Our Instructors

VSPA only has well qualified instructors

who have their degree in their discipline or are in the process of completing it. Proper education of our students is key to longevity and technical prowess. With all of this emphasis on technique, a sense of fun is always maintained. After all, if it isn’t fun what is the point?

Click on a name below to find out more about that instructor.

  • Yesenia D. Valverde

    Owner/ Dance Instructor
    Yesenia received her degree in Dance from Chapman University. She has been on staff at Citrus College for the last 6 years. She was the resident choreographer for the Citrus College Women Ensemble. She was the resident choreographer for the Arcadia High School's show choirs for 7 years.

    She recently choreographed The Wiz, Alice In Wonderland, Twilight: A Dance Drama and has choreographed Bye, Bye Birdie for the City of Rancho Cucamonga.  Yesenia was also a featured choreographer for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat at the Haugh Performing Arts Center. Yesenia has been teaching for the last 12 years throughout Southern California. She has also adjudicated several dance festivals in the Inland Empire.

    In addition to teaching and choreographing she has spent most of her life performing. She has been seen in many musicals throughout Southern California such as Joseph and the Amazing..., Crazy For You, and The King and I.

  • Frank J. Valverde

    Owner/ Vocal Instructor
    Frank received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California in Music Business. He has performed Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Victor Venor at Descanso Gardens. Frank has performed with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra at the Alex Theatre under the direction of the internationally acclaimed conductor Hilmut Rilling. He has sung at the Crystal Cathedral and is a member of the Michael Skidgel Singers.

    One of the highlights of his vocal career was singing at Carnegie Hall under the direction of John Rutter. His vocal talents have also taken him on a European tour where he sang in some of Europe’s finest Cathedrals, including Notre Dame in Paris, France. In addition to his classical choral experience he has been seen in musicals including Phantom, West Side Story & Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

    Frank has been teaching voice for eight years, both privately and in the classroom. One of his greatest joys was sharing his love of music & singing with the youths & teens of inner cities in Los Angeles.

  • Marlise Avina

    Ballet/Lyrical/Modern/Yoga
    Bio Info Not Available.

  • Alex Walker

    Guitar/Piano/Banjo/Sax
    Bio Info Not Available.

  • Andrea Cordova-Caddes
    andrea cordova

    Guest Instructor
    Bio info not available.

  • Andy Lee

    Guitar/Piano
    Bio Info Not Available.

  • Megan Sexton
    megan sexton

    Instructor
    Bio not available.

  • Steven

    Guitar/Piano
    Bio Info Not Available.

  • Alex Alas

    Hip Hop
    Bio Info Not Available.

  • Michelle Perry

    Musical Theatre/Jazz/Lyrical/Hip Hop/Strength & Stretch/Tumbling/Leaps & Turns Instructor
    Michelle Perry has been dancing since she was 2 years old. She has been teaching jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical and gymnastics for the past 6 years. Michelle attended Orange County Performing Arts School for 3 years where she has trained with countless choreographers including: Mark Meismer, Cindy Peeca, Jim Kolb, Eddie Garcia, Joe and many more.

    Michelle is currently studying dance at Citrus College. She hopes to transfer to Cal State Long Beach where she will get her degree in dance.

  • Elena D. Braggins

    Ballet/Tap/Jazz/Musical Theatre
    Elena D. Braggins has been involved in dance since childhood. She has performed in and choreographed several productions. She co-founded Stage 17 and has enjoyed a wide variety of teaching experiences.

    Elena has been teaching classes for the last 10 years to students of all ages. She has written and taught for the YMCA in Los Angeles, choreographed for the Citrus College Dance Department, taught dance classes at the Monrovia Community Center, and choreographed for San Dimas High school. Elena performed at Disneyland for 3 years as a Gypsy Crier and a Jungle Cruise skipper. She is a current history major at Cal State San Bernardino.

    Elena received her AA from Citrus Community College. She is also a Dance Instructor at the YMCA in San Bernardino, Redlands, and Colton. Elena is also an Instructional Aide for the Etiwanda School District.

  • Ewen Williams

    Guitar
    Bio Info Not Available.

  • Natalie French

    Ballet/Tap/Jazz/Hip Hop
    Bio Info Not Available.

  • Joy Deyo

    Violin/Piano
    Bio Info Not Available.