Staff

FOUNDER

After dancing in the corps of San Francisco Ballet under Michael Smuin, as well as with Dance Theatre of Kansas, San Jose Dance Theater, and Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre, Melanie spent many years teaching ballet in different studios in Santa Cruz County. She founded Agape Dance Academy in 2012 with the dream of having a studio that takes care of its dancers holistically, creating a loving and caring environment where students could grow in their ballet technique and love of dance.

OWNER/DIRECTOR

In 2019, Conrad received an MA in Theatre Practices from Artez Hogeschool voor de Kunsten (NL), where he was a recipient of the Artez Scholarship. In 2015, he received a BFA in Dance from Belhaven University (USA) where he was a recipient of the Belhaven Dance Scholarship.

Over the course of his training, Conrad learned ballet under the tutelage of Caleb Mitchell (Houston Ballet), Ravenna Tucker (Royal Ballet), Laura Morton (Milwaukee Ballet), and of course his mother (San Francisco Ballet) among others.

In his ballet classes, Conrad focuses on performance and presence, teaching the students how to dig into the work and to find and hold the inner light of artistry.

SPECIALTY INSTRUCTOR

Anton Pankevich received his ballet training at Vaganova Ballet Academy in Russia and later on went to study at School of American Ballet and San Francisco Ballet School. Has danced with New York City Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Royal Ballet of London, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Ballet San Jose. Has worked as a ballet master and a guest teachers with: English National Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Wiesbaden Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and Leipzig Ballet.

SHOW COORDINATOR | POINTESAFE CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR

Hannah has been teaching at Agape since 2021 after training there throughout her youth. In 2024, she became one of the only PointeSafe certified instructors in Santa Cruz County, and ensures that all students begin their pointe training with safety and longevity in mind.

POINTESAFE CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR

Raina began dancing in the small town of Grass Valley, California, and continued her training at Capitol Ballet Company in Sacramento under the direction of Stuart Carroll and Sharon Newton. She also attended summer intensives with American Ballet Theatre, Cincinnati Ballet, and LINES Ballet, and studied with the dance faculty at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. As a performer, Raina has danced with numerous companies, including Peninsula Ballet Theatre, Alma Esperanza Cunningham Movement, eMotion Arts, Tandy Beal & Company, and Move Speak Spin, among others. She has taught at several schools, including Motion Pacific, Elaine’s Dance Studio, Peninsula Ballet Theatre, and the Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center. She is a certified Pointe Safe Teacher through SF Performing Arts Physical Therapy, and currently serves as the Director of the Youth Ballet Company at the Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center. 

INSTRUCTOR

Juliana Davis joined Agape in 2024 and quickly became a beloved pre-ballet instructor. With her energetic and caring approach, she creates a joyful and nurturing environment where young dancers develop a love for movement. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students make her an invaluable part of the Agape team.

INSTRUCTOR

Riley is a teacher of ballet and pilates to youth and adults in Santa Cruz County and is excited to help dancers create strong foundations and confidence. She trained and taught at Santa Cruz Ballet Theater before starting to teach at Agape. Currently studying sociology, computer science, and dance in school, she hopes to apply this to developing ways to make dance and education more accessible, empowering, and inclusive for communities.

PRE-BALLET INSTRUCTOR

Olivia joined Agape Dance Academy in 2018 and has been a beloved teacher ever since. She teaches pre-ballet classes with a gentle and quiet style that creates a calm and nurturing environment for young dancers. Her patience and warmth make her classes a favorite among students, fostering a love for ballet from the very start.