Faculty
Marinda Davis
Originally from Tampa, Florida, Marinda Davis' dance training began at the young age of two. Between her training at Mary Jo's Performing Arts Academy, Blake High School of the Arts, and her involvement in regional musical theater, it was during these pivotal years that Davis' signature style gained its eclectic roots. Touring with conventions from the age of 15, it was on the circuit that Davis began to spread her wings with her work as an assistant to Gus Giordano, Frank Hatchett, Ray Leeper, Kacy Combs, Dennis Caspary, and Lisa Allain. At 1 8, Marinda relocated to New York to attend Marymount Manhattan COIlege on scholarship where she obtained a BA in Dance with a minor in Musical Theater. Simultaneously she trained extensively at BDC studying with her mentor, Sheila Barker. Marinda danced professionally with Sting, 98 Degrees, and has danced at the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl. She was a founding and principal dancer for Anthony Morigerato's, AMDP, New York. Known as an inspiring, life- changing teacher and mentor, you can often find Marinda on the competition/convention circuit inspiring young dancers across the world. Currently choreographing for some of the world's top studios and schools, she has an enormous impact on countless lives and careers of young dancers. Marinda is the artistic director of her professional company, marlnspired ; the storytellers. She has presented work at Dancin' Downtown at the Joyce, Young Choreographer's Festival at Symphony Space, (in 2010 as a Young Choreographer, in 2016 as the Guest Company), Platform at El Portal, Club Jeté, and The Giving Tree. In 2010, Dance.com recognized her as one of the Top 10 Young American Choreographers 25 and Under. In 2012, she premiered marlnspired's first full length NY show, "Breakable" which enjoyed a completely sold out run at The Salvatore Capezio Theater. This same year, Marinda received her first Capezio ACE Award nomination. Marinda is currently on faculty at EDGE, Broadway Dance Center, Peridance, and WILD Dance Convention. She is the choreographer for Starpower's Power Pak and is the resident choreographer for Marked Dance Project, a mixed ability/disability company in New Jersey. She recently col- laborated with pop star, Frankie Z to choreograph his concept videos, "Hello" and "Faith." Now based in Los Angeles, Marinda was nominated for her second Capezio ACE Award in 2015. She was honored to receive 2nd runner up and funding to produce "UNbreakable", marlnspired ; the storytellers' second full length show in I os Angeles this past summer. They opened to rave reviews at their preview show at Dancerpalooza in Long Beach and throughout their full length show run at the El Ponal in North Hollywood. In January of 2017, Marinda brought "UNbreakable" to NY's Symphony Space. Be on the lookout for Marinda's powerful story to be featured on Justin Baldoni's docuseries on the CW, premiering this December.
Wyatt Rocker
Wyatt rocker was born and raised outside of Orlando Florida and is 24 years old, Currently he lives in the Los Angeles area teaching at various studios including Edge PAC. He's trained under the direction of Matt Cady, Erica Sobol, and Talia Favia, Performing in various shows around the LA and NY area. He is best known for touring the world with Sia as a dancer for her Nostalgic For The Present Tour and appearing in her Cheap Thrills music video, He is most recently seen on Season 2 of of Dance. 
Jill Wolins
Jill Wolins has been seen in the stage and film versions of The Producers, as a Rockette in NYC, and in National tours and productions of Will Roger's Follies, Grease, and Sweet Charity. One of her favorite shows include dancing with Chita Rivera at the Kennedy Center in the Tribute to Famous Female Artists '09. Jill has danced in numerous industrialS around the world, as well as the Nederlander Press Conference in Beijing. She enjoyed performing in review shows at "Jazz at Lincoln Center," and a "Tribute to Lena Horne" at Avery Fisher Hall. Jill performed in Disney TV specials, and made a few visits to David Letterman (CBS), including Valentines Day with Martin Short. She has enjoyed dancing in Broadway Cares/Equity fights AIDS events for six years in the "ABC Daytime Goes to Broadway" at TOwn Hall in NYC. Jill assisted the director of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Opening number; 07, and can also be seen in the Accela Building (PhillY) on the biggest, clearest LED wall in the world, demonstrating the dance crazes of the American Bandstand. Jill had a blast starting her professional dance career at Disney,Orlando, after being a dance major at the University of Buffalo (SUNY). Some of her out of school training includes being on scholarship at Steps on Broadway for many years, American Dance Festival Modern Dance Intensive at Duke University, and Gus Giordano and Lou Conte schools in Chicago. She teaches Theater and Contemporary Jazz classes around the globe, and has been on faculty at many major dance schools both upstate NY, and in and around NYC. Because she grew up competing in the dance competition circuit, Jill loves being an adjudicator because she knows the hard work that goes into perfecting competition routines. Jill is proud to say she traveled to South Africa with United Nations Association/Hero, working in schools in HIVIAIDS affected areas. Jill is proud to say she traveled to South Africa with United Nations Association/Hero, working in schools in HIVIAIDS affected areas. 
