Isabel received her Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre from Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music and is currently working on earning her Advanced Certificate in Music Education from Queens College. Born and raised in Whittier, South California, she grew up in a family of professional performers and actors which led to her love of the performing arts at a young age. She eventually moved to New York City and began training at the School of Steps on Broadway, and attended the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan. Well-versed as a singer, dancer and actor, she’s appeared in off Broadway shows as well as performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. With her robust background in the performing arts, Isabel is passionate about passing along her years of experience and helping to inspire the next generation of performers. With her energy and enthusiasm, Isabel encourages her students to strive for their best while fostering their confidence. As a professional performer, she shares her knowledge of dancing onstage and is excited to help her students prepare their dance routines to perform in front of an audience. With experience teaching students of all ages, Isabel teaches our jazz, ballet and tap dancers the fundamentals and technical movements. She keeps her students motivated by welcoming their creativity and creating a fun atmosphere that allows them to learn and grow as a person and performer. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and enjoys running as a hobby.
What’s the story of how you became a dancer and teacher?
I have been dancing since I was 3, and I wanted to become a professional dancer in NYC. I watched a lot of old Musical Movies from MGM.
What impact has dance had on your life?
Dance has given me a way to express myself through movement, plus I had a lot of energy as a child, and this was great exercise.
Why did you start teaching dance?
I started teaching dance because it was something I was passionate about. I loved how my dance teachers inspired me so I wanted to inspire my students.
What are you passionate about outside of dance?
I love working out at the gym and singing karaoke.
What was the defining moment when you decided to pursue dance as a career?
In high school, I decided to pursue this as a career because I was very good, and auditioned for College Musical Theater programs. I got in everywhere.
If you weren’t a dancer and teacher, what do you think you would be doing now?
If I wasn’t a dancer, I would love to be a pop singer and write my own songs.
What question do you wish students would ask sooner rather than later?
I wish students would ask about how much hard work and discipline goes into dancing.
Do you have a favorite quote you like to tell your students?
“Dance Like No One Is Watching”
In your opinion, what makes dance such a great activity and art form?
Dance is a great activity and art form because it is a great form of self-expression.
What locations and classes do you teach?
I teach at DPPAC at both Miller Place and Selden. I teach Twinkle Stars, Jazz, Ballet, Tap and Hip Hop.
