OUR TEACHERS
Chicago Teaching Artists
Mike D Chicago
Michael Davis, better known as Mike D Chicago, raised on the southside of Chicago, is a man of many gifts. For years he lived in these amazing gifts and talents on separate occasions but now he has been blessed to do them all together or in close proximity. Sing, dance, rap, instruct, mentor, produce, create and choreograph. Mike D is also a host and songwriter. His single “Claim It” and follow up single “Everybody Ain’t Inner Circle” has already become a favorite amongst many songs. Mike D Chicago’s music has been heard and used for inspiration all across the globe. As a dance performer, educator and choreographer Mike D has worked with big brands, organizations and stages such as Yale University, Apple, Nike, Timberland, Snipes, RedBull, Puma, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Sky Chance The Rapper, DLOW, Taylor Bennet, Kanye West just to name a few, as well as performed at Houston Live Stock and Rodeo, Rolling Loud, NBA All Star Game, Good Morning America and Lollapalooza. Mike D is still consistently inspiring across the city of Chicago. You can catch him every Thursday night teaching our Community Werks class at Healthy Hood Chicago. Community Werks is a donation based class, and focuses less on being perfect in the dance move you’ve been taught, and more on filling your cup up and doing something either new for you or something that you haven’t done in a while. It is a safe haven for the community and open to everyone that wants to be a part of the experience.
Wesley Stewart
Wesley Stewart is a dancer from Markham IL who specializes in Chicago Footwork and Hip-Hop. He has been apart of the Footwork Family “Creation” Since 2004! His goal as a teacher is to help his students build confidence through dance and guide them in their communities as a mentor. Wesley has performed for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago sky, Red Bull, Nike, Nike Paris, BMW, and Chance the Rapper, to just name a few!
Maurice “Reece” Dentis
Maurice “Reece” Dentis started dancing when he was 7 years old. It’s always been a sport that he indirectly practiced. Dance became a career for him at 15 years old. He knew at that age he wanted to make a future for it. His hobbies outside of dance are going on long walks, coloring, painting and skating. He is a mellow yet vibrant dancer, who loves meeting new people doing what he loves to do. He’s easily motivated by team spirit and positive vibes. Some organizations that he is a part of are Delta Phi Delta Dance Fraternity Inc, House Arrest 2 Championship Dance team, Redds Angels Ent, and he is a Choreographer at Newly - known as 8 Count studios. He is also a recording artist.
Dorian “D9-3” Huff
Kicking off his career as a DJ at Southern Illinois University in 2012, D9-3 had become the most requested and entertaining DJ that SIUC had to offer. Since graduating with his Bachelor's Degree, he has expanded to 5 tours across the U.S. alongside Kap G as his official DJ, and has been blessed to touch the same stages with Chris Brown, Pharrell, Fabolous, O.T. Genesis, Lil Uzi Vert, Young Dolph, Frankie J, Becky G, and more. His energy and ability to control his audience with music selection and dance skills is what sets him apart from your average DJ. Becoming a member of the Chicago Footwork group Creation Global has elevated him as a performer. As a producer, the release of his debut album "Damn Near" has put him in a different spotlight amongst other DJs. When D9-3 is spinning at any club, party, or event, you are bound to have an experience unlike any other!
Shanqeill “Quella” Gregory
Shanqeill “Quella” Gregory was born and raised on the north side of Chicago. The start of her dance career took place at a local Boys and Girls Club in the “Uptown” neighborhood just at the age of 4. She was then introduced to different styles of dance such as Hip-Hop, Jazz, Theatrical Dance, and Chicago Footwork. Hitting the stage at a young age, she was able to book her first industry job as a dancer for Missy Elliott and Ciara for the 2005 B.E.T awards. Since then she’s trained in dance for over 10 years and has performed with mainstream artists such as Kanye West, Keke Palmer, and Dababy. Now joined with the Creative Netwerk she’s able to fulfill her passion and drive by giving back to the same community that shaped her entire childhood. With the goal to instill the ways of success for the youth through the art and journey of Dance.
