FACULTY
Tanya Karn
Tanya has been dancing for 25 years, and has trained under an endless array of professional choreographers and dancers. She has worked for choreographers such as Luther Brown, Rhapsody James, Kevin Maher, Nick DeMoura, Misha Gabriel, Charm La'Donna, Laura Edwards, Blake McGrath, Tabitha and Napoleon, and many other talented professionals. Tanya also has over 10 years of teaching experience at studios across the province, and has received choreography and overall awards at competitions throughout Ontario. She is continuing to work as a dance adjudicator and freelance choreographer, receiving many awards and recognition for her work. Most recently, she worked as an assistant and guest choreographer on Family Channel show The Next Step. Other choreography credits include both Supergroup and The Next Star on YTV.
Tanya began her professional dance career at the age of 15, working closely with choreographer Luther Brown. From there, she received a role as a principal dancer in the Disney release of Camp Rock 2 starring Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers. Her other movie credits include Disney's Zombies, Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars, Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, Breakaway and the new release Dr. Cabbie. She has also worked with many artists and actors including Jason Derulo, Carly Rae Jepsen, James Franco, Robert Pattinson, Psy, Ludacris, Ylvis, Shawn Desman, Ashley Tisdale, Tegan and Sara, Hedley, Serena Ryder, Anjulie, Danny Fernandes, Vita Chambers, Keshia Chante, Deborah Cox, Fefe Dobson, Kreesha Turner, Aleesia, Cascada, and many more! Her television credits include Make It Pop (Season 1 & 2), Hellcats, L.A. Complex, Warehouse 13, 11/22/63, Wingin’ It, Suits, Orphan Black, Bomb Girls, Murdoch Mysteries, Beauty and the Beast, Single Ladies and The Next Star. She toured Canada for four years as a lead dancer for recording artist Victoria Duffield, along with artists such as Big Time Rush, Cody Simpson, and Faber Drive. Tanya was a recurring dancer on the first and second season of the Nickelodeon television show Make It Pop produced by Nick Cannon. The show aired around the world, including the United States, Canada, the UK, France, Ireland, Latin America, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand. Tanya was also a dancer, choreographer and artistic director for Canadian singer Danny Fernandes on his 30-day Dear Life Tour in China. This past year, Tanya had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographer Charm La'Donna, dancing for Meghan Trainer at the iHeart Radio Music Awards. Tanya has also worked in the commercial industry, for companies such as Nike, Panda Express, Fab Fit Fun, Vision Board, Stretch Lab, Hilton Hotels, MeUndies, and more.
Tanya received both an Honours Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology from Wilfrid Laurier University. Her education has earned her a spot on the International Dance Teaching Standards faculty based out of British Columbia. She balances her schooling with her teaching, adjudicating, choreography and professional career. Through it all, she has gained plenty of dance experience with the extensive training she has received, and is always excited to pass on her knowledge and her passion for the arts to the next generation of dancers.
Hard work and a love for dance have shaped Julie into the artist she is today. She has performed on international stages and is constantly pushing herself to become a superior dancer and choreographer.
Julie has been dancing since the age of 2, and has trained under an endless array of professional dancers and choreographers. She has achieved recognition and training from teachers such as Marty Kudelka, Nick Bass, Travis Wall, Nick Lazzarini, Brian Friedman, Blake McGrath, and many other talented professionals. In the past couple of years, Julie has been working as an assistant and dance teacher, at studios across the province in a variety of dance styles recieving numerous overall awards at competitions.
Julie began her professionl dance career at the age of 14, when she performed in the Shawn Desman music video, “Shiver”, working with chorographers Luther Brown and Linda Garneau. Since then, she has danced and featured in an array of television shows, music videos, and live shows. She has been fotunate enough to work with many successful artists and actors including Nick Jonas, Jason Derulo, Cascada, Shawn Desman, Danny Fernandes, Serena Ryder, Kira Isabella,, The Darcys, the cast of The Next Step, KC Roberts and the Live Revolution, artists from The Next Star and many more! She was also a lead dancer for recording artist "Mandia", and can be seen in her music videos "One Last Time" and "Rising Up". She has also performed with Mandia in a number of live performances including the A Call to Peace Tour and many more. Most recently Julie found herself touring China for the "Dear Life Asia Tour" with artist Danny Fernandes as both a dancer and choreographer.
