Jrs.- Intermediate Level, Ages 7+
Srs.- Advanced Level, Ages 12+
Printable Schedule
Pricing
$375.00, Full Week
$150.00, Full Single Day
$50.00 per class
Instructors
Ashley Johnson Ms. Ashley is a Dance Educator and Choreographer located in Houston, TX after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from McNeese State University; where she performed on Scholarship with the MSU Dance Team. She was a 2-year Professional Member of WYLDSTYL Dance Crew out of Soundbox Houston. While dancing with WYLDSTYL, Ashley and her Company gained the title of World of Dance Champions in 2014. In 2017 she competed internationally with WYLDSTYL at Dancers Paradise, taking 5th Place amongst dancers from all over the world. Since Joining WYLDSTYL she has performed works by choreographers such as Andrew Nguyen, Cierra Lauren, Erin Peyrani, Aaron Medina, Holly Austin, Jaike Baldwin & Thy Nguyen. She has performed in venues such as: Warehouse Live for World of Dance Houston, Cancun Dancers Paradise Plaza, New Orleans Superdome, LSU Tiger Stadium, Televised NCAA Sporting Events, & “The Grand” Historic Opera House. As a teacher and choreographer, Ashley has traveled from state to state serving competitive studios, dance teams, and youth companies. She has been a faculty member of the following companies: Crowd Pleasers Dance, Lake Area Ballet Theatre, Cathy Kurth Dance Academy, The PAC Dance Studio, Contempo Dance Center & a Guest Teacher, and Adjudicator for Ascension Dance Company. She has been the Director and Choreographer for 2 Conceptual Videos, one in 2015 and another in 2019. She was hired as the youngest Director and Choreographer serving in the National Indoor Football League in 2012. Ashley Johnson served as a Head Director for Public High School Teams for 6 years, receiving multiple awards and accomplishments for Instruction and Choreography. She has been recognized as a TOP 50 Teacher across Public, Charter, and Private schools in Galveston County and is a 6-year member of TDEA. In 2020 she left Public School Directing and started her own freelance brand AJ CREATIVE MOVEMENT. She continues to Teach, Judge, and Choreograph across the states to serve dancers. IG: @ajcreativemovement |
Lenorris Arnold Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Arnold moved to Houston, Texas and studied all dance disciplines at Masters, The Upper Level in Stafford, TX. His unique lyrical style of movement garnered attention from both drill teams and dance studios throughout Houston and he has become an extremely sought after teacher and choreographer in Texas and Louisiana. In addition, he judges promising young talent with Move Dance Productions. Lenorris’ choreography has won numerous top awards at competitions such as Adrenaline Dance Convention, Legacy Dance Competition, Primetime Dance Productions, Hall of Fame Dance Competition, Artists Simply Human Dance Workshop, Move Dance Productions, New York City Dance Alliance, StarSystems Talent Competition, and Showstopper Competitions. Lenorris teaches at several local studios and constantly continues his dance education through seminars, conventions and travel to NYC and LA. His greatest inspiration is the progress of the dancers themselves. IG: @lenny.a.choreo |
Lola Jordan Since the age of 2 ½, I have been either a dancer, a gymnast, a cheerleader or a combination of all 3. I was a competitive, all-around gymnast for 7 years, cheered my way through high school, and never stopped dancing through any of it. I was a member of Glen Hunsucker’s “Dancin’ … The Company” for several years performing in both jazz and tap prior to leaving Houston for Los Angeles, where I studied with Saundra Gerstmeyer and became the tumbling instructor at Burbank Dance Biz for 10 years. Since arriving back home and settling in The Woodlands, I have been delighted to pick up where I left off, both in my love of dance and the enjoyment and fulfillment I get teaching dancers to enhance their performances with tumbling skills. Since joining In-Step, I am proud to say that our Acro program has exploded with several classes per week and have turned in award-winning performances in both tap and jazz! IG: @lolajordan13 |
Michael Baerga Mike Baerga (a native Puerto Rican-Houstonian,) Choreographed for Showtime Network (King Mo Fight,) New York Fashion Week, RuPaul’s Drag Race: Shangela’s Big Apple Circus, World Pride 2021 Stonewall-inn NYC: Martha Wash, Lisa Ramey, Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS: Easter Bonnet 2019 (King Kong Broadway,) Disney Cruise Line (Disney Dream Crew Awards,) Lumipad Festival (Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre,) Dancers Responding to AIDS, The Trevor Project, and Award recipient for his numerous works in Regional Dance America Festivals and the US International Ballet Competition. His Teaching Residencies include Broadway Dance Center, The Joffrey Ballet School in NYC, American Academy of Ballet, Broadway Classroom, Camp Broadway and Man in Motion to name a few. Mike received his MFA from NYU: Tisch for Choreography. His Performance Credits Include Ne-Yo, Vanessa Williams, CL (K-Pop,) Gavin Creel, Disney’s “Better Nate Than Ever,” Broadway/Off Broadway: Miss Saigon, King Kong. Regional/Off-Broadway Credits: SuperYou Musical, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera and Moulin Rouge! (Dev-Lab.) IG: @mikebaerga |
