Dance Intensive

Dance Instructors |Hip Hop Instructors here

JJ VILLAR
J.J. Villar has taught and performed throughout the United States and Europe in many dance styles ranging from ballet to hip hop. He is also experienced in stage, costume, and set design. He was one of the favourite 2008 Summer in LA instructors during both the Dance Intensive and the Hip Hop Intensive.

As a dancer, JJ has worked on different projects with artists such as Usher, Jay Z, Tyrese, Soluna, BB Mak, Mya, Carmen Electra, the Pussycat Dolls, Jlo, Gloria Gaynor, Triniy, Erin Starr, Ikon, EE-DE, Colby O’donis, and many more. JJ was the dance captain for Toni Braxton’s Vegas show. His choreography has appeared at the Geva Awards, Armenian Music Awards, El Portal Theater, Ford Amphitheater, MGM Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo France, Madrid, Canada and New Mexico. He has choreographed many different music videos, industrials, concerts, and live shows. In addition to working with different artists, choreographing and directing shows, JJ continues to seek and enhance new talent by teaching dance to groups and individuals all around the world. From his 2004 European teaching tour to his national convention tour with Hollywood Vibe, he continues to teach jazz and hip hop at Millennium Dance Complex, & L.A. Fitness, to students of all levels. Apart from dance and choreography, JJ is starting the cross over to acting as well as video & music editing. You can see him on the Carlsberg Beer Commercials as he plays Berg on the 2005 Carlsberg Beer Campaign.

After encountering so many passionate dancers while teaching and touring, Villar started recognizing a special type of dancer. They had an incredible drive to perform, who dreamed about moving to Hollywood in search of their shot at a professional career. However, many of them have a wrong impression of what it takes to be a professional dancer. Villar educates dancers about the difficulties of the industry by teaching them about what it takes to be a professional and the harshness of the industry before they make the move. Only a handful of the thousands who come to Hollywood to be dancers actually make it. Villar instills the belief that this is not because they lack talent, but because they give up when they experience the fierce competition of the commercial dance industry. Dancers can now have a greater sense of the reality of the business. Former students of JJ have appeared in music videos, television commercials, and live concerts after signing with both commercial and dance agents.

CHLOE ARNOLD
Inspired and mentored by Debbie Allen, Chloe Arnold hopes to also inspire and unite people globally through the Arts. An internationally recognized Performer and Choreographer, Ms. Arnold graduated with a degree in Film from Columbia University. Throughout her career, she has had extensive experience in multiple aspects of the industry, as Co-director of the Los Angeles Tap Festival, the producer of over 20 shows, and as an independent filmmaker.

Chloe recently starred in Debbie Allen’s new hit play Alex in Wonderland at the Kennedy Center and UCLA Freud Playhouse filmed for TV release. You can also catch her in Outkast’s Idlewild and as Beyonce’s dance double in Upgrade You. Chloe is guest faculty at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and has taught and choreographed at the premiere dance studios worldwide including Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway.

Performance Credits: Debbie Allen's Alex in Wonderland, Brothers of the Knight, Soul Possessed, and Sammy The Musical (dance captain) during which time she helped teach Tommy Davidson Tap; Savion Glover's All Star Tap Revue; India Jazz Progressions; Imagine Tap; and Emmy Award Winning Choreographer Jason Samuels Smith's A.C.G.I. and Charlie's Angels: A Tribute to Charlie Parker. Film/TV Credits: Outkast's Idlewild (Universal Pictures/HBO); Brothers Garcia (Nickelodeon), Alex in Wonderland, The Parkers and One on One (UPN), The Opening of the Jerry Lewis/MDA Telethon's Emmy Award Winning Number, Dean Hargrove's Award Winning Short Tap Heat, AMC's Cool Women, Beyonce's Dance Double in Upgrade You, and tap dancer in Sean Paul's Give It Up To Me for the movie Step Up.

