The Faculty

BENJAMIN ALLEN
   

Ben has made a name for himself in film, television  and live stage shows since he arrived in L.A. in 2002. Credits include: Rent, Scrubs, Cingular Wireless, Miller Lite, Carl’s Jr., Lalaine, and AOL’s Gold Rush. When you meet Ben, words like energetic, passionate and heartfelt come to mind. 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 International Dance Academy. 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. 

Jazz Funk, Hip Hop
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LINDSEY B
    

At age 13 Lindsey started freestyling in her living room and shortly after, took on musical theatre. At 17, following her dreams, she moved from San Antonio, Texas to LA and was accepted into The Edge's Scholarship Program. After completing the program, she was blessed to start working professionally.  Credits include: MTV's America's Best Dance Crew 'Beat Freaks', Black Eyed Peas, LL cool J, Butch Walker, Pink, Missy Elliott, Omarion, Cristina Milian, Limp Bizkit, Jurassic Five, You Got Served and Love Don't Cost A Thing. She is one of the Groovaloos and she is one of the characters "Out There" in their off Broadway show.  Recently, she toured back up singing and choreographing for Avril Lavigne.

Contemporary Hip Hop, Hip Hop
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CHRISTINA BENEDETTI
Christina’s House class was one of the most fun classes for the 2007 Summer in L.A. dancers. She has performed with The Groovaloos and showcased at Carnival Choreographer’s Ball.

Locking, Popping, Waving and Freestyling are also some of her other dance skills to name a few. Christina has trained in Los Angeles, New York and Paris and teaches House weekly in L.A.

Credits include: Jamiroquai, Common, Macy Gray, Def Comedy Jam featuring Dave Chappelle, Adidas and Monsters of Hip Hop.

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BLUEPRINT
Congratulations to Blueprint for their success on MTV`s America`s Best Dance Crew 5.

This Canadian crew has stormed the home of hip-hop and demonstrated a level of synchronicity not seen before. Being the first-ever foreign crew to compete on America's Best Dance Crew, Blueprint have proved so much. Not only by being the 1st Canadian crew on the show but coming in the Top 2 is awesome! For this crew, the name Blueprint is more than a title: it's a creed. Precision, precision, precision -- that's their motto. Every move this crew does, they do as one, moving together. Their dance crew is run like an army, training hard to look like one unit and learning the origin of the move to perfect it. This perfectionist crew doesn't believe in tricks and stunts, they believe in unified movements down to every minute detail.

In the six years since the group started, these Montreal natives have become the premiere crew in the Canadian dance world. But making a name for themselves in the country where hip-hop was born is now the  ultimate barometer of success.
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ALEC CLAWSON

 

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SHABBA DOO
  

Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quiñones is an award-winning Choreographer/ Director who has amassed an impressive 30 plus years of experience in the entertainment industry!  Shabba-Doo has worked extensively in creative and executive production capacities for highly successful feature films, television shows, major concert tours, and Broadway musical theater productions.

In the early 1970’s, Shabba-Doo, danced his way into a lucrative professional career, making his initial mark as a founding member of the legendary street-dance troupe, The Lockers, forefathers of contemporary urban dance (Hip-Hop). After several successful years with the fabled troupe, Shabba-Doo embarked on a stand-out solo career, starring in and choreographing a string of high-profile internationally televised specials and feature films, including: Breakin’; Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo; Lambada…Set The Night On Fire; and The Big Show.

The success of his trend-setting, box-office smashes impelled the authoritative Dance Magazine to dub Shabba-Doo “Hip-Hop’s first matinee idol”. This distinguished recognition of his visionary dance talents, led to collaborative working relationships with a wide-range of superstars such as Madonna, Bette Midler, Michael Jackson, Lionel Ritchie, Bill Cosby and even ole blue eyes himself, Frank Sinatra!

Shabba-Doo’s collaboration with award winning stage director Ron Link on Stand Up Tragedy, the celebrated musical presented by the Mark Taper Forum led to Los Angeles’ theater critics association to bestow him the prestigious Drama Critics Circle Award. He also co-wrote, choreographed and made his directorial debut with the independent feature film Rave…Dancing to a Different Beat.

