Ms Joy
Owner, Instructor
Joy Girard began her dancing career at age 4 at Suzanne’s Dance Factory. She received the Dancer of the Year award and was a member of their nationally ranked competition team. She also studied dance at the renowned Orange County School of the Arts and was part of their performance group, Montage. She has studied Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Lyrical, Ballet/Pointe, and Modern. Joy travelled the world while performing aboard Holland America Line cruise ships ms Veendam and ms Statendam. She has also been a member of Tapped In directed by Tyler Knowlin, and MVP Dance Company directed by Michael Van Patten. Joy entertained audiences dancing and singing as a featured performer in Cirque Magique and Teatro Martini in Buena Park, CA. She has been teaching since 2009 first at Suzanne’s Dance Factory, then in San Francisco, New York City, and even on cruise ships along side the "pros" of Dancing With The Stars. Joy’s dream of becoming a dance studio owner became a reality in 2021 when she took over Suzanne’s Dance Factory and is thrilled to share The Joy Of Dance with all of her students!
Ms Bridget
Instructor
Bridget Nagel graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.F.A. in Dance Choreography and a B.A. in Environmental Science and Policy. Bridget has been dancing from the age of 10, specializing in Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Ballet. At UC Irvine, she studied under many esteemed professors, such as Charlotte Griffin, Loretta Livingston, Kate Skarpetowksa, Tong Wang, Chad M. Hall, and more. Bridget has had the privilege of collaborating internationally multiple times, including choreographing and dancing for the Nabla Festival in Italy and dancing for distinguished choreographers Nitzan Lederman and Noa Wertheim in Israel through the Summer Dance Jerusalem Program at UC Irvine. Bridget has premiered many of her choreographic works at UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts and through the Woodbridge High School Dance Team. She currently dances for Emergent Dance Company as a second company member, for Disneyland as a parade performer, and for competitive hip hop team The G.O.O.D. Project.
Ms Alycia
Instructor
Alycia Thomas started dancing at the age of 4 and attended Suzanne’s Dance Factory from age 10 through graduation. She is trained in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Tap, and Pom, and has explored many other styles throughout her training. While at Suzanne’s Dance Factory, Alycia was awarded both the Dazzle Award and Dancer of the Year. She was trained by Ms. Suzanne to work with and teach young dancers while in high school. Alycia was a member of her high school dance team as well as a part of the drama program and International Thespian Society. She is currently pursuing her passions for performance as a student of theatre and dance at the University of California San Diego, where she has performed in several musicals and dance shows. At UCSD, she choreographed and directed several numbers featured in a musical theatre showcases. Alycia also has experience as a regional theatre performer, and can’t wait to share her love of the arts with her students!
Ms Miranda
Instructor
Miranda Beckman started dancing at Suzanne’s Dance Factory at the age of 4. She is trained in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, and Contemporary. During her time at Suzanne’s Dance Factory she was awarded the Dazzle Award which is given to dancers who exude exceptional showmanship and stage presence. In high school she was part of the Dana Hills Dance Team and attended regional and national competitions. While dancing at Suzanne’s Dance Factory Miranda was chosen by Ms. Suzanne to become a teacher assistant and was trained to work with dancers of all ages, levels, and genres of dance. Currently, Miranda is attending Saddleback College with plans to transfer to UCI to study Forensic Psychology. She loves to spend her time dancing and has a true passion for sharing the happiness that dance brings her with young dancers!
Ms Leah
Office Manager
Ms Leah is a former "dance mom" turned office manager and is here for anything you need! She's the one who keeps it all together behind the scenes! Ms. Leah is always there to keep you up to date with any studio events, answer your questions, and greet you at the desk with a smile.