Choreographer/AC Credits: ABC's American Celebration, Debbie Allen's Alex in Wonderland and Pearl; and for her own company Syncopated Ladies. Directing Credits: CUERPASO, a TV pilot and DVD, Music Videos, and commercials; Assistant Director on Music Videos for Beyonce, Eve, Jennifer Lopez, Neyo, Snoop Dogg, Kylie Minogue and more.

FRANCISCO GELLA
Francisco was born in Bacolod City, Philippines. He began dancing in college and graduated with a B.A. in Dance from the University of Washington in Seattle. He studied ballet with Hannah Wiley, Adriano Welch, and Maqui Manosa, and modern techniques with Jim Lepore, Patricia Thomas and Milton Myers. He continues his ballet training for fun with renowned ABT teacher Alaine Haubert.

Francisco has danced with a diverse group of highly acclaimed ballet and modern companies such as the Philadelphia Dance Company, Repertory Dance Theater, Spectrum Dance Theater, Seattle Opera, California Ballet and Ballet Pacifica.

Besides dancing, Francisco is also a sought after contemporary ballet choreographer. He has set works for Pennslyvania Ballet, PHILADANCO, the University of Utah Ballet Ensemble, Tucson Ballet, California Ballet, South Bay Ballet, and Reflections Dance Company of Washington, D.C. Recently, his work entitled “Configured Echoes” received the Best Choreography Award for the Pacific Region at the National Regional Dance America Conference.

Highlights in Francisco’s dance career include: performing the Mourner’s Bench, a solo of historical significance, from Talley Beatty’s Southern Landscape at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York, dancing the role of Von Rothbart with Patricia Barker in Thor Sutowski’s Swan Lake, and performing at the Closing Ceremonies in the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics in Japan, a worldwide broadcasted event, as a principal soloist.

Francisco teaches ballet and contemporary technique for several distinguished dance schools and is on faculty with Coastal Dance Rage. He was Ballet Program Director for Dance Precisions from 2002-2008. He has also been a guest instructor with many dance academies and dance companies and teaches master classes for various colleges and universities while on tour with PHILADANCO.

KENNY WORMALD
Kenny Wormald is the 22-year old professional dancer and heartthrob of MTV’s hit show, “DanceLife” He was auditioned and picked by Jennifer Lopez for this show which she produced. Kenny is the lead actor/dancer in Center Stage: Turn It Up which debuted on the Oxygen cable in 2008 and is now out on DVD. Kenny has been amazing the crowds with his extraordinary hip hop, tap and dance moves for many years and is a crowd pleaser to all his fans.

Kenny recently toured with Justin Timberlake and has also performed live with Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, and Nelly Furtado. Kenny has personally trained one on one with Britney Spears and you can watch Kenny show off his talent on music videos with big names such as, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, JoJo and Prince.

Kenny has danced at the White House and appeared in the films You Got Served, Center Stage: Turn It Up, and Jackass II. After performing in the Nelly Furtado video "Promiscuous", he was noticed in an audition by Nelly and danced backup with her in a performance of her hit "Maneater" on the TV show Saturday Night Live.

BOBBY NEWBERRY -
Bobby Newberry is renowned for his talent, innovation and drive in the dance industry as a professional choreographer living in Los Angeles. Bobby paves the way with his inventive choreography and is in constant demand to teach master classes world wide, including Europe and Asia. Bobby is also on faculty at The Edge in Hollywood.

His credits include assistant choreographer to the Pussycat Dolls as well as Kelis (Blindfold Me, Milkshake, Bossy Live Stage), Eminem (Just Lose It video), Eva Longoria for Bebe, Playboy Mansion, Strawberry Blonde, Aaron Kwok, Jenie Tracy, Flava, Taylor Dane, and many others.

Bobby’s choreographic ingenuity continues to fire on all cylinders as he continues to challenge himself and his students abroad. “Don’t ever give up on your dreams, anything is possible if you believe it is!” This is what Bobby believes.

