Our Philosophy
To provide a safe and creative environment for our students where they can grow in their technique and achieve greater levels of self confidence. It is our intention to operate in an ecologically friendly manner while cultivating the spirit and developing the self awareness and creative expression of our students.
Our Instructors
CeCe Yazadchiev - CO -Owner of Starlight Dance Academy, LLC, Cece was born and raised in the Ojai Valley. At the age of 19, Cece won a years scholarship a to the acclaimed Tremaine Dance Center in North Hollywood. After studying for 2 years with top professional instructors, Cece began her professional career . Her resume highlights cruise ships, back -up dancer for top recording artists, WWF, and On Broadway performances in New York. Cece has been teaching dance in the Ojai Valley for the past 5 years and is excited to share her love of dance with the Community of Ojai. CeCe is also Zumba® certified.
Stephanie Hull – Co -Owner of Starlight Dance Academy, LLC. Stephanie came to love dance while dancing at her mothers’ studio, The Dancers’ Studio in Ojai. She spent her early years as an assistant to her mother and found her passion for dance was one that she wanted to share with others. In college, Stephanie explored the world of contemporary and modern dance performing with groups in her area. She graduated with a B.A. in Comparative Literature and sought out the publishing world. After the birth of her daughter and yearning to return to dance and movement, Stephanie focused on yoga and pilates to regain her strength and physical capabilities. In 2006, she became certified in Method Pilates and Itsy Bitsy yoga. She is excited to be opening a dance school in Ojai and believes her mother is smiling down on her with pride and joy.
Lisa Laubacher - Lisa Laubacher has been a ballet instructor to dancers of all ages in Ventura County for over 23 years. Lisa began her ballet training in Medellin, Colombia. She also trained in Mexico City, Ohio and continuing in California at the Palos Verdes Ballet and finally at the summer intensive with the San Francisco Ballet. Her first professional experience was with the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle. Lisa continued to perform with several regional companies including the Santa Barbara Ballet Theatre, Ballet Etc. and was a founding member of the current State Street Ballet in Santa Barbara. She also performed with the local modern dance group of Plexus Dance Theatre. In recent years, Lisa has taken up salsa dancing and other latin dances.
Susan Bronstein - In l987 Susan Bronstein became a certified aerobic instructor through a program at California State University, Hayward. Susan’s interest in biomechanics, and kinematics led her, in l994, to begin studying the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning. She received her certification through the Pilates Guild™ in l997, after completing a 700 hour course. Her primary teacher was and is Romana Kryzanowska, an 85 year old woman who began her studies with Joseph Pilates himself in the l930’s, and who carried on his work after his death. After certification, Susan owned and ran her own Pilates studio in St. Louis, Missouri for six years before moving to Ojai in 2003 where she began teaching Pilates group classes, dance and stretch. In 2006 Susan opened her own Pilates StudiOH! in Ojai offering private and semi-private sessions using the Pilates equipment. Her commitment to movement and body conditioning includes practice of Iyengar and Hatha Yoga, study of Physical Therapy and other holistic approaches to health and fitness. She has studied ballet, jazz, tap and West African dance, performing with groups in San Francisco, St. Louis and Ojai. She holds a B.F.A. from Syracuse University.
Osea Kaukimoce - Born and raised in Suva City, Fiji Islands, Osea grew up with a love for dance, music,volleyball and rugby. Osea began training in his native “meke” style of dance as well as hip-hop. He took that and began doing local outreaches and teaching in schools all over the city. While helping serve an American missionsteam he met his wife Keeley. He now lives in Los Angeles, California where he dances and teaches professionally. He has broadened his skills as a hip-hop dancer by training in popping and locking as well. Osea has performed on “The Lady of Soul Awards” and ” The World Music Awards”. He has also performed in music videos and stages across LosAngeles, He is a current member of Word In Motion dancecompany. He and his wife are currently raising their beautiful daughter Kalia and dedicated to bringing the Gospel to the nations in God’s unique, powerful, relevant expression of hip-hop culture and dance.
Nina Baumgartner - Answering a call for new, innovative teaching curriculum, I was sent on a life changing pilgrimage to Crete Greece, San Agustinillo Mexico, San Francisco California, Sardegna Italy and Oliena Spain. For 5 years I gained life skills, made amazing connections, and was immersed in foreign language and culture. From my journey I confirmed that learning languages is essential, music is a universal language and the earlier we are exposed the better. With a vision of global education, I created my own programs Rainbow Music, a multicultural music program, and Escuela Azul, a Spanish language adventure class and camp. These programs have been offering the community access to building bridges locally and globally for 10 years now. I am passionate about sharing my talents with the next generation in order to help them uncover and discover their unlimited potential. Most importantly, I am a dedicated wife and loving mother to my three Rainbow Children Isaiah, Sonoma, and Sage.
Whitney Hartmann Photography – Whitney Hartmann is Ojai’s premier family and children’s photographer. She will be working with the Starlight Dance Academy to capture it’s spirit in it’s dancers, performances, and events. She also helped to create our website. If you would like more information on Whitney Hartmann, please visit her website at www.whitneyhartmann.com.