Mari Redd
Mari Redd is a creative director, performing artist, teacher, and a proud native of Chicago’s West Side. At the early age of nine, she choreographed and danced for professional national sports teams such as the Chicago Sky, Chicago Rush, and the Chicago Bulls. When she was 16, she choreographed for the Chicago Music Awards, Nike, and traveled to Ghana, Africa to teach. She also choreographed the opening acts for the Universoul Circus and the Heavy D Tribute at the Arie Crown Theatre. During her college career, Mari Redd was fortunate to receive the title of Best Poet by the NAACP, was a Top 50 finalist in So You Think You Can Dance Season 11, choreographed a #BlackLivesMatter Tribute, and performed viral tributes to Micheal Jackson, Ciara, and Teyana Taylor. She has been featured with DLOW, Taylor Swift, John Blu, Sharaya J, Chris Brown, Pronto Spazz, WuTang, World of Dance, and Empire just to name a few. While Mari Redd is not busy entertaining the world, she spends her time studying to get her Doctorate in Business Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is an alumna of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with her Masters of Technology Management and a dual Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communications. One of her dreams is to be able to use both her education and talent to build a successful performing arts school with a counseling center with both traditional, and arts therapists, to help her community learn how to cope and use their trauma constructively, while also being able to use their talents to create financial stability.
Morgan Martin
Morgan Martin has taken on the role of so many things. She is a NASM Certified Group Instructor, Founder of Live and Believe Wellness, LLC, Executive Director of We Live And Believe, Owner of The LAB Transformation Center on the Southside of Chicago, Dancer, Motivational Speaker, and much more. But it is through her work in the field of fitness, dance, mindfulness, self-care, nutrition and motivational speaking that she was given the title “Transformation Specialist.” She graduated from the University of Illinois where she majored in Broadcast Journalism and was a member of the University of Illinois Varsity Cheerleading team. It was there that she began an interest in health and fitness. Through her online transformation programs, Journal Release workshops, and fitness classes, she has helped countless adults and teens transform their bodies, elevate their mindset and fall in love with themselves while empowering them to create a self-care routine. “It is my mission to help people transform mentally, physically and spiritually while helping them live a life they love and to believe that anything they see for themselves is possible. That is what “Live And Believe” is about.”-Morgan Martin
Jordan Ordonez
JORDAN “J.RO” ORDOÑEZ (he/they) is a Chicago-based dance artist/athlete, actor, teaching artist, tenor II, and creative entrepreneur. He is a public health pharmacist turned artist with a black belt in Shotokan Karate. J.RO is a grateful guest in House and Hip-hop dance, an expected Class of 2024 graduate of The ACADEMY at Black Box Acting, and a Chicago improv student with the Annoyance Theater. He is the executive director & co-founder of Jus.Be House Collective, a four-time dancer & co-captain for the Chicago Bulls 312 Crew, and two-time NBA Allstar Weekend (ESPN) featured dancer. Other credits/affiliations include BraveSoul Movement, Movement Revolution, Chicago Dance Crash, Pippen (Music Theater Works), Tems (ESPN), and The Big Leap (FOX).
Ibrahim Sabbi
Ibrahim Sabbi (I.B. RAH) is a working dancer, choreographer, teacher, visual artist, and creative mind. Born and raised in Chicago, he is a BFA graduate from the Department of Dance at UIUC. Ibrahim is currently on his third year as a company member dancing with Chicago Dance Crash. Ibrahim has been in the Chicago battle scene for over 10 years: placing and winning battles for the past 3 years, both in the larger Midwest area and across the country. He is trained in a vast multitude of dance forms ranging from street dance styles to African dance forms to contemporary/modern dance. He has had the pleasure of performing for Kanye West, Chance The Rapper, and even being flown out to Kingston, Jamaica to perform for the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble. Ibrahim is also a pioneer of the Experimental dance scene in Chicago and has been the head of a multitude of dance sessions in the city.
Paige Yarbrough
Through her experience as a movement pertormance coach/choreographer. Paige has taught and performed for over 20 Ste years, evolving into a passionate Dance expert. Her mission has always been to provide and develop a safe space for women to feel empowered. Through 365 workshops, performances, and community engagement she shares her passion for Dance, as a pioneer, to inspire others. Paige believes that dance is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or body type. SLE365 was designed to be a fun and empowering experience that will help you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. Treat yourself with kindness, compassion, and respect.