BEN ALLEN
Benjamin or Ben as most know him has been making a name for himself ever since he arrived in Los Angeles back in 2002. From film, television to live stage shows, Ben seems to be constantly growing as an artist and continually sets high goals for himself.

When you meet Ben, words like energetic, passionate and heartfelt come to mind. After living in Los Angeles for nearly four years, he accomplished what most have only dreamed of. Working in film, television and live stage shows he has gained much experience as a dancer.

He began teaching in Los Angeles where he founded a non-stop-funk class at Gold’s Gym. After he received the prestigious position of teaching at The Edge Performing Arts Center where he still teaches at today. He is also on faculty at IDA. While on high demand to dance in local stage shows and choreograph for emerging new artists, Ben continues to travel the world teaching master classes.

And if all is not enough, he has time to run is own non-profit organization, The Passion for Dance Project that grants financial scholarships to young dancers pursuing dance in Los Angeles Professionally. His credits include: Rent, Scrubs, Cingular Wireless, Miller Lite, Carl’s Jr., Lalaine, and AOL’s Gold Rush. With his vibrant personality and fresh originality you’ll want to watch out for Benjamin as he continues to make his way to the top of the industry.

NANCY PARADIS
Nancy Paradis began her career as a charter member of the Richmond Ballet. She danced principal roles including The Moore’s Pavane by Jose Limon and John Butler’s Carmina Burana. Nancy trained and performed in classical ballet, Balanchine, and neo-classical work. She was also a member of the Washington and Louisville Ballet companies.

Nancy’s love for the many styles of dance brought her to Los Angeles, where she worked in film, television and the commercial field. She danced in MTV Movie Awards with Robbie Williams, Family Matters, Beverly Hills 90210, and the 6o’s Movie of the Week. She appears in over 60 episodes of The Method Show on Fox TV, a Pilates, yoga and dance based fitness show. She also appears in the Crunch Fitness and Buns of Steel Videos. Her film credits include Glitch 2, Polly A Parrot’s Tale, and Guilty by Suspicion.

Her choreography credits include NBC "Must See T.V." commercial series and a segment on NBC News titled "Posture". Nancy’ s theatrical credits include "My Fair Lady" with the Cabrillo Musical Theater, "Barbie on Rodeo Drive" and the "Magic of Hollywood" - China National Tour. Her work has been recognized by the Al Gilbert Choreography Showcase and American Dance Association.

Nancy has taught with jazz innovator Joe Tremaine, the Edge Studios, Performing Arts Center, Co. Dance Conventions, L.A. Dance Force, Artist in Training, University of CA. Irvine, Loyola Marymount University, San Diego State and UCLA Theater Dept. She was a guest teacher at the ABT Summer Intensive and the Richmond Ballet.

She is currently on faculty at Moorpark College, and guest faculty at University of CA, Irvine. She directs a competition-based jazz company in L.A. and works as guest choreographer to regional companies.

SHANNON MATHER
Described as the most sought after choreographer in the U.S and Canada, Shannon has taken dance and choreography to incomparable heights.

Her creative vision and excellence to the dance arts have been described as moving, emotional and inspiring. Shannon's prestige has been recognized by numerous choreography awards and critical aclaim, including two national titles for Cal State Fullerton University Dance Team. Her strive for excellence and the ability to bring out the passion of young dancers nationwide has created high demand for her gift of teaching.

Currently Shannon is the assistant choreographer on the Fox hit show So You Think You Can Dance and co-owner of Coastal Dance Rage. Her choreography has been featured on CBS Star Search and her students have danced with stars such as Brittney Spears, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce.

MICHAEL SCHWANDT
Michael Schwandt is one of the most dynamic visionaries for choreography and movement in Los Angeles. His extensive body of work can be seen across the board in commercials, corporate industrials, television, award shows, special events and various recording artist projects, while crossing all genres of dance. As Creative Consultant on many projects, Michael contributes to the overall look of a project influencing style, costume, lighting, musical arrangement and set design.

