Instructors:

Vernetta

Vernetta opened Vernetta's Dance Studio in San Diego in 1962. She is a choreographer and dancer and has choreographed for Bob Hope and Carol Channing, has taught at such hi-profile resorts as Rancho La Puerta in Mexico and spent several summers teaching choreography in Canada. She developed dance and movement programs for special needs groups such as the American Cancer Society, The Braille Institute, Home of Guiding Hands. Vernetta also directed the tap track used in the dance studio on main street at SeaWorld.

Vernetta was born and raised in the Hollywood / Los Angeles area and calls San Diego home.

See Vernetta's resume.

Monique Ramirez

Professionally trained in several dance disciplines, Monique started dancing at age seven with Tap. Also immersing herself within the electronic dance music culture, she later mastered a newfound style and dance technique. She performed at various events in San Francisco and was featured in the Sony Pictures Classics film, GROOVE.

Monique’s Mexican-American heritage provided her with an environment rich with Salsa, Cumbia, Disco and numerous dance rhythms. She’s danced with Mexican folkdance company, Ballet Folklorico En Aztlan, performing monthly at community events and festivals. She studied Flamenco under Katerina Tomas of Mojacar Flamenco and masters Maria “La Cha Cha” Bermudez, Yaelisa, La Tania, Domingo Ortega and Antonio El Pipa, performing both as a soloist and with group Flamenco Olé.

Monique was also recently cast as a featured performer in DISCO ABS, a new dance fitness DVD starring Dancing With the Stars’ Cheryl Burke, released early 2009.

As of March 2008, Monique was certified as a Zumba fitness instructor. She brings all her dance styles together with aerobic movement and invigorating music to create a fun, effective workout.

See Monique's website.

Patricia Astorga

Throughout her artistic career, Ms. Astorga has undertaken various dance disciplines including classical ballet, tap, modern dance, Folklore Mexicano and Flamenco. She began her training at the early age of 7yrs old at the world renowned school of Amalia Hernandez (Ballet Folklorico de Mexico), for 5 consecutive summers . She was one of the founding members of Ballet Folklorico de Pacifico (currently under the direction of her sister (Adriana Astorga-Gainey). In 2005, she moved to Houston, Texas and formed "Sabor Mexico Theatrical Dance Co.", (Folklorico Mexicano). In Houston, she presented her work at the most respected theaters, including Hobby Center (Zilka Hall), Verizon Wireless Theater, and Houston's Museums.

As a flamenco dancer she has appeared professionally at the famous El Cid Flamenco Tablao in Los Angeles. Patricia performed at the Grand Opening of the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. She has studied extensively in Spain with Flamenco masters such as , Juana Amaya, Alicia Marquez, Ursula Lopez and Roberto Amaral and “Angelita” in Los Angeles. In August 2006, she formed her own Flamenco dance company, “La Escencia Flamenca.” Collaborating with local musicians from Texas and California. As a result of her ongoing efforts, she developed a wonderful collabortive relationship with the Mexican Consulate in Houston, Mexican Tourism Board, Consulado de Espana, The Museum of Fine Arts, MECA and numerous other Hispanic organizations. On December 8, 2007, Mayor Bill White of Houston, Patricia was given a formal proclamation.

Patricia currently resides in sunny San Diego, Ca. with her Husband Dan.

See Patricia's website.