FACULTY

Mady Korff is a highly accomplished dancer, choreographer, and educator known for her exceptional versatility and deep understanding of advanced dance technique across all genres. She began her training in San Antonio, Texas, where she developed a strong technical foundation in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern, musical theater, and acrobatics—giving her a rare breadth of knowledge that allows her to teach and choreograph with both precision and artistry.

In 2015, Mady moved to Los Angeles to further her professional training at AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts, where she immersed herself in rigorous conservatory-style training. During her time at AMDA, she performed in numerous high-level productions and showcases, including the musical Carousel, original choreography presentations, and professional dance showcases. She graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Theater, equipped with a refined technical skill set and a strong performance presence.

Mady has trained extensively with renowned industry professionals such as DJ Smartt, Michelle Elkin, Johnnie Hobbs, and Cheryl Baxter, among many others, continually expanding her technical expertise and choreographic voice. Her professional performance credits include appearances at Coyote Ugly, performances alongside Simply Raine and Becky G, and work in multiple commercial and digital media projects.

Following graduation, Mady shifted her focus toward choreography and dance education, where her passion truly shines. With a keen eye for detail, musicality, and performance quality, she is known for her ability to break down complex technique, challenge dancers at every level, and elevate their artistry and confidence. In addition to serving as Assistant Director, Mady travels nationally as a dance competition judge, further deepening her insight into performance excellence, technical execution, and industry standards.

Mady’s strength lies in her ability to seamlessly teach any genre, combining advanced technical knowledge with creativity, clarity, and inspiration. Her classes are dynamic, challenging, and supportive—empowering dancers to grow not only as performers, but as well-rounded artists.

Outside of the studio, Mady enjoys hiking and baking, bringing the same passion and joy to her everyday life that she brings to dance.

Montana Sholars is a dynamic educator, performer, and creative force whose radiant energy and unwavering positivity light up every room she enters. Born and raised in Sweden, Montana brings a global perspective, a warm heart, and an unmistakably joyful presence to her teaching—making her a beloved mentor to dancers of all ages.

With over 15 years of teaching experience across the United States and Europe, Montana holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Long Island University and is extensively trained in a wide range of disciplines including jazz, ballroom, ballet, disco, street jazz, and heels. In addition to her dance expertise, she is also a certified figure skating coach, further reflecting her versatility, athleticism, and deep understanding of movement.

Montana’s professional performance career includes credits such as Harlem (Prime Video), LA Fashion Week, Aqualillies, and the Calvin Klein SP22 campaign, and she is proudly signed with The Movement Talent Agency. Whether performing on stage, on screen, or in commercial work, Montana’s charisma and confidence are undeniable.

What truly sets Montana apart, however, is her magnetic personality and extraordinary attitude. She is a newly published children’s book author of Desi-Mae and The Things to Say, and she brings that same creativity, empathy, and heart into every class she teaches. Montana has worked extensively with children in after-school programs, dance studios, and nursery schools, where she is known for cultivating confidence, self-expression, kindness, and pure joy.

Montana is deeply committed to helping every student feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. Her classes are filled with laughter, encouragement, and positivity—creating an environment where dancers not only grow technically, but fall in love with movement and believe in themselves.

She is beyond excited to share another incredible year with the Wanna Dance LA family, and to continue inspiring dancers with her boundless enthusiasm, warmth, and love of dance.

Jacob Byrd is a dynamic performer, educator, and mentor whose passion for dance is felt the moment he steps into the studio. Raised in Kansas City, Jacob grew up as a competitive and convention-trained dancer, building a strong technical foundation that led him to continue his training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).

Jacob is currently signed with Go2 Talent Agency and has performed in an impressive range of professional productions, including Ainadamar with the LA Opera, Snow Queen and Through the Pages with Redondo Ballet Company, Robin Hood and the Maid Marion with Lythgoe Family Productions, and Sister Act the Musical with 5 Star Theatricals. His professional experience brings real-world insight and high-level artistry into every class he teaches.

In addition to performing, Jacob is a respected national dance competition judge and sought-after guest instructor at studios and conventions across the country. He has a gift for connecting with dancers of all ages and levels, helping them grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose. His training spans a wide range of styles including jazz, tap, musical theatre, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, modern, and gymnastics, allowing him to support dancers in becoming versatile, well-rounded artists.

What truly sets Jacob apart is his commitment to dancer wellness and development. He is a certified personal trainer specializing in youth fitness and continues to expand his education in movement and conditioning. This unique combination of artistry and athletic training allows Jacob to teach with intention—building strong, safe, and expressive dancers.

