Elena currently works as a performer/choreographer with Amanda V’s Material Girl, backup and lead vocals with Princess and the Evolution, Park Hill Dance Collective, and the ladies’ shines salsa performance teams at Colorado New Style (CNS): Divinas, and Anita’s Ladies, of the renowned World Champion Anita Santos Rubin, performing and competing around the Denver area, nationally, and in international competition throughout the US. The Divinas took First Place and the title of “World Champions” at World Salsa Summit in 2021 in both the ProAm and Amateur categories. Her CNS team was also featured in a performance with the Colorado Symphony on the Latin Beats concert, hosted and televised on Telemundo. Elena has also previously performed and choreographed for other dance ensembles and notable performing artists such as Emmy award-winning Melissa Ivey’s Speed of Life, international artist Nick Cave’s Heard*DAM, Flash Mob America as a dance lead, Front Range Contemporary Ballet Company, DAM Entertainment, Legacy Dance Ensemble as a soloist, Blue Moon Dance Company, and Ten Honies, in addition to other choreographers and clients.
Elena started her dance training with Christina Noel at the Arvada Center. She later earned a BFA in dance from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at UMKC. There she studied under and performed in pieces by Jennifer Medina, DeeAnna Hiett, Rodni Williams, Sabrina Madison-Cannon, Paula Weber, and Mary Pat Henry, among others. She attended programs at The Ailey School, Jennifer Medina’s Common Thread Contemporary Dance Company, Cleo Parker Robinson, and Kim Robards, performing in showcases and attending some of these on scholarship. Elena then went on to study Graham with the esteemed Franca Telesio. Her dance technique styles include Horton and Graham based modern, ballet, jazz, and contemporary. Elena is also proud to be exploring her newfound skills in backup vocals, and is so grateful to Amanda V for her incredible mentorship. She also currently trains in competitive salsa (on2 and on1) and aerial dance (sling, silks, lyra).
Elena believes in the value of the performing arts from both an artistic and educational standpoint. She earned an elementary teaching license from the State of Colorado through the University of Colorado Denver. As such, Elena believes dance education should be accessible, shared, and enjoyed by all. She hopes to use dance and choreography as a tool to build self-esteem and create a positive self-image for growing dancers, especially those who come from difficult backgrounds. Elena has taught in a variety of dance programs in the US, and abroad in Abu Dhabi (UAE). She currently teaches at Airborne Gymnastics and Dance, additionally directing the Tour Ensemble; the Dance Academy at The Arvada Center; and Community-Minded Dance (CMDance), additionally managing the School Outreach.
THE PREMIER MADONNA TRIBUTE 