MEET THE HEART AND SOUL BEHIND THE MOVES 

 

Funky Divas & Dudes was established in 2002 by friends Kelly Richardson and Dana Marie Lazzareschi. Kelly and Dana met while working as Bar/Bat Mitzvah dancers and decided to transform their side hustle into a dream career. What began as a part-time endeavor quickly blossomed into a full-time business. Dana, with her background as a competitive cheerleader, earned her BFA in Acting and BA in Film Studies from UC Santa Barbara. Kelly was classically trained in dance, performed in professional musical theater productions and graduated from Chapman University with a BFA in Theatre and Dance.

Dana and Kelly simultaneously pursued teaching opportunities at schools alongside their dance and acting careers. As the company expanded, they hired additional dancers to accommodate their growing list of school partnerships.  Their staff comprises talented, positive, and energetic professional dancers who actively work in the industry. You can spot them in music videos, TV commercials, TV shows, Broadway musicals, cruise ships, Disneyland, and beyond!

 

From Humble Beginnings to Star-Studded Celebrations

 

What began as an after-school enrichment dance program for elementary schools in the Los Angeles area, has since expanded its reach to include the greater Los Angeles area, Orange County, and Portland, Oregon. Coming soon to Austin and San Antonio, Texas! 

Responding to the enthusiastic demands of their clientele, they expanded their offerings to unforgettable Performance Art Dance Camps and elevated Birthday Party entertainment experiences. Their birthday parties have become highly sought-after in the Los Angeles community, offering a dreamlike experience for kids.

Funky Divas & Dudes commitment to community engagement extends through their work with numerous charities, and their performances at high-profile events, including the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards Party, showcasing their dedication to making a positive impact through the arts. Their outstanding work has garnered attention from media outlets including E! Entertainment, NBC’s Yip Yap news, and Voyager LA. 

 

Today’s Lifestyle

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Working remotely, Kelly currently lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband Alex, 2 sons Parker and Cruz and Giant Schnauzer, Rio. Today she’s hosting and designing her own kid's birthday parties. She loves all things boho and chill vibes. Dana Marie lives in Belmont Shore, in the LBC with her Diva Doggie, Harley Quinn. Living in SoCal she books numerous FD&D beach birthday parties on the weekends. She loves all things glitter and fabulous. Join “the Funky'' & “the Diva” in a journey where every step is a celebration of creativity, community and the endless possibilities of dance.