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About

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Nina Koch

My dream has always been to inspire, motivate and raise up kids… dance is the vessel I use to do that!

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I am so excited to add AUTHOR to my list of accomplishments!  Bella Bunny is a body-positive children’s book that is set in a dance studio.  This book has inspired my newest adventure, Bella’s Boutique and Party Place; a dance and children’s boutique that holds over-the-top birthday parties and events.  Bella’s Boutique and Party place is also the home of Bella Bunny merchandise.

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I began dancing at 2 years old in San Jose CA. I continued my training through high school and experienced many classes at conventions with industry professionals. I began teaching dance at 13 years old and majored in dance at San Jose State. Before moving to Brentwood with my husband in 2000 I was fortunate enough to be the Studio Director for my childhood school Lauri Gray’s School of Dance. Upon moving to Brentwood I took a teaching job at a small, struggling studio. Quickly after, I had the opportunity to purchase the studio. Since then I have grown East County Performing Arts Center to be the largest studio in the area.

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My students have earned many successes including, numerous title awards and scholarships at competition and convention, and have continued their training at State Street Ballet in Santa Barbara, Joffery Ballet in New York, Edge Performing Arts Center and Millennium Dance Complex in LA, Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center in New York. Alumni of East County Performing Arts Center have gone on to dance at University of Idaho, UCLA, Sacramento State, UC Davis, Chico State, San Diego State, UC Irvine, Sonoma State, UC Santa Barbara, Univerity of Oregon, and Chapman University.

I have been featured as a successful businesswoman/studio owner in Dance Life Magazine, Dance Magazine and 110 Magazine and contributing writer for Dance Studio Life Magazine, Dance Magazine, 110 magazine and Delta Living Magazine. My passion for dance, teaching and mentoring children and young adults has laid the foundation for my successful dance businesses.

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I am a member of More Than Just Great Dancing, National Dance Education Organization, Association of Dance Competitions and Conventions, Soroptomists International, National Association of Professional Women, and National Association of Schools of Dance.

I enjoy spending my downtime with my husband, David, three children Gabrielle, Christopher and Francesca, dog Remi, Bart the cat and Hulk Greenstone, a really awesome (potentially crime fighting) turtle!

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My company, 

 is comprised of:

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a boutique dance studio serving kids 7 and under in 2 locations.


Boogie Babies® Curriculum, a preschool dance curriculum for dance studios and pre-schools.


Bella Bunny, body positive children’s book.
Bella’s Boutique and Party Place, children’s dancewear and clothing and party spot.


East County Performing Arts Center, a thriving, well-respected dance studio.
Rising Star Academy Preschool, an innovative arts-centered preschool.


Gabby’s Closet, a dance retail store.


The Ballet Company of East County, a children’s ballet company that produces two performances a year.
Fearless Tees, a clothing line to inspire girls and women to be exceptional.
Elevate Dance, a consulting company offering master classes and training for dance studio competition teams.

Like Bella Bunny on Facebook

Watch Bella Bunny Book Trailer

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