Frankie Zulferino
"If you haven't heard of Frankie Zulferino, you will soon." (Ryan Seacrest, 2014). No stranger to the stage, Frankie has accomplished more than your average independent artiSt• As a member of the boyband "WOW," he opened for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Jason Derulo and Sean Kingston, and has toured North America, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Hard work, dedication, and determination push Frankie to accomplish whatever he sets his heart on. Growing up in Staten Island, Frankie overcame several shortcomings. As a kid, he was told he wasn't the best dancer, he was overweight, he couldn't sing. Instead of quitting, he used the negativity to drive him to succeed. years spent in hours of rehearsals, singing and dancing, resulted in Frankie signing his first deal with Live Nation and CAA agent, Mark Cheatham, as a member of "WOW by the age of 18, and has lead him to become an award—winning choreographer and dance instructor. After the band split up, Frankie went solo and appeared on the CW show, "The NEXT", where he was mentored by Joe Jonas. He has accumulated over 2MlL views on Youtube, and has been featured on major blog sites RyanSeacrest.com, PerezHilton.com, Examiner— .co Fanlala.com, and Oceanup.com, as well as, in magazines Popstar, Twist, and M. In 2015, Frankie teamed up with SLK Entertainment and toured across the U.S. on the PopNation Tour: He iS preparing to release new music that is sure to take his career to the next level, and introduce the rest of the world to this Superstar on the Rise! 
Zach Hudson
ach Hudson is 26 years old originally from Beloit, Wisconsin. Newly based in I os Angeles via New York City. Zach started dancing at the age of 12 years old. Then at the age of 19 he moved to NYC. He started training at Broadway Dance Center's first ever Professional Semester program in all styles and immersing himself in the NYC culture. After a few years he got the opportunity to be an 'Elite Protege' for The Pulse On Tour. Getting to assist Brian Friedman, Dave Scott, Laurianne Gibson, Gil Duldulao and Chris Judd for a entire year. Zach also began to teach at the leading studios in NYC (Broadway Dance Center, Peridance Capezio Center.) and staned working as a professional. Zach has also been mentored under some of the biggest names while in New York/LA. Through mentors, Tricia Miranda and Rhapsody James (Motivating excellence pro- gram.) Zach has had the chance as a performer most recently to work with Nick Minaj, Gwen Stefani, and Sam Smith, Zendaya. Other credits also include Vic Mensa, Carly Rae Jepsen, Adam Lambert, NIKE, Spotify, Americas Got Talent, GAP, National Walmalt commercial and a national BOP-IT Commercial. Zach wants to build a career from his gift of dance. His goal is to inspire people and dancers around the world to use their own talents to expose their own personal voice to their fullest, and use it everyday. 
Elijah Morton
Elijah Morton is what's next. He is an award winning choreographer from Pennsylvania who has taught and danced through out North America. Elijah has worked with Starpower's Power Pak program, choreographed for the Dance Force, and he has taught master classes around the country. In addition, he has taught for Millennium Dance Complex and Broadway Dance Center. While Elijah concentrates on teaching and choreography; you can still catch him performing with amazing musical artists like Jeremih. Mr. Morton is so excited to be a part of the WILD Dance Intensive Faculty and can't wait to see you all soon. 
Theresa Stone
Theresa Stone is a dancer/choreographer from Long Island, New York. She has worked long and hard at her craft to make her as versatile as possible, and has been able to con- tinue doing so throughout her experiences as both a dancer and choreographer. Theresa has worked with artists including Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, Earth Wind & Fire, Silento, and Keke Palmer. She was also a featured dancer in Lady Gaga's ARTPOP Ball Tour, as well as the GUY music video. On top of that, her dance experience has also gotten her in the top 10 dancers of Laurieann Gibson's hit show Born To Dance, Good Morning America, The Monique Show, Wendy Williams Show, and the most recent Hunger Games movie trailor.
Theresa has choreographed and worked with artists includ- ing A Great Big World, Meredith Vieira, Lance Bass, Omi, and Adam Lambert. You can also see her work on Fox's Hit Show So You Think You Can Dance, Todrick Hall's Toddlerz Ball Tour and DanceOn's Dance Showdown. She has also worked for companies including Target Stores, OA Fluid Sense, Discount Dance Supply, and more. She is the season one champion of Nigel Lythgoe's Every Single Step, and since then has worked for The Pulse On Tour, Broadway Dance Center, Wild Dance Convention, and more. Theresa's pre professional dance company, AbstraKT BEINGS, has been featured on America's Got Talent, Brooklyn Dance Festival, and Camival NYC. She has trained these dancers to then go on and dance for Sia, Gwen Stefani, Nicki Minaj, Silento, lvviva Athletica, Macys Passpolt, MTV, and much more!