Kickin’ it Old, starring Jamie Kennedy features Shabba-Doo’s signature choreography. Most recently, Shabba-Doo has inked a deal to produce “Battle of the B-Girls,” a reality-based dance competition show, featuring Shabba-Doo as creator/judge host, with other collaborative projects on the immediate horizon including Battle for the Streets, which he is currently in search of talent for.
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BEAT FREAKS
Congratulations to Summer in L.A. Hip Hop Intensive Faculty the ‘Beat Freaks’ for their awesome performances on America’s Best Dance Crew, Season 3. They have all danced behind some of the industry’s hottest performers, now it’s their time to shine! Starting from top left, clockwise we have: Lindsey, aka. "Out There", B-Girl Shorty, Lady Jules, Rino, Teresa Espinosa, Maryss From Paris and Keely "Lockn'Key" Kaukimoce. Combined credits include You Got Served, Step Up and Step Up 2. 5 of the Beat Freaks are also part of The Groovaloos who are also on the Summer in L.A. faculty.

A hip-hop dance dream team, the ladies of Beat Freaks have won too many awards to count and have been featured on numerous television shows, as well as in music videos and tours with the likes of Janet Jackson, Pink, Avril Lavigne, Miley Cyrus, Gwen Stefanie and Madonna, to just name a few as well as in movies like You Got Served and Step Up 2.

"We are an all styles crew, so we teach each other" says Out There. Adds Lockn'Key, "This is a well-rounded group of women. We have B- girling, freestyle, hip-hop, popping, locking, house salsa, jazz, ballet, you name it." Plus, says Rino, "We love to laugh and to have fun."

With wide ranging credits and styles, it's not surprising to see a range of music fuelling their favorites. The Beat Freaks go for everything from Hot Chip, M.I.A., Santogold and CSS to OutKast, T.I., Aaliyah and Missy Elliott to Prince, Zapp and James Brown.

Why do the Beat Freaks think they'll take the prize on this season of America's Best Dance Crew? "I think America is ready to see a strong, powerful group of young women who are passionate about what they do," says Lockn'Key.
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MISHA GABRIEL
Misha is a 21 years old dancer/choreographer who has the experience and credits behind him of someone ten years his elder. Misha teaches on a regular basis at Millennium Dance Complex and Edge Performing Arts Center.

He has choreographed for Justin Timberlake’s Future Sex Love Show, Hilary Duff’s Dignity Tour and Raven Symone’s Supernatural music video. Movie credits include Jackass 2, Clerks 2 and Center Stage 2.

Misha has danced for Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Omarion, Christina Milian, Hilary Duff, Raven Symone and touring with Aaron Carter is what got him his start in the business.

Check out this article on Misha in Dance Spirit Magazine http://www.dancespirit.com/articles/906
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FRANCISCO GELLA
   

Francisco has choreographed for Pennsylvania Ballet's Shut-Up and Dance production, and has set pieces on PHILADANCO, Danco/II, Tucson Regional Ballet and the University of Utah Ballet Ensemble. Most recently, his work for South Bay Ballet entitled “Configured Echoes” received the Best Choreography Award for the Pacific Region at the National Regional Dance America Conference. Currently, he is faculty with Coastal Dance Rage, Blake McGrath’s new dance convention concept which will be touring all over Canada and the United States. Go to www.coastaldancerage.com for more information.

Other choreography credits include: “Duet” which was performed in the Evening with the Stars program at the Laguna Beach Dance Festival under the direction of Jodie Gates, Reflections Dance Company of Washington, D.C. commissioned Francisco to create “No es lo que aparece” for their touring repertoire, and "Suite Vivaldi" premiered for California Ballet's 35th Anniversary Gala, which was sponsored by the Charles S. Bennett Memorial Choreography Fund. He has also choreographed several contemporary solos for Youth America Grand Prix competitors.

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 has been a company member with the Philadelphia Dance Company/PHILADANCO, Repertory Dance Theater of Salt Lake City, UT., Spectrum Dance Theater of Seattle, WA., the Chamber Dance Company, Leaving/Ground Dance, California Ballet and with Ballet Pacifica. During that time he worked with various renowned choreographers including Shapiro & Smith, Dwight Rhoden, David Parsons, Daniel Ezralow, Bill Evans, Zvi Gotheiner, Shaun Hounsell, Bebe Miller, Milton Myers, Ronald K. Brown, Sarah Slipper, Matthew Neenan, Adam Hougland and Dominic Walsh. He has also performed pieces by Anthony Tudor, Laura Dean, Gene Hill Sagan, Elisa Monte, David Brown, Alwin Nikolais, Murray Louis and Talley Beatty. Francisco has participated in Molly Lynch’s National Choreographers Initiative two years in a row. During this project, soloist roles were created on him by Luca Vegetti, Christopher D’Amboise, Ron de Jesus, and Gina Patterson.

Francisco teaches ballet and contemporary technique for several distinguished dance schools. He is Ballet Program Director for Dance Precisions and teaches at West Coast Dance Academy. He has also been a guest teacher with Lula Washington Dance Company and School in Los Angeles, California Ballet Conservatory in San Diego, Ballet Pacifica Conservatory, Festival Ballet, Tucson Regional Ballet, and the Orange County High School for the Arts. In addition, he taught master classes for various colleges and universities while on tour with PHILADANCO.

