Instructors

Lissa Beck

Lissa assumed ownership of American Dance of SLO in 2000. Formally Pat Jackson’s American Dance, Lissa wanted to continue Pat’s philosophy on dance and family. In the last 6 years she has done just as Pat would have wanted, she has continued to nurture the studio where families can come together in dance and friendship. Lissa has upheld the teachings of self-esteem and confidence. SHINE!

Leslie Baumberger

Artistic Director Leslie Baumberger has been on staff since 1976 and was an original member of the American Dancers. As Director of the competition dance teams, she has received many awards, including Outstanding Choreographer, Outstanding Teacher, and Best of Show. She teaches the advanced jazz classes.

Many nationally known dance teachers such as Joe Tremaine, Roland Dupree, Rhonda Miller, Joe Lanteri, Mia Michaels and more hold Ms. Baumberger in high regard. Ms. Baumberger is committed to the highest degree of dance training and continued dance education.

Suzy Miller

Suzy Miller-Fuentes has worked in the industry for over two decades. She has choreographed for Theater, television, MTV, film, nightclubs, rock and roll stage shows, fashion shows, corporate industrials, and artistic showcases all over the United States and abroad. She has worked with many celebrities, including Diana Ross, Drew Barrymore, Debbie Reynolds, Jenny McCarthy, and Sandra Bullock. Suzy has many industry awards, including five regional Emmys, an Iris award, and television’s coveted Peabody award. Her choreography has received Outstanding, Critic Choice, Best of Show, and Most Entertaining awards at all of the nations premier dance competitions.

Rose Patti

Rose started her dance training with Pat Jackson “s American Dance at the age of 11. She was a member of both the Young Americans and American Dancers. Rose currently teaches both jazz and Tap and is the director of the studios older performing groups, the Junior Americans and the Teen Americans. Rose is committed to promoting self esteem and the love of dance.

Teana Fredeen

Teana Fredeen dreamed of social dancing since she was a little girl. She
began her ballroom dance training in 1988 and has enjoyed teaching for
nearly two decades. She has taught students from 8 to 100 years old and
finds it a privilege to impart the love of social dancing to people of all
ages. Her specialty is in American style Smooth and Rhythm ballroom dances.

James Van Lommel

James began dancing eight years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Salsa was the first dance he learned, but that quickly spread to a variety of ballroom dances, West Coast Swing, and now hip hop and ballet.

His emphasis in teaching has been on proper technique and having fun with the dance – the two are not mutually exclusive to him. He’ll attend CP Salsa most every Friday night and competes in West Coast Swing competitions whenever he can. His current participation at this studio has only deepened his appreciation and respect for dance, movement, and music.

Ryan Beck

Bio coming soon…

Sarah Marshall

Bio coming soon…

Lauren Lynch

Bio coming soon…