Jacob’s classes are high-energy, supportive, and inspiring. He is deeply passionate about helping dancers grow not only in skill, but in confidence, joy, and love for movement. Dancers who train with Jacob leave feeling motivated, challenged, and excited to return to the studio.

Sarah Wiles is a dynamic professional dancer and educator whose passion for movement, technical excellence, and infectious enthusiasm shine through in everything she does. Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Sarah grew up as a highly dedicated competitive dancer, developing a strong work ethic and performance confidence from a young age.

At just 17, Sarah relocated to Los Angeles, California to pursue her professional dance career and has since established herself as a versatile and accomplished artist. She recently earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from AMDA College of the Performing Arts, where she received rigorous training across a wide range of styles including contemporary, hip hop, jazz funk, jazz, ballet, tap, and musical theater—giving her both technical depth and creative adaptability.

Sarah is currently represented by Go 2 Talent Agency and performs with the contemporary dance company HMG, further enriching her artistry through professional performance experience. Her work in the industry allows her to bring real-world insight, professionalism, and high standards into the classroom.

What truly sets Sarah apart is her genuine desire to inspire the next generation of dancers. She brings her professional knowledge to the youth level with clarity, warmth, and excitement—creating classes that are technically strong, uplifting, and full of joy. Her teaching style balances discipline and precision with creativity and encouragement, empowering dancers to grow confidently while developing a deep love for movement.

In addition to dance, Sarah holds a Pilates certification, enhancing her focus on strength, alignment, and healthy technique. With her positive energy, strong technical foundation, and heartfelt commitment to her students, Sarah is a powerful role model who leaves dancers feeling inspired, capable, and excited to keep growing.

Renée Donovan is an exceptionally accomplished ballet artist, choreographer, and educator whose depth of training, artistry, and intellect set her apart as a true authority in classical and contemporary ballet. Originally from San Francisco, Renée brings a refined, thoughtful, and highly sophisticated approach to both performance and teaching, making her a treasured mentor and guide for serious dancers.

Her elite training includes the San Francisco Ballet School and NYU Tisch School of the Arts, two of the most prestigious institutions in the dance world. Renée has performed works by some of the most respected choreographers of our time, including Robert Moses, Alex Ketley, Helgi Tómasson, and Kenneth Walker, demonstrating both technical excellence and expressive range. She is also a devoted student of Ido Tadmor, further deepening her command of classical ballet technique, musicality, and artistic nuance.

Renée’s background extends far beyond dance. She holds a degree in Human Biology from Stanford University, giving her a profound understanding of anatomy, alignment, and the biomechanics of movement—knowledge that powerfully informs her teaching and helps dancers develop strength, longevity, and injury prevention. She is also a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, seamlessly integrating breath, mindfulness, and body awareness into her instruction.

Her passion for education is expansive and deeply human-centered. In addition to her work in dance, Renée spent six years teaching English to high school students and dance to individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, reflecting her belief in movement as a tool for healing, empowerment, and connection at every stage of life.

Renée is a certified GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® apprentice teacher, further reinforcing her reputation as a specialist in intelligent, holistic movement training. Her classes are known for their clarity, precision, and depth—challenging dancers while nurturing artistry, confidence, and a lifelong love of ballet.

With her rare combination of elite ballet pedigree, scientific knowledge, and compassionate teaching style, Renée Donovan is truly a ballet guru—an educator who elevates every dancer she works with.

Hannah Johnson is a professional dancer and dance teacher, born and raised in Chanhassen, Minnesota where she started her career dancing competitively. She is currently residing in Los Angeles and is signed with Bloc Talent Agency, after completing the Dance Theatre Conservatory Program at AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in 2018. During her time at AMDA she studied acting, singing, theatre and excelled in several styles of dance, and was featured in many dance productions. Hannah’s artistry, training and passion led her to several continents of the world. She has toured globally with Rupaul's Werq the World Tour, and singer Marco Antonio Solis, as well as nationally with the AIDS Healthcare foundation’s West Side Story. You can spot Hannah on screen in the TV shows “Platonic”, “Winning Time”, and as an assistant choreographer on “The Good Place”. Hannah has also been featured in intimate theatre performances at the prestigious Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, under the direction of Tracy Philips in shows “On The Fringe” and “Crimson and Clover”. Hannah’s commercial career has led her to work with several artists including One Republic, Kenny Loggins, Melissa Etheridge, The Smashing Pumpkins, Kieza, and Lady Camden. Hannah continues to show her love for dance by teaching young students in the Los Angeles and Orange County Areas.