Justin Lewis
Justin M Lewis, a native of the Washington D.C area has been Tap Dancing since the age of 5. Mr. Lewis began by watching the movie "Tap" with Gregory Hines. He felt stimulated to dance so he went upstairs to his room and taped nickels to the bottoms of his sneakers and began to dance. Mr. Lewis then began to study dance at Knock On Wood Tap Studio in Silver Spring Maryland. He later became a member of the Pre-Professional Company, Tappers With Attitude (TWA). Under TWA Mr. Lewis danced on many famous stages including, Lincoln Theatre, Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, Slues Alley, The Smithsonian, National Corcoran Gallery and many more. Mr. Lewis took on the role of Dance Capitan for the last term of his stay in Tappers With Attitude. Lewis was then accepted into a top Arts College in Chicago IL. He attended Columbia College Chicago from 2007-2009 where he was majoring in Performing Arts Management. Mr. Lewis began his professional career 10 years ago when he performed solo with legendary drummer and jazz musician Chuck Redd. Since then Lewis and Redd have done several performances to help fuse the tradition of Tap Dance and Jazz music back together again. Mr. Lewis is currently a Master Tap Choreographer and Artistic Director at Studio Bleu Dance Center in Ashburn Virginia. He teaches from age ranges five and up. His insight to rhythmic tap dance innovates new ideas to this studio. Being an artist is a passion for Mr. Lewis, not a lifestyle. Mr. Lewis was accepted into the Annual New York Young Choreographers Festival in March of 2015, where his choreography was chosen over hundreds of applicants to be showcased at the Symphony Space Theatre in Manhattan. As well as being an award recipient, Mr. Lewis was honored in being asked choreographed the finale for the Fred and Adele Astaire awards on Broadway in NYC. Lewis' talents and teachings have taken him to perform at the WOrld Renown Apollo Theatre and Town Hall in New York City with his student Luke Spring (Ellen DeGeneres Show, So You Think You Can Dance, A Christmas Story "Broadway"). Together Lewis and Spring created a fusion of Tap Dance that is enjoyable to audiences of all ages adding humor and fun personality and technique. Mr. Justin M. Lewis gears his career efforts towards presenting Tap Dance to the world today and issuing the art to younger generations to come for it to be held onto for centuries to come. Lewis intends to "tap up" his solo career to new levels around the world, giving new light to the art of Tap Dance in various countries through improvisation, rhythm and passion. 
Casey Askew
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington Casey Askew has been dancing since he was 8 years old, training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. In 2014 Casey completed his freshman year at Chapman University in Orange, California studying a degree in dance performance. In the summer of 2014 Casey participated in the search for America's Favorite dancer on "So You Think You Can Dance," season 11 finishing in the top 6 dancers (top 3 guys). On the show he worked with choreographers such as Tyce Diorio, Sonya TayehJ Mandy Moore, Stacey Tookey, and Travis Wall among others. Following the show he went on a 79 city national tour with the top 10 dancers traveling all over the United States and Canada. He has performed twice on The Ellen Show with the top six dancers of SYTYCD. Casey has recently joined the cast of the traveling show "Ballroom With a Twist," featuring various SYTYCD and DWTS alumni. He now makes his home in Orange County and continues to work in the greater I os Angeles area on various commercial dance jobs. Casey has a passion for teaching and teaches regularly at local studio in southern California as well as master classes all over the country: 
Zachary Heller
Zachary Heller started his training in ballet and jazz in Alexandria, VA. During his early training he performed with the American Dance Company under the direction of Mark Marino. He accompanied ADC on several tours to Europe and Central America. While dancing with ADC he was recognized as the Grishko Outstanding Male Dancer at the Prague International Dance Festival in 2003. His choreography of the musicals A Chorus Line and The Boyfriend received Cappies Awards for outstanding musi- cal theater choreography in 2003 and 2004. He attended the University of Arizona and in 2008 graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance; he also fulfilled all the requirements for Pre Med. At U of A, he performed works choreographed by Susan Quinn, Michael Williams, Sam Watson, Douglas Nielson, Frank Chaves, James Clouser, and George Balanchine. This is currently his tenth season performing with Giordano Dance Chicago. He is a resident choreographer for Definition Dance in Chicago, IL. He is a faculty member for the Starpower PowerPak where he teaches ballet and technique classes. He also teaches and choreographs for several studios and youth companies in the Chicago area and around the U.S. Zachary is so thankful to his family and friends for their love and support. 
KC Castellano
KC Castellano is a dancer and choreographer born and raised in New York City. Currently serving as a resident choreographer and a master teacher at dozens of studios across the US and in Canada, she is known for her passionate and challenging classes. She brings style, drive, and motivation to all of her students, urging them to push beyond their limits.
A performer at heart, KC has performed with Lady Gaga ("You and I”, "Marry the Night”, “Monsterball” Atlanta) and has toured with Kat Deluna both in the US and abroad. Alongside her own choreography which has been featured on television (Steven Spielberg’s “Public Morals”) and stage (Capezio ACE Awards 2012, Choreographer’s Pick PULSE 2011-2013, DRA’s Dancin Downtown at the Joyce Top Choreographer), KC’s passion for collaboration led her to work alongside other artists such as Tyce Diorio on projects such as SYTYCD U.S. and Ukraine, Lucille Lortel Awards, and most recently, Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s “Music City”. Collaborating with other artists is something she is both grateful for and inspired by and it fuels her passion to build an idea from the ground up and see it expand through the synergy of creative minds.
