Directors & Teaching Artists - 2025

JUSTIN COLE

CEO; Co-Founder

Justin grew up in the Bay Area and developed a love for dance and theater at an early age, writing in his 3rd grade “autobiography” that he wanted to be a professional dancer when he grew up. He entered the dance world by way of the theatre, first donning tap shoes to audition for 42nd Street at 15 years old. Soon he was teaching in children’s theatre workshops and taking advantage of attending a public high school designated as a distinguished school of the performing arts by enrolling in every theatre and singing class offered.

He is an Eagle Scout who graduated high school with honors and studied dance at Katie’s Dance Studio in El Cerrito, CA and Contra Costa College in Richmond, CA where he earned his Associates degree. He studied musical theatre at San Francisco State University, earning a B.A. in Theatre and once again graduated with honors. During his studies, he performed song and dance roles on stages across the Bay Area.

Justin has been involved in the Lamorinda Community for over two decades. He was a room parent for 6 years, VP of Family Connections on the Parents’ Club for 3 years, and frequent volunteer at Wagner Ranch Elementary where his son attended. He was an active board member for the Lamorinda Arts Council for 5 years where he chaired the Arts Council's largest fundraiser of the year 3 of those years, the Art of Mixology. 

Justin's professional teaching career includes 35 consecutive years with the Pinole Community Players, 19 years at Katie’s Dance Studio, 15 years at The California Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA), 8 years with the Peter Pan Foundation and now nearly 9 years with Joy in Motion.

In 2016, he was honored to be named Head Choreographer for the international non-profit event, Dance for Kindness, by Orly Wahba, the founder of Life Vest Inside. Everyone around the globe did his dance and he led the first ever San Francisco event at Willie Mays Plaza at AT&T Park. He choreographed the event again in 2017. 

Justin's most recent achievement is helping see Joy in Motion through the 2020/2021 Pandemic creating a program for the community to continue dancing and feel much needed joy. He looks forward to strengthening his bond with the community and is honored to be Joy in Motion's Executive & Entertainment Director.

LINDA CRAIG

CFO; Co-Founder

“Ms. Linda,” as her students call her, is an educator who has found her life’s work guiding young people to live with the exuberance and poise of confident dancers. She is known as a nurturing and upbeat instructor, and she attributes much of her patience and her enthusiasm for life to her victorious battle with Stage 4 metastasized Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 20. 

As a young dancer herself, Linda trained in tap, jazz, ballet and lyrical at a local East Bay studio and on the dance convention/competition circuit before focusing on ballet and modern—primarily at Berkeley Ballet Theater with Sally Streets and Sonya Delwaide—and in NYC with the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive.

Also a lover of academic learning, Linda graduated from UCLA summa cum laude in the honors program with a B.A. in English and completed coursework in an M.A. program at SFSU that included masters classes in teaching theory and practice applicable to any teaching setting.

In addition to over a decade of teaching dance in Moraga (at California Academy of Performing Arts—CAPA—as Primary Education Director before co-founding Joy in Motion with Justin Cole in 2015), Linda also spent 2 years as a K-12 substitute teacher in the Oakland Unified School District, assistant taught in college writing courses at Diablo Valley College, taught children’s theater, served as Vice President of the nonprofit preschool co-op El Cerrito Preschool Cooperative, and served for 2 years on the board of directors of the non-profit Pinole Community Players community theater.

Linda continues to grow and satisfy her professional curiosity. She was honored to be one of 12 dance teaching artists and academic educators selected to attend Luna Dance's Summer Institute 2018, funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. 

One of Linda's proudest achievements is project-managing Joy in Motion's lease and build-out of the former Moraga Post Office into our studio home! She loved stretching herself to learn new things—from drawing architectural plans to navigating building codes.