Michael continues to give back to the dance community by nurturing and educating aspiring dancers through guest master classes all over the world where he connects with young dancers, speaking to them about realistic expectations in professional dance. Michael is also the Founder and Creative Director of Fusion Entertainment, an LA-based company that provides dancers and cirque-style specialty acts for live events.

As a dancer, Michael has worked with Craig David, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Graham Norton. Michael has choreographed/consulted Aerosmith, Mis-Teeq, The Latin Grammy Awards, MGM Mirage, Vh, PUMA, Sketchers and Miss USA. He has commercials currently airing for Palm Treo, Land Rover and Mitsubishi. Other credits include: the Music Video Production Awards, The Beach Boys, LeAnn Rimes Kristine W, Norwegian Cruise Lines, “Jambalaya” the new live spectacular at the Caesar’s Palace Bahamas and directing aerial performers for Sheryl Crow’s concert at the MGM in Las Vegas.

GROVER DALE
In 1953, a skinny young man from McKeesport, Pennsylvania boarded a bus for New York with $130 in his pocket and a dream in his heart. He was totally unaware that the career he was about to embark on would catapult him from the choruses of Broadway musicals into principal movie roles alongside Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and George Chakiris. It never would have occurred to him that he would be cast in the original company of West Side Story, be discovered by Noel Coward in Paris, be praised by Judy Garland in London, be fired by Agnes de Mille in New York, beat out Dustin Hoffman for an acting role on a daytime soap, swim with Esther Williams on CBS' first color broadcast, teach Barbra Streisand the "lindy" for "The Way We Were," splatter a rotten tomato on Debbie Reynold's face in the film of "Unsinkable Molly Brown," dine in the south of France with Orson Wells and Marlene Deitrich, or co-direct a Bway musical with Jerome Robbins.

Grover, a Tony award winner is the founder of Answers4dancers.com and recently received a Lifetime Achievement Recognition Award at the Lester Horton Awards in Los Angeles.

In 1954, Grover Dale showed up at Bob Fosse's audition for "The Pajama Game." Thinking it didn't matter that he was dancing in the back row, Grover was certain that good dancers get noticed regardless of which line you were in. He was wrong. He didn't make the cut. For a young man destined to have a lengthy career, Grover had a lot of learning to do.

His inexperience may have kept him hidden from Bob Fosse, but it didn't get in the way of being cast by Michael Kidd the following year for "L'il Abner." After a full season as an "employed" dancer, Grover auditioned for the notorious genius/task master, Jerome Robbins. Forsaking the tendency to dance in the back row, Grover stepped forward and competed with hundreds of other dancers eager to be cast in the original production of "West Side Story." Five days after signing a contract, Grover arrived at the first rehearsal with Snowboy's eight lines of dialogue memorized. He assumed that was the only preparation necessary. Once again, Grover had more lessons to learn.

Overwhelmed by Robbins' demands for acting skills, Grover realized he was in trouble. Applying "objectives" and "motivating movement" was a language he wasn't familiar with. His enthusiasm and love for dance wasn't enough. Taking on the task of saving his job challenged every resource he could muster. By the time WSS completed its tryout in Philadelphia, Grover's role of Snowboy was no longer in jeopardy. In fact, his name was added to the show poster. WSS was a turning point in Grover's education. In the years that followed, he grasped the idea that preparing for the next opportunity never stops. There's always a new skill or a new technique to be mastered. "Frankly," he suggests, "if a performer isn't on the path to more growth, they might as well pick another profession...!"

Today, he's not only acknowledged for professional achievements but for his willingness to help jump-start so many young dance careers through his writing and his Career Power Workshop.

LIZ RAMOS
A native Texan, Liz began her training in ballet, tap, and jazz at the age of 6. After graduating from high school and relocating to New York City, she soon began her scholarship with the Joffrey Ballet Academy for a year and a half. Not too long after finishing her program there, she was soon cast in the broadway european musical production of "Black & Blueî.