Through her work, KC loves sharing her intense approach to movement with dancers, encouraging them to explore their physical and emotional range within her choreography. Her class focuses heavily on strength, musicality and performance quality. Her mission is to have every student leave the room feeling full. Full of knowledge, full of motivation, full of spirit.
Casie Goshow
Casie Goshow, aka B-Girl 'Tynee' is hip hop choreographer and break dancer, who has been teaching both hip hop and break dancing for more than the last 10 years around the country. She is originally from a small town in Pennsylvania and went to live in New York City after college, before making the move to Los Angeles. She has worked in the commercial entertainment industry working a variety of jobs as she pursues her dreams. Casie has worked side by side with various artists and organizations such as Chris Brown, Lil John, Psy, French Montana, Beats Superbowl Commercial, the NBA, Adidas and was a Las Vegas Season 12 Street Finalist on So You Think You Can Dance?
Currently she is touring around the country teaching kids of all ages at studios, conventions and competitions. Casie has worked for Excel In Motion, Joffrey Summery Hip Hop Intensive, Shake the Ground, Alvin Ailey, Legacy, Turn It Up, In The Groove and more over the years. Casie owns her own clothing line, Goshow Yourself, which was created in response to the bullying occurring around the country. She wanted a clothing line that inspired people of all ages and walks of life to have the courage and confidence to be themselves.
Megan Alfonso
Megan "Megz" Alfonso was raised in the Bronx. At the age of six her and her family moved to Long Island where she started training at Michelle Ferraro's Dance USA. While continuing to train, for the past 15 years she has dedicated her time to teaching and choreographing. Megz recently competed in the television show, "So You Think You Can Dance" where she became a Top 6 finalist. Megz was honored, and after the show she went on tour with the rest of the Top 10. A few of her many accomplishments include assisting choreographers Nick Zobrowski at Adrenaline Dance Conventions, Shelia Barker at MPAC, and additional choreographers at the Camival Choreographer's Ball in I A Megz has traveled all over the U.S. and U.K. touring with Decadancetheatre and L'Oréal Matrix. Megz appeared in the movie, "Step up 3D," danced in an iDog commercial, and was an extra in the movie, "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist." Through Decadancetheatre, Megz has performed at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, The Apollo Theater and performed a piece entitled "Four Seasons" at the International Fringe Festival during the U.K. tour. Megz was also in the original cast of The Hip Hop Nutcracker. She has also choreographed and danced for singer, Raquel Castro, from "The Voice." At this time Megz is in the process of building her own dance company, Unique Soulz. Her purpose for the company is so she can be a mentor to aspiring dancers. Megz still continues to train and develop in her own style, within the next few years she hopes to achieve all her goals as a dancer as well as a choreographer: 
Brandon Cournay
Brandon Cournay is a New York City based dancer, choreog- rapher, teacher, and entrepreneur. He is originally from Walled Lake, MI and received his BFA in Dance from The Juilliard School. As a freelance artist, Brandon has performed in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and with the Mark Morris Dance Group, The Metropolitan Opera Ballet, New York Theatre Ballet, The Chase Brock Experience, Company XIV, Schoen Movement Company and Morphoses. TV/Film/industrial credits include PBS' Great Peformances, Musical Chairs (HBO), Puma, Sesame Street, and Target. He has been the Associate Choreographer/Movement Director for My Fair Lady (Bay Street), The Wildness (Off-Broadway), Coriolanus (Off-Broadway) and I Am Anne Hutchinson" Am Harvey Milk, starring Andrew Lippa and Kristin Chenoweth. He is an award-winning choreographer and a sought after guest teacher. He has a passion for teaching all ages and abilities, from dance studios to conventions and universities. As an educator and repetiteur, Brandon has worked with The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Juilliard School/Nord Anglia Education, Whim W'Him, Montclair University, Marymount Manhattan College, Rutgers University; Barnard College, and Southeast Missouri State University. Brandon is the Executive Artistic Director of Dance Device Lab (DDL), a company he founded in 2017. DDL's mission is to provide studios across the country with experienced guest teachers and choreographers. DDL values education by encouraging dancers to hone and expand their individual techniques while exercising their creative minds and bodies. Using his career as inspiration and DDL as a vessel, Brandon bridges the gap between the concert and commercial worlds of dance. 
Ade Obayomi
Ade Obayomi has been dancing since he was 6 years old. He has had the opportunity to train and live in Kansas and Arizona. Ade received a scholarship to be a dance major at Chapman University in California. After completing his freshman year he auditioned for the hit FOX TV show, "So You Think You Can Dance". Upon making the show he proceeded to light up the stage with his electric performances, culminating in a "Top 6" finish. Starting in September Ade will hit the road with rest of this seasons "Top Ten" touring the country with the, "So You Think You Can Dance" National Tour. He just recently found out he will soon join the artist Lady Gaga on her World Tour as well. Ade has had the opportunity to dance all over North America and has many other professional credits to his name. He was a featured perfOrmer in the Vanessa Williams movie, "A Christmas Carol", and also was on "Dancing with Stars" Macy's Stars of Dance this season, just to name a few. Ade is so happy to be joining the WILD Dance Intensive staff to share his talent with you.