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.

Contemporary, Ballet
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THE GROOVALOOS
Congratulations to the Summer in L.A. Hip Hop Intensive faculty The Groovaloos who took the Gold at the Superstars of Dance. The Groovaloos were part of Team USA in a new worldwide competition that left them with the title of World’s Best Dancers.

In the photo above, top left is Poe One, the Summer in L.A. Breakin’ instructor. Poe is featured in the movie Planet b-boy as a judge now out on DVD and also runs the world crew battles at Hip Hop Internationals Hip Hop Championships, the producers of America’s Best Dance Crew. He is part of Style Elements, Rock So Fresh and Zulu Kings and a fabulous instructor.

The only female in the photo is Christina Benedetti, our House teacher. Her class is considered one of the most fun Summer in L.A. classes. Although lots of fun, it’s also challenging and a great cardio work out. The Groovaloos have other female members but she is the only one who performed on Superstars of Dance and on the Ellen show. 5 of the female Groovaloos are part of Beat Freaks and have been busy with ABDC.

The man himself Bradley “Shooz” Rapier, center, is the founder of The Groovaloos and proudly a Canadian who has made it in Hollywood.

The Groovaloos also hold a weekly jam/freestyle session “Groove Nite” where dancers can join in and do their thing and also watch and learn from the best freestylers in the world. Past Summer in L.A. dancers have had the chance to attend this event.
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"TOKYO"
 

TOKYO has a very unique induction into dance as he was not introduced to dance till he was a Senior in high school.
Tokyo grew up in the martial arts and began training at age 5. By the age of 15 he attained several black belts in various arts in addition to training in Wrestling, Muay Thai, Boxing and MMA (Cage Fighting).

At age 17, after a promising undefeated amateur record, just a few months shy of making a professional career out of MMA (mixed martial arts/cage fighting). Tokyo discovered dance and his life changed drastically.

Since leaving the fighting world and entering the dance world, Tokyo has been fortunate enough to have done master classes and choreography in the US, Canada and UK for many studios, companies, casinos and Cirque Du Soleil.

Due to Tokyo’s background in martial arts his approach to dance movement, philosophy and teaching is very unique and has been received and loved by many. Other than teaching/choreographing, Tokyo spent four years directing one of the largest dance competitions in the US. Since concluding his positions as a competition director, Tokyo is currently on faculty at the word renowned professional dance studio Millennium Dance Complex and on faculty with several conventions such as Coastal Dance Rage, Sugar and Bruno and WILD. He is extremely excited to give back to those that have given so much to him, through the art of dance!
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LIZ IMPERIO
  

Liz Imperio has established herself as a major director and choreographer in the entertainment industry, including the staging and choreography for Jennifer Lopez's "Live From Puerto Rico" concert; director/choreographer of Gloria Estefan's last 3 world concert tours; and two world tours for Madonna - "Re-invention Tour" and "Confessions" Tour.

A proud Cuban-American, Liz was born and raised in Hollywood, California. Her work caught the eye of famed
choreogreographer Kenny Ortega at the tender age of 15. Liz Became Kenny's Associate Choreographer for 6 years before
breaking out on her own. Her credits make her one of the most sought after choreographers in the business, including: “The Latin Grammys”; American Music Awards; "United We Stand" with Michael Jackson and *NSYNC" (assoc. dir.); ABC's
50th Anniversary Celebration; Disney Channel's "Gotta Kick It Up"; James L. Brook's feature film "Spanglish", VH-1
“Video Music Awards” “Diva’s Live” and commercials for Jack In The Box, and many others.

Liz Imperio currently owns a production company with her creative and business partner Chad Carlberg. Imperio
Productions wide range of services have provided service to such clients as:
• Ken Ehrlich Prods.
• Cossette Prods.
• The Disney Channel
• VH-1
• Premio Lo Nuestro
• Univision Network
• Kenny Ortega Co.
• Don Mischer Prods.
• Disson Skating
• Sony Pictures
• Madonna
• Jennifer Lopez
• Gloria Estefan
• Aventura
• Marco Anonio Solis
• Mirage Hotel
• Dragone (and many others).

