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Trainee Highlights
Push To Start is built on dancers who choose growth over shortcuts. These featured trainees represent just a few of the individuals who have committed to the process, embraced the fundamentals, and continue to inspire our community through their dedication.
“I'm originally from the Midwest, and I committed myself to dance in 2022. Since then, I've been dedicated to training in multiple styles with the goal of one day dancing in television and streaming commercials. I'm passionate about growing as both an artist and an athlete, and I strive to become a versatile, deeply expressive performer.”
- Tasia Rayton
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“I'm a Polynesian dancer who started dancing Hula at 3½ years old and Ori Tahiti (Tahitian dance) at age 5, and I've continued training ever since. I later expanded my dance journey by earning my BFA in Dance. Performing has always felt like home to me, and when I dance, I feel my Mana—my inner strength and purpose—come alive. My goal is to share that energy with the world while uplifting and inspiring every space I step into.”
- Kaleena Lavergne
“I'm a Los Angeles–based dancer specializing in Hip-Hop, Jazz Funk, and Heels. Dance has helped me build confidence, and I hope to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the uncomfortable. Push To Start has played a huge role in my growth, helping me become a more versatile dancer, and I'm excited to continue evolving on this journey.”
- Kareene Recto
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“I grew up in the Bay Area in California. Watching YouTube videos of Lil Buck, the Ranger$, and a Bay Area jerkin crew called LevelInc inspired me to start dancing.”
- Andrew Owyang
“I’m originally from Virginia and now based in Los Angeles. I started freestyling when I was 12 and I am especially inspired by animation and hip hop freestyle.
Outside of dance, I act, do photography, and work behind the scenes on films and other productions, so storytelling has always been a huge part of my life. A fun fact about me is that I study electrical and software engineering because one of my goals is to build an AI robot someday. I’ve been fascinated by math, technology, and AI ever since I was a kid.”
-Samari Clark
“I am a beginner dancer who started dancing a few months ago. I enjoy old-school hip hop and house. Outside of dancing, I am a researcher in psychology and UX. I love Push to Start because it helps me grow my mindset, both in dance and in life.“
-Tima Zeng
“I’m an LA-born dancer who discovered my love for movement at four years old. Dance became my safe place growing up and has always been my way to express myself, heal, and connect with others. After earning my BFA in Dance from San Diego State University in 2025, I returned to LA to pursue commercial hip hop while continuing to grow as both an artist and a person. My goal is to use dance to inspire, build community, and make people feel something real."
- Chazz Schoettle
“Dance has always been where I feel most connected to my higher self. Whether I’m practicing or taking class, I’ve always felt that I’m meant to dance. My journey hasn’t been linear (whose is?), but my love for dance has never changed. My ultimate goal is to express myself through movement, convey genuine emotion, and inspire others to connect with their own creativity.”
-Jenny Chang
“Dance has always been where I feel most like myself. It has challenged me, taught me resilience and confidence, and shown me the value of trusting the process. While earning my Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, I continued dancing because I couldn’t imagine giving up something that means so much to me. To me, dance is about telling stories, connecting with people, and inspiring others to stay true to themselves and keep pursuing what they’re passionate about.”
-Lauren Quintana
“I’ve been dancing Latin since I was a child and discovered hip-hop in college. Dance has always been my greatest source of confidence and inspired me to pursue theatre and acting. Although I didn’t grow up training in hip-hop, I’ve learned that it’s never too late to start. Taking that first step has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey, and it continues to inspire me to grow as both a dancer and a performer.”
-Vanessa Can Liu
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