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Vicki Ortega

Vicki began dancing at the age of 5 studying ballet, tap and jazz at various ​studios in the Orange County area. She continued her dance training through ​High School. Vicki attended Chapman University on a Dance scholarship. While ​attending Chapman University, she was taking dance at many of LA’s top ​studios. Vicki has previously coached and choreographed for various high ​schools including Valencia High School and Santa Margarita High School ​competitive Dance Teams. Vicki received her Bachelor of Arts degree in ​Movement and Exercise Science with an emphasis in Dance from Chapman ​University. She then went on to complete and received a secondary teaching ​credential. Vicki and her husband Russ have raised three wonderful children. ​Vicki has been teaching and coaching at Center Stage for 16 years and is ​excited to continue sharing her passion for dance with the students at Center ​Stage Dance and Performing Arts.

Carissa ortega

Carissa has been training as a dancer for 16 years. 9 years at CSDPA under the ​direction of Kristi Davar. Carissa has been a competitive dancer and won many ​titles, including National Titles in her competitive career. She was a part of ​Capistrano Valley High School’s Pep Squad for four years. She participated on ​Varsity Song team for 3 of those years and Varsity Captain her senior year of ​High School. Carissa was noticed by McDonald Selznick Associates Talent ​Agency and signed with MSA when she was 16. After she graduated high school ​she went on to pursue a professional dance career and was lucky to get the ​opportunity to train in the Launch Program at The Brea Space under the ​direction of Krista Miller in the year 2018-2019. She has trained with several ​choreographers including, Mark Meismer, Brian Freidman, Jessica Richens, ​Lacey Schwimmer and many more. In 2019 Carissa signed a contract to dance in ​the longest running show in Las Vegas, Legends in Concert. She graduated from ​California State University, Fullerton in 2021 and went into the Medical Sales ​industry. As Carissa continues to pursue her dance career she is currently ​performing at the Disneyland Resort and she is very excited to see what the ​future holds for her.

Megan Laude

Megan has been dancing since the age of five and has been with Kristi Davar ​since she was eleven. She has a background in jazz, tap, ballet, pointe, lyrical, hip ​hop and musical theater dance. She has studied with choreographers such as ​Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio, Dave Scott, Wade Robson, Melissa Sandvig, Cris ​Judd, and many more. She won a scholarship award from The PulseDance ​Convention. Megan has been involved in Musical Theater since she was six, ​performing in many musicals at her church and MVHS. She won a Bright Spot at ​the M.A.C.Y. Awards for her role in Beauty and the Beast. She also won a ​M.A.C.Y. Special Recognition Award for her dancing in 42nd Street. She has also ​had roles in Singing in The Rain, Urinetown, The Sound of Music, Children of ​Eden and Godspell. She graduated from MVHS as an international honor ​thespian. Currently, Megan graduated from Cal. State Fullerton with a degree in ​Communications with emphasis on Entertainment and Tourism. She takes ​advantage of taking dance classes when she can, and is excited and honored to ​be able to teach and coach at her dance home, CSDPA.

Meghen Antonia

Having danced the past 17 years, Meghen has trained at Center Stage Dance ​and Performing Arts in tap, jazz, jazz funk, musical theatre, hip hop, ​contemporary, and ballet. She began competing in regionals at age 11, earning ​many high point awards as a group dancer and soloist. Throughout her time as a ​dancer, she also found a love theatre and acting. She achieved many awards as ​a young actor, including “Best Ensemble” in 2014 and “Achievement in Stage ​Design” and “Best Contemporary Monologue” in 2015. Since then, she’s ​continued to explore her love for teaching, performance, and art through ​leading performances in short films and choreographing MVHS’s Cinderella. ​With her passion for sociological and humanities studies, she encourages a fun, ​but fair, environment that fosters students’ creativity and personal growth. ​Meghen is thrilled and thankful for another incredible season with her students!

La​uren Kolden

Lauren began dancing at the age of three under Maria Lazar at Classical Ballet ​Academy. She started dancing on pointe when she was nine and furthered her ​ballet training with Dmitri Kulev at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy. With an ​emphasis in ballet, she has also trained in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, ​character, and tap. competed in all styles of dance and was accepted into ​many summer intensive programs. She attended the Alvin Ailey Summer ​Intensive program in New York City in 2015. In addition to dance, Lauren has her ​Yoga and Pilates certifications. Currently, she teaches Pilates at a studio. Lauren ​furthered her education by obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance at California ​State University, Fullerton where she studied ballet and modern. She ​choreographed and taught throughout college. She recently has guest ​choreographed for schools including Irvine High School and Saddleback ​College. Lauren has received top overall awards and “Best Choreography” at ​national dance competitions. She was the dance team coach at Santa Margarita ​Catholic High School. She currently teaches at Center Stage Dance and ​Performing Arts where she has loved watching her students grow and learn for ​over ten years. Lauren really enjoys spending time with her babies and is loving ​this new stage of life. She hopes to start training again soon with Miss Kristi and ​Miss Kristen. Lauren is always eager to share her passion and love for dance ​with her students.