Pamela Yasutake
Pamela Yasutake (Performer - Choreographer - Instructor) recently made her Broadway debut in the original cast of "Shuffle Along, Or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed". Directed by George C. Wolfe and choreographed by Savion Glover, the critically acclaimed production received ten 2016 Tony Award Nominations including Best Musical. Originally from Seattle, WA and now residing in New York City, PameWs television credits include the 70th Annual Tony Awards (CBS), Maya & Marty (NBC) and so You Think You Can Dance (FOX). Other credits include sold-out concerts with Chloe Arnold's Syncopated Ladies in New York City, Washington, DC and Dubai, performing with Emmy-Award Winner Jason Samuels Smith and his company Anybody Can Get It (A.C.G.I.) at Davidson College in North Carolina, performing and choreographing for Seattle Theatre Group's production of "Dance This..." eight seasons of the Black Nativity Play of Seattle in which she performed the lead dancer role of Mary for two consecutive seasons, and perfOrming at various tap festivals across the country alongside legendary masters of Tap. 
Moises Parra
Moises Parra, born and raised in Orange County CA, began dancing at age four training in jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop. He has gotten much recognition for his dancing as well as numerous awards growing up. Moises danced along side Jessie Riley and her company WESTSIDE Dance Project as well as Justin Giles’ Soul Escape. He has been working professionally since the age of fifteen. Training at Elevation Studios, Moises starred in Awesomeness TV’s hit dance show "Dancers Off The Floor". Some of his other credits include ABC Family "Bunheads," Just Dance Disney, Kidz Bop, X Factor, Dance Moms, Nickelodeon Fresh Beat Band, and Just Dance 2 Commercials to name a few. Moises competed on FOX's television dance show "So You Think You Can Dance" for their 12th season being a part of their top 10 stage dancers, under the mentorship of Emmy Award winner Travis Wall. He was, also, apart of the "So You Think You Can Dance” Season 12 tour where he performed in 70 cities all across the U.S and Canada. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Moises continues to dance and choreograph all over the country as well as tour with dance convention Art Of Movement being apart of their faculty.
George Jones, Jr.
George Jones Jr, Celebrity Choreographer/Instructor/Dancer, has worked with some of the biggest Icons of this generation. The artist that thrusted his career in to overdrive was Britney Spears, but since then he has worked with JLO, Nicki Minaj, and Usher just to name a few. He received his Bachelors of Art from Marymount Manhattan College. Marymount is where George received his training in the techniques of Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Choreography. His degree focused on the production side of the art, which included but were not limited to Sound Design, Lighting Design, Set Design, as well as Videography and Video Editing. After graduating, he trained in street styles with Rhapsody the Company, then relocated to Los Angeles where his career hit new heights. He has had the honor of touring the world multiple times, appearing on various TV and Award Shows ( Ellen, SYTYCD, Dancing with the Stars, American Music Award, MTV Video Music Awards), and dancing in several movies (Jack and Jill, Footloose).
George is currently a rising star in the world of choreography and International Instruction. He's a faculty Commercial hip hop instructor at Movement Life Style, Broadway Dance Center, Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, as well as Millennium Dancer Complex. He has taught in over 20 different countries and continues to travel, teach and inspire gifted artist all across the world. Commercially, he is represented by MSA Agency and his work has been featured with brands such as Adidas, Vitamin Water, Cathay Pacific Airline. As well as music videos and movies such as "Pound the Alarm" - Nicki Minaj, "Bills" -Lunch Money Lewis, and "the Best Man Holiday". He has also contributed choreography in several world tours: "Circus Starring Britney Spears"- Britney Spears, " Pink Friday & Pink Friday Reloaded "- Nicky Minaj , "Dance Again World Tour"- JLo. George's unique showmanship and choreography continues to set a standard in the commercial dance industry, and it is what makes him one of the most sought after Choreographers/Performers.
Joe DeSantino
Joey De Santino was born and raised in Miami, Florida where he still resides today. He grew up competing at Dance Town under the direction of Lori and Manny Castro where he trained primarily in Ballroom, Latin Jazz and Contemporary. Joey can be seen performing on various TV shows including America’s Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance, Paula Abdul’s Live To Dance, Telemundo’s Gran Oportunidad and most recently with the Miami All Stars on season one of World Of Dance. He performed at the grand opening of Universal Studios in Singapore behind Paula Abdul. Joey guest teaches at a few local studios in the Miami area but spends most of his time working and traveling as a Regional Manager with Revolution Talent Competition. Joey received his Bachelor’s Degree in Film, Television and Digital Production from Miami Dade College and enjoys filming and editing professional dance performances, concept videos and reels whenever he is in town. He is also trained in martial arts and can be seen working locally as a stuntman for JCB Stunts on Nickelodeon, Telemundo and Univision. Joey is thrilled to be joining the faculty for WILD Dance Intensive and hopes to see you in Ballroom class this season!
