Nicole Gradischek

Nicole began dancing at the age of 5 and studied at Artistic Dance Academy under the direction of Brenda Mertz and Denise Renee. She studied all genres of dance including: Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Pointe, Tap, Character/Musical Theatre, Contemporary Modern, and Hip Hop. At the age of 14, Nicole was hand-picked to join a traveling group called Temecula Tumblers. They performed in numerous events around the U.S. and were chosen to represent the USA in the 11th annual World Gymstrada in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Nicole attended Chaparral High School in Temecula. While there, she performed on the Advanced Dance Team all four years and served as Captain. She choreographed many numbers and was featured in Temecula Valley High School's Dance Productions. At the age of 16, she was cast in Die Fletermose at the L.A. Opera house as a dancer. During her intense dance training, Nicole was very disciplined and was selected to be in many ballets from ensemble to principle roles including: Stars and Stripes, Doctor Zhivago, Swanlake (baby swan), Firebird, Sleeping Beauty ( Fairy Violente), Coppelia, (Swanhilda's friend), Nutcracker (Clara), Cinderella (Cinderella) to name a few. While in high school, she studied in New York during summers and was accepted to both the Joffrey Ballet's and ABT's Summer Intensive Programs. She also ventured to Broadway Dance Center, Luigi's, Steps, and took classes at Millennium, and The Edge.

Upon graduating from CHS, Nicole auditioned for Stiletto Entertainment with Holland America Cruise Lines and was cast as a dancer. She had the pleasure of rehearsing with Tony Award winning choreographers John Sharron and Patti Colomba and was part of the inaugural cast leading her into the world renowned costume designer, Bob Mackie's Studios. While aboard the cruise ship, Nicole was selected to be a magician's assistant for both Greg Frewein (Gold Medallist) and James Celin (People's Choice Las Vegas). After a memorable four years of dancing all over the world, Nicole decided to try something new and was hired by both Bush Gardens Theme Parks and FACE Entertainment for independent work.

In the summer of 2007, she was asked to take over ADA and was delighted and thrilled beyond belief. It has been her life long dream to dance forever and own a studio in which she could teach others what she lives and breaths. During this time, she was also asked to choreograph and perform in the TVIFF in honor of Smokey Robinson. Nicole continues to study many different styles of dance and take classes from such well known choreographers as Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, Doug Caldwell, Mandy Moore, and many others.

Whether Nicole is teaching during the day at Day Middle School in the Special Needs Program, at the ADA studio at night, assisting CHS with their dance team, or choreographing for the TVHS Dance Team, she is always excited to see the growth her students continue to make, and she hopes to help each student achieve his or her full potential.

Dre Taylor

Nicknamed “Super Dre” for his unique style and ability to pick up any genre of dancing, Keondre “Dre” Taylor begins his fourth year as an instructor for ADA. Dre started his dance training at age 11 taking tap and later showed interest in the genre of hip- hop. In the summer of 2006 he received a partial scholarship for the Debbie Allen Summer Hip Hop Intensive.   It was also during this summer that Dre competed in the World Hip Hop Championships, taking 10th in the U.S.   While you can find Dre dancing on stage, you can also look for him on the big screen. Dre has been seen on commercials and T.V shows, including Criminal Minds & CBS’ Dance Revolution.   Dre has Choreographed for Chaparral High School for their annual winter, and Spring Dance Productions and has assisted in directing the productions, along with directing and coordinating their annual Hip Hop competition “RIVAL SCHOOLS”.    He is also the founder & director of District 951, an all female hip-hop team located in Temecula/Murrieta, CA.  Dre enjoys sharing his creative ideas with others and guiding dancers in the development of their own dance styles.  Dre has trained under numerous Hip hop instructors from Southern California including Wade Robson, Dave Scott, David Moore, Shane Sparks, and krump dancing phenomenon Lil’ C.  He decided to further expand his range of dancing by training under highly respected jazz and contemporary choreographer, Tessandra Chavez, on her Company, Unity Dance Ensemble, a professional dance team out of San Diego that specializes in mastering and fusing the styles of jazz, ballet, modern, and hip hop all in one.  Dre is also a former member of FORMALITY, one of the few professional teams that have held the prestigious title of World Hip Hop Champions.  Dre is excited to be starting his 3rd season at Artistic Dance Academy, and looks forward to seeing growth and development in all of his students, and the Hip Hop Program.             

