Heather Rivera
Program Director · Dance Team Director
Turn Lab | Ballet
Our Story
About Kick It Up
Learn our story, mission, and commitment to dance education excellence
Our Story
Kick It Up Dance Studio was founded in 2004 with a simple mission: to create an inclusive, inspiring community where dancers of all ages and abilities can thrive.
From our humble beginnings in a small studio space, we've grown into Long Beach's premier dance destination, serving hundreds of students annually across all styles and levels.
Today, we remain committed to fostering artistic expression, building confidence, and creating lifelong memories for our dancers.
Why Choose Kick It Up?
- Professional, certified instructors
- Dance classes for ages 3 and up, beginning to advanced levels
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Supportive, inclusive community
- Award-winning performances
- Flexible scheduling options
- Free trial classes available
Studio Owner / Founder
Susan Janson
Susan began dancing at the age of 5, and that early love for movement has shaped her life and career ever since. She holds multiple degrees from California State University, Long Beach and went on to earn her MBA. Today, she is a certified coach, speaking across the US to other studio owners, a member of More Than Just Great Dancing and serves as the Customer Communications Manager for Enrollio Dance Studio Software.
Susan is passionate about teaching children and believes deeply in leading through love, kindness, and integrity, while placing families first.
Meet Our Staff
Meet the leaders, coordinators, and instructors who make Kick It Up a welcoming place to learn, grow, and dance.
Leadership & Operations
Kennidee Martinez
Studio Director
Studio Leadership
Kloe Martinez
Customer Care Coordinator
Family Support | Studio Operations
Stacy Burke
System Management · Front Desk Receptionist
System Management | Front Desk
Teaching Staff
Ann Cong
Lyrical | Contemporary | Jazz | Soloist Coach
Anthi Yphantides
Jazz | Pointe | Ballet | Contemporary | Lyrical | Mini Hip Hop | Sparkle Squad
Chloe Beidleman
Jazz | Lyrical | Contemporary | Turn Lab | Hip Hop
Chris Wendorff
Contemporary | Lyrical | Jazz | Adult Jazz | Dance Team Coach
Elise Conlay
Lyrical | Jazz | Ballet
Jaxie Russel
Sparkle Squad | Turn Lab | Contemporary | Lyrical | Jazz
Kayla Corpus
Leap Lab | Jazz | Tutus & Bowties | Tricks Lab | Pom | Dance Team Coach
Kelley Sorensen
Tutus & Bowties | Ballet
Nicole Ayers
Tutus & Bowties | Jazz | Mini Hip Hop | Leap Lab | Dance Team Coach
Rosi Rico
Sparkle Squad | Jazz | Ballet | Lyrical
Steve Zee
Tap | Adult Tap
Talisa Solorzano
Jazz | Turn Lab | Contemporary
Xene Sommers
Acro | Jazz | Hip Hop | Turn Lab
Solana Laszlo
Jazz | Tricks Lab | Dance Team Coach
Jaryan Bague
Hip Hop | Adult Hip Hop | Dance Team Coach
Emi Torres
Special Needs Hip Hop
Jenny Kellogg
Aqua Zumba | Ballet Barre
Jayson Erick
Bellydance
Keyra Ickler
Substitute Teacher | Private Lesson Instructor | Camp Coordinator