Imania Dentry
Imania Fatima Detry, one of Chicago’s own, performing and teaching artist with a concentration in West African Dance. With over 20 years of professional training and performance with Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago as a principle artist and as the Assistant Artistic Director of Ayodele Drum and Dance, she truly enjoys and works in the efforts to preserve African dance and culture as well as share her current experiences and style in her teaching and performing. Her style and experiences have given her the opportunity to work with different artist and platforms including Chance the Rapper,Fatima Robinson, Fox Productions.. and more. Imania has currently been expanding on her choreography with using styles that include: Djembe and DounDance, Sabar , House, Chicago Footwork, Afrobeat and Afrobeats.
New York City Teaching Artists
Born and raised in the Bronx Aatifa discovered her love for dance at the age of 5, as a part of her family’s cultural arts and dance center. It was there where she began her extensive training in dance. At age 7, she would expand her exposure and experiences in dance by joining “A Touch of Folklore Dance Company” where she continued training and over the course of 10 years, she began growing and excelling as an artist, performer, choreographer, and teacher. Aatifa has performed and study with many reputable dance institutions and dance companies such as, “A Touch of Folklore Dance Company” where she learned Music History, Musical Theater and Cultural Arts as she studied the techniques of West African Dance and African American Dance Diaspora. She was also a featured dancer with “Forces of Nature Dance Theater”, for 5 years. “Bokandeye African American Dance Theater” where she trained, studied, and performed in the style and technique of “The LaRocque Bey School of Dance Theater” Inc for 25 years; and is currently a member of “Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation’s Dance Company”, since 2019. Aatifa continues to generously shares her love, joy and knowledge of a dance, as an Instructor, Mentor Choreographer, Leader and a Facilitator in many outreach programs, youth centers, and dance studios throughout the country and abroad.
Kashana Sharif
Chrybaby Cozie
Chrybaby Cozie is one of the founding fathers of the Hip Hop freestyle genre called Lite Feet. Being raised in Harlem in the late 80’s was a source of great influence for Chrybaby, as it was his foundation for dance, music and the source of inspiration to uplift the youth and communities around him today. Chrybaby has been teaching Lite Feet and Hip Hop for more than 15 years and is currently teaching at the Peridance Center and Mop Top Universal in NYC. Chrybaby has been cultivating and keeping the Lite Feet culture alive for ten years with the NYC youth. And through the culture, he has created a Hip Hop dance organization called ‘The Breakfast Club’ E.A.T (Earning All Together) in 2005. ‘The Breakfast Club’ is a platform for youth, to build upon their passion, talent and be given an opportunity to promote themselves in a positive light. After the creation of ‘The Breakfast Club’ Chrybaby created ‘The Lite Feet Nation’; a community connected by individuals who were there from the conception of the dance genre, to the youth who keep it alive today. Chrybaby’s extensive knowledge of Hip Hop and Lite Feet has led him to working with artists such as Chris Brown “Kiss Kiss”, Ron Browz “Pop Champagne” ft. Jim Jones and Jules Santana, and ASAP Ferg “Dope Walk.” His dedication and love for the culture has changed his life and inspired many others around him. He is a cultural leader for Lite Feet, teaching and battling across the globe, and working with national entities such as The Guggenheim, New York City Public Library, Jacobs Pillow, Works & Process, Hunter College, and many other universities and institutions to preserve the history and culture of Lite Feet dance and music.
Aatifa Drayton
Kid Smoove
Kid Smoove was born and raised in Harlem. He started doing litefeet at 7 years old but really started to take it seriously when he was 13 years old. Since then he has performed on stages and along side artists such as The Apollo, Stage 48, Radio City Music Hall with Alicia Keys, King Combs, Papoose Video, Lil Wayne, and Ron Browz. He also won the TKO Belt and the Iron Foot Belt in litefeet tournaments. Litefeet means the world to Kid Smoove, and he particularly loves sharing his knowledge and passion for litefeet with others.