Liz Imperio has trained such young stars as Hilary Duff, America Ferrera, Renee Olstead, Camille Guaty, Myra, and Valeria.
Her most touching assignment was working closely with Gloria Estefan after her major accident years ago and not only
assisted with the physical therapy to help her walk again, but later choreographed Gloria's comeback concert tour.
Liz Imperio's directing, teaching and choreography works have been commissioned all over the United States and Europe.
Having worked with such dance companies and dance conventions as: Gus Giordano Jazz Dance in Chicago; The Houston

Metropolitan Dance Theatre; K-Broadwa"y from Japan; West Coast Dance Explosion; Tremaine Dance Convention;
Company Dance; Break the Floor Productions; as well as numerous European companies from Italy to England. Liz Imperio is very proud to be a partner and founder of her own Los Angeles-based production company Imperio Productions.
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DONYELLE JONES
 

Donyelle, born in California has been dancing since she was 18. She has trained in ballet, and also studied jazz, modern and hip hop dance styles, as well as taking voice training and acting.

In the summer of 2006, was chosen as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance on FOX. She was a top 4 finalist on Season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance despite being the oldest contestant and not fitting the stereotypical dancer's "body image". She had a broken toe during the competition and still received high marks from the judges and finished as 2nd runner-up to partner Benji Schwimmer

She has danced in music videos for the Black Eyed Peas and Missy Elliot. She also appeared in the movie "Be Cool" and was interviewed on The Tyra Banks Show. In addition, she won the television show Dance 360.

Currently, she teaches jazz and hip hop at Millennium and other L.A. studios and teaches at conventions worldwide.
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KEELEY "LOCKNKEY" KAUKIMOCE
‘LocknKey’, world known female locker and street dancer, has gained recognition as a singer, song writer, dancer, choreographer and one of the only original style locking teachers of our generation. She discovered street dance while watching music videos at the age of ten in her small Garland, Texas home. She grew up with a unique affection for all forms of street dance which include locking, popping, bboying, party dancing and freestyle.

She has had the honor of being trained by original locker Greg Campbellock Jr. and Flomaster of Footwork Fanatics. Keeley is currently a member of the female crew the BeatFreaks and a core member of the Groovaloos. She has worked in countless music videos with such artists as The Black Eyed Peas, Missy Elliott, Christina Aguilera, and Run DMC vs. Jason Nevins to name a few. She also appeared in “You Got Served” and “Legally Blonde”.

Keeley is now teaching original style locking techniques and her own choreographed hip hop, with a funky old school flare, all over the world. She is very passionate about keeping first generation locking alive and trying her best to educate the youth on the history and origins of various street dances.
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JIM KEITH
  

Being born and growing up in Los Angeles, Jim is a true Hollywood kid. He has worked in Los Angeles as a performer (actor and dancer), choreographer, educator and talent representative for over a decade. A former Hollywood High School Performing Arts Center alumni (graduates include comedy legend Carol Burnett, singer Brandy and the late John Ritter) and Joe Tremaine Dance Center Scholarship student, Jim wishes to bring integrity and passion to the art form he loves most.

His comedic style and knack for making dance students understand quickly first established him as a highly sought after teacher in the Los Angeles area and throughout the United States to instruct private workshops and teach on conventions and competitions. A firm believer in strong, classical technique mixed with current trends and styles, he was seen teaching on guest, substitute or permanent faculty at over 12 different studios across southern California and judging for over 30 dance and cheer competitions nation wide.

In 2004 Jim was hired as an assistant by DDO Artists Agency and was quickly appointed Director of their Dance and Choreography departments. Under that direction, the agency opened three additional branch offices in under three years; Miami, Las Vegas and Nashville, extending the arm of commercial dance representation respectively to those regions. During his time spent at DDO, he was responsible for placing dance and choreography talent in all facets of the entertainment industry including Film, TV, Commercials, Music Videos, Live Stage Tours and Industrials of various kinds. He gained TV buyers that included "So You Think You Can Dance", "Dancing with the Stars", "Americas Best Dance Crew" and "Americas Got Talent". His represented talent worked with and choreographed for major music icons like Madonna, Brittany Spears, Ricky Martin, Prince and Beyonce. His corporate clients have included Nike, Kidz Bop, Wella/Sebastian Hair Care, Pepsi and MAC Cosmetics just to name a few.

In late 2006 he was asked to serve on the advisory board of Dance Spirit Magazine and has since been featured in several articles who’s topics have ranged from dance employment to dance education and training to technique and competition dos and don’ts. These articles have also lead to him being featured in several additional national magazines and websites, including Dance Magazine, Gendance.com, Dance Teacher, Dancer Magazine and American Cheerleader Magazine.
He was honored to be included on a special committee that was consulted to assist in creating the initial design and scoring structure for the hit TV show "America Best Dance Crew" and becoming a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Emmys. In 2010 he was nominated for "Dance Judge of the Year" by the Spirit Industry Trade Association and asked to serve on the advisory board for the Young Choreographers Festival.

