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The Team

Who We Are

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Ashlieya Hanelin (Mariano)

Owner, Studio Manager

Owner of Dance Masters Performing Arts since 2017, Ashlieya is a professional actor and dancer who is committed to building a better world.

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Lieya is a meditation facilitator, hypnotherapy practitioner, and creative guide devoted to helping individuals access clarity, emotional regulation, and embodied presence. Her work blends meditation and hypnotherapeutic techniques with creativity and flow-state principles, supporting participants in understanding and working with their emotional landscape rather than suppressing it. With a background in emotional literacy and somatic awareness, Lieya teaches meditation as a practical, accessible tool for nervous system regulation, focus, and inner alignment—bridging science, intuition, and creative embodiment.

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In addition to her passion for wellness, Lieya is also an actress, mind coach, dance instructor, performer, dog mom and is newly married as of August 2024. Originally from Minnesota, she enjoys calling sunny southern California home.

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Neff Fisher

Studio Manager, Artistic Director, Dance Instructor

With over 30 years of experience in the world of dance, Neff Fisher has built a distinguished career as both a performer and educator. A winner and finalist in numerous national and international ballroom dance competitions, Neff combines technical mastery with a passion for inspiring excellence in others.

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For over a decade, Neff served as a director for one of the nation’s largest dance studio chains, where he was instrumental in training dance instructors, developing curricula, and shaping programs that elevated both student and teacher performance. His expertise in pedagogy and program design continues to influence studio education.

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In addition to his teaching and leadership achievements, Neff has also established himself as a respected music director for prestigious DanceSport and ballroom competitions throughout the United States and abroad. Known for his acute musicality and deep understanding of rhythm and movement, he has helped create the dynamic, inspiring atmospheres that define premier dance events worldwide.

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Today, Neff continues to share his passion for dance through performance, direction, and mentorship—dedicated to cultivating the artistry, discipline, and joy that make dance a lifelong journey.

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Jackie Dennis

Dance and Wellness Instructor

Jackie was born and raised in Chicago and is now based in Los Angeles. She began her formal dance training in Chicago before continuing her education at the North Carolina School of the Arts and Point Park University, where she earned her BFA in Dance.

 

Following her training, Jackie performed and taught internationally, with experience spanning the U.S., Israel, Morocco, and Sri Lanka. She later spent several years in New York City, working as a performer and educator in contemporary dance and physical theatre.

 

Jackie is passionate about fostering strong technique, artistry, and embodied expression in her students, and she is excited to be part of the faculty at Dance Masters.

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Tatiana Fernald

Dance and Wellness Instructor

Tatiana Fernald is a seasoned dance professional with over two decades of experience
in both performance and choreography, bringing a dynamic blend of creativity, technical
precision, and leadership to every project. With a background rooted in classical ballet
from the Santa Clarita Ballet Academy, she also brings extensive training in diverse
dance styles, including advanced hip hop, jazz, Latin fusion, and modern dance.
Tatiana’s ability to seamlessly integrate these varied styles reflects her versatility and
deep passion for movement.

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Her performance career spans a wide range of roles, having danced with prestigious
companies such as the Santa Clarita Ballet Company, Los Angeles Ballet Company,
and Word In Motion Dance Company. Tatiana's commercial and live performance
experience includes notable work with OneBody Dance Company and Eastern Sky
Theatre Company, where she has not only performed but also showcased her
leadership as Head Choreographer and Tour Director for both Eastern Sky Theatre
Company and Not By Might Production Company.

 

Tatiana's extensive choreography experience is further demonstrated through her role
as Head Choreographer and Stunt Coordinator for the feature film Bringing Back
Christmas. Her ability to combine dance and stunt choreography ensures a high level of
performance excellence, engaging audiences in both live productions and film.

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Alongside her creative and artistic work, Tatiana has a strong foundation in child
development, having studied at LA Pierce College and California State University,
Northridge, with a focus on special education. This background in child development enhances her approach to teaching, as she is able to tailor her dance instruction to
meet the unique needs of every student, from beginners to advanced dancers.

 

Certified in advanced ballet, choreography, and dance performance through the Royal
Academy of Dance, Tatiana also brings a wealth of experience in movement instruction,
project management, and event coordination. Her skills in dance technique, creative
direction, and talent coordination make her an invaluable asset to any project, and her
dedication to nurturing the next generation of dancers through both technical training
and emotional expression continues to inspire performers and audiences alike.

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Danny A'der

Music Instructor

Native to the northwest, Danny A’der paved his way into the music community as a talented multi-instrumentalist. Growing up in rainy Washington he spent many hours indoors, practicing. His interest was first piqued with guitar, but his love for music drove him to incorporate bass, piano, drums and vocals into his repertoire. After years of playing rock and blues by ear he yearned for something bigger, so he moved to Seattle to pursue a career in music. It was there that Mr. A’der discovered the world of classical guitar. It was the obvious path. While earning his bachelor’s degree at Cornish College of the Arts, Danny studied with world renowned artists Michael Nicolella and Dr. Peter Mack. He also performed in masterclasses with the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Jorge Cabarello, Michael Lefevre, Duo Melis, and Hank Dutt of Kronos Quartet.

 

After soaking up all Seattle had to offer (pun intended), he moved to sunny Los Angeles to pursue grad-school as a composer. Along the way he discovered a natural calling as a teacher, always sensing the best path for each individual student. And upon arrival he immediately found his home with Dance Masters Performing Arts, where he began instructing an after-school class, teaching not only guitar but a full-on rock band! His focus has now shifted from the classroom back to the studio, but school is still in session. Offering private lessons as well as group classes, he has become an integral part of building a better world for the aspiring musicians of the future! He is currently playing guitar in a Guns N’ Roses tribute band, while working on his future solo project. He welcomes all styles and proficiency levels, with a specialized focus on classical guitar. If the desire is to nurture a growing appreciation for music, then look no further. Danny’s passion for teaching will lay the groundwork for generations to come...

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Book with Neff 

Neff offers free DJ consultations and teaches dance private lessons and several of our dance classes. Book below.

Book with Jackie 

Jackie is with us almost every day, running our Youth Dance program and teaching private lessons and most of our dance and wellness classes.

Book w Tatiana

Book with Tatiana 

Tatiana is our wellness class maven! She teaches Morning Meditation and Latin Dance Cardio on Wednesday mornings and soon, Friday mornings!

Book Danny

Book with Danny 

Danny teaches music group classes and private lessons. If you are interested in learning guitar, piano, keyboard, or drums, he's your guy! When booking private lessons, make sure to select his name to see his availability.

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