Since relocating to California, Liz has appeared in numerous films, tv shows, and music videos. She has had the delightful pleasure of working with some of the top artists of today such as Will Smith, Enrigue Iglesias, P.Diddy, Paula Abdul, Faith Hill, Jessica Simpson, Toni Braxton, Jlo, and many others.

Her film credits include, ìIdlewild,Rent,"Mr & Mrs. Smith", "Austin Powers- Goldmember", El Cantante, "Enchanted", and Dirty Dancing 2". T.v credits: Csi:Miami, Suddenly Susan, Latin Grammys, Martin, Soul Train Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Music Awards, Jlo NBC Special, Oprah, and Rosie O'Donnel to name a few. Tours: Earth Wind & Fire, Gloria Estefan, and Kevon Edmonds. Theatre: In the Heights (workshop),The Wiz (La Jolla Playhouse), Mambo Kings (San Francisco), Black & Blue (European tour), and Chorus Line.

An addition to all the dancing & singing, she also guest starred on tv shows such as Side Order of Life, Reba, For Your Love, and Nikki.

Along with working in television and film, Liz can also add choreographer to her resume in projects as: Earth Wind & Fire tour, music videos for Will I am and up and coming artists such as Larisa Dolin & Kristen Toedtman, New Years Eve Spectacular (Atlantis Hotel in the Bahamas) and tv show ìEveî on NBC.

Working it into her busy schedule she also finds time to travel the world in teaching master classes on convention and studios for dancers ranging from beginner to advanced.

CHRISTIAN VINCENT
A native of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Christian Vincent holds a BFA from Butler University where he graduated with the highest honors, Cum Laude.

A multi-talented performer, he first experienced success in the entertainment industry as a professional dancer and choreographer. Vincent worked with such artists as Shakira, Ricky Martin, Chayanne, Mandy Moore, Macy Gray, Brian Setzer Orchestra, Ashanti, Prince, Gloria Estefan and Madonna -- where he was dance captain for her Drowned World Tour.

Vincent has appeared in various feature films including She's All That, Sex Politics & Cocktails, Starsky and Hutch and Ms. Congeniality 2. His television appearances include Buffy, Disney's Annie, Arrested Development, Baywatch, The George Lopez Show and Cold Case.

Vincent has also appeared in many theatrical productions including the off-Broadway production of "Radiant Baby," directed by George C. Wolfe and as a lead vocalist in the stage show "Generations." He has appeared in multiple commercials and print ads for Chevrolet, Muscle and Fitness "Hers" and Verizon.

Christian's talents as a choreographer can be seen in various Target commercials. Other credits include: Walk Hard, Center Stage 2, Rent, Flintstones ìViva Rock Vegasî, Smallville Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Ashanti, Stevie Wonder, Grammy Awards and Geri Halliwell.

TONYA KAY
This Magickal Child from Michigan farmlands has been performing since age 4 and playing Cosmic Muse even longer. A raw-food-athlete dancing 3 years in the Off-Broadway phenomenon STOMP, Tonya Kay is living proof of what a child raised in love grows up to be.

Tonya Kay has quickly become a household name as well as a cult icon with her appearance as the fruit-eating superhero, Creature, on SciFi's Who Wants To Be A Superhero, her co-star role as the street racing netcaster, Nitrogurl, on CBS's NUMB3RS, and her Dominatrix dance performance with mega-hit band, Panic! At The Disco on their most recent national tour. Tonya Kay has been featured in Trace Adkins, Namie Amuro, Rob Zombie and Death Angel music videos and most recently played a drug lord lead in the feature film, 3 Days Gone.

