In this week's episode, I sat down with fellow dance mom and fierce advocate Vicky Inger for one of the most important and sobering conversations we’ve ever had: how to protect your dancer in an industry that doesn’t always prioritize their safety.
Episodes
Welcome to Rhinestones &Rants
I'm Alyssa Better and Welcome to Rhinestones & Rants, where the glitz of the dance world meets the real talk of industry and a dance mom who lived it every day. This podcast isn’t just about perfect pirouettes and dazzling costumes, it’s about the raw, unfiltered journey of raising dancers, navigating the competitive scene, and balancing the chaos of life beyond the studio
Episode 1: Plie or Runaway? How to Choose the 'Perfect' Dance Studio
In the first episode of Rhinestones & Rants: Plie or Runaway? How to Choose the 'Perfect' Studio, we discuss the essential decisions and challenges dance parents face when choosing a studio for their children.
Our guest, Victoria 'Vicky' Inger, shares her experiences as a dance mom and entrepreneur from Los Angeles. With a background in maternity clothing and over a decade in the competitive dance world, Vicky provides insights into the highs, lows, and the substantial investments involved.
Join us for an honest conversation on the quest for the perfect studio, the importance of alignment with personal values, and lessons learned along the way.
About Victoria 'Vicky' Inger:
Victoria ‘Vicky’ Inger, is a Los Angeles based entrepreneur,
devoted wife of 25 years, and a proud mother of two: Anya and Nikita.
For a decade, she co-owned a successful maternity clothing line, but for the past 11 years, she has been fully immersed in the world of competitive dance as a dedicated dance mom. What started as a childhood love for dance led Vicky to eagerly place her daughter, Anya, in that first pink tutu. From there, she dove headfirst into the competitive dance world, doing whatever it took to win, until she realized she was chasing the wrong thing.
Vicky has seen it all, the highs, the heartbreaks, and the behind-the-scenes chaos. She and I have walked this journey together, navigating the madness of competitive dance with strong opinions and even stronger friendships. I couldn’t think of a better guest for my first Rhinestones and Rants episode as we reflect on how we started, what we’ve learned and where we stand now.
Our guest, Victoria 'Vicky' Inger, shares her experiences as a dance mom and entrepreneur from Los Angeles. With a background in maternity clothing and over a decade in the competitive dance world, Vicky provides insights into the highs, lows, and the substantial investments involved.
Join us for an honest conversation on the quest for the perfect studio, the importance of alignment with personal values, and lessons learned along the way.
About Victoria 'Vicky' Inger:
Victoria ‘Vicky’ Inger, is a Los Angeles based entrepreneur,
devoted wife of 25 years, and a proud mother of two: Anya and Nikita.
For a decade, she co-owned a successful maternity clothing line, but for the past 11 years, she has been fully immersed in the world of competitive dance as a dedicated dance mom. What started as a childhood love for dance led Vicky to eagerly place her daughter, Anya, in that first pink tutu. From there, she dove headfirst into the competitive dance world, doing whatever it took to win, until she realized she was chasing the wrong thing.
Vicky has seen it all, the highs, the heartbreaks, and the behind-the-scenes chaos. She and I have walked this journey together, navigating the madness of competitive dance with strong opinions and even stronger friendships. I couldn’t think of a better guest for my first Rhinestones and Rants episode as we reflect on how we started, what we’ve learned and where we stand now.
Episode 2: Behind the Curtain: A Candid Conversation with Prior Studio Owner Maia Suckle
When does a dancer know it’s time to step off the stage and step into leadership? For Maia Suckle, it wasn’t a single moment, it was a series of quiet nudges, hard lessons, and one powerful push over the edge that led her to open her own dance studio.
In this week’s episode of Rhinestones and Rants, I sat down with Maia for an incredible, no-holds-barred conversation about her journey from professional dancer to studio owner and everything she’s learned along the way. Spoiler: It’s not as glamorous as it looks from the outside.