Dance for Jai’Quin is something that evolved from her experience being born in Brooklyn, and raised in the hip streets of Harlem. With local community parades, events, as well as amazing professional dance companies like Something Untouchable Dance Company (SUDC), Jai’Quin got the opportunity to explore her artistry, competing in national and international competitions like In10sity, Regional Revolution, winning scholarships at conventions, and also receiving dancer of the year within SUDC. Now as her craft grows with consistency, content, and intention, she is able to turn dance into a universal language. While also being a dance teacher/ choreographer, Jai’Quin continues to explore and expand the world of dance throughout her individual artistry, and sisterhoods/ families such as Ladies of Hip - Hop Collective (founded by Michele Byrd) and “ Masterz at Work Dance Family” ( founded by Courtney Topanga Washington) where she’s been able to travel to Bilbao, Spain, perform at The, Guggenheim Museum, and the Lincoln center. In essence Jai’Quin’s artistry allows her to develop life long connections that’ll help her in her career passions as she becomes the next dance hood healer, and leader for communities, especially the youth.
Jada Chanell is a professional dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist from the Bronx, NY and been dancing since a young age. Jada was a member of Shakenation, a NYC based team founded by Ron Browz that performed at hundreds of shows and parties across the city. This crew experience inspired Jada to create her own dance team called Team 2Crafty. Jada Chanell and her Team 2Crafty was invited to compete in California multiple times through a Caffeine TV dance competition hosted by Tommy The Clown to represent NYC. Jada Chaneell teaches at various studios and community centers across the city building the community through dance. Jada has performed at venues such as the Essence Festival, Yankee Stadium, Barclays Center, and at the local Juneteenth events. Jada has performed and modeled with Nike, and also battled as a dancer in the Redbull Dance Your Style competition. Jada teaches for Creative Netwerk in New York City, and inspires each of her students to be confident and powerful dancers!
Desmond Howard is a Traditional West African and Afro Caribbean percussionist and dancer, also specializing in American Club/Street Dance forms. He has performed and taught these art forms all around the world. A native of Washington, D.C., He has been performing professionally since he was twelve, working with Coyaba Dance Theater, Urban Artistry, and others. He has been a cast member of the Off-Broadway production STOMP, since 2016, received the lead role in 2019 and lead the final cast of the NYC closing show in January 2023. Desmond currently works with the Alvin Ailey School, National Dance Institute, Marymount College, NYU, and the Misty Copeland Foundation, as a lead musician for their programs. He is a percussionist with Bambara Drum and Dance Ensemble, one of the leading Traditional West African Dance Companies on the East Coast. He also is the Co-Founder and Musical Director of AmaKweku Cultural Arts, an arts organization focusing on the preservation and continuation of Traditional West African dance and music, in the context of community art programs for youth and adults to facilitate deeper cultural identity and artistry. Desmond graduated from The New School and holds a B.A. in Contemporary Music.
Roukijah “NutellaK” Rooks
Roukijah “NutellaK” Rooks is a professional movement artist and fitness entrepreneur. She began her dance journey in the streets of NYC where she absorbed traditional, funk, club, and street styles at an early age. Immersed in black culture and sound, NutellaK developed a deep passion for hip hop and house dance. She later enrolled in the University of the Arts to further pursue her career as an artist. There, she explored styles such as Balanchine, Graham, Horton, and Gaga to name a few. She also minored in business marketing and fundamentals, where she focused on artist branding and entrepreneurship. Since graduating, NutellaK has traveled the world as a freelance performer, competitive battler, teaching artist. and fitness trainer. In 2021, she launched her health and wellness business GETFITNK LLC. Today, she services group fitness, personal training, and nutrition development. NutellaK also hosts monthly dance development workshops across the U.S. NutellaK has worked with Ladies of Hip Hop, Rennie Harris Pure Movement, Camille A. Brown and other renown dance companies over the years. In 2023, she premiered in Hippest Trip: Soul Train the Musical, which hits the Broadway stages in 2025. Recently, she was flown out to Canada to teach, guest star and compete at the Kairos Festival. NutellaK has performed at the Joyce Theater, Jacob’s Pillow, The Guggenheim, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center and more. She’s done collaborations with major brands such as Rock the Bells, Snipes, Red Bull, and Nike. She’s also taught dance nationally and internationally, mentoring students of all ages. NutellaK plans to continue pushing her artistry to the next level by remaining open and committed to all possibilities within dance. Her mission is to continue advocating for health, wellness, and creative freedom.