For the past year she has also been an ID Ambassador for an American magazine that spotted her taking class in Los Angeles called, “Inside Dance Magazine”, which allows her to share her passion and knowledge of dance with students across North America.
Having gained plenty of dance experience over the years, Julie is always eager to share her passion, energy and knowledge of the arts to the upcoming generation of dancers!
Julie Karn
Amy Wright
Since her professional beginning in 1995 Amy Wright has become one of Canada’s most in demand Choreographers. Her work includes feature films, movies of the week, television series, reality TV, commercials and stage musicals, including Canada’s prestigious SHAW FESTIVAL. Amy is the Casting Director, Choreographer and Consulting Producer for the sensational television series The Next Step watched by millions around the world.
Amy Wright makes her career by choreographing and casting projects viewed by International audiences. Her choreography was featured on So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Recently in movie theatres: Crimson Peak with Tom Hiddleston, directed by Guillermo Del Toro (Feature Film). On television: Saving Hope (CTV), Lost Girl and Copper (Showcase), Defiance and 12 Monkeys (SyFy), Hemlock Grove (Netflix), Amy is proud of her work on Emmy and Golden Globe winner Grey Gardens (HBO) with stars Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange. The IIFA Awards (2011) opening, a “flash mob” with over 200 dancers live onstage, remains Amy’s most watched choreography with over 600 million viewers worldwide.
Over the years, Amy has been fortunate to work with some of the hottest stars in the business: Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana, Hedley, LeAnn Rimes, Will Ferrell, Lindsay Lohan, Megan Fox, Colin Farrell, Molly Shannon, Alyssa Milano, Lauren Holly, Colin Mochrie, Hilary Duff and a movie produced by Britney Spears. Amy has choreographed eleven Academy Award Winners/Nominees: Julianne Moore, Woody Harrelson, Sissy Spacek, Richard Dreyfuss, Peter O’Toole, Joan Plowright, Jeremy Irons, Virginia Madsen, Helen Mirren, Ellen Page and Jessica Lange!
With an eye always open to new talent, Amy has cast hundreds of dancers for a variety of projects ranging from television’s The Next Step, to Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (Feature Film) and the American Girl movie-of-the-week Isabelle Dances Into the Spotlight.
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 and having such a desire and passion to perform he switched gears and decided to focus all of his energy on training in Street styles with Rhapsody the Company. After finding great success in New York city he 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. From sold out Arena Tours and Music Videos to Commercials and TV shows, George's unique showmanship and choreography continues to set a standard in the Commercial Dance Industry and is what makes him one of the most sought after Choreographers/Performers. George has secured his place amongst this generation of elite commercial dancers and is paving his way with the next generation of Choreographers and Instructors. He believes , "There are no limits to what any of us can achieve, with hard work, dedication, and positivity.",
George Jones Jr.
Caroline Torti
Passion and perseverance have always been at the heart of every step Caroline has taken in her professional dance career. She has performed on international stages and is sought out as a choreographer by some of the most prestigious dance organizations worldwide.
Caroline is the co-director of Collective Elite Entertainment, choreographing films, commercials, music videos and live events. Choreography and creative direction credits include So You Think You Can Dance Vietnam Season 3, Heroes Reborn Season 1, The Canadian Country Music Awards 2015, Oh Henry’s National TV spot, YTV’s ‘The Next Star’ and ‘Summer Beach Bash 2015’, Sam Smith, Mia Martina, Rich Kidd, Calvin Klein, Toronto’s Cavalcade of Lights 2014, Luminato, TIFF and many more.
Her performance credits include playing the role of “Teena” on the CW Network’s ‘Hellcats’ starring Ashley Tisdale. She was a Top 14 finalist for the premiere season of the hit TV show ‘So You Think You Can Dance Canada’, a member of renowned dance companies Helix Dance Project and Conteur Dance Company and has worked with acclaimed choreographer Mandy Moore in ‘Hysterica’ based out of Los Angeles, California.
Caroline has also appeared in the television series’ ‘Heroes Reborn’, ‘Defiance’, ‘Taxi 22’, ‘The Lost Girl’, ‘The Listener’, ‘L.A. Complex’, ‘Over The Rainbow’, ‘Canada’s Smartest Person’ and ‘Canada’s Got Talent’. She has appeared in films such as ‘11.23.63’ with James Franco, ‘Sucker Punch’, ‘Turn The Beat Around’, ‘Full Out’ and ‘Mirror Mirror’ starring Julia Roberts.