About Maia Suckle:
A native of Washington D.C., Maia started her dance training with the renowned Maryland Youth Ballet under the direction of Hortensia Fonseca where she toured with Susan Jaffe, Risa Gary, and Roger Plaut in Costa Rica, Guatalamala, and Panama. She also performed with the New York City Ballet at the Kennedy Center under the direction of Balanchine.
While attending UCLA, Maia received a scholarship to the acclaimed Dupree Dance Academy where she studied under Doug Caldwell, Jackie Sleight, Michael Rooney, Helene Phillips, Billy Goodson, and Bill Prudich. She then secured dance, commercial, and theatrical representation with Julie McDonald (now MSA) to which she immediately turned professional and began working in TV, Film, and Stage, with such choreographers as Bill and Jackie Landrom, Vince Patterson, and Kenny Ortega. She also collaborated with the legendary author, Ray Bradbury, on his original musical, “The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit” at the Pasadena Playhouse.
One of Maia’s most memorable experiences was being selected to assist Tony and Emmy award winning choreographer Joe Layton on the Twentieth Century Fox film FOR THE BOYS, starring Bette Midler and James Caan. She privately coached Ms. Midler and Mr. Caan, which then led to being cast along side them in a co-starring role as “Janie Perkins”. After this experience, the acting bug bit and for the next 10 years Maia
guest starred in numerous TV episodic and sitcoms, while also appearing in dozens of national and regional commercials.
Maia then turned to working behind the scenes both in film casting (with Risa Bramen Garcia, Randi Hiller, and Sara Haley Finn) and then for film producer, Charles Roven at Atlas
Entertainment (Scooby Doo, The Dark Knight, Wonder Woman, American Hustle, and many more) Here Maia learned all facets of the film business. She also met her husband, Richard
Suckle, then the president of Atlas Entertainment. Although loving the entertainment business, Maia finally chose to retire and start a family.
After a decade of family life, Maia decided to return to her roots and combine her dance and entertainment industry experience and open a pre professional, competitive dance academy.
During Covid and only 2 years in the studio proved to not only thrive but rise to the top in the competitive city of Los Angeles.
She is the proud mom of a 22 year old daughter and 19 year old son.
In this week’s episode of Rhinestones and Rants, I sat down with Maia for an incredible, no-holds-barred conversation about her journey from professional dancer to studio owner and everything she’s learned along the way. Spoiler: It’s not as glamorous as it looks from the outside.
About Maia Suckle:
A native of Washington D.C., Maia started her dance training with the renowned Maryland Youth Ballet under the direction of Hortensia Fonseca where she toured with Susan Jaffe, Risa Gary, and Roger Plaut in Costa Rica, Guatalamala, and Panama. She also performed with the New York City Ballet at the Kennedy Center under the direction of Balanchine.
While attending UCLA, Maia received a scholarship to the acclaimed Dupree Dance Academy where she studied under Doug Caldwell, Jackie Sleight, Michael Rooney, Helene Phillips, Billy Goodson, and Bill Prudich. She then secured dance, commercial, and theatrical representation with Julie McDonald (now MSA) to which she immediately turned professional and began working in TV, Film, and Stage, with such choreographers as Bill and Jackie Landrom, Vince Patterson, and Kenny Ortega. She also collaborated with the legendary author, Ray Bradbury, on his original musical, “The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit” at the Pasadena Playhouse.
One of Maia’s most memorable experiences was being selected to assist Tony and Emmy award winning choreographer Joe Layton on the Twentieth Century Fox film FOR THE BOYS, starring Bette Midler and James Caan. She privately coached Ms. Midler and Mr. Caan, which then led to being cast along side them in a co-starring role as “Janie Perkins”. After this experience, the acting bug bit and for the next 10 years Maia
guest starred in numerous TV episodic and sitcoms, while also appearing in dozens of national and regional commercials.
Maia then turned to working behind the scenes both in film casting (with Risa Bramen Garcia, Randi Hiller, and Sara Haley Finn) and then for film producer, Charles Roven at Atlas
Entertainment (Scooby Doo, The Dark Knight, Wonder Woman, American Hustle, and many more) Here Maia learned all facets of the film business. She also met her husband, Richard
Suckle, then the president of Atlas Entertainment. Although loving the entertainment business, Maia finally chose to retire and start a family.