Talia Sugarmann is a professional dancer, fitness trainer, photographer, and entrepreneur from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with over 13 years of experience living and working in Los Angeles and New York City. After Moving to Los Angeles in 2015 with her brother Anthony, they began learning footwork from King Charles and King Kemo, she became a member of Creation global and Co President of the LA Chapter of the crew with her brother when King Charles moved. Her and Her Brother held weekly classes at Debbie Reynolds, Movement Lifestyle, and EightyEight studios for 7 years. Over the course of her career, Talia has taught and performed internationally, with teaching engagements in Japan, Slovenia, Slovakia, Germany, and London, further establishing her as a global ambassador for the Chicago Footwork style. In addition to her dance career, Talia is a certified fitness trainer specializing in Rhythmmetrics, a program developed by her mentor, Sekou Heru. She has been training clients in this innovative fitness method for the past five years. Talia is also the founder of TaliaSugarmannPhotography, a freelance photography business focused on capturing dynamic and impactful visual content. As a co-owner of Artefakt, a street dance brand she launched with her brother, she is actively involved in the street dance Culture and community. With a diverse background in dance, fitness, photography, and entrepreneurship, Talia is dedicated to advancing creativity and fostering cultural exchange through her various professional endeavors.
Talia Sugarmann
Los Angeles Teaching Artists
Dorian Aleccia
Born and raised in Springfield, MA, Kashana began dancing at the age of 10. She began her training at Community Dance Enrichment Program and Shooting Star Dance Center. Years later she taught at multiple dance schools in the New England area. Kashana now resides in Los Angeles, CA and works as a professional dancer/choreographer. She is currently in two dance companies, Stroll Groove and LA Samba Dancers. She has studied and trained in jazz, ballet, Broadway jazz, samba, hip hop, and stepping. Some of her credits include The Masked Dancer, Mary J. Blige, Jidenna, Daddy Yankee, BET Awards NBC World of Dance, So You Think You Dance and the Masked Dancer.
Lily Breeze
Lilian Josefina Ortega better known as LilyBreeze is a multidisciplinary Artist, world renowned B-girl, Educator & Holistic Hip Hop Practitioner. Born and raised in LA’s San Fernando Valley to Mexican immigrant parents. Her humble home became her first stage and canvas. Her love for dance bloomed at an early age when her father introduced her to Mambo. In 2005 she discovered Hip Hop, Krump, Popping, Locking, and House. At the age of 13 she toured around the world, dancing professionally for 10 years with Versa Style Dance Company. In 2013 she started her journey in the world of Breaking. She loves the freedom this dance has given her to combine her other genres while still honoring the foundation of the craft. Within her 10years of Breaking experience, she has made a name for herself, competing around the world. She has been teaching for 11 years within the Los Angeles County and beyond. As a practitioner Lilian values the importance of preserving this culture and paying it forward, as it was done for her. Dance & Hip Hop Culture as a whole has been a source of therapy for Lilian, a healing journey that keeps her in tune with herself and the opportunity to connect ancestrally. She aspires to lead by example, “a jack of all trades, and a master of self” is her motto.
Aaron Nishikawa
Jai’Quin Coleman
Jada Chanell
Desmond Howard
Dorian Aleccia has been dancing since the age of 4. She started her training at home, in Chicago, at various studios including the Chicago Dance Academy and Joel Hall Dance Center. Her styles expanded from Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Musical Theatre, Urban Jazz/Jazz Funk, and Hip Hop. After graduating from Ohio State University, Dorian moved to Los Angeles to join the Teach for America corps, while pursuing her master’s degree. Training in Los Angeles involved in-depth work in styles that have always resonated with Dorian–such as Chicago Footwork, Stepping/Strolling, Samba, Salsa, Vogue, New Orleans Bounce, and Waacking. Dorian’s credits include: Dancing with The Stars, World of Dance, East Los High, Dawn Richard, Joey Montana, Luney Tunes, Twista, The Rej3ctz, Nicki Minaj, Offset, Aloe Blacc, and Disney Junior Live. More recently Dorian has been combining her skill sets, working as an MC/Host. As a black woman in the entertainment industry Dorian has tried to find the balance of art and activism. She has an infinite love for her culture, and she aims to use her skills as an educator and artist to continue to share the magic of it!
