Founder & Artistic Director

DONNA STERNBERG

Ms. Sternberg has professionally premiered over 90 works since 1975 throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and Mexico; frequently collaborating with artists of other disciplines including composers, visual artists, poets, actors and digital media as well as scientists. After dancing in the companies of Donald Byrd, Mary Jane Eisenberg, Yen Lu Wong and Dance/LA, she founded Donna Sternberg & Dancers, a contemporary dance company based in Santa Monica, CA, in 1985. Her choreography has been critically acclaimed for its “exceptional ability to communicate through pure movement” (Los Angeles Times). She has choreographed nine full-evening works, most have been inspired by science. Ms. Sternberg has been commissioned to create works for the California Science Center, SIGGRAPH, Dance Moving Forward Festival, California Choreographer’s Festival, Catlin Gabel School in Oregon, Valley College and the Alleluia Dance Theatre.

Alexandria Paige Amstutz

Alexandria Paige Amstutz recently relocated to LA from New York City where she performed with several companies including VISIONS Contemporary Ballet and Bryce Dance Company, and was the Rehearsal Director for both companies. She has performed throughout the United States in live stage performances and also video projects. Alexandria is a graduate of Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in Dance. When she isn’t dancing, Alexandria is a fitness teacher and General Manager at Pure Barre Pasadena.

Meri Bobber

Meri Bobber is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she began her dance training at the age of five. She received her BFA in Dance from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and moved to New York in 2016. There, she performed as a company member with Joyce King Dance Company and continued her training at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. Meri has also performed the works of Joori Jung, Alex Ketly, Jacqulyn Buglisi, Richard Alston, and Billy Griffin. She performed in and served as Assistant Choreographer to Elise Kinnon for musical theatre productions of Hello, Dolly!, An American in Paris, and Kiss Me, Kate. Meri has also supported choreographers Alejandro Cerrudo, Andrea Miller, and Patricia Noworol in various administrative capacities. In 2021, Meri relocated to Los Angeles where she continues dancing and pursues a J.D. from UCLA School of Law with a specialization in Entertainment Law. She has appeared on TV shows Billions and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Meri is delighted to be joining Donna Sternberg & Dancers!

Maddie Gilbert

Maddie Gilbert, originally from Boulder, Colorado, received her BA in dance from Loyola Marymount University where she trained with dancers from Bill T. Jones, WeWolf, Movin’ Out and Bodytraffic. She works as a digital marketing manager for Liberate Artists in addition to dancing.

Robert Huerta

Robert Huerta (he/they) began his training at East Los Angeles College and is a graduate of Cal State University, Long Beach where he completed his BA in Dance Science and his BFA in Dance. During his time at Long Beach, he danced for artists such as Marjani Forté, Rebecca Lemme, Issa Hourani and Brenna Monroe-Cook with whom he performed a restaged work from Jose Limon, Crucifixus. Robert was also mentored by the Costume Shop Manager/Designer, Kelsey Vidic, where he discovered his love for costume design. Presently, Robert works as a freelance artist dancing in projects for artists such as José Argueta, Sarah Stanley, and Janelle Gonzales. He is also a teacher’s assistant for the dance classes at East Los Angeles College, and as a costume designer where he’s had the opportunity to work with artists such as Roderick George for Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company, Justin Morris, and CSULB’s Dance Department.

Alyssa Milligan

Alyssa Milligan began dancing at the age of 5 in Rochester, New York. She studied classical ballet and contemporary dance over the years. She diversified her practice while training with The Rochester City Ballet, River North Dance Chicago, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Ate9, Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company, Diavolo Virtual Construct, and No)one Arthouse. After graduating from The Alonzo King LINES Ballet BFA program, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue dance in many different forms. She has worked independently and in collaboration with choreographers and dance companies in LA to produce performances, interactive shows and commercials. She created intentional improvisational pieces to be performed live at Art Share L.A.’s annual Comeback Festival in 2021 and 2023. She has also traveled with the Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble as a company member. Alyssa works mainly in improvisation, screendance and she dances with fire.

Gabby Pariseau

Gabby Pariseau was born and raised in Moss Beach, California. Her dance training started at the age of three with the Shely Pack Dancers. Her teachers were Shely Pack Manning and Grace Holmquist, to whom she appreciates all they had done for her in her early years. After graduating high school, she went to the University of California, Irvine where she received her BFA in Dance Performance and a Minor in Public Health. At UCI, she had the privilege of being mentored by Dr. S. Ama Wray, and would like to state how grateful she is to have worked with her. Following graduation, she danced for the Allayo Dance Company located in San Francisco, California where she performed with them at the Herbst theater in November of 2019. Gabrielle became a member of the Diavolo Institute in January of 2020 and has been with the second company ever since. We now welcome Gabby to the DS&D Fam as our newest dancer!

Glenn Rodriguez

Glenn Rodriguez, a native of Los Angeles, spent most of his academic life within the theatre. He performed in numerous youth productions at the Morgan-Wixson including musicals such as, "42nd Street" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie" under the direction of Anne Gesling. He received dance training at Santa Monica College and has performed with a number of Los Angeles based companies including Lula Washington Dance theatre and Los Angeles Choreographers and Dancers. Glenn recently has been highlighted on a dance TV show premiering in the fall and is an up-and-coming queen of drag.

Yaya ruiz

Yaya Ruiz, born in Texas raised in Mexico, began her early dance training at Escuela Rusa de Ballet Clásico de Monterrey. She continued her education traveling for workshops and conventions around the world, influencing her versatile dance style. She reinforced her studies at The Martha Graham School and was a company member for Labyrinth Dance Theatre, ACPW and Kalamandir Dance in NYC. Having discovered a passion for circus arts she incorporated aerial training into dance and began her circus career touring for Humanicorp and performing for high profile corporate events. Now, working as a freelance artist and certified instructor, she teaches contemporary, fitness classes and aerial arts to students of all ages in the US and abroad.