After a decade of family life, Maia decided to return to her roots and combine her dance and entertainment industry experience and open a pre professional, competitive dance academy.
During Covid and only 2 years in the studio proved to not only thrive but rise to the top in the competitive city of Los Angeles.
She is the proud mom of a 22 year old daughter and 19 year old son.
Episode 3: A Dance Daughter’s Journey: In Time with Cameron Suckle
There are some episodes that stay with you long after the mic is turned off—and this was one of them. In this deeply personal conversation, I sat down with someone I’ve known since she was little: Cameron Suckle.
Cameron just graduated with her BFA in Dance from UT Austin, and watching her grow into the powerhouse she is today has been nothing short of inspiring. But her journey wasn’t an easy one.
About Cameron:
A native of Los Angeles, California, Cameron Suckle began her dance journey at the age of two, receiving the majority of her foundational training at The Industry Dance Academy. Her extensive background encompasses mastery in all competition styles, including, but not limited to, contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, tap, and ballroom.
She further honed her expertise at The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor's in Fine Arts in Dance, a testament to her academic dedication to the art form. Complementing her artistic degree, she also pursued a minor in Arts Management and Administration, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and operational aspects of the dance world.
With 7 years of teaching experience, her profound passion lies in creating safe and inclusive spaces where every child feels empowered to express their full selves. She is dedicated to fostering an environment where young dancers can not only thrive artistically but also build unwavering confidence through movement and authentic self-expression.
Check out Cameron's website: https://camsuckle.wixsite.com/my-site-7
Cameron just graduated with her BFA in Dance from UT Austin, and watching her grow into the powerhouse she is today has been nothing short of inspiring. But her journey wasn’t an easy one.
About Cameron:
A native of Los Angeles, California, Cameron Suckle began her dance journey at the age of two, receiving the majority of her foundational training at The Industry Dance Academy. Her extensive background encompasses mastery in all competition styles, including, but not limited to, contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, tap, and ballroom.
She further honed her expertise at The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor's in Fine Arts in Dance, a testament to her academic dedication to the art form. Complementing her artistic degree, she also pursued a minor in Arts Management and Administration, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and operational aspects of the dance world.
With 7 years of teaching experience, her profound passion lies in creating safe and inclusive spaces where every child feels empowered to express their full selves. She is dedicated to fostering an environment where young dancers can not only thrive artistically but also build unwavering confidence through movement and authentic self-expression.
Check out Cameron's website: https://camsuckle.wixsite.com/my-site-7
Episode 4: Hip-Hop Royalty - The Brooklyn Jai Story
In this week's episode, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with a the hip-hop legend Brooklyn Jai on Rhinestones and Rants. To say it was an unforgettable episode would be an understatement.
From the first beat of the conversation, Brooklyn Jai brought exactly what he brings to every stage, every studio, and every kid he mentors, raw emotion, unapologetic truth, and boundless passion.
Brooklyn Jai’s journey is one of grit, grind, and gratitude. From the streets that gave birth to hip-hop to the stages that now celebrate his name, his rise was never handed to him, it was earned, moment by moment, class by class, heartbreak by breakthrough.
About Brooklyn Jai:
California native Brooklyn Jai began his dancing career at a young age. By the time he was 13, he began the craft of Teaching. Combining his unique style of Hip Hop, he is making his mark among this industries' well known Choreographers.
Opportunities led him to Choreograph for MYA, Iggy Azalea, J balvin, Lizzo, French Montana, Kat Deluna, YG, Gashi, television show Castle, VH1 "Save The Music Tour", "Wango Tango Music Concert", "Dance for 3LW", "Marco Houston BET Awards", and on "American Idol". He also landed an appearance on "Soul Train with Corey Clark" and worked on UPN TV show along with the cast. he was invited to teach the "Summer Intensive" and "Master Classes" at the distinguished "Debbie Allen Dance Academy" alongside Dave Scott.