Now more than ever, Linda is excited to make space for the joy of moving and learning together in her role as Joy in Motion in leading the Teaching Assistant program. Photo by: Nissa Brehmer

ALYSSA PARK

Grounded in a deep passion for movement and capturing emotion, Alyssa Park brings 10 years of professional experience in dance performance, choreography, and digital filmmaking. Alyssa was raised in Snohomish, WA where she began dancing at the age of 4 years old. She trained as a competitive dancer at Platinum Dance Center, studying Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Tap. Along with traveling the country for dance competitions, Alyssa trained at the Joffrey Ballet School in NYC for 3 weeks, and has performed during the half-time show for the Seattle Sounders soccer team. 

Alyssa’s love for choreography has grown over the years, receiving several Outstanding Choreography Awards. In the Fall of 2017, Alyssa moved to Los Angeles, CA to further her dance career at AMDA College and Conservatory of the Arts. There, she performed in several of their Dance Theatre Concert performances, along with co-directing a student-choreographed show. After 3 semesters, Alyssa transferred to The Los Angeles Film School to pursue her love for being behind the camera, where she graduated with her BA in Digital Filmmaking in the Spring of 2022.

For 5 years, Alyssa was a part of a professional contemporary dance company in LA, where she was able to incorporate dance, teaching, filmmaking, and travel. Alyssa’s creative work includes digital content and performing for Dupree Dance Convention, Genesis Studios, Geometry Dance Company, Taylor Dayne, D-Trix, AMDA College and Conservatory of the Arts, Rhythmic Souls Tap Company, Tap On Location, Donovan Woods “She Waits For Me To Come Back Down” music video, and Duomo’s music video for their cover of  “What About Us” that appeared in Netflix’s Bridgerton Series. Whether Alyssa is in a classroom or on a production set, she does so with care, curiosity, and a desire for meaningful connection.

BELA WATSON

Celebrating 30 years of teaching, Bela passionately fosters well-being through movement as medicine. She holds an MFA in Dance: Creative Practice from Saint Mary’s College of California, specializing in Somatics—a field that laid the foundation for Dance Movement Therapy and Body-Mind Centering®. Bela has studied with luminaries like Bonnie Bainbridge-Cohen, Martha Eddy, Anna Halprin, and Carol Swann, blending their teachings with the science of yoga to offer a holistic and inclusive dance experience.

She earned her BFA in Visual Arts and Dance from Florida State University. Before relocating to the West Coast, she co-founded and directed Soul Play, a professional dance company in Orlando, FL, where she choreographed, performed, and ran an apprenticeship program for pre-professional teenagers.

A cancer survivor, her journey reshaped her mission to prioritize well-being and inclusivity in dance. Bela has been with Joy in Motion since 2018, teaching Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, and Tap. She also leads seated dance and yoga sessions at a local senior center, promoting accessible movement for all ages.

BRIAN WEAVER

Brian is a dancer, choreographer, and theatre director with over 25 years of experience in the performing arts. Growing up in the Bay Area, they began dancing at two years old and have been in love with the stage ever since! As an educator, Brian is committed to making dance class a fun and safe space for students to explore their artistic passions.

Throughout their career, Brian has had the opportunity to work with dancers of all ages, skill levels, and abilities. They have choreographed productions for Notre Dame de Namur University, Spindrift School of Performing Arts, Wilkinson School, and other local institutions. They are also an active performer, and have appeared on stage with organizations including Hillbarn Theatre, One Stage Theatre, and Redwood Symphony.

Brian has a diverse dance background, with extensive education in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and musical theatre styles. They have received training from Pacific Ballet Academy, Los Angeles Ballet, The Jillana School, Mercy High School Burlingame, and Columbia College Chicago. Brian earned their BFA in Musical Performance from Notre Dame de Namur University and is currently pursuing an MFA in Dance from Saint Mary’s College of California. 

DINA RICKSEN

Dina has more than 20 years experience teaching Pilates and has been a student of the practice for much longer. Dina has always been a health and fitness enthusiast and has played sports throughout her life. She discovered Pilates in high school as a valuable compliment to her athletics and fell in love with the mind-body focus.  The results she achieved were unlike anything she had experienced before.

