REVIEWS

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My daughter Jazzlynn has been training with Makayla since the age of 4. These past 4 years have been full of so much knowledge, guidance, hard work, and many great achievements! She has made my daughter gain so much confidence in herself and has given her so much knowledge at such a young age. I can genuinely say Makayla cares for every student she crosses paths with and pushes them beyond measures. Not only is she a great mentor but such an amazing role model as well. Her story telling through dance and attention to detail is amazing to watch on stage. Makayla Sifuentes is the best of the best and my daughter looks forward to many more years of education and guidance from her.

-Jennifer Orellana 

Before working with Makayla, my daughter Jena was very shy, nervous, and lacked technique. She had the passion, but she didn’t yet have the confidence or foundation to truly show up as a dancer. In just a matter of weeks, Makayla completely transformed her.

The difference between Jena’s first practice and her last was night and day. Her movements became sharper and cleaner, but more importantly, she developed discipline, confidence, and a true understanding of dance. She didn’t just memorize choreography she learned how to learn dance. She became quicker, more precise, and more intentional in everything she did.

What makes Makayla stand out is that she genuinely cares about the whole child, not just the performance. She pays attention to their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. She meets each dancer where they are and teaches in a way that’s tailored to them. She challenged Jena consistently, both in and outside of practice, even giving her “homework” and following up. That level of care and attention is rare.

The confidence shift in Jena was one of the most powerful things to witness. She went from being timid, head down, quiet to walking into a room confident in herself and her abilities. She could not only perform, but truly articulate through movement. She became sure of herself.

Jena absolutely loved working with Makayla. She talked about her constantly, looked forward to every practice, and took so much pride in her growth. Her transformation has even caught the attention of others, so much so that girls who didn’t make the team are now asking 

how she did it.

I’ll be honest, as a mom, I had my doubts in the beginning. I didn’t think it was possible for her to gain what she needed in just a few weeks. I thought maybe she could make junior varsity. Makayla proved me completely wrong.

Jena made the varsity drill team on her first try, and I can say with full confidence that this would not have been possible without Makayla. She is hands down one of the best things that has happened to Jena’s dance journey.

As a mother, watching this transformation has been emotional in the best way. To see my daughter become confident, prepared, and proud of herself, it means everything. Makayla didn’t just train her for an audition, she equipped her with something she will carry into every room she walks into moving forward.

If I had to describe Makayla in one word, it would be excellence. She’s not here to coddle, she’s here to truly make a difference in these girls’ lives.
And she absolutely does.

-Avonna Sunshine

Coach Makayla has been my daughter’s coach for over 7 years. She has been such a wonderful role model and mentor. She helped Lauren come out of her comfort zone and really got her to come out of her shell, She has helped her work on technique and how to be more confident with her dancing. She helped Lauren last year with her pointe and technique. Her dedication to Lauren was impeccable. She is a wonderful person, dancer and mentor. Lauren is the dancer she is today because of Coach Makayla. 

-Carri Hamilton

Makayla,

I don’t even know where to begin, because “thank you” doesn’t feel big enough for what you have been to Amiya and to me over these past six years.

From the very beginning, you saw something in Amiya that I couldn’t fully see yet. As a mom who doesn’t come from a dance background, I placed a lot of trust in you and you never once gave me a reason to question that decision. You didn’t just teach her steps…you nurtured a gift. You saw her natural, God-given talent early on and you have consistently poured into it, stretched it, and refined it in ways that I will forever be grateful for.

What has always stood out to me is how you push her outside of her comfort zone. You never allowed her to settle, but you also never made her feel incapable. That balance is rare. You challenge her, but you also build her up and because of that, I have watched her grow not just as a dancer, but as a confident young woman. The improvement in her over the years has been undeniable. Her technique, her versatility, her presence…all of it reflects your dedication and your belief in her.

As an instructor and choreographer, I view you as exceptional. You don’t just create dances you create experiences that allow your dancers to connect, to feel, and to express. When I chose you to choreograph Amiya’s first solo, there was never a doubt in my mind that it would be phenomenal. But what meant even more to me was not just the choreography it was YOU. The fact that you took time out of your day to be there with her for such a monumental moment spoke volumes. That meant everything to me as a parent, and even more to Amiya. You helped make her first solo something she walked into with confidence, ease, and comfort and that is something we will never forget.

As a mentor, you have been a guiding light. You’ve been patient, intentional, and consistent. You’ve held her accountable while also loving her through the process, and that combination has shaped her in ways that go far beyond dance.

And as someone looking from the outside in, I also want to say how much I respect you as a person. Your passion, your discipline, and the way you show up for your dancers speaks volumes about your character. You don’t just teach you invest. And that is why I chose you, and why I continue to choose you.

From one woman to another, and from a grateful mother’s heart thank you for seeing my daughter, for believing in her, and for helping her become everything she is growing into. I truly believe that with your continued training and guidance, Amiya is going to be great.

With all my love and appreciation,  
Thank you for everything

A grateful mom -Robin Stevens

My daughter has been training with Makayla for over five years. As soon as she started training with her we notice improvement in our daughter's technique and confidence has a big impact in my daughter. Makayla is dedicated, professional and experienced dancer and we notice that dancers improve immediately when they start training with her. My wife and I always recommend Makayla to other parents because she has passion teaching her students.

Makayla has everything that you expect from a dance coach. She has professionalism, dedication, views, passion and the most important respect for her students.

Thank you Makayla

-Jose Andres Villela “Andy”

Coach Makayla was my daughter’s coach, mentor, role model, and inspiration. Last year, when my daughter was trying out for the officer line on her high school drill team, we reached out to Coach Makayla for help. She did not hesitate to assist—supporting my daughter not only with dance preparation but also with interview questions and responses.
This level of dedication, guidance, instruction, and genuine love for dance, along with her unwavering commitment to every student, is what makes Coach Makayla an outstanding coach. My daughter went on to earn the position of Junior Lieutenant, and it was thanks to Coach Makayla’s encouragement and support that she gained the extra confidence she needed to believe in her abilities.
-Chapelle Parker