Brooklyn Jai has earned a reputation as one of the hottest Choreographers to hit the LA Scene. With his unique style of Hip Hop mixed with Jazz Funk, his fast paced dance routines has led him to teach at such Studios as Millennium Dance Complex, Debbie Allen Dance Academy & Dance Dimensions Performing Arts Center.
With several packed classes every week,
Brooklyn JAI is now working on his first debut album, and is touring across the country!
From the first beat of the conversation, Brooklyn Jai brought exactly what he brings to every stage, every studio, and every kid he mentors, raw emotion, unapologetic truth, and boundless passion.
Brooklyn Jai’s journey is one of grit, grind, and gratitude. From the streets that gave birth to hip-hop to the stages that now celebrate his name, his rise was never handed to him, it was earned, moment by moment, class by class, heartbreak by breakthrough.
About Brooklyn Jai:
California native Brooklyn Jai began his dancing career at a young age. By the time he was 13, he began the craft of Teaching. Combining his unique style of Hip Hop, he is making his mark among this industries' well known Choreographers.
Opportunities led him to Choreograph for MYA, Iggy Azalea, J balvin, Lizzo, French Montana, Kat Deluna, YG, Gashi, television show Castle, VH1 "Save The Music Tour", "Wango Tango Music Concert", "Dance for 3LW", "Marco Houston BET Awards", and on "American Idol". He also landed an appearance on "Soul Train with Corey Clark" and worked on UPN TV show along with the cast. he was invited to teach the "Summer Intensive" and "Master Classes" at the distinguished "Debbie Allen Dance Academy" alongside Dave Scott.
Brooklyn Jai has earned a reputation as one of the hottest Choreographers to hit the LA Scene. With his unique style of Hip Hop mixed with Jazz Funk, his fast paced dance routines has led him to teach at such Studios as Millennium Dance Complex, Debbie Allen Dance Academy & Dance Dimensions Performing Arts Center.
With several packed classes every week,
Brooklyn JAI is now working on his first debut album, and is touring across the country!
Episode 5: Behind the Spotlight: Raising a Dance Son – The Gavin Morales Story
This week on Rhinestones and Rants, I had the privilege of sitting down with Scott and Joanne Morales—two parents who didn’t just raise a dancer, they raised a trailblazer. Their son, Gavin Morales, has carved out a name for himself in the dance world, but the journey to get there was anything but smooth.
What does it really mean to raise a boy in dance? What does that path look like when it’s not just rare—but ridiculed?
In this raw and emotional episode, we dive deep into the Morales family story. From early skepticism to all-out support, Scott Morales shares how he went from hoping his son would choose baseball to becoming one of the fiercest, most devoted dance dads I’ve ever seen. His transformation was not only heartwarming—it was heroic.
About JoAnne Morales:
JoAnne Morales is the definition of strength, drive, and heart. A powerhouse attorney and an accomplished businesswoman, Jo has built a career grounded in grit and intelligence, but her proudest role has always been mom.
At a young age, Jo’s parents instilled in her the importance of believing in yourself and the value of hard work—principles that fueled her success in the legal world. But even more than her career, Jo’s greatest achievement has been creating a life of passion, purpose, and unconditional love for her children, McKenzie and Gavin.
With the unwavering support of her husband Scott, Jo turned her children’s dreams into realities. Whether it was driving six hours round trip for a five-minute audition, sacrificing vacations to attend Nationals in Las Vegas, or navigating the high-stakes world of competitive dance—she did it all without hesitation. Through love, sacrifice, and an almost superhuman level of dedication, Jo helped build careers her children could not only be proud of but live and thrive in every single day.
She is the quintessential dance mom, but also so much more. She’s the heart and soul of her family, a woman whose strength commands attention and whose words are always worth listening to. Jo is living proof that success comes from showing up, standing strong, and loving fiercely. There is truly nothing she wouldn’t do for her kids, and everyone lucky enough to know her knows it.