After studying education at UC Berkeley, followed by a few years in the corporate world after, her heart brought her back to Pilates and she decided to get certified as an instructor through Body Arts and Sciences International. Dina went on to teach at several popular studios in San Francisco before moving to Moraga to start a family and open her private practice.

She’s a mom of two, a soccer coach, a lover of dance and is beyond grateful to have found JIM and for the opportunity to introduce and teach Pilates mat to this incredible community!

JUSTIN MADFES

Justin got his performing start in 4th grade in an after-school program titled, Broadway Song & Dance.  He was reluctant, but went anyway.  As an outcome of that experience, he fell in love with performing.

Justin joined Pinole Young Actors in their summer youth theater program and danced at Adrienne’s Dance Studio. Working within the Pinole theatrical community he had the good fortune of meeting and teaching with both Justin Cole and Linda Craig.

Through his high school and college years Justin continued in his musical performances at all over the Bay Area, qualifying Actors' Equity. He appeared with Pinole Community Players, Benicia Old Town Theatre, Contra Costa Civic Theater, Contra Costa Musical Theater, and Center Repertory Theatre Group. During this time Justin also had the opportunity to work as a choreographer at various locations/programs/schools. 

Moving to Los Angeles in 2012, Justin worked as a Zumba instructor for packed adult classes at 24 Fitness, and LA Fitness. During his 5 years down south he continued to develop his craft including working as a tour guide at Universal Studios Hollywood as well as being in charge of the specialized preschool programming at Adat Ari El Day School.

STEPHANIE TOBON

Stephanie Tobon is a dancer, choreographer, and educator based in the Bay Area. She earned her AA in Dance and Psychology from Diablo Valley College before transferring to Mills College in 2018. Stephanie pursued an accelerated master's program during her time at Mills, completing her MFA in Dance in May 2021, following her earlier achievement of a BA in Dance and Psychology in 2020.

Throughout her academic journey, Stephanie showcased her talent by choreographing and producing screen dances, discovering a particular passion for dance education geared toward school-aged children. In addition to her academic pursuits, her performances have graced various dance festivals in the Bay Area. She has danced for Coterie Dance Company under the artistic direction of Kimberly Valmore and contributed her skills to two seasons with A Pulso Dance Project. 

Stephanie Tobon is currently on the board of directors for Xicameri Productions and an adjunct professor at Diablo Valley College. She is committed to expanding her performing repertoire while concurrently forging a career in dance education.

RENEE DEWEESE MORAN

Ms. Renee has been a dedicated teaching artist in the Bay Area for over 20 years and is a beloved arts mentor in the Lamorinda community. She is the co-founder and current Artistic Director of Performing Academy, where she continues to inspire the next generation of performers.

A Moraga native, Renee holds a BFA in Drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. As an award-winning performer and choreographer, she has worked extensively with numerous respected Bay Area theatre companies including 42nd Street Moon, Hillbarn Theatre, Center REP, Contra Costa Musical Theatre, TMC Arts, Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre, Diablo Theatre Company, Woodminster, and American Musical Theatre of San Jose.

For over a decade, she has choreographed the Campolindo High School Musical, helping establish it as one of the most respected and professional high school theatre programs in the East Bay.

Her favorite on stage roles include Cassie in A Chorus Line (2010 BATCC Award – Best Supporting Actress), Ulla in The Producers, Bambi in Curtains, and Tiger Lily in Peter Pan. @reneedeweesemoran

TAYLOR JACOBSEN-RIOS

Taylor has 23 years of cheer and dance experience combined. Her dance training began at the age of 5 at Katie’s Dance studio where she was a student of Justin’s hip hop classes. 

Taylor is trained in many styles of dance such as Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap and Ballet but her favorite style of dance is Hip Hop. She has also performed at Disneyland, The Carnival Cruise and various festivals throughout the Bay Area. She has participated in dance competitions such as Dance Masters of California, Monsters of Hip Hop and various workshops. 

