Leslie Kawai

Leslie is a native of Pasadena and a former professional dancer and model having worked in television, print, and stage.
During her career she worked for some of her greatest inspirations including choreographers Kenny Ortega, Vincent Paterson, Billy Goodson, and artists Earth Wind and Fire and Ben Vereen.
She appeared in numerous print ads and national commercials before leaving the industry to raise her daughter.
She entered the world of fitness and owned a Spinning studio before discovering Cardiobarre, a ballet-based workout she has taught for over 20 years.
She recently came across GROOV3 and fell in love with not only the workout, but the mission of inspiring change through the power of dance and making it accessible to all.

Leslie is also active in her community where she serves as director/producer of the Nisei Week Coronation, part of Nisei Week, one of the nation’s longest running ethnic festivals.