About Scott Morales:
Born and raised in Southern California, Scott Morales later moved to Northern California with his family following his father’s job transfer, a move that marked the beginning of a new chapter. In his early 20s, he met the love of his life, JoAnne, and together they built a close-knit family rooted in passion, resilience, and creativity.
Professionally, Scott has spent decades in the corporate world as a seasoned manager and now serves as a trusted business advisor. But beyond boardrooms and business plans, Scott wears the proud title of Dance Dad Extraordinaire. While he may not take the stage himself, he’s been the unwavering support system behind his two nationally award-winning children, McKenzie and Gavin Morales, both of whom have dazzled audiences across the country with their remarkable talent.
From long drives to dance competitions to being the quiet strength behind the scenes, Scott has taken the journey of dance right alongside his family. And through every leap, turn, and standing ovation, he wouldn’t trade a single moment.
What does it really mean to raise a boy in dance? What does that path look like when it’s not just rare—but ridiculed?
In this raw and emotional episode, we dive deep into the Morales family story. From early skepticism to all-out support, Scott Morales shares how he went from hoping his son would choose baseball to becoming one of the fiercest, most devoted dance dads I’ve ever seen. His transformation was not only heartwarming—it was heroic.
About JoAnne Morales:
JoAnne Morales is the definition of strength, drive, and heart. A powerhouse attorney and an accomplished businesswoman, Jo has built a career grounded in grit and intelligence, but her proudest role has always been mom.
At a young age, Jo’s parents instilled in her the importance of believing in yourself and the value of hard work—principles that fueled her success in the legal world. But even more than her career, Jo’s greatest achievement has been creating a life of passion, purpose, and unconditional love for her children, McKenzie and Gavin.
With the unwavering support of her husband Scott, Jo turned her children’s dreams into realities. Whether it was driving six hours round trip for a five-minute audition, sacrificing vacations to attend Nationals in Las Vegas, or navigating the high-stakes world of competitive dance—she did it all without hesitation. Through love, sacrifice, and an almost superhuman level of dedication, Jo helped build careers her children could not only be proud of but live and thrive in every single day.
She is the quintessential dance mom, but also so much more. She’s the heart and soul of her family, a woman whose strength commands attention and whose words are always worth listening to. Jo is living proof that success comes from showing up, standing strong, and loving fiercely. There is truly nothing she wouldn’t do for her kids, and everyone lucky enough to know her knows it.
About Scott Morales:
Born and raised in Southern California, Scott Morales later moved to Northern California with his family following his father’s job transfer, a move that marked the beginning of a new chapter. In his early 20s, he met the love of his life, JoAnne, and together they built a close-knit family rooted in passion, resilience, and creativity.
Professionally, Scott has spent decades in the corporate world as a seasoned manager and now serves as a trusted business advisor. But beyond boardrooms and business plans, Scott wears the proud title of Dance Dad Extraordinaire. While he may not take the stage himself, he’s been the unwavering support system behind his two nationally award-winning children, McKenzie and Gavin Morales, both of whom have dazzled audiences across the country with their remarkable talent.
From long drives to dance competitions to being the quiet strength behind the scenes, Scott has taken the journey of dance right alongside his family. And through every leap, turn, and standing ovation, he wouldn’t trade a single moment.
Episode 6: Behind the Curtain with Anne-Marie Hudson: The Visionary Behind Millennium Dance Complex
If you know dance, you know Millennium Dance Complex. The bold red logo. The iconic LA backdrop. The world-class choreographers. The Instagram-famous combos. It’s a household name in the dance world.
But do you know the woman behind it all?
In this electrifying and emotional episode of Rhinestones and Rants, we sit down with Anne-Marie Hudson, the powerhouse CEO and founder of Millennium Dance Complex and let me tell you, this is not just a story about a studio. This is a story about vision, grit, perseverance, and passion.
About AnnMarie Hudson:
Before it was the most iconic dance studio in the world, it was just an empty room and AnnMarie Hudson's dream.
A Jersey girl with a Broadway soul, AnnMarie had been dancing and managing studios since her teens. But when she moved to L.A. in the early ’90s, fate handed her the keys to a struggling rehearsal space: Moro Landis Studios. With no money down and eight boomboxes from the drugstore, she turned the lights back on and the future of dance changed forever.