She has also had the opportunity to dance in music videos and live performances for artists such as Nick Jonas (We Day 2015), Carly Rae Jepsen (2013 Juno Awards), Flo-Rida, Tyler Medeiros, DRU, Danny Fernandes, Kreesha Turner, George, Shawn Desman, and Jully Black.
As a result of her breadth of experience Caroline teamed up with Collective Elite partner Bree Wasylenko and choreographer/casting director Addy Chan to create Booked - the audition experience and business of dance. A workshop geared to dancing working wishing to break into the industry of professional dance and master the secrets of auditioning.
Brennan Clost, an artist from Ontario, Canada, began his performance career at a young age with a big heart for dance. In pursuit of his dream to be a professional dancer, Brennan was driven by his intense desire to never give up. He has acclimated himself to a highly competitive and versatile dance career. He is experienced in diverse styles of dance including the Graham, Horton, Cunningham, Limon, and Gaga modern techniques, as well as ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, acro, and contemporary. He has studied at various dance studios across Southern Ontario, as well as at the National Ballet School of Canada and Springboard Danse Montreal. Currently a fourth-year dancer at The Juilliard School, Brennan has been fortunate to be a part of new creations with choreographers such as Kyle Abraham, Camille Brown, Brian Brooks, and Kate Weare. These experiences led to performances at professional venues such as New York City Center’s 2014 Fall for Dance Festival in a restaging of Brian Brook’s “Torrent,” as well as a performance at BAM Fisher for Kate Weare’s 10 year anniversary show. In addition, he has performed works by Twyla Tharp, Jose Limon, and most recently Merce Cunningham’s Biped for Juilliard’s 2015 Spring Concert.
Brennan was a part of the FRESH Dance Intensive faculty as a teacher and assistant, together with other Juilliard students and alumni, and has recently joined the faculty for PURE Dance Intensive and On The Floor. Brennan’s choreography has been showcased in The Juilliard School’s Choreographic Honours Program annually, and at elementary schools throughout New York City as a part of the PEPS Outreach Program.
Throughout the years, Brennan has been able to break into the world of acting, alongside his intense dance career. Brennan’s current project is the Family Channel series The Next Step, on which Brennan plays one of the lead characters Daniel, now airing in it’s third season internationally. Brennan is inspired to expand his artistry in dance as well as hone his talents as an actor.
Brennan Clost
Stephen Greig
A performing professional since the age of fifteen, Stephen began his career with the National Tap Dance Company of Canada, performing with them around the world in such venues as The Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, The Hong Kong Coliseum and The Kennedy Centre. Stephen has also appeared in numerous live industrials for clients such as Reebok, Mary Kay, and General Motors. Other performance credits include the musical Romancin’ The One I Love at The Wintergarden Theatre, The Cynthia Dale Special for CBC and the feature film Ladies Man, starring Tim Meadows.
As a director/choreographer, Stephen has more than 30 theatre credits including Catch A Rising Star, Swing, Swing, Swing, The World Goes 'Round, On the 20th Century, Little Shop of Horrors, the premiere presentation of Dancing After Dark, Oliver!, South Pacific, A Grand Night For Singing and most recently, Anything Goes for Theatre Sheridan. Other highlights include choreography for The Opening Ceremonies for the 1992 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials in New Orleans, as well as numerous live industrials for clients such as Royal Bank, CIBC and General Motors of Canada.
Stephen is also an in adjudicator, Kiwanis Festival, Dance Power, Dance Masters of America, CanDance, Terpsichore, Showtime Dance Promotions and the Rising Star Talent Competition at the CNE. For seven years, Stephen was the Head of the Dance Department for the Musical Theatre Program at Sheridan College (and continues to teach there part-time) and is currently a Talent Agent for daCosta Talent Management in Toronto.
In the early days of his career, Mark danced for countless Canadian artists such as Shawn Desman, Jully Black, Victoria Duffield, Nelly Furtado to name a few. He has also danced in Canada's most notable live shows such as The Juno Awards, MMVA's and So You Think You Can Dance Canada.
After spending years building his resume and honing his skills as a dancer in Canada, Mark decided to take the next major step in his career and become a dancer in the U.S. He was fortunate to work with some of the industry's biggest choreographers there. His journey led him to dance for multiple platinum recording artists such as Maria Carey, Mary J Blige, Missy Elliot, Mario and many more.