Shannon Atkins
Shannon was the director and founder of “Dance Technique” on the Gold Coast, which is a leading performing Arts Center in Australia, Students from Dance Technique are currently performing on Broadway and attending prestigious schools including the Juilliard School, The Royal Ballet School and The Ailey School. Shannon has had two students crowned "Australia's Dancer of the Year". Shannon was the head of dance at the Queensland Conservatorium musical theatre program in Brisbane, Australia along with choreographing musical productions for this course. Shannon has performed in and dance captained several professional musical tours herself throughout Australia including 42nd Street, Oklahoma, Fiddler on the Roof and Evita. She has also choreographed two major productions in Australia - High School Musical 2 and Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens. Shannon completed all of her RAD classical exams with distinction also has a law (with honors) and a psychology degree. She recently choreographed the CSTD Tap syllabus which is used widely throughout Australia and the Commonwealth. Currently, Shannon is teaching and choreographing in all genres of dance throughout the United States at numerous studios including Broadway Dance Center and for the American Dance Company. She is also judging and teaching convention for various competitions across the states and internationally including Starpower, The Platinum National Dance Experience and Deviate.
Chase Bowden
Special Guests
Zach Saunders
Zach Saunders is a dancer originally from Columbus, OH and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. Since moving to LA, he has been in numerous films, television shows, and commercials. Some of the featured work includes Warner Bros. feature film, “Project X,” Ray Romano’s television series, “Men of a Certain Age,” “Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” and "Hit Record" working with Joseph Gordon- Levitt and Tony Danza, where he assisted choreographer Michael Rooney which led to him appearing in Fords new Super Bowl commercial starring James Franco. Most recently he was the assistant choreographer for the popular, "Shut Up And Dance” music video.
Zach has performed on stages around the world. Dancing with China’s top 5 artists on Hunan TV’s New Years Countdown Concert 2012, and a world tour, dancing for Adam Tyler. Where he performed in countries such as Sweden, Japan, England, Spain, China, and America. Zach has trained exclusively in tap with the amazing Gregg Russell and most recently with the always, dynamic duo Parris Mann and Rashida Khan. Zach has taught nationally and internationally at various studios in cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Long Beach, San Francisco, London, Beijing, Barcelona, and Tokyo.
Currently, Zach teaches at 3 local studios 7 days a week and is on tour with Art Of Movement National Dance Convention. Hoping to inspire the next generation to love dance as much as he does. Not only is Zach’s choreography creative and innovative, but also as a teacher he approaches every class with a kind heart and a constructive eye. Pushing the kids to not only believe in their movement, but, also, themselves.
Jason Holley
Jason Holley started tap dancing at the age of 3 in Washington D.C. under the direction of Yvonne Edwards. At the age of 5, he then joined “Tappers With Attitude:, a tap company directed by Yvonne Edwards and Renee Kreithen. In 1998, Jason performed in “Brothers Of The Knight”, starring Debbie Allen, which influenced him to study other forms of dance. He enrolled into the Duke Ellington School Of The Arts, where he studied Ballet, Modern, and African Dance. At 15, Jason moved to Los Angeles California alone, to continue his training at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. In Los Angeles, Jason appeared in a stage play starring Tatyana Ali called “If You Don’t Believe”. He also began dancing for the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks as a side job for 3 years. His final year he was the head choreographer for the dance team. Some of his other show credits include “Pepito Story”, “Dreams”, and “Dancing In The Wings”, all under the direction of Debbie Allen, and the 1996 Kennedy Center Honors, honoring Shirley Temple. Jason just recently finished choreographing and performing for Tokyo Disney in Tokyo, Japan, in a Broadway Musical Review titled “Big Band Beat”. He was the Associate Artistic Director of the Metropolitan School of the Arts, and the Artistic Director of the Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble in Alexandria, Virginia, from 2011-2015. A member of the Motion X Dance DC contemporary company for 2 years, and the owner of Holley Entertainment. He was a swing in the 10 time Tony nominated hit Broadway show "Shuffle Along", and just recently joined the cast of the Rhythmic Circus touring company. Jason competed as a contestant on the hit NBC show “World Of Dance” season 2, and recently appeared on the Late Late Show with James Corden.
