POWERED BY DANCE
"LOVE WHAT WE DO!"⚡️
LESLIE AYALA
COACHES THE TINY AND MINI TEAM
TEAM MOM: IRMA RODRIGUEZ
Leslie Ayala has been sharing her love for dance for over 15 years, bringing an energy and dedication that have inspired countless young dancers. Her true passion lies in teaching foundational technique to beginners, especially the youngest members of the Powered By Dance family. Known for her patience and nurturing approach, Leslie excels at connecting with young children, helping them stay engaged and confident even as they master their very first dance steps.
A proud alumna of Powered By Dance (PBD), Leslie’s own journey began as a young dancer earning numerous 1st place trophies and developing the same deep love for dance she now shares with her students. Her training in ballet, hip hop, military, and other styles has shaped her into a versatile and adaptable instructor, capable of guiding dancers at all levels.
Beyond the studio, Leslie has dedicated her time to volunteering as a dance teacher at DaVinci High School, further extending her impact in the community. For Leslie, teaching dance is more than just a profession — it’s a calling. She loves watching her students grow in confidence, develop friendships, and discover their own passion for movement. Her greatest reward is seeing her dancers’ faces light up when they accomplish something new, knowing she’s helped build not only their skills but also their self-belief.
Leslie’s ultimate hope is to continue inspiring and guiding dancers for many years to come, sharing her belief that dance has the power to shape lives in the most positive ways.
BETSY McLAURIN
COACHES THE MASCOT AND JUNIOR TEAM
TEAM MOM: YENNIE ARGUETA
For more than 20 years, Betsy McLaurin has been devoted to sharing the art of dance, helping young dancers grow in both skill and self-confidence. As a co-founder of Powered By Dance, Betsy has been instrumental in shaping the program’s vision and fostering an environment where students of all levels can thrive. Her own dance journey began at Lennox Middle School, where she discovered the joy and discipline of performance, sparking a passion that would last a lifetime.
Betsy’s professional experience includes performing with the R&B Dance Company and the University Dance Company at Cal State San Bernardino, as well as Jose Acosta’s Dance Company and Lil’ Dancers Company. She is highly trained in jazz, hip hop, drill, and military dance, with a special love for precision routines. Known for her dedication and creativity, Betsy’s choreography has earned respect throughout the California dance community.
In addition to her work with Powered By Dance, Betsy serves as a judge for the Sharp Competition Circuit and frequently leads dance camps and clinics across the state, where she enjoys sharing her expertise with new generations of dancers. She was also a member for one season of the SPARKS Ole Skool Crew, where she performed at the Staples Center during WNBA games — an unforgettable milestone in her performance career.
Betsy’s greatest joy comes from seeing her students develop a lifelong love for dance. She takes pride in watching her dancers achieve their personal goals, whether it’s nailing a new move, gaining confidence on stage, or finding their place in the PBD family. Betsy remains deeply committed to inspiring future dancers and hopes to continue sharing her passion and knowledge for many more years to come.
NANCY VALLE
COACHES THE ELEMENTARY AND SENIOR TEAM
TEAM MOM: KARLA ROMERO
With over two decades of teaching experience, Nancy Valle brings unmatched passion, energy, and creativity to Powered By Dance. As one of the co-founders of PBD in 2003, Nancy has worked tirelessly alongside her sisters to grow the program into the thriving community it is today. She has choreographed countless competition routines that have earned state and national titles, but her proudest achievements are the dancers she has seen grow — not just in skill, but in confidence, discipline, and love for the art.
Nancy’s extensive background includes performing with the University Dance Company (UDC) at Cal State San Bernardino, Jose Acosta's Dance Company in Long Beach, the R&B Dance Company in Torrance, and Lil’ Dancers Company in Manhattan Beach. Her training spans jazz, hip hop, military, lyrical, and pom, giving her the versatility to create dynamic and memorable routines. Nancy also brings her expertise to the Sharp Competition Circuit as a seasoned judge and travels across California leading dance camps and clinics, sharing her wealth of knowledge with dancers of all levels.
Her commitment to building confident, well-rounded athletes is evident in her role as coach of the Hawthorne High School Cheer Team, where she continues to inspire students to perform at their best. A highlight of Nancy’s own dance career was performing for four seasons with the SPARKS Ole Skool Crew, where she graced the Crypto Arena stage during WNBA basketball games.
Nancy’s passion for dance is deeply personal. She loves seeing her students develop into not just stronger dancers, but more confident, determined young people. Her hope is to continue mentoring future generations, passing on the joy and life lessons that dance has given her for many more years to come.