Today, Mark is a well-establish figure in the dance industry and with over 20 years of experience, he has shifted his passion into choreography. Teaming up with the legendary Paul Becker, Mark has co-choreographed for films such as Dr. Cabbie, Disney's - The Descendants and Hot Street. He also recently finished a Netflix series called "A Series of Unfortunate Events" starring Neil Patrick Harris and a Lifetime movie, "Death Of A Vegas Dancer" starring Roslyn Sanchez, both of which will debut in 2016.
As Mark continues to climb the ladder to success he wants to be an influential voice in the dance industry that will allow him to provide opportunities to the next generation of dancers.
Mark Samuels
Jeff Dimitriou
Megahouse Industry choreographer, director, and artist Jeff Dimitriou, is renowned for the energy and passion he instills within and around artistic projects that include Film, Television, World Ceremonies, Theatre, Live events, and Art Installations. Jeff is co-creator of 4 original shows currently being rehearsed with Creativiva, for Sandals Beaches Resort in the Turks & Caico’s, as well as a JDX original creation titled “SOZO”, which premiered at the Hillside Beach Club in Turkey for a 3 year permanent residency, with a world tour in the the development stages. Jeff also choreographed the World & Canadian National Tour of Return to Grace, and is also the stage director and choreographer on the North American touring show The 60’s Experience.
Recently, Jeff had a busy fall, Choreographing the new film version of Anne of Green Gables, choreography that was featured on the Netflix hit Degrassi, choreographer of Footloose and Mamma Mia, a national art installation campaign for BMO & Cineplex, A Middle Eastern Tour of the stage musical Cinderella, and also choreographed the Opening Piece for the 2016 Cultural Architect Awards. Jeff was named Head Choreographer of the 2015 Pan American Games Closing Ceremonies and the 2015 Parapan Opening Ceremonies, which won a 2016 Canadian Event Award for best entertainment production produced by BAAM Productions. He was a key member of the choreography team with the critically acclaimed Cirque Du Soleil, where they choreographed and directed the 2012 Opening Ceremonies for the FIFA World Cup in Azerbaijan.
Jeff’s film & Television work includes: The L.A. Complex (CW Network), Come Dance With Me (Hallmark/CTV), Warehouse 13 (Syfy Network), Carrie, Hallmark hit ‘Cowboy for Christmas, Emmy Award winning Odd Squad, Lucky Seven, Hemlock Grove, and has been the resident choreographer for Degrassi (Netflix) for over 8 seasons and 25 episodes. Other stage credits include: The smash hit Cabaret (Mayfield Theatre), Sterling Award Nominee for best choreography, ‘Cabaret’ & Top of the Pops: British Invasion at Theatre Aquarius, the World Premiere of Summer in the City (Stage West Calgary), and Candide. Other choreography credits include: Associate Choreographer on the CW’s: Hellcats, Sucker Punch (Warner Bros), So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Twilight: Breaking Dawn Saga, Human Target, and Girl Walks Into a Bar. Jeff was also part of the choreography team which worked on the feature film Mirror, Mirror starring Oscar Winner - Julia Roberts and Tony Winner - Nathan Lane, Imaginary Mary, and The Magicians. Jeff was creative director of the 2014 World Pride Closing Ceremonies in Toronto. The largest pride festival in the World.
Artistic Director/CEO of JDX Entertainment - The driving force behind the award winning choreographer, director and Artistic Director Jeff Dimitriou, is his desire to actualize a vision, collaborate idea’s and inspire. ​​​
Known for her versatility and passion for creation Addy’s artistic direction and choreography can be seen in music videos, on international stages, TV and film. In demand for her expertise in hip hop, contemporary and jazz she is currently the series choreographer for Nickelodeon’s #1 hit show Make it Pop. Over the years Addy's trademark professionalism, creativity and bubbling personality has made her a go to choreographer. She most recently choreographed the feature film Full Out starring Ana Golja of Degrassi and the incomparable Jennifer Beals. She was on the Choreography Team for the Disney feature film The Descendants creating the movement and mentoring actors under the direction of Paul Becker and the legendary Kenny Ortega. Addy has had the pleasure of choreographing music videos for artists such as Trish, DJ Fresh, Kardinal Offishall, Andee, Lowell and mega star Kelly Clarkson.
