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, Guadalupe Romero, Mia Sanchez, Mia Swaringen

Vanguard Dance Company provides students with opportunities to train, choreograph, learn from guest artists, and perform at a variety of shows, community events, and athletic games. VDC is rooted in its founding principles of artistic development, teamwork, and inclusivity.

The El Modena Dance Program offers high-quality, professional dance instruction to students of all skill levels. Dancers develop the ability to express themselves creatively through movement while building teamwork skills and preparing for multiple performance opportunities throughout the school year.

 

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. 

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Kelly is a Former Laker Girl for the Los Angeles Lakers. She is currently the Dance Director, Dance Company Coach, Varsity Pom Coach and Advisor at El Modena High School in Orange, California. 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. Kelly won Dance Coach and Advisor of the Year at Cheerpros 2025 State Championships!

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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. She also teaches barre classes at Fabletics. Kelly has a clear passion for team unity and strives to create an atmosphere where everyone can learn and advance with each other.

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Kelly is signed with Brand Models and CESD Talent Agency. Recently, Kelly was a Stand-In for Lady Gaga for Mayhem Requiem, photographed by Jack Bridgland. She was also her Stand-In for a Family Mart commercial and a Dom Pérignon shoot, photographed by Mario Sorrenti. She has been in Locale Magazine and models for Skechers.  

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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, Brea Olinda, and Immanuel College UK. 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 Jackie Sleight, Michael Rooney, Will Johnston, Sarah Davidson, G. Madison, and Ambrose Respicio.