Location
450 Lindbergh Ave
Livermore, CA 94551
Miss Samantha Gaskin
Founder & Instructor
Originally from Houston, Texas, Samantha Gaskin has a joy and passion for all forms of dance. This love for dance has blossomed through her study, choreography, and performance of dance for more than 26 years. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop styles of dance all over the Bay Area. Samantha has been dancing since the age of 5 years old and hasn’t stopped since. During high school Samantha studied dance on a recreational level and had the opportunity to perform as a member of the WillowRidge dance team in Missouri City, Texas.
While in college Samantha was a member of the cheerleading team and performed in shows collaborating jazz, hip-hop and contemporary for local R&B and hip-hop artist. Samantha performed for many years on the competition team at Dance 10 Performing Arts Studio in Alameda, California under the direction of Pam Drake.
In 1999, Samantha made the prestigious Oakland Raiderette Cheerleading team where she performed for 3 seasons under the direction of Karen Kovac. In, her second season as a Raiderette Samantha was selected to perform on a special cabaret variety show team for the Raiderettes where she performed at special corporate and charity events. In her final season cheering for the Oakland Raiders, Samantha was selected to represent the team in Bosnia and Kosovo to entertain for the troops overseas.
From 2008-2010 Samantha served as head coach for the San Ramon Valley High School Freshmen cheerleading team. As coach she led her team to first place in several local competitions.
Samantha has 10 years of experience teaching dance and cheerleading to young children at different bay area elementary schools, high schools, recreation centers and dance studios giving her a wide spectrum of experience. Samantha’s passion for dance and her love of children is evident in her teaching style. She both inspires and nurtures all of her students. Samantha’s goal is to provide a fun, exciting, and inspiring atmosphere for her students. She aspires to share her love for dance and allow all of her students to acquire the same love.
Maya Denise has been dancing since the age of two, and has technical training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, pom, contemporary, and ballet folklorico. She was a part of the Golden State Warriors Jr Jam Squad, received a scholarship to the American Dance Training Camp 2016, and was also the recipient of NUVO’s Teen Hip Hop StandOut Scholarship to attend the DancerPalooza intensive. During her two years of dancing with the Jr jam Squad, Maya Denise, performed with Aloe Blacc and Montell Jordan. She also participated in the 2015 NBA Championship Parade Celebration and received a championship ring. Her Tap solo placed 1st place overall in the age category at Spotlight Dance competition and Placed 2nd at Bravo Dance competition in small group Hip Hop division Maya Denise Played Claire in Sunshine Dance & Cheer studios rendition of The Nutcracker. Maya Denise had the honor of being a part of the California High Schools Varsity song team, and performs at all of the varsity football, and basketball games. Maya Denise helped to lead the team to National champions 3 years in a row. Maya Denise served as girl scout for 13 years and served as Miss Contra Costa County's Outstanding Teen (O.T.) 2017, Miss Central California O.T. 2018, Miss Los Angeles O.T. 2019, California Teen International Junior Miss 2020, Miss Arizona Collegiate 2021 and Miss Arizona Teen USA 2022. Maya Denise is Senior at the University of Arizona where she remotely assists the studio with fun and creative choreography for Sunshine Dance & Cheer Studio.
Mr. Remmie Bourgeois
Instructor
Remmie Bourgeois started dancing at the age of 13 at NewStyleMotherlode dance company in Oakland, Ca. Throughout his time there, as well as further education, he’s has learned several different styles including hip hop, jazz, modern, liturgical, African, and lyrical dance. Attending college at Hampton University he became more versed in Ballet, modern and developed his skill as a choreographer.
From there he went out into the professional dance world and has achieved success in both commercial dance, and theater. Remmie has performed around the world including, Canada, Japan, and places all over the US. Some of his credits include, Hamilton (Chicago & LA), Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz (National Tour), In the Heights, Ragtime, Tarzan, Damn Yankees, Dreamgirls, Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular, Ted 2, as well as many others.
He’s worked with World Renowned choreographers, and has been in the industry for over 20 years. Dancing has always been an outlet and safe space for expression and a way of working through hard times for Remmie! He loves teaching and he’s excited to pass on his knowledge to all the SDC students!
Instructor
Pamela Aguilar began dancing at 3 years old and has experience the world of dance through competing in dance competitions and performing in musicals. Pam is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical. During her dancing education she spent training at Las Positas College, she performed in many musicals and dance productions. There she began creating her own choreography. Pam found her passion for teaching children when she had the opportunity to choreographer at a drama camp for kids. Since that moment she has taught ballet, tap, and lyrical jazz to children of all ages. No matter if Pam has always loved how rewarding it is to see her dancers engaged in class and enjoying themselves while learning and growing with their dancing. For Pam, dancing has always been a passion, and she looks forward to sharing her love of dance to her students at Sunshine!
Miss Rollen Myer
Tap Dance Instructor
Miss Rolleen has cheered alongside Miss Samantha on the Oakland Raiderettes and has been an influential teacher and choreographer in the Bay Area for over 25 years. Her extensive experience includes performances in various venues, from concerts to sports arenas, and she has also danced abroad. Miss Rolleen's diverse dance training encompasses Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Acrobatics, and Polynesian, with her number one love being Tap. She is excited to bring her extensive tap skills and education to the SDC dancers. Miss Rolleen is passionate about teaching and loves watching her students grow. We are confident that her expertise and enthusiasm will be a fantastic addition to our studio, and we are excited for our students to learn from her.
Ms. Ari
Instructor
Ariana Argel is back for another season at SDC! A passionate dancer from a young age, Ariana has dedicated her life to the art of movement and performance. With many years of teaching experience under her belt, she brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm to the studio.Ariana specializes in a variety of styles, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop, and she loves tailoring her teaching to help students of all levels shine. Her classes are known for being fun, energetic, and focused on building strong technique, confidence, and a love for dance.Ariana can’t wait for Sunshine Dance & Cheer's recitals, where the hard work and dedication of students and teachers come to life on stage. She believes there’s nothing more rewarding than watching her students grow and achieve their goals while creating lifelong memories.
Raven started dancing when I was 3 years old, and it has been a huge part of my life ever since. A proud alumna of Sunshine Dance and Cheer and I spent many of my dancing years training and performing here, which shaped my love for movement. My passion for arts extends to being an instrumentalist, as well as performing at Carnegie Hall in New York as a percussionist. While Hip-Hop is my favorite style, I also have experience in jazz, tap, and contemporary dance as well. Having grown up in the world of dance and musical theater, I am excited to pass the joy and creativity to the students I teach. I am committed to helping my students grow not only as dancers, but as artists and people too!
Seraphine brings both passion and experience to the Sunshine Dance and Cheer Team! This season’s Performer of the Year and a former professional cheerleader with the Bay Area Panthers, Seraphine is pursuing her professional career while mentoring the youth. She is a UDA instructor of two years and has spent the past four years teaching, choreographing, and coaching dancers of all levels. She teaches jazz, ballet, hip hop, tap, pom/cheer, acro, and lyrical and loves a good technique class! Known for her high energy and commitment to growth, Seraphine is excited to foster a hard-working and engaging environment where every dancer can shine
Leah McAlister is going into her senior year at Livermore High School. Leah has been dancing since she was three years old, now specializing in Ballet and Pointe. For four years she has been teaching classes with students ranging in ages from 2 to 15 years old. She is very passionate about dance and making the studio a very fun and inclusive environment. She loves working with children and wants dance to be a place for all to enjoy. Leah is so glad she has the opportunity to be a part of the team of staff at Sunshine. She is excited about college and planning on going into the biology and medicine field.