Born in Pitt Meadows, BC., Addy’s passion for music and movement started at a young age through her ballet, jazz, hip hop and contemporary training. She can be seen in feature films Step Up: All In, Jinxed, Kickin it Old School, Caprica, Disney hit Frenemies and The Descendants and also as the body double of Elenor in Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon. She has also worked extensively in TV as a featured dancer in shows such as CBC’s The Rick Mercer Report, Over the Rainbow, Canada’s Smartest Person and How do you solve a problem like Maria? CTV’s LA Complex and The Listener,YTV’s The Next Star and The Family Channel’s Baxter. Some commercial credits include Pioneer, Bell, Telus, McDonalds, Best Buy, Dove, Crystal Light and So You Think You Can Dance Canada. You can catch her next in DC comic’s super-villain feature film Suicide Squad.
A real "Jill of all trades" with an eye for talent she runs Addy Chan Casting and is Casting Director for print, commercials, music videos, TV, and feature films such as Make it Pop, The Descendants and Step Up: All In.
Addy Chan
Amanda Cleghorn
Amanda is a well-rounded dancer, teacher, choreographer, and, overall, performer. Her movie credits include Camp Rock 2, Make Your Move 3D, ABC's Desperately Seeking Santa, The Hobbit: Kingdoms of the Middle Earth, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, and Honey. Her television show credits include Glee, the Ellen Degeneres Show, The Goldbergs, The L.A. Complex, Canada's Got Talent, Michael Bolton’s Big Sexy Valentines Day Special, Dancing With the Stars, XFactor Season 2, and Nikita. Most notably, Amanda appeared on SYTYCDC Season 3, finishing as Canada’s favourite female dancer. Her stage credits include the Grammy's, Billboards, NBC’s Macy’s July 4th Special, the CMT Awards, American Music Awards, TV Land Awards, and the Brit Awards. She’s also toured, assisted and judged on Jump and Nuvo Dance Convention with many well known choreographers. Amanda has performed in Stacey Tookey's show Moment's Defined as a dancer in Still Motion Dance Company, and performed with the company at Jacobs Pillow in Massachusettes. She was featured as the lead female in Hedley's Kiss You Inside Out music video. She also played the female lead, acting and dancing in a new digital special on ABCSpark called Rise. Amanda toured the world with Taylor Swift on the Red tour choreographed by Tyce Diorio, and is seen in Taylor's 22, Red and Shake It Off music videos. Amanda’s latest projects include the Lip Sync Battle on SpikeTV, "America's Greatest Hits" with Kelsi Balllerini. Amanda was most recently an actor and dancer in the new Hallmark Channel movie A Nutcracker Christmas playing the role of Suzanne. She looks forward to continuing her career in dance, film and television, and sharing her experiences and knowledge with the dancers at BNG 2017!
Stephanie Rutherford is an award winning choreographer and teacher based out of Toronto, Canada. Having a theatre major from the University of Winnipeg and extensive training in all forms of dance, Stephanie has managed to create an established career in the industry primarily focused in directing and choreographing commercial and contemporary dance . She is the Artistic Director and founder of the company "Rutherford Movement Exchange" as well, the host of RME's annual elite dance intensive. Stephanie was selected as a finalist for the Capezio Ace Awards for Choreographic Excellence in New York City 2016, where she presented her work to an esteemed panel of choreographers and directors. She has traveled to Vietnam as an international choreographer for HTV's So You Think You Can Dance Vietnam. Stephanie directed and choreographed the show "Ascension- The act of rising to a higher level " (Rutherford Movement Exchange's company show 2013) as well as her company show "UNREFINED" in 2009. She proudly was the choreographer and coach for Team Canada 2016 -Modern World Dance Championships, where her team brought home 4 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze medal.
Other Choreography credits include: Manulife "Stars of Tomorrow" Global Awards Show (Debut Group), General Motors National Car Show (Diversified Productions), The Next Step (Family Channel,Temple Street Productions- Duet Usage), Treasure Island (Diversified Theatre), Puss and Boots (Diversified Theatre), Andrew Austin "Disappear" Music Video, # 1 music video on AUX TV (Director Gary Samson), Lynzie Kent "Whoop De Doo" Music Video (Bull Dog Productions), Melissa Oneil (Canadian Idol Winner), Elana Juatco, Paul McQuilliam (General Motors Show), Scotia Bank Charity Gala (Entertainment Exchange, Arlene Dickenson), Pennies From Heaven Charity Gala (Armstrong Wealth Consultant). As well as local events such as, Toronto's Choreographers Ball, Fever After Dark, TD-Pride Main Stage and Toronto's Women In Dance.
