Discover Crescendo Dance — where artistry meets empowerment. Located in Santa Cruz, we offer a nurturing, inclusive space where every dancer is part of a community redefining dance training for a new generation of confident, resilient performers
We focus on a problem to be solved, not a person to be blamed. Our goal is to foster confidence and create a sanctuary where children can feel at home while learning how to dance.
Driven, accomplished, and deeply compassionate, Tanya Treseler is the visionary director of Crescendo Dance Academy.
With an impressive track record of leading multiple dance teams to both state championships and national titles, she combines competitive excellence with heartfelt mentorship and technical attention to detail.
Tanya has danced professionally as a leading dancer across the Bay Area, and has held principle roles in ballets such as Cinderella, Paquita, and Stars and Stripes Forever. She is trained by leading artists from the most prestigious programs including San Francisco Ballet, Julliard, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and Berkeley Ballet Theater. She brings that wealth of artistic experience and technical mastery to her students.
Beyond the trophies and accolades, Tanya believes dance should be a sanctuary, where children can find emotional refuge, express their truest selves, and feel seen. Under her guidance, every dancer is not only trained to perform—but to heal, grow, and thrive.
Education:
Brigham Young University: BS in Marriage and Family Studies with an emphasis in Child Development
Certification:
International Trauma Training Institute: Trained Trauma Professional
Gottman Method: Level 1 and 2
Darkness2Light: Stewards of Children
Gianna Geary (she/her) is our Assistant Director, leading Crescendo’s Parents’ Night Out and Birthday Party programs. She brings years of experience working with children, including roles as a preschool teacher, a school aide supporting children on the autism spectrum, and a full-time nanny.
Working with children keeps Gianna grounded—she loves witnessing how they explore the world, engage with curiosity, and grow in confidence and independence. This passion led her to join Crescendo Dance Academy, where she helps cultivate a safe, empowering space for children to move their bodies and express themselves freely.
While Gianna is not a formally trained dancer, she began dance classes as a child and stopped around the age of six after feeling her body didn’t fit the expectations she saw around her. That experience now fuels her commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming community at Crescendo—one where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to participate in something joyful and meaningful.
Education:
University of California Santa Cruz: BA in Sociology (in progress)
Main point of contact for: Community Outreach, Parents Night Out and Birthday Parties
Ryin Kent
A native of Santa Cruz, Ryin Kent (they/them) is our lead instructor for Storybook Dance and Acro. They bring over 10 years of experience in acrobatics and musical theater, with a deep love for movement that keeps them exploring new disciplines, including classical ballet and aerial arts.
Ryin is especially passionate about working with young children, particularly those with special needs. They volunteer at a special education preschool and kindergarten and have worked at summer camps with young children since the age of 13. As a neurodivergent individual on the autism spectrum and managing ADHD, Ryin has a unique connection with neurodiverse children and draws on their lived experience to support and understand the challenges these students face.
Ryin joined Crescendo Dance Academy to help create a welcoming, inclusive environment where every child can feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Through their work and the Crescendo community, they hope to help shape gymnastics and dance into kinder, safer spaces for dancers, teachers, and families.
Emma Weisbach
Emma (she/her) will likely be the first person you see at Crescendo Dance Academy. As our front desk manager, she helps keep the studio running smoothly for dancers, teachers, and parents alike. Emma is a soon to be graduate of UC Santa Cruz with a BS in Cognitive Science, studying how our brains think, learn, remember, and solve problems. She applies this knowledge to help make the front of the studio accessible, welcoming, and engaging for everyone.
Emma grew up deeply involved in dance studios and competed seriously in ballroom dance, attending the Orange County School of the Arts for its prestigious ballroom dance program. She has also trained in tap and ballet and continues to take classes today. Emma joined Crescendo Dance Academy to help cultivate a positive, supportive environment for dancers. She is passionate about building a dance community that empowers young dancers and encourages their independence. Through her front-facing role, Emma connects with the Crescendo community while fostering a culture of positivity, empowerment, and fun.