By 1999, that little studio evolved into Millennium Dance Complex, a creative sanctuary that broke barriers by fusing hip hop with traditional dance styles, something no one else dared to do. AnnMarie didn't follow trends. She built the place where they were born.
Millennium quickly became a global dance hub. Everyone came through its doors: Britney, Beyoncé, Usher, J.Lo, Justin Timberlake and the choreographers who shaped their careers. It wasn’t about fame. It was about freedom to move, to create, to be seen.
AnnMarie created more than a studio. She built a launchpad for legends and a home for dancers from every walk of life. She painted the red wall, lit the stage lights, and told an entire generation: You belong here.
Episode 7: What it Takes to Be Elite - A Story of Grit, Guts and Greatness with Tony Ricci and Keli Adams
In this week's episode, I sat down with Tony Ricci (Owner Elite Dance Studio) and Keli Adams (Dance Director of Elite Dance Studio), two names deeply respected in the competitive dance world, I knew I was in for an emotional and inspiring ride. But I wasn’t prepared for just how deeply their story would move me.
Some stories just hit different. They don’t glitter with overnight success or come wrapped in privilege, they’re built in the trenches, layered with sacrifice, resilience, and the kind of raw determination that can’t be taught. That’s exactly what this week’s episode of Rhinestones and Rants delivers.
About Toni Ricci
Toni has been studying dance for almost 30 years and teaching dance for 20 of them. She got her start in Maine where after her first recital, she fell in love with the world of dance. She attended an arts enriched high school, which allowed her to make dance the primary focus of her high school education. It was here that she began teaching, choreographing, and directing numerous dance shows and musicals.
Toni also obtained her first dance certification at that time. She then went on to the University of New Hampshire to further enrich her training in dance. Shortly after, she was given the opportunity to tour the United States as a dancer in live musical productions. This included performances on Broadway and at the Kodak Theater.
After two years on tour, Toni decided to move to Los Angeles and further her dance career. Once in California, Toni began studying ballet with the Anaheim Ballet and teaching at numerous dance schools in the area. At that time, she completed her education with a B.A. in Dance from the University of California State Fullerton. She also made numerous television appearances and choreographed many events.
Toni proudly opened the Elite Dance and Performing Arts Centers in 2012 and has spent the past ten years devoted to the growth and success of the business. She still teaches several classes a week in jazz technique, lyrical, and ballroom. Being a teacher is still her most important role at the studio. With an award-winning competition team with over 120 members, she also spends her hours choreographing and overseeing the company.
In 2015 she was awarded Cameo’s Entrepreneur of the year award for California Senate. She has also been awarded three Women in Business awards. Toni is also a proud member of Dance Masters of America and More Than Just Great Dancing.
Toni has taught and inspired hundreds of students in southern California in the past decade. The Elite Dance Center is a testimony to her love of dance. “My job isn’t to just teach dance, it’s to teach students to love to dance.
About Keli Adams
Keli's formal training began at the young age of three, studying under the direction of Stanley Holden & Kim Maselli at the Pacific Festival Ballet in Los Angeles. Keli has an eclectic background in classical ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, contemporary + Improv (GAGA). She started working professionally at a very young age with some of the top pop and R&B artists as well as numerous prestigious ballet companies. Keli has taken on the role of Assistant Director at The Elite Dance Center, as well as running the competitive dance company.
Keli currently runs the Contemporary Department at EDC with a heavy emphasis on improvisation. Influenced in the GAGA techniques, Keli's improv class offers a creative framework for students to connect their bodies and imaginations, increasing physical awareness in a welcoming atmosphere connecting mind, body + spirit. Keli’s contemporary choreography has won numerous awards in the competition circuit and her contemporary classwork can be seen in #keliadamschoreo on Instagram. With a heavy base of improvisation, students will explore a yoga warm-up, improvisational exercises, and phrases set to music in Keli's contemporary class.