Dorrell Martin Dorrell Martin is founder of the jazz and contemporary dance program, LEON Dance Arts that is associated with LEON Contemporary Dance Company, of which Martin is the Artistic Director. Martin is a full-time faculty member at the St. John’s School in Houston, TX. He is on staff at the Amy Blake’s Dance Academy and West University Dance Center and continues to guest teach and choreograph throughout the U.S. Martin is creator/former director of the Jazz and Contemporary Program at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City and former Artistic Director of Houston Metropolitan Dance Company in Houston, TX. Martin has a solid professional training and performance background. He was a soloist for the national and international touring company “A Few Good Men Dancin” and has danced in shows such as Aida, West Side Story, Lion King, Swing and appeared in the movie ENCHANTED. Martin has also performed with numerous professional companies, including Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Arch Dance, Locke Contemporary Dance, Elliot Feld Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Metropolitan Opera, and Richard Rivera’s PHYSUAL as well as Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular. He has performed in venues such as Jacob’s Pillow Dance, Joyce SoHo, Blaktino at BAAD in the Bronx, Riverside Theatre and American Dance Festival with some of New York’s emerging choreographers. Martin appeared on the talk show THE VIEW with singer Emma Bunton of the Spice Girls. He has performed with recording artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Pink, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, and Debra Cox. He received Honorable Mention for Choreography at the World Jazz Congress in Washington D.C. 2000. In 2003 he founded Dorrell Martin Dance Fusion in Houston, TX, and the company made its international debut in Veracruz, Mexico, performing at the Festival Danza Cordoba. Martin graduated from The High School for the Performing Arts in Houston and continued his training at the North Carolina School where he received his BFA in Dance Theatre. Additional study included prestigious centers for dance such as Paul Taylor School, Feld Ballet, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, EDGE Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, New York State Summer Intensive with the New York City Ballet and with various schools and companies throughout Europe. Martin has taken his experiences of working with such notable artists as choreographers Sean Curran, Daniel Ezralow, Kevin Wynn, Liz Imperio, Pattie Obey, Margo Sappington and others, to explore and find his own voice in movement. As a teacher, choreographer and director, Martin teaches jazz and contemporary dance throughout the country and has set works on colleges, universities, dance companies and schools, such as Belhaven College, Hope College, Lamar University, Muhlenberg College, Harrison High School in Michigan, Urban Soul Dance Company, SET Contemporary dance, High School Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, TX, Ballet Forte. IG: @dswag07 |
Fernando Ibarra Fernando Ibarra was born in Houston, Tx, and has been teaching dance since the age of thirteen. Over time, he has garnered a unique style of dance that includes various elements of multiple dance techniques. Throughout high school, Fernando was given the opportunity to co-direct for his ninth grade dance company and choreograph for his high school dance team along with other high schools amongst his school district. He has been awarded numerous times for his choreography throughout different competitions in the U.S. Fernando was also a founding member of De La Rosa Dance Company and was under the mentorship of Elisa De La Rosa located here in Houston, DLRDC is a non-profit organization that outreaches the youth community by emphasizing the importance of creative freedom and artistry. Fernando was also an invitational guest artist at the Waco 504 Festival in 2017 and performed at the NDEO conference in San Antonio, Tx. Fernando went on to continue his dance education by attending Stephen F. Austin State University where he was a member of the prestigious Stephen F. Austin State University Dance Teams. Fernando educates his students on healthy technique practices, muscle isolations, movement, and modern dance techniques while helping his students grow in their technique and artistry. Fernando is currently a national/international adjudicator for Inspire National Dance Competition and Starquest National Dance. IG: @fernandoibarra__ |
Amber Thorton Amber is the Artistic Director for MECKKA Dance Project. Her career includes over 25 years as a choreographer, instructor, and dancer. She has studied and performed with Delia Stewart Jazz Dance Company, clear Lake Metropolitan Ballet (now Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theater) and Euroasia Ballet. She has also studied with the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Houston Ballet Academy, Lou Conte of Hubbard Street, Broadway Dance Center and Steps in NYC. Amber performed in the 1988 Sammy Awards with Jaime Rogers and Ben Vereen and has appeared as a guest artist for various companies including Dance Explosion in Vail, Colorado. Amber was the 1998 recipient of the Monticello Scholarship for her choreographed work, Unzipped Entropy, at the Regional Dance America Festival where her works have been performed many times. Her choreographed work, Portraying Picasso was selected for the National Choreographic Plan which is supported by the National Endowment of the Arts in 2002. Since joining MECKKA Dance Project, Amber has choreographed several national award-winning pieces. Amber is also a staff member of In-Step Dance Center. IG: @amberthorntondance |
