El Modena High School

 

2025 - 2026 Vanguard Dance Company
El Modena High School - Orange, California 

 

Olive Bell, Daisy Bonifacio, Ashley Cedillo, Emily Cordova, Samantha Cuevas, Lincoln Goldsberry, Gabriella Gutierrez, Alani Herbert, Daniella Herberth, Jasmin Hernandez, Katherine Hernandez, Keilah Osborn, Fernanda Martinez, Guadalupe Romero, Mia Sanchez, Mia Swaringen

 

Vanguard Dance Company is an El Modena High School (ELMO) tradition. Under the direction of Kelly Hesp since 2023, VDC continues to maintain the group’s founding principles of honor, integrity, discipline, and high-standards of excellence while legitimizing itself as a world-class high school dance company. 

 

Dance Department Director: Kelly Hesp

Email: khesp@orangeusd.org

Kelly Hesp 

 

Kelly Hesp was born and raised in Newport Beach, California. She began dancing at age 4 and spent over ten years at Focus Dance Center as a competitive dancer. Throughout her early years, she trained in various styles of dance including jazz, lyrical, tap, ballet, and hip-hop.

 

Kelly is a former Laker Girl for the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team. She is currently the Dance Director, Dance Company Coach, Varsity Pom Coach and Advisor at El Modena High School in Orange. She received a Masters in Education and single subject teaching credential in physical education. Kelly also received a Career Technical Education Teaching Credential, where she is able to teach dance and yoga in high school. Recently, Kelly won Dance Coach and Advisor of the Year at Cheerpros 2025 State Championships!

Kelly is also a fitness instructor at Equinox Luxury Fitness Club. She is a certified barre instructor and enjoys combining her passion for dance and fitness. Kelly has a clear passion for team unity and strives to create an atmosphere where everyone can learn and advance with each other.

 

Kelly is signed with Brand Models; She was a Stand-In for Lady Gaga. It was with the photographer, Mario Sorrenti, for a Dom Pérignon Champagne shoot. She has also been photographed in Locale Magazine and modeled for Skechers. 

 

During high school, she danced with Orchesis Dance Company at Corona Del Mar, where she was captain of her team for two years and was able to choreograph and perform for their annual concerts, rallies and other venues. Kelly has choreographed for various high schools and universities such as Chapman, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Sage Hill, Crean Lutheran, Godinez Fundamental, and Brea Olinda. She is known for her vivacious teaching style and creative choreography.

 

 Kelly received a BA in Dance and BA in Communication from Chapman University where she trained in ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and ballroom. At Chapman, she was selected to perform in the Fall Faculty Dance Concert and Chapman American Celebration event. She was also selected to be a part of the Chapman Dance Alliance where she choreographed and performed in their annual show. Kelly performed with Chapman Dance Tour in 2019, which toured throughout Orange County and Las Vegas. She has worked with choreographers including Jessica Elliot, Jackie Sleight, Michael Rooney, Will Johnston, Sarah Davidson, G. Madison, and Ambrose Respicio.