Aaron ‘Keiji’ Nishikawa is a dance artist and dance teacher based in Los Angeles, CA. He has been dancing his whole life, but didn’t receive formal training until the age of 14. His journey began on the Pasadena high school dance team and continued on UCSB’s Untitled Dance Company (formerly known as Urban Dance Company), where he eventually served as the artistic director for 2 years. During his time in Santa Barbara, he also began teaching at local studios, nonprofits, and the UCSB recreation center. After taking a short break from teaching, he has recently returned and taught at studios such as Hip Hop Mindset and Snowglobe Perspective. He hopes to continue to share some of what he has learned up until this point in his life and assist others in their own growth as both dancers and people.
Allie Laliberte
Allie is a canadian dancer now living in Los Angeles. She began her dance career at the age of 18 after having trained in various styles throughout her teen years. She quickly fell in love with street styles & commercial hiphop and began teaching dancers of all ages while building her career in the industry. Allie has since gone on to dance for artists like Drake, Rihanna, JBalvin, Ricky Martin, Missy Elliott on stages like the Grammys, AMAs, Britt Awards and many more across Canada, Europe and America. Allie’s love for dance, specifically hiphop continues to grow as well as her passion for teaching young dancers.
Shantel Ureña
Shantel Ureña is a dancer, choreographer, filmmaker and teacher from Tampa, Florida now residing in Los Angeles, Ca. She has a focus in concert, commercial and the underground freestyle scene. She began her movement journey at the age of 2 in her grandparents home. Surrounded by Palo and Merengue music, she could always be found Improvising any and everywhere. Within the essence of her freestyle she experiments in blending styles. Which include; Ballet, Modern and Contemporary with Street + Club dance styles such as Hip Hop, Popping, House, Waving and Salsa. Reflecting back what she likes to call her “Sancocho.” She has performed and collaborated with; The Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre Company and toured both nationally and internationally with Contra-Tiempo’s ‘JoyUS JustUS’. She has also featured her independent piece, ‘Sancocho’ at Blaktinx and worked with artists such as, Google Pixel, Dua Lipa, Christina Aguilera and Ozuna. Shantel is a passionate visionary and storyteller. Her most recent short film, ‘Generational Wealth’ is a story on reclaiming the narrative of wealth. Interconnecting familial lineage healing and more through dance and magical realism.
Jesus Rodales (Maddchill) is from Hillsboro, OR. He started his dance career as a freestyler, specializing in Tutting and Popping. Jesus is also a Producer of events focused on bringing the community together. He is also a former dancer for the Portland Trail Blazers group called “Rip City Crew” and also was the catalyst in bringing Litefeet to Portland. His sights since 2020 have been centered around music production, DJing, and how music influences movement.
Jesus Rodales (Maddchill)
DJ Megatone
DJ Megatone is a passionate DJ who has been entertaining crowds at major events like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Coachella, as well as local dance competitions and clubs. In 2015, he founded 1212 Sessions, a space for dancers and DJs to collaborate, which has become a key part of the local dance and music scene. In addition to performing, Megatone teaches DJing to both beginners and professionals, sharing his skills and knowledge with the next generation of artists. Known for his ability to read a crowd and create dynamic sets, he keeps people energized wherever he plays. Offstage, he’s dedicated to improving his craft and giving back to the community. Through his music and initiatives, he continues to inspire artists and bring people together.
Amber Alonso
Amber Alonso is a Los Angeles-based performer who has been dancing since she could remember but began her dance training at the age of 9. She has trained in many styles including Hip Hop, House, Tap, Modern, Latin styles, and many more, which can be seen when she freestyles and merges all of her skills together. Amber Alonso’s dance career has lead her to perform on stage and film with artists such as KC and The Sunshine Band, Kool and the Gang, DJ Kass on The Real Talk Show, and has gone on tour with Aerial Experience Productions, just to name a few. She co-owns a dance/performance company called Movin’ On Up Productions (MOUP), where she choreographs, directs, and manages talent. Additionally, Amber Alonso is also known for emceeing/hosting events throughout Los Angeles for her company, MOUP, and events held at world famous entertainment parks such as Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, Sea World, and the Los Angeles Zoo. Amber Alonso can be found teaching dance and fitness classes to all ages throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles and continues to stay active in her artistic craft within the community.
