When Gavilan’s red hot dance class takes over the Guest House, the laughter and rhythmic footwork feel more like a celebration. At the center of the swirl of sneakers and smiles is Sandy Burrell—teacher and choreographer of the community’s delightfully spirited troupe, the Dancing Divas & Dudes.
Burrell’s path to the dance floor began far from coastal California. “I grew up in Akron, Ohio,” she says, recalling the Midwestern roots that eventually led her west after reconnecting with her high school sweetheart at their 20th class reunion. She moved to California in 1991 and spent 40 years teaching elementary school.
“Teaching is a passion of mine whether it’s public school, Sunday school, or dance,” Burrell says. “I’ve always loved dancing, but I didn’t take my first ballroom lesson until I was in my 50s.”
When Gavilan opened in Sendero in 2014, she recognized the spark of something special. That same year, she and choreographer Tom Vagadori co-founded the Dancing Divas & Dudes. After Vagadori’s passing several years ago, Burrell stepped into the role of instructor, guiding a troupe that now numbers about 30 members.
Their motto, she says with a knowing smile, is simple: “You don’t stop dancing when you get old—you get old when you stop dancing.”
The Divas’ roster reads like the world’s friendliest playbill: Debi Ainza, Christi Crumpton, Fariba Ferdosi, Michele Foote, Lesley Levinson, Rocki Maroney, Barbara Mui, Anna Northrup, Paul Ratoff, Debi Chiene, Jolene Roselauf, Sally Ruotolo, Francie Segal, Laura Feld, Ling Tan, Irmagaard Waltz, Jinfei Wang, and Tracy Zhou—who also generously photographs the group.
Zhou, a professional photographer, describes the experience with affection. “Twice a week, rain or shine, Sandy shows up with the same bright smile,” she says. “Her warmth makes everyone feel welcome. Being around her feels like standing in a soft spring breeze.”
The group’s most anticipated performance arrives each October. “The most fun we have performing is our annual Thriller routine,” Burrell says. “We dance at Halloween parties and haunted houses around the neighborhood, and the crowds absolutely love it.”
That routine has taken them farther than the neighborhood dance floor. “A couple of our dancers were invited to perform the Michael Jackson Thriller routine at a Chargers game at SoFi Stadium,” Burrell says proudly.
This summer brings an even grander stage. “Four of our Divas went through a rigorous audition and made the cut to perform with the America Golden Dream Dancers in the National Independence Day Parade, July 4th celebrating America’s 250th birthday,” she says. “We couldn’t be more excited.” For Burrell, however, the true magic remains closer to home. The classes—held Mondays at 9:30am and Thursdays at 9am—are free, welcoming beginners and seasoned dancers alike.