A trained aerial stuntwoman with De La Guarda (Off-Broadway/Las Vegas), it is truely the Creature's proficiency in oddity-art that sets her apart from other performers. Not only does Tonya Kay have technical acting and professional dance skills, but she also cracks whips with knife-throwing partner, Jack Dagger, flag dances with NYC's Axis Danz, and is a stilt-dancing company member of Trey Knight's Stilt World. She has performed her danger arts on stage next to Ellen Degeneres, Margaret Cho and Harry Anderson and was seen by 11 million viewers spinning fire poi in the semi-finals of Simon Cowell's America's Got Talent. Tonya Kay teaches the exotic art of fire/poi spinning to you in her newly released instructional/workout dvd How To Spin Poi.

In her performance career, Tonya Kay has danced professionally with the Mark Goodman Tap Company (LA), Peggy Spina Tap Company (NYC), and Deca Dance hip-hop theatre (NYC). She has toured the United Kingdom and United States too many times to count with names such as Kenny Rogers and the Rugrats!, and is the creator of the all-rhytm urban drum circle XTREME RHYTHM THEATRE.

When not on stage, Tonya Kay is a compulsive gypsy, roadtripping this continent in her waste vegetable oil fueled Jetta, seeking out organic farmer's markets, luxurious bath tubs, and the extra-ordinary experience. It is the Creature's life passion to push evolution, shape reality, exist in love and go all the way.

GREG POLAND
Greg Poland holds a BFA cum-laude in musical theater and is a well known and sought after master tap teacher and choreographer who has taught at dance conventions all over North America. Greg appeared in the National tour and Los Angeles co. of The Producers with Jason Alexander and Martin Short. Greg was assistant choreographer/cast for Like Jazz at the Mark Taper Forum. He was featured on Broadway & the European tour of the Tony award winning show Black & Blue with Savion Glover and starred in Lincoln Centers’ Dreams On A Shoestring.

Some of his show credits include: Dreamgirls, 5 Guys Named Moe, Star Trek 9, The American President, Malcolm X, The District, Star Trek Voyager, XFiles, Sabrina, Party of 5, The Jamie Foxx show, Martin, the Tonight Show, All My Children, Babylon 5, and Hangin' With Mr. Cooper.

Greg directed, created and choreographed the show La Feet for Disney’s California Adventure, did the tap Choreography for the NBC Upfront at Radio City Musical Hall, co-directed and choreographed numerous production numbers of Tap Girls at Harvey’s Casino and choreographed a section of Out Of The Box on the Disney Channel. Greg just finished producing his first full length feature film RUNT which has been winning many awards on the film festival circuit and currently has a distribution deal.

ROBERT SCHULTZ
Robert Schultz, originally from Detroit, Michigan has trained in New York and LA. and teaches and choreographs all around the US, Canada and Costa Rica. Robert is one of the most popular teachers at the Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. He is a fun and crazy teacher.

As a dancer, Robert has performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, MTV Awards, Lady of Soul Awards, Billboard Awards and FOX Music Mania. He has also worked with artists such as Blink 182, Toni Braxton, Backstreet Boys, Vitamin C and Jade. Movie credits include Gigli, She's All That, Flinstones 2, Wedding Planner and True Love. As a choreographer, Robert’s work can be seen on Grounded for Life (Fox, WB and ABC Family), Rome and Jewel (2007), The Tonight Show, E 3 games, and the Avenger Girls. Other credits include: Scrubs, Pepsi, AT&T, Jack in the Box, Grown-Ups, Now What (MTV), Disney, Chevy and Toyota Industrials.

DUECE, THE PRINCE OF KRUMP
Duece, L.A’s prince of krump was voted the #1 choreographer for his krumpography workshop during the 2007 Summer in L.A. In addition to krumpography, Duece’s Hip Hop workshops have also been a hit all across North America along with his public speaking on the history of krump.

Duece’s credits include: Be Discovered workshops across Canada, Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, Mary J Blige, countless commercials, music videos and feature films, the krump documentary Rize, Sean Paul, Paul Oakenfold, Britney Murphy and more.

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