Hans Pierre
“Dance has the ability to build courage in individuals through the quest of self expression and provides a sense of unity with others embarking on the same journey.” As an educator, I take students through the history of Hip Hop and explore all the elements that make up the culture (Djing, MCing Graffiti,and Breaking). From a movement standpoint, we also spend time working on the fundamentals of Hip Hop freestyle (and other synonymous street style dance forms). We train the bounce, rock and roll, usage of the limbs, the Hip Hop Dictionary and explore self exploration through freestyle, the creation of personal variations and choreography as well as some partner work so they can experience the social aspect of the culture.
Santa Barbara Teaching Artists
Paris Davison
Paris is a well known choreographer, instructor, creative director, and dancer in the 805. Paris has been in a number of professional dance/training opportunities with Samantha Caudle, Melissa Barlow, Eric Bellinger, Candice Craig, Hiphop Mindset, D Main and more. She has competed on Latin TV and Hiphop International making it to the semi finals. Paris is the founder and creator of The P$ Experience and P$ Academy. She offers classes for all ages in Hiphop and Jazz funk, and also specializes in Adult Heels classes.
Serina Sanchez
Serina Sanchez is a local dancer representing the 805. She has been dancing for over 2 decades- from taking classes locally, competing in dance competitions and battles, creating dance visuals, and working alongsideartists in the industry. She has been teaching the youth within Ventura County for about 5 years. Her focus on dance is within freestyle elements and the style of Popping. She has been training in the foundational elements of street dance for many years and intends to help the youth express and gain appreciation for the different styles and hopes to inspire them to continue learning these styles along with their current dance training.
Dalia Santana
Dalia Santana was born and raised in beautiful Santa Barbara and started dancing with Alma De Mexico (A folklórico group). She did floklorico for 9 years and then joined her high schools dance program freshman year at Santa Barbara High School where she learned hiphop, jazz, ballet, and contemporary. She was also part of her high school’s dance team for her last 2 years of high school. Now she takes hip hop classes all around town and in LA, and teaches pop up hiphop classes in Santa Barbara as well.
Miguel is a familiar choreographer, instructor, and dancer in Santa Barbara County. Miguel has had training in various forms of dance which include ballet, jazz, modern,lyrical, pom with his strength being HipHop. Miguel has participated in multiple dance opportunities and productions all around the 805 community. He takes pride in offering classes for all ages in Hiphop and Jazz funk. He has taught for multiple studios within the community to ensure he feeds into the new generation of dancers.
Miguel Hernandez
Aliyah Habib
Aliyah was born and raised in the Bay Area, and began dancing at just 2 years old. She grew up dancing at her local dance studio, training in many styles such as hip-hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap. She began competing at age 9, and has continued her dance journey into college. She currently attends UC Santa Barbara and is a member of Untitled Dance Company, a hip-hop team on campus that trains every week and performs for the local community. She has been a part of many dance events in the greater 805 area, and she also teaches at local dance studios regularly. Aliyah is passionate about creating a safe space and welcoming community through dance!
Justin Jensen's journey into the world of bboying began at the tender age of seven in 1988, when the vibrant dance form captured his heart in his neighborhood of Los Angeles. After relocating to the Central Coast in 1992, following the tumultuous riots, Justin found solace and purpose in the bboy dance community. For Justin, bboying has always been more than just a dance; it’s a way to educate, motivate, and connect with others. He chose to focus on the authentic expression found in the cypher rather than the competitive scene, believing that true growth comes from the raw energy of freestyle battles. His passion for sharing this art form led him to teach at local studios like Garcia Dance Studio and The Alley Project, where he inspired countless dancers. In 2016, Justin founded the Central Coast United Bboys Bgirls, a collective aimed at fostering community through dance, networking, and collaboration. His vision was clear: to give back to the youth and anyone interested in bboy culture, while providing an annual space for enjoyment and creativity with the “I Need A Break” jam. Through his efforts, Justin has built a supportive environment where friendships blossom and the love for dance thrives, leaving a lasting impact on the Central Coast and beyond.