Jennifer Bradley The Houston, TX native has an extensive background in commercial dance, theater, drill team, studio management, adjudicating, film and commercial print work. Jennifer developed her commercial dance training in LA’s notable dance studios such as Edge performing Arts Center and Millennium Dance Complex. In Houston, TX Jennifer trained at So Real performing Arts Center later competing at World of Dance as a company member, she also trained at Planet Funk Academy where she later became a director and choreographed works performed at the Hobby Center, the International Film Festival and Great Day Houston. Jennifer is a former “Miss High Kick” KFHS Goldduster, she competed and attend numerous dance camps under the direction of Shannon Brewer Fisch and Leila Mull. Jennifer developed her commercial print background at Page Parkes Agency where she studied acting and film. She’s been featured in Health and Fitness Magazine and ENVY Magazine as a featured dancer and choreographer. To date Jennifer is heavily involved in music industry conferences across the globe giving her insight towards the direction of the music industry. She has been featured in over 15 music videos as seen on BET, VH1 and MTV including some of the industry’s hottest recording artists such as UK artist Shelley Harland, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Rick Ross and many more. The choreographer made a name for herself with her groundbreaking hip hop choreography and her unparalleled intensives. Jennifer’s choreography has not only been featured in music videos but at the El Portal Theater in Los Angeles, CA, World of Dance, Miss Texas Pageants, Super Bowl LIII celebrity event in Atlanta, GA, The Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, HI, Danscape, Houston Rockets Halftime, the Health and Fitness Magazine Expo and a variety of regional and national dance competitions. The driven educator has a passion for sharing her knowledge teaching master classes, workshops, and intensives. Given Jennifer’s experience managing one of the world’s leading franchise studio’s, Millennium Dance Complex in TX, Jennifer established an artist development company, Innovation by Jennifer LLC which offers artist development services and studio management consulting. Jennifer is currently an adjudicator for 8 NATIONAL TALENT, Legacy Dance Championships, Danceline Productions, and she is currently training students of all levels in hip hop, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, heels and body conditioning throughout the Greater Houston Area and beyond. She is thoroughly committed to developing the growth of aspiring artists from all walks of life through the Innovation Tour one 8 count at a time. IG: @iam_jbradley |
Jennifer Mabus Jennifer Mabus is a dance educator and performance artist living and working in Texas. After receiving her BFA from Southern Methodist University, Mabus has had an active performing career, dancing as a soloist and founding member of Robert Battle’s Battleworks Dance Company, as well as other New York based choreographers, such as Takehiro Ueyama, Heidi Latsky, and Amy Marshall. Regionally, she has danced with the Bruce Wood Dance Project, Wild Goose Chase, Elle Danceworks, and Ewert and Company; and she continues to dance with exciting young companies of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance and Noble Motion Dance, both based in Texas. Mabus has taught on the faculties of Texas Christian University and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and is currently a graduate teaching assistant at Sam Houston State University, where she is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts. Mabus’ choreography has been presented, most notably, at Interlochen Arts Academy, University of Texas at Dallas, the DUMBO Dance festival, White Wave’s Cool NY Festival, Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and at Sam Houston State University. She is also a 500-hour certified yoga instructor and has a passion for the healing possibilities of this ancient practice. IG: @jenmabus |
Traci Carpenter As a dancer, Traci was a featured member of the Texas State Strutters and a dancer/choreographer for the Austin area company “The Roustabouts”. Traci received several accolades as a dancer but found her passion to be in teaching and choreography. Traci was the only person in the state of Texas to be given the opportunity to work for Varsity owned United Spirit Association out of California. While working for United Spirit Association, Traci served as a Head Instructor, a member of the Program Development Team, a Competition Director, and a Nationals Head Judge. She also taught dance and leadership camps throughout the United States as well as overseas. Traci graduated first in her class from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Theatre. Traci has choreographed theatre stage productions of “Carousel”, “Dames at Sea”, and “Pirates of Penzance” which earned her a Tommy Tune nomination for Best Choreography. Not only is Traci a Texas certified teacher in 9-12 Dance and K12 PE, but she also served as the Drill Team Director for the Clear Creek Cavaliers. During her time with the Cavaliers, she was able to transform the program and lead them to four National Championships. Due to many nationally acclaimed winning pieces incorporating her unique style, Traci’s choreography is in high demand among both drill teams and competitive dance studio programs around the country. Her knowledge of dance and drill has aided many local and national high school and collegiate dance programs, including the world-famous Kilgore Rangerettes. As a master teacher, judge, and consultant, Traci periodically works for Crowd Pleasers Dance Camps, 8 National Talent, and Encore Dance Productions. Traci is a member of and instructor for TDEA (Texas Dance Educators Association) where she shares her passion with educators across the state. Upon completion of their time at her studio, Traci’s students have been presented with numerous opportunities to continue their dance training as well as work as professional dancers in multiple industry platforms. Some of these opportunities include American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in both LA and NYC, the Boston Conservatory, Broadway Dance Center NYC, Chapman University, Connecticut College, Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Joffrey Ballet, Joffrey Jazz, and Contemporary Trainee Program, OCU, Texans Cheerleaders, and UT Pom Squad. Traci believes in holding her students accountable for themselves and pushing everyone to realize their full potential. Her energy and truthful way of delivering material challenges every one of her students leading them toward growth and success. Traci’s mission is not only to create amazing dancers, but also to shape her students into well-rounded and thoughtful adults. IG: @tracicarpenter.htx |
Tim Coronado Tim Coronado is the Artistic Director of TNT Dance Xplosion in Santa Fe, TX. He began dancing at age nine and after only a few years on the competition stage Tim accepted a contract to tour as a background dancer on Frankie J’s “Slam Down” tour. He later went on to tour with Christina Milian and appeared as a dancer in the original “Step Up” movie as well as Shaina Perry’s video, “It’s Me.” Having trained and taught classes across the United States, Tim returned to the Houston/Galveston area in 2007 where he began teaching to both recreational and competitive level dancers. Not only has Tim’s dancers won several awards and qualified to attend several national level competitions, Tim has also received several judges awards of his own for “Best Choreography,” “ Best Concept,” and “ Most Entertaining.” Mr. Coronado regularly teaches Master Classes in Houston and across Louisiana and has been a Guest Teacher with International Ballet of Houston. In February 2013 Mr. Coronado choreographed his first work for International Ballet of Houston ‘The Thin Line’ which was premiered in the IBH Emerald Gala. In August 2013 Mr. Coronado was appointed Associate Choreographer for International Ballet of Houston. IG: @timothy.coronado |
Lorenzo Hines A native of Texas, Lorenzo has been seen dancing on-stage in the production of “Miller Outdoor Theatre’s “Ragtime” through “HITS Theatre”. He was a featured dancer in Ensemble Theatre’s “Michael Jackson Tribute of Houston” at Jones Hall. He has performed at AMTC shine event in 2014, receiving a scholarship to attend NYFA in New York City. Lorenzo has studied at both the conservatories New York Film Academy and American Musical Dramatic Academy, Began training at Ripley Grier, Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center later to assist teachers Chio, Heather Rigg and Caitlin Gray. He performed through Kat Wildishat the Alvin Ailey Theatre in NYC which led him to seek other performance opportunities, which pointed him to Celebrity Cruises where he was a production dancer later to become a Specialty (acrobatic) Production Dancer for three years. He has also worked for Princess Cruise Lines, choreographed music videos for the band “Secret Beach” and is a resident teacher for Movement Xperience. Lorenzo currently tours as Backstage Manager for 8 National Talent Competition. IG: @lorenzohinescreative |
Aidan Aloma Aidan Aloma is a sophomore at Sam Houston State University, where he is working towards achieving his BFA in Dance. He began dancing at the age of two at his mother’s dance studio, Star Systems & Co. Dance. For nine years, Aidan trained and competed with SSCD fueling his need to be on stage. He was privileged to train and perform with Ballet Theatre Houston under the direction of the late Ballet Master, Robert Underwood. Aidan has also trained and competed with Texas Academy of Dance Arts. Aidan has trained intensively as a pre-professional company member since his freshman year of high school. He was a METtoo at Houston Metropolitan Dance Company & Center, as well as a founding HC2 company member at The Institute of Contemporary Dance. Currently, Aidan is a founding company member of WhirlWind Dance, under the direction of Joshua Manculich. Through the years, he has had the opportunity to take instruction from Amy Fain Aloma, Terrill Mitchell, Joshua Manculich, Lenorris Arnold, Andy Noble, Dionne Noble, Quinton Weathers, Evelyn Toh, Marlana Doyle, Brandon Coleman, Madison Hicks, Tammy Dyke Compton and many more. Aidan is most thankful for God’s gift of Dance, his supportive family and numerous dance instructors who have contributed to his art form. IG: @aidanaloma |
