam was contracted with Michael Jackson One by Cirque Du Soleil in Vegas as both dance ensemble and lead Character “Shy” 2018-2020. Sam’s most recent works have been with Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo in Sofia Carson’s Good Morning America Performance as well as SHEIN Rock the Runway with Blu DeTiger. Sam takes her passion for teaching and choreography all over the country and enjoys motivating and inspiring the minds of the next generation.
Skylar Yeung
Skylar Yeung, originally from Chicago, IL, began dancing at the age of three and quickly discovered her passion for the art. By the age of ten, she started competing, showcasing her talent and dedication. At thirteen, she made the bold move to Southern California, where she began her training at Murrieta Dance Project. There, she honed her skills in various dance styles, enhancing her technique through rigorous studio training and participation in conventions. At MDP, Skylar's role as an assistant ignited her passion for teaching, educating, and inspiring dancers of all ages.
After high school, Skylar pursued her love for dance at UC Santa Barbara, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a minor in Educational Studies. In college, she absolutely loved being able to continue performing in front of large audiences as she did before. During her four years at UCSB, she was an integral member of the UCSB Dance Team, balancing the demands of being a dance major while competing annually at UDA nationals in Orlando, FL. Skylar’s creativity flourished as she choreographed concert pieces for the UCSB dance shows and competition routines for the dance team.
Today, Skylar has embarked on her professional career as a cheerleader for the LA Rams. As she continues to make strides in the professional dance world, she remains committed to fulfilling her dreams of becoming a renowned dancer and choreographer.
SUSAN BARNETT LOPEZ
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
SUSAN BARNETT LOPEZ, a California native, is an accomplished teacher, choreographer and dancer whose energetic teaching style has been seen throughout Southern California. She began dancing later than most professional dancers training with various teachers and choreographers such as Sue Gilson, Currie Pederson, Mandy Moore and Malaya. Shortly after graduating high school, Susan ventured into teaching and setting pieces throughout Southern California, Arizona and the east coast. Her love of dance has led her to perform and choreograph for many exciting venues throughout the nation.
In addition to her many years of professional dance training, she has over 25 years of teaching experience. Her commitment to the art of dance and reputation for instilling technique and artistry in her dancers motivates her to continue to find new and innovative ways to teach her students.
Her distinctive choreography has received numerous high point and top choreography awards at regional and national competitions. With her dedication and commitment to dance education, many of her students have gone on to become instructors and choreographers, winning countless awards and dance competitions and conventions. Along with this, many are signed with talent agencies and go on to find success as professional dancers in the industry. She has also, with great pride, seen her dancers be accepted to various colleges as dance majors such as, Julliard, USC, UCLA, Cal Arts, Chapman, UCI and NYU. Her dancers have been accepted into programs and danced with world-renown companies like, The Nederland’s Dans Theatre, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, LA Lakers, Golden State Warriors, LA Rams and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders to name a few. Students of Susan have also competed on “So You Think You Can Dance” as Top 10 finalists as well as appeared on shows like “ELLEN", "World of Dance” and “America’s Got Talent”.
In 2006, Susan realized her dream of opening a dance studio along with Erin Babbs when Murrieta Dance Project opened its doors. Forever grateful of the opportunity to own such an amazing studio, she decided to retire from the position of co-owner/director in 2013 to focus more on teaching and continuing her education. Susan has great enthusiasm and passion for teaching and sharing this love with all of her students. She teaches from the heart, dedicated to her students, making sure each and every dancer understands, embodies, and loves the art of dance.
As MDP's Artistic Director Susan checks in on all of our dancers making sure each person is exactly where they need to be. Susan, with the help of our MDP faculty, sends out mid-season and end-of-season Dancer Report Cards to help all of our dancers and parents set goals and gain an understanding of his/her training, achievements, and more!
Miss Susan also heads up our Monthly MDP Newsletter giving all parents and dancers a fun and interactive way to see what is going on in all of our classes and to stay up to date on all studio-wide events!
Victoria Albee
Victoria Albee started training as a dancer at the age of 8 years old. Victoria trained in all styles of dance including, but not limited to: jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, lyrical, acro, tap, and musical theatre.
While attending San Diego State University, Victoria spent time as a USA Dance Staff coach, training high schools in dance team camps/choreography.
Victoria has attended numerous trainings relating to dance. Victoria became a YPAD certified instructor, attended physiotherapy in dance workshops, concussion awareness trainings, child development in dance trainings, as well as sports therapy and nutrition trainings.
Victoria loves to share her knowledge for the arts and performance to children of all ages. She focuses in on technique, flexibility, and mobility. Victoria has a passion for creating and placing choreography. And most importantly, helping each child to achieve their highest potential.