He is currently the owner of "The Movement / A Dance Management Company". The Movement is the first management company of its kind. Dedicated exclusively to the careers of choreographers and dance educators.
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PAUL KIRKLAND
Paul Kirkland was born in Jacksonville, Florida and graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.

He is most commonly known for dancing with Christina Aguilera. You can see Paul teach in our Summer in L.A. promo video featured on our home page.

Paul has been dancing professionally for 5 years but 21 altogether and is featured in Aguilera's famous Back To Basics Tour and Justified and Stripped Tour's. He is also featured in the Christina Aguilera: Stripped Live in the UK DVD. Kirkland was featured in some videos by Aguilera such as "Can't Hold Us Down", "Ain't No Other Man", "Candyman" and Not Myself Tonight". He also danced in the Jennifer Lopez videos for "Do It Well" and "Hold It Don't Drop It" and also toured with Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony during the end of 2007.

Kirkland was also featured in three videos from Nelly Furtado's 2006 album Loose: "Maneater", "Promiscuous", and "Say It Right".
In his spare time, he enjoys playing football, soccer and basketball. He also enjoys cooking and making music.

Previously having toured with Madonna on the 2004 Re-Invention World Tour, Kirkland also toured as a backing dancer on her record-breaking 2008-2009 Sticky & Sweet Tour.
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JANET LANGER
  

Janet is an International Choreographer/Artistic Director/Dance Educator with credits including: Lady Gaga, The Beach Girl 5 featured on the Kardashians, Miley Cyrus, China Idol: "Supergirl",Trump's Miss Universe, The ground-breaking Groovaloo Stage Show, Nike, Broadway
Dance Center Tokyo, The Edge, Essence Ladies, Kaba Modern, and various short films. She has worked with studios and schools Nationally and Internationally, fortunate to connect with dancers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, Canada, London, Spain and Portugal. She is now studying all aspects of filmmaking with aspirations to direct and produce major motion pictures.  Janet is passionately committed to continuous training in all genres of dance from B-Girlin' to Burlesque at top studios in LA, a firm believer that staying a student forever is essential. She has also assisted top choreographers and good friends Teresa Espinosa, Kevin Maher and Tabitha and Napoleon on various projects. Janet is most well known for her entertaining way of connecting with people and leaving her inspirational mark in every place she teaches. If you are looking for more than a teacher who is insanely fun, intense, creative, has contagious energy and will bring
out the very best in you, don't miss out on Janet!

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KITTY MCNAMEE
From opera to pop, Kitty McNamee embraces each new project with wit, grace and unique style. Her ability to draw sophisticated, engaging performances from superbly trained dancers, as seen in her opera and concert work, is matched by her sensitive approach to "non" movers. Kitty specializes in developing a creative exchange with performers, which encourages them to blossom and achieve their full movement potential.

Kitty is the founder and Artistic Director of Hysterica Dance Company, a prolific and highly respected contemporary dance company in her current home of Los Angeles. She also brings her passion and highly original voice to opera, TV, videos, live events and film.

Kitty is much sought after for her ability to present sophisticated movement from a storytelling point of view. She has drawn amazing performances from Julianne Hough, Margaret Cho, Vanessa Williams, Neil Patrick Harris, Lily Tomlin, the boys of 90210 and the ladies of the L-Word. Kitty has created original works for LA Opera, San Francisco Opera and Chicago Lyric Opera showcasing the talents of Anna Netrebko, Rolando Villazon, Patricia Racette and Renee Fleming.

Kitty’s wonderfully inventive work has also been seen with the LA Philharmonic at Disney Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, in Man of La Mancha for Reprise! and off-Broadway in Margaret Cho’s smash hit Sensuous Woman.
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MIHRAN
  

Mihran was born in Armenia and moved to California at the age of seven at which time he started dancing. Mihran has been exposed to the entertainment industry since birth as his dad was a famous dancer/choreographer in Armenia and his mom a singer.

Mihran looked up to artists Fred Astaire, James Brown and Michael Jackson. Soon he found himself performing as various artists by adding his own flavour in front of live audiences. At fourteen he joined a theatre workshop class at Marshall High that involved dancing, singing, acting and stage presence. Mihran started competing and won many street dance competitions.

After high school, Mihran was signed by a dance agency and this is when his career took off as he had more time to accomplish his dreams. He started teaching Hip Hop at Millennium Dance Complex and soon found himself working with Britney Spears, Pink, Kyle Minogue, Lil Kim and many more. He also appeared in the movie You Got Served and countless commercials.