Melissa Sandvig
Melissa Sandvig was born and raised in Orange County California. She began her ballet training at Long Beach Ballet at the age of 5 and began dancing professionally at age 15. Melissa was also a young actress and starred in commercials and afterschool specials, but soon chose to put that on the backburner to fully commit to her future as a ballerina. While still in high school, she won 2nd place in the prestigious Music Center Spotlight Awards and toured internationally with the Los Angeles Classical Ballet to Taiwan and China. After graduating she was recruited to join The Milwaukee Ballet where she danced soloist roles with them for 6 seasons. Melissa then returned home to Los Angeles to become a freelance artist and a certified Pilates instructor. Her interest in Pilates came after suffering a fracture in her lower back which caused her to retrain her body and posture to protect her back from future injuries. She enjoys teaching younger dancers how not only to be healthy but to work their bodies correctly to prevent injuries. She was recently certified in Progressive Ballet Technique as well. Melissa continues to perform with companies such as Helios Dance Theater, Sacramento Ballet, Los Angeles Contemporary Ballet, Luminario Ballet, Motion Tribe, Body Traffic, Strange and Elegant Dancers, String Theory, The Los Angeles Opera, and many more. She is most well known for her performance on Season 5 of "So You Think You Can Dance" as the "Naughty Ballerina". Melissa was the first classically trained ballerina and the oldest contestant at age 29. She broke stereotypes about age and ballet and made it all the way to the top 6. Now she continues to perform, teach master classes, independently as well as with Velocity Dance Convention, Dance Excellence, VIP, Distiction Dance, and West Coast Elite. Most recently you can spot her as one of the ballerinas in Taylor Swift’s new music video “Shake it off” choreographed by Tyce Diorio, as well as on Nappytabs “Harlem Hopscotch” Video. She has been a guest dancer on the hit show "Glee", “Bunheads”, “Vegas”, “Dancing With The Stars”, “America’s Got Talent”, “Mobbed”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Hart of Dixie”, “The Young and the Restless”, “Lucifer”, a Microsoft Tablet commercial and continues to perform her piece about breast cancer "This Woman's Work" with Ade Obayomi for fundraisers and events everywhere. She has also performed in motion capture work for many of the “Shrek” movie dance scenes “Puss in Boots” and “Madagascar 3”, and has worked with Cirque Du Soleil and Disney to create a new show. She can also be found on the Youtube channel, Buzzfeed, DS2DIO and the webshows EHOW and HealthyPowerTV. She was chosen to perform as the principal ballerina in the Hit Off Broadway Musical “Silence” opening in Los Angeles. Melissa married Erik Sandvig in '05, a childhood friend that she grew up with at her local church. Erik has been such a blessing and so supportive and is known by many as the "sign guy" in the audience of "So You Think You Can Dance". They welcomed their son the summer of 2013 and she continued to dance and perform up until she was 7 months pregnant with Helios Dance Theater and also on an Episode of Grey’s Anatomy. Now that she is a mother of 2 young boys, she continues to perform but is focusing on her teaching and choreography. Melissa’s contemporary ballet choreography for groups and solos continues to be competed in NYC for Finals of Youth America Grand Prix, and competitions around the US.
Jason Holley
Jason Holley started tap dancing at the age of 3 in Washington D.C. under the direction of Yvonne Edwards. At the age of 5, he then joined “Tappers With Attitude:, a tap company directed by Yvonne Edwards and Renee Kreithen. In 1998, Jason performed in “Brothers Of The Knight”, starring Debbie Allen, which influenced him to study other forms of dance. He enrolled into the Duke Ellington School Of The Arts, where he studied Ballet, Modern, and African Dance. At 15, Jason moved to Los Angeles California alone, to continue his training at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. In Los Angeles, Jason appeared in a stage play starring Tatyana Ali called “If You Don’t Believe”. He also began dancing for the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks as a side job for 3 years. His final year he was the head choreographer for the dance team. Some of his other show credits include “Pepito Story”, “Dreams”, and “Dancing In The Wings”, all under the direction of Debbie Allen, and the 1996 Kennedy Center Honors, honoring Shirley Temple. Jason just recently finished choreographing and performing for Tokyo Disney in Tokyo, Japan, in a Broadway Musical Review titled “Big Band Beat”. He was the Associate Artistic Director of the Metropolitan School of the Arts, and the Artistic Director of the Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble in Alexandria, Virginia, from 2011-2015. A member of the Motion X Dance DC contemporary company for 2 years, and the owner of Holley Entertainment. He was a swing in the 10 time Tony nominated hit Broadway show "Shuffle Along", and just recently joined the cast of the Rhythmic Circus touring company. Jason competed as a contestant on the hit NBC show “World Of Dance” season 2, and recently appeared on the Late Late Show with James Corden.
Kathryn McCarty
Kathryn McCarty began her dance education over thirty years ago in her hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. She has trained and performed with companies such as Boston Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, The Russian Ballet Theatre of Delaware and Ballet West. Kathryn attended the University of Utah as a ballet major before relocating to Southern California to tour both nationally & internationally with The Young Americans. Some of Kathryn’s professional credits include “One Man’s Dream II” (Tokyo Disneyland), Dance Captain & Mainstage dancer on board The Disney Magic (Disney Cruise Lines) as well as numerous regional theater productions across the country.
Kathryn relocated to Nebraska, where she has been teaching & directing the past decade. She was the Founder & Artistic Director of Central Nebraska Youth Ballet as well as teaching at multiple studios in the area and served as Artistic Director for Company 308. Several of her students have gone on to train and dance professionally with companies such as American Ballet Theater, Joffrey Ballet, The Rock School, Ballet Chicago, Miami City Ballet and City Ballet of San Diego.
