about us
Mackenzie Welch (Ballet)
Mackenzie Welch began her serious ballet training at the School of the Sacramento Ballet. In 2017, she was cast as Clara in Sac Ballet’s production of Ron Cunningham’s The Nutcracker. In 2018, she joined Hawkins School of Performing Arts’s pre-professional ballet company. Beyond her year-round training, Mackenzie has trained at summer programs such as the Joffrey Ballet School’s Contemporary Ballet Intensive in San Francisco and Philadelphia Ballet’s Choreographic Intensive. In 2024 she reprised her role as Clara in Folsom Lake College’s Nutcracker Reimagined, where she was a part of the choreographic process of blending her classical training with a multitude of other styles. She had been teaching Ballet and Pointe at Hawkins School of Performing Arts for the past two years, as well as choreographing showcase and competition pieces. Mackenzie is currently with New Ballet of San Jose as a Studio Company Apprentice.
Joshua Jimenez (Contemporary)
With over 20 years of diverse dance training, Joshua’s journey began at Independence High School, where he stood out in indepenDANCE Co. and the award-winning Independence Cavalry Marching Band & Color Guard. He made his professional debut with Mixed Element at California’s Great America and went on to perform with San José State University’s University Dance Theater.
Joshua’s versatility shines through his work with contemporary and hip-hop companies such as NorCal Dance Project, Soul Con, and Bliss Dance Co., along with performances for numerous artists and groups across the Bay Area—including a feature at the 2011 Senior Olympics.
He has had the privilege of training under and performing works by renowned choreographers including Mike Esperanza, Gary Masters, Holly Johnston, and Kara Davis. Joshua credits his sister Jessica as his greatest inspiration and driving force throughout his artistic journey.
Kristian llanes (Hip Hop)
Kristian is a seasoned dancer and educator with over a decade of experience in the dance industry and nine years dedicated to teaching. His performance career includes five competitive seasons with San Jose’s renowned Syndicate hip hop team, where he contributed to first-place wins at prestigious events such as Fusion San Diego and Prelude NorCal. His training has been shaped under the guidance of acclaimed creative directors Kevin Nguyen and Daniel Gutierrez, whose mentorship helped refine his dynamic style and technical foundation. Today, Kristian is passionate about teaching youth hip hop, fostering a high-energy and inclusive environment where young dancers are encouraged to build confidence, master their craft, and express themselves authentically through movement.
Katelyn chun (Youth and recreational program)
Katelyn Chun began her dance journey at three years old. Her dedication and drive led her into the competitive dance world, where she excelled in multiple genres—ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, musical theatre, and hip hop. She also embraced cultural styles including hula and Tahitian, as well as joining a Bollywood dance team in high school—never limiting herself creatively. Katelyn choreographed multiple dance routines and was captain of her high school dance team.
With heart, fun, and discipline, she brings her full self to every class she teaches. A former student of Nicole Pagán, Katelyn treasures the bond they've built over the years. She’s honored to be part of Bellissimo Dance Co.’s inaugural season and is excited to help build something special from the ground up. Above all, Katelyn hopes to ignite a passion for dance in young dancers—serving as someone who inspires, uplifts, and leaves a lasting impact.