Stephanie teaches for various dance conventions across Canada and practices her art through freelance choreography, professional job opportunities and collaborative projects with other local artists. She continues to share and explore her passion with artists of all ages, and is always looking for inspirational ways to evolve her craft!
Stephanie Rutherford
James "Combo" Marino
James “Combo” Marino was born and raised in East Hartford, CT. After playing in Italy, this soccer player turned dancer at 20 years old started his hand in dancing by teaching himself Justin Timberlake’s Justified tour choreography in his father’s office when he came home from school. While attending college for accounting, after he graduated he realized he wanted to pursue dance as a career soon after. This led him to commute 2 1/2 hours(each way) 4 to 5 days a week in order to train and work in New York City with some of the industries finest choreographers, including one of his mentors Rhapsody James.
After 2 years of that lifestyle and being signed to Bloc Talent Agency, he felt ready enough to make his way out west to Los Angeles and within 6 months booked his first major gig. It was the NFL Kickoff Television performance with Mariah Carey in Rockefeller Center, where he met and worked closely with his biggest inspiration, Eddie Morales. This was the moment that truly kick-started his whole career. Since then James has toured and worked with artists such as Missy Elliott, Gwen Stefani, The Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey, Fergie, Rick Ross, Victoria Monèt, Illuminate, Nike, Target, A.D.I.D.A.S., Verizon Wireless, and many more.
James’ most special and memorable moment came in February of 2017. After years of dreaming, training, and endlessly remaining disciplined towards his major career goal; he accomplished the primary reason he packed his bags and moved to Los Angeles for. Choreographer Marty Kudelka reached out and booked him to perform with Justin Timberlake on the biggest night in Hollywood, The Academy Awards. Now with new goals and aspirations, James continuously pushes himself and his mentality to new limits. Currently mentoring the youth as much as he can in his downtime, he also teaches at Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio in LA and teaches dance class both domestically and internationally, in order to share the hunger, work ethic, and experience he is constantly accumulating.
He is currently on the Backstreet Boys Residency in Las Vegas, NV at Planet Hollywood and teaches all around the world in his time off from performing.
Melissa Williams is one of the most innovative director/choreographers working in the entertainment industry today. Seasoned in providing professional and expert consultation in areas that include casting, production, dance choreography, musical staging, movement consultation, and creative direction, Melissa is recognized for her sexy, stylized, athletic choreography and her distinct ability to work with all types of talent, including dancers, non-dancers, singers, actors, recording artists, athletes, and models. With credits spanning the globe, Melissa has worked with some of the most established artists, actors and directors in the industry.
Born in Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada, Williams had her first taste of the industry at 16 when she competed in the ubiquitous talent show Star Search, as the hip hop/adage duo Johnnie & Melissa, making it to the semi-finals and several trips to Los Angeles to tape the show.
Returning to LA at the age of 19, Melissa embarked on a four-year experience with ‘Mr. Purple Rain’ himself, Prince. Hired by award-winning choreographer/creative director Jamie King, Melissa’s first job in LA was dancing in Prince’s late night cabaret Erotic City at his nightclub Glam Slam., and continued working with him on several awards shows and appearances including his tribute performance on The American Music Awards. Price then hired Melissa to choreograph his concert tour, Around the World in A Day. Her other choreography credits include: California Dream Men, in Europe, Grease the Musical, Hair the Musical, Farmclub.com, The Debtors (with Michael Caine, Catherine McCormack, and Randy Quaid), Storm in Las Vegas, as well as cruise ship and casino shows such as Generations, Bon Voyage, Piano Man, and Undercover. Melissa can also been seen acting as "Julie" in the feature film, Showgirls. In 2000 Melissa also founded Extreme Dance Conventions and Competitions, a dance workshop tour featuring some of the top working choreographers and teachers in the industry.