Taylor is a graduate of CSU Chico, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Kinesiology. At Chico State she was a member of Envy Hip Hop, Full Force Hip Hop Competition team and CSU Chico Cheer team.  She was previously a member of Diablo Valley College dance club, a four year varsity cheerleader in high school and a Junior Raiderette for four years. 

TRESSA TINGLEY

Tressa has lived in the east bay most of her life. She attended DVC then CSU Chico to study psychology. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, spending time with friends and family, and bedazzling anything and everything with rhinestones.

Tressa, while not a trained dancer, entered the world of dance by being a dance mom for 10 years. Her daughter was a competitive dancer for 7 of the 10 years. As a dance mom, she has learned many ways to support dancers in a healthy and positive way as well as hone in on her rhinestone skills.

Tressa met Co-founder and Executive Director, Justin Cole, working in the wholesale lending division of Bank of America in the late 90’s. After loosing touch she reconnected with Justin through social media. As a retired dance momager Tressa was looking for something to do with her spare time. Justin posted that Joy in Motion was in need of front desk help and she quickly applied. Joy in Motion has been a perfect way for her to continue her love of dance and supporting dancers.

YUKIE FUJIMOTO

Yukie Fujimoto earned her BA in English from the UC Berkeley, and went on to receive a graduate fellowship at UC Irvine, where she completed her MFA in Dance Choreography. She was a senior company member with ODC/Dance and served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance at Mills College.

Throughout her career, Yukie has performed a wide range of roles, including Cinderella in David Allan’s Cinderella, Ulysses Dove’s Vespers, Brenda Way’s Part of a Longer Story, and KT Nelson’s Walk Before Talk. She was also nominated for an Isadora Duncan Dance Award for her performances in Sonya Delwaide’s Apero and Letter á Jos.

Currently, Yukie is the Board Co-Chair of Luna Dance and Creativity. She is thrilled to be part of the Joy in Motion community, where she supports dancers in exploring identity, embodiment, creative possibility, and expressive movement.

TINA ELLIOTT

Tina is one of our most dedicated adult dancers at Joy in Motion, taking her FIRST DANCE CLASS EVER as a student, right here in 2018!  She’s been hooked on dance ever since.  At Joy in Motion, Tina pursued ALL of the adult classes including Cardio Jam, Hip Hop, Jazz, Pilates, etc. This love of dance led Tina to become a certified Zumba instructor in 2023.

Tina graduated with an AA in Liberal Arts from DVC and worked as a veterinary assistant until having her first child.  While her growing family was young, she dedicated herself to raising four children while working from home as a professional Bookkeeper.  Now that her kids are older, she’s excited to be part of the Joy in Motion team, supporting Tressa at the front desk, subbing for Cardio Jam, and helping spread JOY one dancer at a time!

The only time she misses a dance class is when she is at her other favorite place, Disneyland!  Anyone who knows Tina understands that she loves all things Disney!  She is an award-winning costume designer with an obvious focus on Disney and has won multiple awards at the competitive Disney D23 Expos.  She has made hundreds of costumes ranging from commissioned works, competition pieces, entire school plays, and of course Halloween every year for her entire family.  Her work in the costume world will certainly be a benefit at our stage shows! 

XUÂN MARSH

Xuân (pronounced "swan") Marsh is an accomplished artist and dance instructor with a devotion for movement that spans over two decades. Originally from San Diego, they now share their passion and expertise in the Bay Area. Xuân's dance background is grounded in a diverse range of styles including contemporary, jazz, whacking, tap, and more.

Starting their journey at local dance studios, they continued on to study dance at UC Berkeley and are now pursuing their Master’s in Dance at Saint Mary’s College. Committed to fostering individual artistry while honing technical skills, they aim to inspire and elevate dancers at all levels of their artistic journey.

Community building, dance history, and collective healing heavily influence Xuân’s artistry and classroom values. In their teachings, Xuân emphasizes the importance of connecting with your body, developing personal artistry, and cultivating a loving relationship with movement.