Shizu Yasuda Shizu started her dance training at Sakiko Ichinomiya Ballet School in Japan. After she moved to New York, she performed with several choreographers and dance companies such as Slam and Sensedance Company. She joined Ad Deum Dance Company in 2004. She danced as a principal dancer with the company and performed at numerous dance events nationally and internationally. She got awarded as one of stunning performers by Dance Houston – City Wide Dance Festival 2008. In 2013, she was invited to Minsk in Belarus as a guest dancer and judge by Chelz Extreme Games. As a dance teacher, she has been teaching Modern and Ballet classes in the Houston dance community at such places as Ad Deum Dance Company, Houston Ballet Academy summer intensive (Modern only), Mitsi Dancing School, Payne Academy of Ballet, Studio of Dance, West University Dance Center and Houston Academy of Dance. Her choreographic works have been presented at “East Meets West” at Miller Outdoor Theater since 2008. In 2014, she became an artistic director of Ad Deum II. IG: @shizuyasuda |
Melissa Robinson Melissa Robinson has been dancing since the age of three. Growing up in the Houston area, Melissa trained in all genres of dance. She began teaching over 32 years ago. She founded Masters of Dance in 1995 in Sugar Land, Texas training recreational and competitive dancers for 10 years. Melissa’s passion has always been in preparing dancers for the stage and performance. After closing Masters of Dance to start a competition only studio, she founded the highly successful Masters Upper Level in 2005. After selling Masters Upper Level in 2007, she remained on faculty as an instructor, choreographer and Artistic Director from 2007 – 2019. Several decades later, she has trained thousands of dancers. Melissa’s passion for dance helped her grow one of the most successful competitive programs in the country. Many of Melissa’s alumni have gone on to dance in college and pursue careers performing on cruise ships, Broadway and with top names in entertainment such as Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Missy Elliot and more. Many of her students have gone on to pursue dance careers as teachers, choreographers, and studio owners. Melissa’s choreography and students have won hundreds of high score awards and honors over the last 30 years. A Note from Melissa: “Teaching and learning are not only my passions but defining aspects of my life. Even with many years of professional experience, I continue seeking ways to expand my knowledge so I can provide the best support and training to my dancers. My personalized approach ensures that no matter your skill level, I can help you grow and achieve success.” IG: @melissarobinsondance |
Brigitte LaBarrett Geary Brigitte LaBarrett is originally from Allentown, PA, training with Joffrey Ballet School, Corpus Christi Ballet, First State Ballet Theater, and Ballet Nacional, along with attending summer programs with Ballet Austin, Ballet Manila, Joffrey Ballet, Suzanne Farrell Ballet at The Kennedy Center, and The Rock School of Pennsylvania Ballet. She had the opportunity to train closely under the late Gerald Arpino and John Magnus, along with Konstantin Kolotov, Christopher Fleming, Victor Wesley, Pasha Kambalov, and Suzanne Farrell. After dancing with the Trainee company with Joffrey Ballet School and training for her teaching certification, Brigitte has gone for on to teach at professional schools around the country, focusing on injury prevention, utilizing Cechetti, Joffrey and Vaganova methods and pre pointe preparation. Brigitte has performed in many classical pieces, as well as neoclassical and Latin based works, musical theater productions, notably portraying Sharpay in High School Musical, for which Brigitte was awarded Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. Brigitte is an alumni of St. John’s University in Queens, NY, studying courses in Business Law & Kinesiology, she is also a certified Barre and Spin instructor from Define Mind, Rev and Body, along with Pilates and Personal Training. As a Ballet Director, she has always focused on giving her students an appreciation for ballet technique and artistry, along with encouraging diversity and passion about all genres of dance. Her students have received several awards for artistry & technique, YAG recognition, as well as acceptance and scholarships to professional summer intensives, college programs and training programs across the country. From 2016-2020, Brigitte brought her focus to providing a unique training experience to Houston dancers as Owner and Director of SQUARED, The Classical and Contemporary Movement Project, in Spring, TX, a valuable part of the Houston dance community, with an open door environment to every dancer, with diverse, technique based, pre-professional training focus. Brigitte continues to teach Master Classes and trains dancers across Houston, in ballet, pointe, technique, PBT and jazz, continuing her goal of creating longevity and diversity in dancer education. IG: @blabarrett |