Monica Galindo Thompson
Director
Monica was born and raised in Oxnard where she began her training with the Channel Islands Ballet Academy. At age 17, Monica accepted a full scholarship and stipend with the San Francisco Ballet School. Monica continued dancing with the San Francisco Ballet Company for three consecutive years, performing classics such as The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and many neoclassical works. Monica performed many leading roles as a guest artist with regional and national companies. Monica also directed her sold out production of “Toxique… a love fever” a cabaret that ran for 3 consecutive weekends in Santa Barbara.
Due to her knowledge of dance, knack with children and bilingual skill, Monica has taught creative movement classes to nearly every public school in Ventura County. Thus, Mrs. Thompson was an El Concilio Latino Leadership Honoree for Cultural Arts in 1998. El Concilio stated “She is an excellent role model for our children, a wonderful mentor…In her presentations she builds self-esteem and the importance of hard work, commitment and staying in school”.
For over 20 years Monica has been a well-respected instructor and choreographer in Ventura County. Premier Dance Studio has been voted among the “Best of” Ventura County for best dance studio and dance instructor since 2008.
Monica combines her business savvy with her natural talent as a dance educator and owner of Premier Dance Studio. She feels fortunate to share her passion and professional dance experiences with her Premier students and most importantly giving back to her community.
Gianna Thompson
Marni King
Marni King began her career as a dancer winning multiple scholarships in ballet, jazz and modern from Ballet Arts, Professional Dancers Society, Stanley Holden’s, Debbie Reynolds , and the Ka Ron Brown Dancers company. Her credits as a dancer includes; Debbie Reynolds celebrity benefits, Stevie Wonder’s “Black Arts Festival” at the Rose Bowl, ” 14th Annual NAACP Image Awards”, opened for a Richard Pryor movie premier, a tribute to Foster Johnson hosted by the Nicholas Brothers, P.D.S. Tribute to Johny Carson, performed with the ” Dottie Starr Tap Dancers”, on a “Different Strokes” episode, the NBC Affiliates Awards Show and many more. She has taught and choreographed in the Ventura and L.A. County area for over 20 years.
In addition to yearly spring performances, she choreographed; Nutcracker; advanced tap for Academy of Dance Tap Team winning multiple awards and invitations to nationals from Starbound, Kar, Tremaines, Dance Rave and Headliners; also a ballet duet that won the highest score in their group size for Starbound. Recently she’s won High Gold with Premier’s Tap Team as well with the intermediate and advanced tappers. Also, Marni acted as head choreographer and judge for the Ventura County “Festival of Talent” directed by Brian Macdonald artistic director of the Rubicon Theatre. She loves to share her passion for dance with her students!
Valeree Young
Valeree Young is an experienced dancer, choreographer, entrepreneur and one of the founders of Eight & One Creative. Driven by a love for perfection, she takes pride in providing the best possible experience for all her clients, whether it’s curating an intimate theater show or working for Madonna as a Supervising Choreographer on a world tour. Valeree’s attention to detail and optimistic attitude have earned her a reputation as a hard working, creative influencer, and an asset on any job. Valeree’s credits include: Madonna, Usher, Chris Brown, McDonald’s, iPod, Burger King and Target, just to name a few.
Caitlin Griffith "Ms. Katt"
Jason Young
Jason Young has over 25 years’ experience in the entertainment industry. From a very young age, he has been both creator and performer, and as such, has developed a deeply passionate and unique approach to creating. Young’s extreme versatility and experience as a Creative Director, Choreographer and Performer has afforded him opportunities to work on World Tours, Broadway, Television and Film. Young creative directed and choreographed Ricky Martin’s 2018 Latin Billboards opening performance and was the Supervising Choreographer on 3 of Madonna’s World Tours. He has also worked with Britney Spears, Usher, Chris Brown, and Missy Elliot. Young has proven time and time again that his professionalism and experience always add a high level of excellence to every project, keeping him a sought-after talent for years.
Ariadne Fernandez
Ariadne Fernandez grew up in Laguna Beach, CA, and has been dancing since she was 10 years old. Ariadne first started in a local studio where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, and contemporary. At the age of 13 she began to study classical ballet, and in 2022 she graduated with honors from the Kirov Academy of Ballet, in Washington D.C. She has performed in full length ballets, such as: The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Don Quixote, and La Bayadere. She is currently with the State Street Ballet. She has also performed in contemporary and new choreographic works, most recently with Selah Dance Collective. Ariadne is so grateful for the art of dance, and the joy and beauty it has brought to her life. Ariadne looks forward to sharing her love for dance, and all of the wonders it has to offer, with the young artists of Premier Dance Studio!