Justin Jensen (bboy bodyRAWk)
Francine was born in the Philippines and raised in the East Bay Area. Her favorite styles of dance include Hiphop, Contemporary, and Hiphop-Contemp fusion. She started dancing when she was 10 years old doing studio competition dance and training in various styles such as Hiphop, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Ballet. In high school, she was a part of the Varsity Song Team and school dance program, gaining experience in teaching and choreographing. Francine recently graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a B.S. in Psychological & Brain Sciences. Throughout her time at UCSB, she was part of Untitled Dance Company, a hip-hop based dance team that performs for the local community and 805 area. Whenever she is back home in the Bay, she enjoys taking various classes to continue her dance training and teaching at local dance studios. Francine is super passionate about carving out spaces for art in educational settings, and strongly believes in the power of dance for finding community, healing, and self-empowerment.
Francine Oflas
Taylor Campbell
Taylor is a local 805 artist and creative. Taylor has over 9 years of experience as an educator. Having worked with Hip Hop Mindset, Cold Spring School, and Montecito Union School, she has dedicated herself to fostering creativity and self-expression in youth of all ages! As a versatile professional, she also excels as a choreographer, dancer, and makeup artist, bringing a multifaceted approach to her crafts. With a commitment to empowering people through movement and artistic expression, Taylor continues to make a meaningful impact within the dance community and the 805.
Max Phanthawong
Max Phanthawong instantly fell in love with breaking during his time at UCSB 5 years ago when a friend of his introduced it to him, where he joined the university’s dance team, UCSBreakin'. Through performances, shows, and collegiate dance battles, his passion for the art form grew stronger. During his time on the team, he not only sharpened his skills but also had the privilege of mentoring and teaching others who also want to start, helping them improve and find their own rhythm and dance. Breaking has been an incredible journey for him and he continues to grow and expand his knowledge in breaking as well as in the overall art form of dance.
Phoenix Teaching Artists
RaeRae Pentecostes
Andrea Pentecostes, better known as RaeRae, is a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur. She is the co owner and artistic director of The Jukebox Grounds, LLC in Mesa, AZ. Established in 2010, the Jukebox is a dance, music and art studio that provides a space for Hip Hop artists, street dancers and enthusiasts to learn, grow and express themselves. RaeRae received her certification in Audio Engineering, from the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in 2009. She utilizes her knowledge of sound by helping manage the Jukebox recording studio and live sound engineering the events that are hosted at the Jukebox Grounds. Currently, she teaches weekly dance classes that is open to the public. She also directs and choreographs for Jukebox dance teams with her wife Leah. She continues to train and compete in freestyle dance battles and choreography competitions with the Jukebox Family.
Layuh Bancod Roman
Leah “Layuh” Bancod Roman is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, director, and life-long hungry student based out of AZ. She is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of The Jukebox Grounds, Hip Hop/Street Styles/Arts studio in Mesa, AZ. With 15+ years of teaching and competing, Leah has had the opportunity to dance and share at World of Dance, WOD U-Jam, Hip Hop International, BET Live, Fusion, California, Chicago, NYC, UK, and Japan. Her mission is to remain a hungry student and to continually share what she learns with her students and community. “Dance is endless. And I am here for the life-long journey!”
DJ T-Rell is a prominent Producer and DJ in Chicago, who has been on the scene for over 15 years. He served as the Executive Director of Phantom, Inc, and later became known for his Guest Mixes on multiple mainstream radio stations in Chicago. DJ T-RELL has always welcomed opportunities for growth and advancement. As a result, he was once the official DJ for recording and tattoo artist Phor of VH1’s Black Ink Chicago, and participated in the Smirnoff Master of the Mix. As a producer/engineer, DJ T-RELL has worked with countless independent artists and was the inspiration for a few records placed with two award-winning recording artists. He is a purist and can always be found honing his craft behind the ones and twos (vinyl/turntables) and translating the melodies within him to move the people, emotionally and physically.