Some stories just hit different. They don’t glitter with overnight success or come wrapped in privilege, they’re built in the trenches, layered with sacrifice, resilience, and the kind of raw determination that can’t be taught. That’s exactly what this week’s episode of Rhinestones and Rants delivers.
About Toni Ricci
Toni has been studying dance for almost 30 years and teaching dance for 20 of them. She got her start in Maine where after her first recital, she fell in love with the world of dance. She attended an arts enriched high school, which allowed her to make dance the primary focus of her high school education. It was here that she began teaching, choreographing, and directing numerous dance shows and musicals.
Toni also obtained her first dance certification at that time. She then went on to the University of New Hampshire to further enrich her training in dance. Shortly after, she was given the opportunity to tour the United States as a dancer in live musical productions. This included performances on Broadway and at the Kodak Theater.
After two years on tour, Toni decided to move to Los Angeles and further her dance career. Once in California, Toni began studying ballet with the Anaheim Ballet and teaching at numerous dance schools in the area. At that time, she completed her education with a B.A. in Dance from the University of California State Fullerton. She also made numerous television appearances and choreographed many events.
Toni proudly opened the Elite Dance and Performing Arts Centers in 2012 and has spent the past ten years devoted to the growth and success of the business. She still teaches several classes a week in jazz technique, lyrical, and ballroom. Being a teacher is still her most important role at the studio. With an award-winning competition team with over 120 members, she also spends her hours choreographing and overseeing the company.
In 2015 she was awarded Cameo’s Entrepreneur of the year award for California Senate. She has also been awarded three Women in Business awards. Toni is also a proud member of Dance Masters of America and More Than Just Great Dancing.
Toni has taught and inspired hundreds of students in southern California in the past decade. The Elite Dance Center is a testimony to her love of dance. “My job isn’t to just teach dance, it’s to teach students to love to dance.
About Keli Adams
Keli's formal training began at the young age of three, studying under the direction of Stanley Holden & Kim Maselli at the Pacific Festival Ballet in Los Angeles. Keli has an eclectic background in classical ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, contemporary + Improv (GAGA). She started working professionally at a very young age with some of the top pop and R&B artists as well as numerous prestigious ballet companies. Keli has taken on the role of Assistant Director at The Elite Dance Center, as well as running the competitive dance company.
Keli currently runs the Contemporary Department at EDC with a heavy emphasis on improvisation. Influenced in the GAGA techniques, Keli's improv class offers a creative framework for students to connect their bodies and imaginations, increasing physical awareness in a welcoming atmosphere connecting mind, body + spirit. Keli’s contemporary choreography has won numerous awards in the competition circuit and her contemporary classwork can be seen in #keliadamschoreo on Instagram. With a heavy base of improvisation, students will explore a yoga warm-up, improvisational exercises, and phrases set to music in Keli's contemporary class.
Episode 8: Built on Rock, Fueled by Passion - The Quinn Callahan Episode
In this week's episode, I sat down with Quinn Callahan the true powerhouse behind The Rock Dance Studio in Las Vegas, a name that commands respect across the national dance scene.
Her dancers are fierce. Her teams are unstoppable. And her ability to evolve, inspire, and elevate has turned The Rock into more than just a studio, it is a launchpad for greatness.
But what makes Quinn truly so exceptional isn’t just the trophies or the titles. It’s her heart. She has an unwavering passion for this artform. Her commitment to raising not just dancers, but insuring they are good humans. And now, that same passion has taken root in something even deeper: giving back.
Quinn is truly a leading force in SEEDance.org , an incredible nonprofit that is devoted to helping young dancers pursue their dreams of dance.
In this episode, we’re diving into how she built an elite studio, how she’s cultivated a culture of resilience and kindness, and trained some of TV’s greatest dance stars at the ROCK and if that wasn’t’ enough she is now using her platform to make dance education a reality for the next generation of artists.
Her dancers are fierce. Her teams are unstoppable. And her ability to evolve, inspire, and elevate has turned The Rock into more than just a studio, it is a launchpad for greatness.