Mihran toured on Madonna’s world tour and appears in her music videos. Mihran also danced on Ricki Martin’s world tour. Read an interview on Mihran and see lots of really cool photos of Mihran and Madonna. http://www.madonnatribe.com/idol/mihran.htm

Mihran has choreographed for the MTV Latin Awards and the Black Eyed Peas. Mihran is a recording star in Armenia and took off most of 2008 to finish his solo album. Mihran’s style of dance is very different and unique. He is known to do a bit of everything, hip hop with a mix of poppin, lockin, breakin with a feel of jazz.

His career has taken him to a different level as an artist that raps, dances, choreographs, teaches and directs his own performances.
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POE ONE
Poe One is one of the Summer in L.A. Hip Hop Intensive Breakin’ instructors and is a part of Style Elements, Rock So Fresh and Zulu Kings. He is a great instructor and a featured speaker on the history of Breakin’. He is also a graffiti artist and so much more.

He teaches Top Rock, Go Downs, Foot Work/Leg Work dynamics, Power Moves, Spins, Freezes, Finesse, Originality, Self Confidence and much more.

Poe is one of the Groovaloos who took the title of Superstars of Dance as part of Team USA. He is also featured in the movie Planet b-boy as a judge at several of the events worldwide. The movie is now out on DVD and is awesome to watch.

Poe also runs the world b-boy & b-girl crew battles annually at Hip Hop Internationals Hip Hop Championships, the producers of America’s Best Dance Crew.
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MARYSS FROM PARIS
Made in Greece, born and raised in Paris, Maryss fell in love with Hip Hop dancing at the age of 16, started to take class and got hired by her teacher to be part of his dance company. Because of back pain problems: Scoliosis and sciatics, Maryss was forced to stop dancing. After a year she decided to dance again disregarding the doctor's advice. She became a working dancer since then and at 19 years old she got fed up with the French scene and decided to go to Miami to dance. In Miami she developed her talents as a choreographer.

In Los Angeles she paired up with Rino. They became best friends and started to teach and choreograph together. They formed with other elite dancers the Beat Freaks, a group of 7 female dancers who are very well respected in the dance industry. After obtaining her work visa she became a busy working dancer and a member of the Groovaloos.

Credits include: Justin Timberlake, Craig David, Billy Crawford, Black Eyed Peas, Missy Elliott, Omarion, Gwen Stefani, Chris Brown, Hannah Montana and many more.
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BRADLEY "SHOOZ" RAPIER
"Shooz” is a multitalented actor/dancer/choreographer/ and TV host personality and the founder and choreographer of The Groovaloos. The Groovaloos recently won Gold with Team USA in Superstars of Dance. After moving from Canada to L.A., he was soon nominated "King of Hip Hop" by the Dancer's Alliance of Los Angeles and was nominated for a prestigious American Choreography Award . His animated movements got him cast as the dance reference for Goofy in Disney's feature, "A Goofy Movie".

Other credits include: Diana Ross, Boys II Men, Queen Latifah, the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Skechers, Bizmarke, feature films, TV series, music videos and live performances for MTV's smash boy band parody project, 2gether, Fatboy Slim, Brian McKnight, David Foster, Deborah Cox, Sinbad, Alanis Morisette.

His experience also includes producing for the National Set Free/IMPACT high school program, with live positive theatrical hip hop concerts. Currently Bradley and The Groovaloos are touring with "Reality Check", a federally funded high school program, promoting positive values for teens.
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RINO
Rino Nakasone was born in Japan. She grew up with a passion: Michael Jackson and later Janet Jackson. To learn their dances, she watched their video clips and shows and knew by heart their choreographies. When she was 19, she left Japan for the USA to go to university but especially to dance. When she arrived in Los Angeles, she became the assistant to Dante (Summer in L.A. faculty member) at Millennium and the Edge. She entered the world of dance, obtained a work permit thanks to her studies and signing with Bloc agency.

She began teaching at Millennium and at Debbie Reynolds until one day when she decided to partner with Maryss from Paris (Summer in L.A. faculty member) to choreograph together. They found a group ‘Geminis’ and then joined the Beat Freaks shortly after to work in videos, advertising, movies and more. Today, they still teach at Debbie Reynolds and teach Master Classes worldwide.

Rino has danced with Marques Houston, Mary J Blige, Britney Spears and Missy Elliott. Rino wanted to perform in the Super Bowl dancing with Janet Jackson but at the same time she was set to leave for Britney Spears’ tour. Janet Jackson recommended she do the Britney tour because the Super Bowl was just one day. Rino took her advice and did Britney’s tour. At the end of the tour, Rino and Maryss choreographed ‘Hiccup’ for Billy Crawford.