Diversity in dance styles and education has allowed Kathryn to not only limit herself to ballet but she also continues to train dancers in jazz, lyrical, musical theater and tap. Kathryn has choreographed for many college dance teams as well as high school musicals. She, along side of her husband, co-coached the Northwest Dance Team and have earned many honors including multiple state runner up titles. Kathryn loves to share her knowledge & passion of dance with this generation’s young artists.
Christina Belinsky
Christina is a graduate of Dean College with an A.A. in Dance and The University of the Arts where she earned her B.F.A. in Modern Dance Performance and the award for Most Outstanding Performance in Modern Dance. Concert dance credits include Philadelphia's Contempra Dance Theatre, Boston Dance Company "The Nutcracker Suite", Perceptions Contemporary Dance Company, and as a guest artist with Impulse Dance Company. Professional regional theater credits include Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Mary Poppins, A Christmas Carol, Footloose, The Producers, Sweet Charity, Seussical: The Musical, Charlotte’s Web, and the NYC industry reading of "Woody: A New Fairytale". TV and film credits include Dance Mom's Season 8 Finale, MTV's "Say It In Song", HGTV's "Spontaneous Construction", and "Lucky for Life" Lottery commercial. Other credits include Doris Humphrey's "Water Studies" at The Yard, Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, Cirque du Soleil's One Drop Foundation, and the 80th Anniversary Tour of the Martha Graham Dance Company performing as an ensemble member in the classic, “Panorama”. Christina has been a guest teacher at Broadway Dance Center, NYC's Think Tank, Pennsylvania Thespians' Conference, Boston Ballet, Dance Masters of New England, University of New Hampshire, University of Nebraska, Dean College, NH Youth Dance Festival, New York City's Stage Door Connections and various studios through out the country. Christina was fortunate enough to tour internationally as the dance captain of "The Aluminum Show", a show that combines puppetry, acrobatics, and dance with aluminum-toned objects. With "The Aluminum Show" she has performed throughout the US, Brazil, Canada, Spain, Israel, and Russia and has made numerous television appearances. She has toured as the dance captain and swing of the North American tour of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winning choreographer, Andy Blankenbuehler. Christina recently completed the Broadway 1st National tour of "Finding Neverland", directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus and choreographed by Emmy Award winner, Mia Michaels, as a member of the ensemble. Christina is proud to be a member of Actors' Equity, Impact Dance Adjudicators, and represented by CESD Talent Agency.
Matt Pospeshil
Matt Pospeshil grew up dancing, singing & performing theater in the northern suburbs of Chicago, and got his start dancing professionally in high school with Especially Tap Chicago (dir. Julie Cartier). He furthered his education at Western Michigan University; received a BA in Dance, and performed Musical Theater. After college Matt returned home to dance with Inaside Chicago Dance (dir. Richard Smith), Chicago Tap Theatre (dir. Mark Yonally), Chicago Human Rhythm Project - BAM! (dir. Lane Alexander). He now performs with the Gus Giordano Jazz Legacy
Company (dir. Amy Giordano) and is a collaborator with Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s - Stone Soup Rhythms (Dir. Dani Borak). Matt has also performed in Dance for Life, Dance in the Parks, The Fly Honey Show, Audible Odyssey & The Green Mill Poetry Slam. Matt is also a Judge for Starpower Talent Competitions, Edge Talent Competition, Triumph National Talent; and he has previously adjudicated for Dance Masters of America & Dance Educators of America. Currently Matt is on faculty at the Gus Giordano Dance School - Chicago, IL, Steps Dance Center - Aurora, IL, American Rhythm Center - Chicago, IL, and Pospeshil Performing Arts - Buffalo Grove, IL.
Courtney Ortiz
Courtney Ortiz, a native of Baltimore, MD, is a 2007 youngARTS award winner in Modern Dance. Her professional dance career has allowed her to travel the world performing in places such as: Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Australia and France. Her career spans from Stage to Screen with credits including: Company Member with The Chase Brock Experience, Choreographer and Dancer on Youtube’s hit web series “The Key of Awesome”, Backup Dancer for PSY and Chris Brown on “The Today Show”, Dancer for Heidi Klum at Madison Square Garden in "Macy’s Fashions Front Row" on E! Network, "The Radio City Christmas Spectacular" at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and "The Aluminum Show" in Madrid, Spain. One of her most favorite and memorable credits was performing throughout Europe on the International Tour of the classic musical “West Side Story” as a Jet Girl and the Assistant Dance Captain.
Most recently, Courtney returned from the 1st National Tour of the Broadway Musical “Finding Neverland” with choreography by Mia Michaels and this summer she just finished performing in Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In The Heights” at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, PA. Outside of performing, she is a master teacher on numerous Dance Conventions (REVEL, Excel in Motion) and also a full time competition judge. You can even see her behind the judges table on Lifetime’s “Dance Moms” in Seasons 2 & 3. Courtney is also the owner of Impact Dance Adjudicators - the first and only service providing pre-screened judges to dance competitions nationwide. Currently, she resides in New York City and is signed with in-demand commercial and dance agency, CESD. Follow her! @courtney.ortiz