Most recently Melissa has been a choreographer on seasons 1 & 2 of the new hit series Bomb Girls, an associate choreographer on Britney Spears’ Femme Fatale Tour and was a guest judge and choreographer on seasons 1 through 4 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Melissa has also directed local/regional productions including A Chorus Line, Grease and Jaques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. Keeping her finger on the pulse Melissa continues to push the envelope in every direction of her creativity, and in the future, looks forward to continuing with current projects, as well as further defining her creativity for the Broadway stage, television, artists and feature films.
Melissa Williams
Melissa Williams
Andrew "Pyro" Chung
Andrew Chung better known as “Pyro” has a reputation on the street dance competition floor as a “Jack of all Trades” within the street dance culture. Having won over 20 different competitions (battles) throughout North America in multiple styles since 2006, Pyro has been a great influence by setting standards within his hometown community (Toronto, Canada). When Pyro began his street dance career in the year 2000 he always had a passion to reach out to anyone that showed interested in similar art forms. Having a passion to share knowledge and mentor since he was a teenager, Pyro now leads his dance crew “Twisted Ankles” and is a co-founding member of the “Footnotes Elite Training Camp”. Mentoring students since the year 2007, he prides himself to see his students that he once mentored, branch out and become community leaders themselves.
After establishing himself within the freestyle/competition community, he then sparked an interested in the art behind choreography and cinematography. Pyro then started to create his own stage pieces and continues to perform regularly for multiple corporate events as their main entertainment. And also directing his own video projects that he shares on social media called, “Locking in a Different Light." You may have seen him on stage in productions such as: Lilly Singh “A Trip to Unicorn Island” World Tour 2015, Gadfly (Dora Award Winning) “Klorophyl” 2012, Pan American Games, Closing Ceremony Guadalajara, Mexico 2011, World of Dance Competition “Judges Showcase". He has also worked on film/television and commercial productions such as: Full Out, Disney's Zombies, Make Your Move, Lotto 649, Walmart, and more! Currently, Pyro is focused on creating choreography rather than performing it. He has taken on a role as Assistant Choreographer for the T.V show, “The Next Step” as well as a few upcoming creative projects. While still focused on mentoring his student within Footnotes Elite, he looks forward to sharing this knowledge with others that share his passion for dance.
Mollee is one of the most sought after and top working dancers in Los Angeles. Her professional and television credits include, SYTYCD Season 6, Shake It Up, X Factor, America’s Got Talent, Ellen, Drop Dead Diva, Big Time Rush, Glee, Victorious and The Voice. Mollee has also enjoyed dancing with artists including Taylor Swift, Snoop Dog and J Lo.
In addition to her live and TV performances, Mollee has enjoyed performing in films such as High School Musical 1, 2 and 3 and MTV’s American Mall, where she was a principle dancer.
Most recently, Mollee has been focusing on her acting career where she has found incredible success. Her first big break was as a supporting actress in the Ashton Kutcher film “No String’s Attached”. Recently children around the world have fallen in love with her acting and dance performance as “Giggles” in the hit Disney Channel original movie “Teen Beach Movie”!
While focusing on and continuing to build her own dance and acting career, Mollee has always enjoyed giving back to her dance community by sharing her love and passion for dance through teaching and choreographing.
Mollee Gray
Jennie Pappas
Jennie began dancing at the age of two taking a mom and daughter ballet class! She trained intensively in Russian Classical ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, acro, contemporary, lyrical, modern and partnering. As a teen, she worked behind the scenes at “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” (CTV) assisting Stacey Tookey and Mia Michaels. She was thrilled to have travelled to Nashville, Tennessee to choreograph and star in the music video for Taylor Mathews’ hit song “Heart On Fire”. In 2015, Jennie danced in the Pan Am Games Closing Ceremonies and Para Pan Am Games Opening Ceremonies under the direction of Paul Becker and Jeff Dimitriou.
Jennie is most known for her role as “Chloe” on Family Channel’s hit series “The Next Step” which airs worldwide in several countries including the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Australia, and the United States. As part of “The Next Step” cast, Jennie toured across Canada performing in a live, interactive show called “The Next Step Live On Stage” which was then turned into a documentary-style movie and played in theatres across the country. Most recently, Jennie choreographed and starred in an online video collaboration with Warner Music Canada for Bebe Rexha’s new song “I’m A Mess”. Currently working as both an adjudicator and instructor, Jennie loves being able to share her love and passion for dancing. She is actively pursuing her career as a dance teacher, winning several awards for top choreography.