Rino is one of Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku girl and represents Music. She has toured the world with Gwen and appears in her videos. Finally after a long time of working so hard in the industry, her dream came true as she was selected by Janet Jackson to co-choreograph her most recent album promo. Rino’s other credits include You Got Served, Raven, Soul Train and Will Smith, to just name a few.
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CHANTAL ROBSON
  
Chantal Robson is originally from Brisbane, Australia. She started performing in Australia at the age of eight, traveling throughout the country singing and dancing. At age twelve, Chantal moved to Los Angeles and quickly moved into being a respected dancer who was in high demand for music videos, commercials, award shows and tours.

Chantal has worked with artists such as Madonna, Usher, Christina Aguilera, 'N Sync and Britney Spears. Some of her credits now include being the choreographer on such television shows as MTV’s "My Own," NBC’s "America’s Got Talent" and TLC’s "The Singing Office" and "Rock The Reception." Her recent film credits include the choreography of the movement of the monsters in the film "One Missed Call." Look out next year for the films "Bunraku," where Chantal choreographed the actor Kevin McKidd, and Happy Feet 2, where Chantal was the Assistant Choreographer.

Chantal spent six months in Germany last year as Associate Director on a Franco Dragone production "India." Using her experience and talents, Chantal works with recording artists such as The Ballas Hough Band, Marie Digby and The Stunners, choreographing and directing their stage shows. Chantal believes that you can do anything you put your heart, mind and soul to. Working with all types of people is the only way to learn more about yourself.
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RACHELE BROOKE SMITH

An actress, dancer, and enthusiastic youth instructor, RACHELE BROOKE SMITH has quickly made a name for herself in Hollywood. She has starred in feature films, television, and national ad campaigns, while continuing to expand her creative pursuits and spread her message of healthy living.

Since her arrival in Hollywood less than five years ago, Rachele has landed a number of coveted film roles. As a dancer she was featured in the Robert Zemekis directed production A Christmas Carol, the Zac Efron comedy Seventeen Again and as the dancing Chipett character Janett in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. Rachele also danced as an Ironette in Iron Man 2, and most recently, she can been seen as a featured dancer in the new musical Burlesque, starring Cher and Christina Aguilera.

In one of her first leading roles, Rachele starred opposite Peter Gallagher in the 2008 film, Center Stage 2: Turn It Up. Then in 2009, she played Avery in the newest installment of the Bring It On franchise, Bring It On: Fight to the Finish. Rachele’s character Avery faced off against Christina Milian in the film, creating the most talked about cheerleading film since the original. Rachele has just concluded work on the upcoming comedy Beach Bar where she played the spunky lead character Sara West.

On the small screen, Rachele Brooke Smith made her television debut when she guest-starred in Acting Out (2007) for PAX TV, and last year, was featured on Lifetime’s hit series, How to Look Good Naked hosted by Carson Kressley. This past fall, Rachele was featured in ABC’s critically-acclaimed drama series, Eli Stone. In 2010 Rachele has had a number of appearances on the critically acclaimed hit Glee, most notably as a featured dancer in the season premiere episode “Britney/Brittany.” Most recently Rachele had a guest spot on the CBS comedy How I Met Your Mother as the beautiful Lady In Red for their Thanksgiving episode.

Her impressive dance background (jazz, hip-hop, ballet, modern, tap, break-dancing and partnering) combined with her infectious smile has helped Rachele become the face of various marketing campaigns for Skechers, Capezio Dancewear, Nappy Tabs Hip-Hop Gear and Gap‘s 2009 holiday campaign. Recently, she has appeared in music videos for two distinguished artists, John Legend and Andre 3000.

As a current resident of Los Angeles, Rachele spends her free time exercising, dancing, skiing, wakeboarding, hiking, traveling and playing tennis. She is active in her local church and volunteers her time for organizations benefiting the homeless, women, and children in need. Rachele’s newest passion has been to spread her philosophy of dance as therapy and has been traveling around the country teaching master classes in dance to kids and teens. Rachele has recently started a blog and YouTube channel to help communicate ways to stay healthy and live happy.

Rachele aspires to be a positive role model for all those who have eyes on her. You will definitely be seeing plenty more of her on the silver screen and in your living room in the near future.
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BONNIE STORY
  

Bonnie Story has worked with many of the most well known choreographers and directors in the entertainment business, among them, Vincent Paterson, Kenny Ortega, and Toni Basil. She was a choreographer on all of Disney Channel’s smash hit High School Musical films, directed by Kenny Ortega. Bonnie received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography, along with Kenny Ortega and Charles Klapow for their work on High School Musical. Bonnie served as co-choreographer for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, choreographed an episode of Touched by an Angel, and the Disney film, Virtual Perfection. She assisted Vincent Paterson on a commercial campaign for Hummer, which aired internationally. As the Associate Artistic Director of Odyssey Dance Theatre, she has directed and choreographed concert work for the company. She is a highly sought after guest teacher who teaches and choreographs for many institutions throughout the country and has taught her special brand of jazz within the Ballet Department at the University of Utah. Under the direction of Vincent Paterson, she assisted and choreographed Play Zone 2006, a monumental stage production featuring some of the biggest music recording artists in Japan.