Erica VerDoorn

Erica joined the staff of ADA in 2007.  She began dancing at the age of three and has since been enrolled in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop classes. She joined Artistic Dance Academy at the age of five, and throughout the years she has participated in many recitals and other performances at the studio.

Upon entering high school, Erica became actively involved in choreographing and performing in Temecula Valley High School’s annual Dance Production. In her sophomore year, when Great Oak High School opened, she was honored to become their first Varsity Dance Team Captain, and she held the position for three years.  While captain, her team had the privilege of competing and placing in regional and national competitions. She has attended many summer intensive dance programs and is currently enrolled in college dance courses, all in hopes of furthering her abilities as a dancer.

Erica is a strong believer in loving what you do and having a passion for it.  Dancing is her passion, and she is thrilled to continue to share it with her students at Artistic Dance Academy.

Kevin Nguyen

Kevin Nguyen begins his fourth season as instructor for ADA. He has been dancing since the age of 14 when he first took an interest in break dancing in Chicago, Illinois.  He began to seriously take an interest in dance, more specifically Hip Hop choreography, after moving to Temecula, Ca.  Kevin took his first Hip Hop class during his junior year of high school.  The next year, he became a captain on the Chaparral High School dance team. 

During his senior year in high school, Kevin trained under Erik Saradpon, eventually making it onto his world renowned all male hip hop team, FORMALITY.  While on FORMALITY, he had the opportunity to train under some of the industry’s top choreographers, including: Shaun Evaristo, David Moore, and Bryan Tanaka.  It was during this time that Kevin also began not only taking off with his dancing, but choreography too.  Kevin quickly became a reliable choreographer for FORMALITY, choreographing many standout pieces in their medleys.

These pieces gained Kevin a lot of recognition for his choreography.  Kevin has taught at the DPAC workshop in Santa Maria, BOOGIEZONE, and the FORMALITY workshop held in Toronto by VYBE Dance Co.  He is hoping to have the opportunity to teach at many more.
More recently, Kevin has participated in various projects, including Outreach Through Dance’s “DANCE FOR A WISH” project, where he is a principle dancer for choreographers Keone Madrid, Mariel Martin, and Phillip Geniza.  Kevin is entering his 3rd year teaching at ADA and is happy to be a part of the staff.  Kevin’s goals are to further develop himself as a teacher and choreographer while focusing on developing his students and helping them reach their full potential.

Jeff Vor

Jeff begins his third year as an instructor for ADA. Jeff started his breakdancing career at a very young age. Known for his unique style and clever trick style form, he wants to spread his love and knowledge to whomever wants to learn. Jeff started the very first all male hip-hop team at Paloma Valley High School and has led them to countless victories for hip hop freestyle battles.

He recently won First Place in the World of Dance 2011 competition held in San Diego, CA.

"Breakdancing is just what I do. It's my art and way of expressing myself, and I would love to share my knowledge with the rest of the world"

Chelsea Simcox

Chelsea began dancing at age three at Artistic Dance Academy and has trained in all genres including: Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, and Contemporary. As a growing dancer, Chelsea continues to take classes at ADA and from such renowned companies as Broadway Dance Center, ABT, and PULSE Dance Conventions. She has had the privilege of training with top choreographers including Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, Shane Sparks, Gil Duldulao, Brian Friedman, Cris Judd, Laurie Ann, and choreographers from Broadway Dance Center. Chelsea recently graduated from Temecula Valley High School (Class of 2010). While attending TVHS she was part of the first dance team, "The Alliance" for four years. She competed and performed at Disneyland and other locations. She was also on the TVHS Cheer Squad. She is currently on an all girl Hip-Hop team called Resurrect, which gives her the opportunity to compete and participate in various show cases. Chelsea's future plans include pursuing a dance career and continuing to share her passion with the little ones at ADA. Her passion and dedication have made her both an amazing artist and person.

Angie Sanchez

Aloha everyone! My name is Angie and I am 16 years old and I'm a professional Hawaiian and Tahitian dancer. I've been dancing for about eight years, and I just love it! It was a challenge when I first started, but after a while it became something that I enjoyed. I am currently part of a competitive team that performs and competes year round.

Come join us and learn about the exciting Tahitian dance and the graceful Hula dance. Classes will be exciting and so much fun.