But what makes Quinn truly so exceptional isn’t just the trophies or the titles. It’s her heart. She has an unwavering passion for this artform. Her commitment to raising not just dancers, but insuring they are good humans. And now, that same passion has taken root in something even deeper: giving back.
Quinn is truly a leading force in SEEDance.org , an incredible nonprofit that is devoted to helping young dancers pursue their dreams of dance.
In this episode, we’re diving into how she built an elite studio, how she’s cultivated a culture of resilience and kindness, and trained some of TV’s greatest dance stars at the ROCK and if that wasn’t’ enough she is now using her platform to make dance education a reality for the next generation of artists.
Episode 9: Brian Friedman Unfiltered - Part 1
There are names in dance that need no introduction...Brian Friedman is one of them.
From choreographing for icons like Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Madonna, to being a four-time BMA nominee and visionary creative director, Brian has left fingerprints on every corner of the dance world.
But in this exclusive sit-down, Brian goes beyond the stage. He opens up about his journey from child performer to global choreographic force, sharing raw truths about imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the transformative power of mentorship.
This episode isn’t just about the counts or the choreography, it’s about authenticity, resilience, and what it takes to stay legendary. Whether you’ve dreamed of being called out in one of his classes, studied his transitions in the mirror, or simply admired his artistry, this conversation is your all-access pass inside the mind of a movement.
From choreographing for icons like Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Madonna, to being a four-time BMA nominee and visionary creative director, Brian has left fingerprints on every corner of the dance world.
But in this exclusive sit-down, Brian goes beyond the stage. He opens up about his journey from child performer to global choreographic force, sharing raw truths about imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the transformative power of mentorship.
This episode isn’t just about the counts or the choreography, it’s about authenticity, resilience, and what it takes to stay legendary. Whether you’ve dreamed of being called out in one of his classes, studied his transitions in the mirror, or simply admired his artistry, this conversation is your all-access pass inside the mind of a movement.
Episode 9: Brian Friedman Unfiltered - Part 2
In Part 2 of our powerful sit-down with the legendary Brian Friedman, we dive even deeper into the mind behind the movement. If Part 1 was about the rise, Part 2 is about the reign and everything it takes to keep the crown.
From the pressure-cooker of teaching unrehearsed choreography live onstage, to unfiltered truths about social media, mental health, and the evolving expectations of young dancers, Brian doesn't hold back. He breaks down what separates the pros from the posers, why performance over perfection still wins, and how he’s had to evolve in a world where trends shift faster than a five-six-seven-eight.
You’ll hear:
From the pressure-cooker of teaching unrehearsed choreography live onstage, to unfiltered truths about social media, mental health, and the evolving expectations of young dancers, Brian doesn't hold back. He breaks down what separates the pros from the posers, why performance over perfection still wins, and how he’s had to evolve in a world where trends shift faster than a five-six-seven-eight.
You’ll hear:
- What it really takes to get called out in his class
- His mindset on training vs. “being seen”
- How pressure builds diamonds or exposes cracks
- His take on protecting dancers in a hyper-connected, often unsafe digital world
This episode is for every dancer who’s ever dreamed of standing out, and every parent or mentor trying to help them shine the right way. It's raw, reflective, and ridiculously inspiring.
Watch Part 2 now, because legends don’t just perform. They teach, transform, and tell the truth.
Watch Part 2 now, because legends don’t just perform. They teach, transform, and tell the truth.
Episode 11: When “Free” Isn’t Free: Protecting Your Dancer in a World of Red Flags
In this week's episode, I sat down with fellow dance mom and fierce advocate Vicky Inger for one of the most important and sobering conversations we’ve ever had: how to protect your dancer in an industry that doesn’t always prioritize their safety.
Because let’s be clear: When someone slides into your DMs offering your dancer free photoshoots, free merch, or free classes, it might look like an exciting opportunity…
…but nothing is ever truly free.
Because let’s be clear: When someone slides into your DMs offering your dancer free photoshoots, free merch, or free classes, it might look like an exciting opportunity…
…but nothing is ever truly free.