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Monica Dominguez,
Executive Director
Ms. Monica Dominguez brings over 20 years of dance teaching experience to her role as Director of the Dance Live Dream Center (formerly Center for the Dance) in Castro Valley, which she has led since 2014. A versatile choreographer, Monica has created routines across a range of styles—including tap, jazz, and hip-hop—and even staged a full production of The Wizard of Oz.
Some of her favorite performances include a 1920s-inspired tap number at San Francisco’s iconic Bimbo’s Club and a powerful gospel tap routine at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre.
Monica holds a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology and is deeply passionate about providing meaningful dance and performance opportunities for her students and the broader community. Known for her community spirit, creative energy, and family-focused approach, she continues to inspire dancers of all ages to live, dream, and express through movement.
Adriana Borrero,
Administrative Assistant
Born and raised in the San Francisco East Bay Area, Ms. Adriana began dancing at age five and cheered for San Lorenzo High School’s Varsity team in 2006. She returned to teach alongside her mentor, Monica Dominguez, and has been part of Dance Live Dream Center (formerly known as Center For The Dance) since 2014. Ms. Adriana’s passion for Jazz and Lyrical dance shines through her energetic and positive teaching style.
In addition to teaching, she serves as Administrative Assistant, providing support to the director, staff, parents, and students at studio events and recitals. She loves Jazz and Lyrical dance, cozy days at home, and watching Disney movies with her puppy, Bella.
Favorite quote: "“If you can dream it, you can do it.” - Walt Disney
Mr. Sonny Lee Baker
Dance Instructor
Mr. Sonny began dancing at the age of three and quickly developed a lifelong passion for the art. Trained in jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, and acrobatics, he grew up performing in competitions and shows, and later brought his talents to the stage as part of the entertainment crews on Caribbean and Carnival cruise lines.
Teaching, however, has always been Sonny’s true calling. He finds great joy in helping students build confidence, explore creativity, and express their unique style through dance. A proud father of two daughters, Kailyanna and Caliah—who share their fondness for dance—Sonny continues to share his love of movement and performance with every class he leads.
Coach Alana Thompson,
Cheer/Dance Instructor
Coach Alana has a lifelong love for both dance and cheer. She began cheering in 8th grade and has been a member of her high school’s Varsity Cheer Team since her freshman year. In addition to cheer, Alana has trained in Latin, jazz, and contemporary dance, bringing versatility and enthusiasm to every class she leads.
Passionate about teamwork and self-expression, she believes cheer is “a great way to move your body, have fun, and learn new skills!” Coach Alana is excited to share her spirit and creativity with the DLDC community, inspiring students to move boldly and shine with confidence.
Ms. Serena Johnson - Jenkins
Dance Instructor
Ms. Serena is a passionate and versatile dancer who began her dance journey at the age of eight. She has trained extensively in ballet, pointe, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and praise dance, and has explored African dance through workshops. Serena has performed and competed in a variety of styles while also teaching hip-hop and creative movement to TK–2 students through the HUSD YEP program.
Dedicated to both learning and teaching, Serena brings creativity, warmth, and encouragement to every class. Her commitment to growth and expression continues to inspire students to discover their own joy and confidence through dance within the Dance Live Dream Center community.
Ms. Abigail "Abby" Kerry
Dance Instructor
Hi! My name is Abby, and I’m a junior at Arroyo High School. This is my third year on Varsity Cheer, where I currently serve as Co-Captain. I’ve been dancing since I was 2½ years old and have danced competitively for the last 14 years. Dance has always been my happy place. It brings me peace, joy, and confidence. I’m so excited to share my love of dance and continue growing my dance family here at DLDC!
**Fun fact: My very first dance competition was with Mr. Sonny’s daughter when we were just three!
Caitlin Coleman
Dance Instructor
Caitlin recently relocated to California from Northern Virginia and is excited to join the DLDC team. She began dancing at age two with a strong ballet foundation before expanding into jazz, musical theater, contemporary, modern, and lyrical.
With experience choreographing musical theater productions and competitive pieces, her work has earned recognition for both choreography and performance. Above all, Caitlin is passionate about creating a supportive environment where dancers can grow, explore new styles, and build confidence. She’s thrilled to share her love of dance with the DLDC community and to start exploring life on the West Coast!
Ava Amaral
Dance Instructor
Ava has always carried a creative passion, and since she was 5 years old, she began dancing. She grew up training in ballet, tap (being her favorite!), jazz, and hip hop. Growing older, since she was 14, Ava has been continuing to dance traditionally in Portuguese Folklore, and was on her JV and Varsity cheer team at her high school her junior and senior year.
She has always found a way to stay active through dance to express her creative freedom, being full of joy when on a stage or in general dancing to a crowd. Ava is thrilled to be able to grow, share her creative passion through dance, and inspire other dancers to stay passionate and confident in themselves at Dance Live Dream Center!