Larina Vessup is a graduate of Rancho Cucamonga High School and holds a degree and teaching credential in Kinesiology from Cal State University, San Bernardino. She began coaching at Rancho in 1997 and was hired on as a teacher in 2008. Mrs. Vessup is the current VAPA departmentment chair and the founder of Cub Squad. (Cub Squad is an after-school dance program established for younger dancers in the community.) She has also volunteered to be the club advisor for DOW (Dancers of the World) and Hip Hop club. 

She volunteers her time creating showcases for underprivileged youth and she is honored to be selected annually by the Mayor and Superintendent to represent RCHS Dance in a performance for the Mayor’s Gala.

 

Mrs. Vessup developed a love for gymnastics at age 8, which led to her passion for dance.  Her training includes jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, musical theater, gymnastics and acrobatics. She began teaching at local dance studios by the age of 15. While in college, she ran her own program through the City of Fontana and later she opened her own Dance Studio, Studio Elite. Mrs. Vessup has danced on a tour throughout Europe, worked on the set of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” and “General Hospital,” and was the former choreographer for the Los Angeles Sparks, Ole Skool Crew.  

 

Her dedication and enthusiasm towards her students is a priority, as well as passing down the love and appreciation for dance.  Her mission is to inspire and develop dancers who are marketable by being well rounded; whether or not their goal is to become a professional dancer. Mrs. Vessup is supported by her amazing husband Markel (math teacher at RCHS), her daughter Zaia and her son Atlas. Mrs. Vessup is excited to continue teaching at Rancho Cucamonga High School, continually educating and inspiring students throughout her career. RANCHO…YOU KNOW!