Bonnie brings outstanding credentials and experience to the world of entertainment. She attended Julliard and the School of American Ballet, and was a Ballet West and William F. Christensen scholarship recipient at the University of Utah. Bonnie danced in several Ballet Companies as a Principal Dancer, including Ballet West before moving to Los Angeles to study jazz, modern dance, and acting. As a veteran television and film performer, she has appeared in such national commercials as MasterCard, Pepsi with Michael J. Fox and Shaquille O’Neal, Diet Pepsi with Ray Charles, and AT&T. Bonnie has also performed in many MTV videos such as Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal, and has worked with Micheal Jackson again on a MTV anniversary project. She has also worked numerous other music recording artists.

Bonnie’s recent credits include choreography for the feature film, America’s Greatest Pastime, an episode of Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and numerous Disney Channel segments featuring Ashley Tisdale, Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana), the Muppets and both the Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl Half Time shows in New Orleans and Miami. She has done choreography for the films American Mall (MTV Films), Rock N Roll Forever, and High School Musical 3.Bonnie choreographed a commercials for the Ohio zoo, Miche Bags and Zion’s Bank. She was one of the choreographers for the new Cirque du Soliel show inspired by the music of Elvis, called “Viva Elvis”, which is currently playing in Las Vegas at the City Center.

Bonnie loves giving back. Throughout her career, she has continued to study, perform, teach, assist, and choreograph. She brings all of these experiences as well as her breadth of knowledge to all of her work.
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STACEY TOOKEY

Originally from Canada, Stacey has danced with Ballet British Columbia, Fusion Dance Company and as a member of the N.B.A.’s “Grizzlies Extreme Dance Team”. She has had the honor of working on projects with Bette Midler and Michael Buble’. She has performed in concerts as a member of Mia Michaels Company R.A.W. including Jacobs Pillow and with Parsons Dance Project in Seoul, Korea. Other performances include “Carmen” with the Houston Grand Opera and assistant choreographer of “A Few Good Men Dancin” on Broadway. In 2002 , Stacey relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada where she was an original cast member for the entire 5 year run of Celine Dion’s show “A New Day” at Caesars Palace. Other performances with Celine include the “Oprah Winfrey Show”, “The 2004 World Music Awards”, “Larry King Live”, “CNN’s New Years Eve Countdown Live in Times Square” and “A&E’s biography of Celine Dion”.

She has been slimed on National T.V. dancing alongside Justin Timberlake at the “2007 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards”. In addition to performing Stacey has taught master classes in Mexico, Italy, Argentina and throughout North America and has been the recipient of many choreography awards. She currently resides in L.A. and is a recurring choreographer on “So You Think You Can Dance” and “ So You Think You Can Dance Canada” and most recently directed the “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” season 2 National tour.

Contemporary, Lyrical
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GIGI TORRES
Gigi Torres is originally from Irvine, CA, she has been training in all areas of dance from the age of 3. She is an international and domestic instructor, sharing her knowledge and love for dance from the East Coast to the West Coast, Canada, overseas in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Gigi’s choreography credits include So You Think You Can Dance, Choreographer's Carnival Hollywood from 2005-present, The Highlands of Hollywood, Funkanometry LA, SD, and SF, Breed OCLA and Kaba Modern. She is the Director/Founder of the All-Female Dance Crew "Essence" that consists of ladies working in the entertainment industry.

Her dance credits include Pussy Cat Dolls, Jack Rabbit Flash's "Ladies in Lace," Asia Entertainment San Jose, Dance 2xs' Project Element with Marty Kudelka, Snoop Dogg Live in Vegas and Mims, to just name a few . Represented by Bloc Talent Agency, you could also see her as the Principal Dancer and Lead Girl on the Lee Hom ft Jin's Music Video "Heroes of the Earth and " Michael Jordan Commercial's - "Second Generation" and "Fist."

Gigi lives by the Essence Motto “Inspire and Be Inspired. Just Be…& Live.”
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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 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.
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Check your program Curriculum to see what professionals you will be working with.
* As choreographers are working professionals, they are subject to change.

 |  Dance Intensive | Hip Hop Intensive| Juniors Intensive| Performance Intensive |