Based in the Bay Area, Katie Baik is a freelance artist who strives to dance with a generous spirit and deep understanding of movement, technique, and artistry. She has trained in multiple dance disciplines and studied with esteemed artists such as Risa Steinberg, Yusha-Marie Sorzano, Rena Butler, and Francisco Gella. Katie has attended summer programs at The Juilliard School, Arts Umbrella, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Miami City Ballet. Katie is a Bay Area Dance School alumnus, having began her dance training with Leyla at age 9. 

In addition to her dance training, Katie has studied acting with Stephanie Hunt and vocal performance with Benjamin Liupaogo. She frequently teaches and choreographs at local dance studios and elementary schools. Katie has just completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at Stanford University and is concurrently pursuing her Masters of Arts degree in Communication, alongside her multi-disciplinary performing arts training with Theater and Performance Studies lecturers.

Danielle “Dizzle” de Ojeda was born and raised in San Jose, California. She trained and competed in a variety of styles beginning at age four, and earned her B.A. in dance from San Jose State University. She performed for two years with the resident company, University Dance Theater, and worked with such choreographers as Rogelio Lopez, Robert Dekkers, Dominique Lomuljo, Jill Yager, Fred Mathews, and Heather Cooper, among others. She currently dances professionally with ArcTangent Dance Company, and has danced with contemporary companies DVDance and Nhan Ho Project.

Danielle has been teaching dancers of all ages for 19 years in styles including contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical, and is a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor. From 2016 to 2021, she served as Artistic Director of the award-winning non-profit Dynamics Performance Team. A passionate choreographer since age sixteen, her work has received numerous first-place and choreography awards, including at Dance Masters of America Nationals and Heat Convention. Her credits include SJSU’s Images in Dance, DVDance, Acuity Competition Team, and several local schools. She is dedicated to helping herself and others find their own path towards artistry, and excited to share dance with those around her!

Ms. Drayer brings a lifetime of experience, passion, and artistry to her work as a teacher and mentor. A former Principal Dancer with San Francisco Ballet, she is known for her grace and musicality in works by Balanchine, Tomasson, Forsythe, Kylian, and many others. Her professional career began at just 17, dancing with Ballet Repertory Company in New York before moving on to Houston Ballet, where she was promoted to Soloist. Soon after, she joined San Francisco Ballet, where she performed for many years, often partnering with her husband, Andre Reyes.

After retiring from the stage, Ms. Drayer pursued studies in Art History and Interior Design, which she has brought into her creative work on ballet and theater productions. She has taught and inspired students at institutions across the country, including Cornish College of the Arts, Marin Ballet, Boston Ballet School, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. Together with her husband, she co-directed Santa Clara Ballet and founded Volee Dance in Palo Alto.

Ms. Drayer has also returned to the stage with the San Francisco Opera and was featured on PBS’s Great Performances. From 2016–2023, she and Mr. Reyes co-directed the Hardesty Center for Dance Education at Tulsa Ballet. She continues to share her deep love for ballet, always honoring the wisdom and influence of her own teachers—Henry Berg, Pat Hon, and Svetlana Afansieva.

Renee Lee began her ballet training at the age of three and has been dedicated to the art form ever since. She trained at Contra Costa Ballet and attended summer programs at San Francisco Ballet School, School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Miami City Ballet. Renee went on to earn her degree in World Arts and Cultures – Dance, and Statistics from UCLA. She pursued her dance career across North America and Western Europe, dancing in cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Torino, Chicago, NYC, LA, and Vancouver. She has performed classical, contemporary, and modern repertoire, including choreography by George Balanchine, Crystal Pite, Mats Ek, Merce Cunningham, Robert Moses, Roderick George, Madison Olandt, and many others. Renee has collaborated with renowned dance photographers like Jordan Matter, Rachel Neville, and Little Shao, and has been featured in music videos and projects for Dance Spirit Magazine, Red Bull Magazine, Nikon France, and more.

As an instructor and coach, Renee is dedicated to sharing her experience with dancers of all ages. Her teaching is shaped by years of study with master teachers around the world, and she believes in developing a sustainable approach that allows the body to do ballet, rather than forcing ballet onto the body. She prioritizes strong classical technique while nurturing creativity, artistry, and confidence in her students. Drawing from her background in healthcare, wellness, and yoga, Renee brings a holistic, mindful approach to dance that supports both physical and mental well-being. Outside the studio, she runs a holistic health practice and tutors math. Renee is honored to teach at Bay Area Dance School and looks forward to inspiring dancers at every level.

A beloved member of Bay Area Dance School’s faculty since its opening in 2012, Elizabeth Lemberger brings over 20 years of teaching experience and a heartfelt passion for dance education. Known for her thoughtful instruction and love of rhythm, she specializes in tap and has guided many Acuity Team dancers to regional and national recognition.

Elizabeth is a certified member and current Secretary of Dance Masters of California, with teaching credentials in tap, ballet, jazz, and acrobatics, as well as certification from Acrobatic Arts. She also shares her creativity through custom costume design—her handmade pieces have become treasured keepsakes among generations of dancers.

Above all, Elizabeth is dedicated to helping students grow not only as dancers, but as confident, expressive individuals.

Anton Pankevich received his ballet training at Vaganova Ballet Academy in Russia and later on went to study at School of American Ballet and San Francisco Ballet School. Has danced with New York City Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Royal Ballet of London, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Ballet San Jose. Has worked as a ballet master and a guest teachers with: English National Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Wiesbaden Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and Leipzig Ballet.