Our Instructors

Sun Shim Coelho dos Santos

Sun Shim Coelho dos Santos has dedicated her life to the art of classical ballet. She trained extensively in Brazil for more than 14 years, completing her Classical Ballet graduation in 2019. Throughout her years of training, she participated in numerous ballet competitions, earning multiple awards that recognized both her technical excellence and artistic expression.

In addition to her performance background, Sun has spent the past 10 years choreographing for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Her creative approach allows her to develop choreography that brings out the unique strengths and potential of every dancer while adapting to a wide range of abilities and styles.

Committed to lifelong learning, Sun is currently advancing her studies in the renowned Vaganova Method, incorporating its principles into her teaching to build strong technique, graceful artistry, and expressive movement. She is passionate about inspiring students to grow not only as skilled dancers but also as confident, disciplined, and expressive individuals who develop a lifelong love for ballet.

Isabel Gonzales

Dance Instructor

Isabel Gonzales began her dance journey at New Hope Dance as an elementary school student and quickly developed a passion and dedication for the art of dance. Through years of training and performance experience, she grew into an accomplished dancer and inspiring role model for younger students.

As a member of the New Hope Dance Team, Isabel performed throughout the DMV area and had the extraordinary opportunity to perform at Madison Square Garden in New York before an audience of over 20,000 people during the Peace Starts With Me event. During her years on the team, she helped earn numerous first-place awards at dance competitions.

Individually, Isabel received a Gold Medal through the ACT-SO competition and was selected to represent Prince George's County at the National ACT-SO competition in Detroit, recognizing her outstanding talent and achievement in dance.

Isabel has trained extensively in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. Today, she brings her experience, enthusiasm, and love for dance back to New Hope Dance as an instructor. She is passionate about helping young dancers build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover the joy of movement in a positive and encouraging environment.

Unique Griffin

Dance Instructor

Unique Griffin began dancing at New Hope Dance as a young student and grew through the program to become an accomplished performer, leader, and instructor. Having trained with New Hope Dance for many years, she understands firsthand the positive impact that dance can have on a child's confidence, discipline, and personal growth.

Unique has trained in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. Her passion for performance and commitment to excellence continue to shine both in and out of the studio. Most recently, she was selected as a finalist from over 500 auditionees for the Washington Commanders Force Cheerleaders and Dancers, an impressive achievement that reflects her talent, dedication, and professionalism.

Today, Unique shares her love of dance as an instructor at New Hope Dance. She is especially loved by her students for her positive energy, encouraging teaching style, and ability to make every class exciting and engaging. Her upbeat classes feature dynamic choreography that inspires dancers to perform at their best, and her competition routines have earned multiple first-place awards. Unique is passionate about helping every student grow in confidence, technique, and artistry while creating a fun and supportive environment where they can thrive.

Valery Perez

Dance Instructor

Valery Perez began her dance journey at New Hope Dance as a preschool student and has grown through every stage of the program. From an early age, she demonstrated a genuine love for dance, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn.

As a young teenager, Valery was invited to join the New Hope Dance Team. Being the youngest member of the team, she showed remarkable determination and perseverance, working hard to keep pace with the older, more experienced dancers. Her dedication and positive attitude quickly earned the respect of both her teammates and instructors.

Over the years, Valery grew into a natural leader and was selected as Team Captain. In this role, she helped foster a culture of discipline, respect, and strong character. She led rehearsals, organized team activities, and encouraged younger dancers to develop not only as performers but also as confident, caring individuals who support one another.

Today, Valery teaches both our younger dancers and the New Hope Dance Team. She is known for her dedication, initiative, and ability to anticipate what needs to be done before being asked. Her positive leadership, and genuine care for her students make her an invaluable member of the New Hope Dance faculty.

Sierra Morris

Sierra Morris is an educator, dance teacher, and writer from the DC Metro area. She studied performing arts at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Palmer Park Dance Company, Cheverly Young Actors' Guild, Suitland High School, and Pennsylvania State University.

Sierra has been working in education since 2012 and has been teaching dance since 2021. She teaches both preschool and elementary dancers, bringing a wealth of classroom management experience to every lesson. She creates clear expectations and healthy boundaries that foster a safe, structured, and encouraging environment where every dancer can grow, build confidence, and thrive.

Outside of the studio, Sierra enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling.