We are proud to bring you a faculty of the industry’s top instructors, creators, and entrepreneurs! With classes in Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Commercial Jazz and more, you will train with elite professionals. Our team is committed to helping you build confidence in yourself and develop the skills necessary to reach your goals and pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Rachel’s early training was in various dance studios throughout West Michigan, including the Grand Rapids Ballet. Rachel has also trained internationally. Studios include Broadway Dance Center in New York City, Pineapple Dance Center in London, England, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Lou Conte Dance Studio, and Joel Hall School of Dance in Chicago, along with many more. Rachel has toured and performed live with well-known artists including KC & The Sunshine Band dancing on their “Feeling You” Tour. Rachel has won multiple dance and choreography awards at the regional and national levels. You can see her choreography on Netflix and Amazon in the feature film ‘The Wedding Party’ (2017). Upon moving to Los Angeles Rachel has performed in multiple music videos. Artists include Tyler Ward, Megan Nicole, Riff Raff, Xcedera, and Boy Band INNOVATE. She has been an opening act for LA Fashion week and continues to train and perform with Liana Blackburn, Gina Starbuck, Destini Rogers, Brooke Pierotti as well as other artists at West Coast Dance Theater, Millennium Dance Complex, T.MILLY Studios, and most other premiere LA studios.
Rachel has worked with Laurieann Gibson on her hit BET Show “Born to Dance” and was a dancer alongside Beau Casper Smart in the movie “48 Hours to Live”. She has enjoyed her time Judging and being on staff at multiple dance competitions across the country and is currently touring as the RevKIDS Regional Director with Revel Dance Convention. Rachel loves spending her time teaching for different intensives, conventions, workshops, and choreographing/teaching at competitive dance studios throughout the country. She is YPAD certified and most recently traveled to Bali, Indonesia to study somatic and emotional release techniques through dance under the direction of Liana Blackburn. Rachel graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from Western Michigan University and is excited to continue her dance career in the commercial industry of Los Angeles, California.
Gigi Torres, Choreographer, Dance Educator, & Mentor has been in the dance industry for 18 years and has taught all over the world in 30 countries & 30 states. She has taught at Debbie Reynolds Studio, Movement Lifestyle Studio, Broadway Dance Center and currently teaches on Revel Dance Convention. Since 2012, Gigi has created and produced her own dance programs mentoring over 800 dancers through her Gg Process Programming to help dancers create the process to their purpose and build confidence in their mindset and strength in their movement. Alumni from her programs have went on to dance for Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Cardi B, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Camila Cabello; teach at Broadway Dance Center, Millennium Dance Complex, and various conventions in the USA; and start their own brands and companies as Entrepreneurs. Her programs set dancers up for their future through her mindset training, goal-setting process, and brand strategy.
Gigi’s choreography has been seen on So You Think You Can Dance Scandinavia, Ukraine, & Poland and internationally for Musical Solo & Group Artists in Korea including Pop group TXT & Girl’s Generation, Indonesia’s 7 Icons & SMASH, and USA’s Madame Gandhi. She has created work for many companies including Vanity Fair Magazine, Joffrey Ballet, NuSkin International, The Yellow Co Women’s Conference, & the American Musical & Dramatic Academy.
Gigi’s mission is to empower dancers to live purpose driven journeys that create longevity for their careers & life. She is known in the dance industry for producing elite programming that brings artists past their potential and into their true authentic purpose. Gigi builds powerful communities that empower dancers and their personal and career development. She believes that when one finds their uniqueness and purpose, the world is a better place we could all live in.
Kelby Brown, is an American born dancer, choreographer, teacher and adjudicator from St. Louis, Missouri. He received his early training at the Pelagie Green Wren Academy of Dance, as well as Alexandra School of Ballet and received a full scholarship to continue his professional training at the School of American Ballet, the official School of the New York City Ballet, known as SAB.
While attending SAB he got to perform with NYCB in its productions of George Balanchine’s, “Coppélia”, “Davidbündlertänze” and Peter Martins, “Sleeping Beauty”. As a classically trained dancer, he performed with State Ballet of Missouri, Ballet Chicago, Pennsylvania Ballet, Pacific NW Ballet and Los Angeles Ballet. He danced featured roles on some of the most notable stages including, The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, the Los Angeles Opera and Cirque du Soleil’s, “Mystère”. Some of his favorite roles and ballets consists of Balanchine’s, Allegro Brilliante, Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto, Kammermusik, Western Symphony and Graciela Daniele’s, Armida for The Metropolitan Opera. After Cirque he was invited to join Celine Dion’s, “A New Day” Las Vegas Show, Directed by Franco Dragone and Choreographed by Mia Michaels.
He has worked with other musical artists such as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Melody Gardot, Elton John and Usher. He has appeared on So You Think You Can Dance, dancing alongside Lady Gaga and he has assisted Emmy Nominee Choreographer, Stacey Tookey and Emmy Award Winning, Choreographer, Mia Michaels on So You Think You Can Dance. Kelby graced the big screen dancing in, “The Dance Flick”, “Transformers 2”, Showtime’s Television Series, “Weeds” as well as the hit TV show, “Gossip Girl”, dancing with Blake Lively. Kelby, the Choreographer, joined forces with Director, Ryan Shiraki, on the big screen for the movie Spring Breakdown. His moves were showcased by the star studded cast, including Amy Poehler, Parker Posey and Rachel Dratch. He reunited with Ryan Shiraki, to choreograph for the hit MTV show “Awkward”.
Kelby’s Choreographic stage credits include, Zombie Strippers the Musical, where his choreography was quoted as being, “The Star of the Night”, according to Broadway World review. He was also invited to create a special work to pay homage to the legendary founder of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Mr. Arthur Mitchell for, “Opera Noire”. Kelby choreographed the 20th Anniversary of The Kids Choice Awards, where he got to work exclusively with multi-platinum recording artist Justin Timberlake.
Kelby’s dedication to the art of dance naturally carries a presence in teaching. Kelby’s expertise in the art of dance has made him a highly sought after instructor and coach. He has held faculty positions at some of the most prestigious institutions including American Ballet Theater, Alvin Ailey, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Chicago, State Ballet of Missouri and Broadway Dance Center. Kelby continues to teach and inspire, nationally and internationally and is noted as a memorable influence in the dance community
Chip Abbott is an American dance casting specialist for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania, Regent Sevens Seas, and has worked as a director choreographer and dancer in the worlds of stage, tv and film.
Chip performed in the broadway companies of On the Town and Charlie and the Chocolate Factoryand was a dancer in the NYC company of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes.
Chip has also appeared in The Gilded Age on HBO, Saturday Night Live, and the feature film Isn’t It Romantic starring Rebel Wilson.
Abbott has been an associate director/choreographer to the Emmy Award winning Joshua Bergasse on projects such as the Kennedy Center’s 50th Anniversary Concert on PBS and the broadway
revival of On The Town which was recognized with a Tony nomination for best choreography. Chip has also been associate choreographer to Denis Jones on the first national tour of Tootsie the musical, and associate director to Tony Yazbeck on the YoungArts Gala, and Children of Eden at Lincoln Center.
Chip has choreographed for ACT of CT, Step One Dance Company, Dancebreak NYC, and has directed shows for Transcendence Theatre Company, RWS Global, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruiselines, Azamara, and HersheyPark. His work with RWS has won recognition at IAPPA for best theatrical production worldwide, and Travel Weekly’s Magellan Awards.
As an educator Chip was on faculty at the world renown Steps On Broadway and Broadway Dance Center in NYC. He is a national reviewer and jazz coach for the YoungArts foundation, and has taught and choreographed at University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City University, PACE University’s School of Commercial Dance, Point Park University, and Marymount Manhattan College. Chip is a proud graduate of Oklahoma City University.
Katelyn Cushing is a dynamic professional dancer based in Los Angeles, California. She has made her mark in the commercial world with national campaigns for major brands including Old Navy, Puma, Target, and luxury projects such as Dom Pérignon featuring Lady Gaga and Remy Martin featuring Usher.
Her music video credits include performances with top artists such as Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Jason Derulo, Calvin Harris, and Hailee Steinfeld. Most recently, she completed a world tour with 50 Cent, showcasing her versatility and powerful stage presence on an international scale.
Katelyn has also contributed her creative vision behind the scenes, assisting in choreography for high-profile tours with Justin Bieber, Derek & Julianne Hough, Maks & Val Chmerkovskiy, and Prince Royce. Her choreography credits extend to television as well, including So You Think You Can Dance, Flirty Dancing, and Lip Sync Battle.
A graduate of Western Michigan University with a BA in Dance, Katelyn made the leap to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams — and hasn’t looked back since. Her artistry, drive, and wide-ranging experience make her a standout force in the industry.
Since the first time Markus Shields set foot into rehearsal, he developed an instant passion for dance and choreography. After moving from the Midwest to Los Angeles, he began to build working relationships with choreographers including Wade Robson, Tricia Miranda, Frank Gatson, Parris Goebel, Charm La’Donna, and more. He has become a regular teacher at Millennium Dance Complex LA, Debbie Reynold’s Dance Studio, Edge PAC and other prominent studios in LA as well as becoming an international master instructor.
Shields has performed alongside Kendrick Lamar, Will Smith, KeKe Palmer and more and has embarked on World Tours with Mariah Carey, Chayanne & Jody Watley. While represented by Bloc Talent Agency as a dancer/choreographer, he has starred in ads for JW Marriott, Amtrak and choreographed a commercial for eBay.
Markus has and always strived to be a great storyteller and creator. Whether choreographing for a studio or a world tour, creative directing for personal projects or recording artists, or any other facets of entertainment he always puts his heart inside of his work.
“My goal is to inspire as I aspire, thus creating a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving, teaching and learning, growing and loving!”
Phil Colgan is a performer, choreographer, and dance educator born and raised in NYC. He attended NYU where he created a concentration he titled Entertainment Production and Performance. His studies focused on anticipating the creative conversations needed to be a director/choreographer, practical performance training utilizing the arts resources at NYU and the many studios around NYC, all the while attending every open call and audition starting at age 18 in order to test where his training was leading.
Upon college graduation, Phil worked regionally at some fantastic theaters across the country such as Paper Mill Playhouse (in the world premiere of A Bronx Tale the Musical), Maine State Music Theater, The Fulton, Ogunquit Playhouse, Gateway Playhouse, and Finger Lakes MTF. In 2017, Phil opened the national tour of Hamilton as a swing and dance captain. In 2021, Phil made his Broadway debut in Hamilton, reopening the Broadway company after the pandemic shut-down as a Universal Swing, performing in the male ensemble across the show’s five North American companies. In fall of 2023, Phil joined the cast of & Juliet on Broadway as swing and assistant dance captain. Other performance favorites include the premiere of Andy Blankenbuehler’s Only Gold at MCC (Dance Captain), the opening number of The 2017 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall, symphony and opera performances, industrial performances for iLuminate: Artist of Light, and features in special events like Broadway Bares.
As a creative, Phil was the Associate Choreographer to Susan Stroman for New York, New York on Broadway (Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Choreography; Tony Award, Drama Desk, and Chita Rivera nominations). Other choreography credits include the LGBTQ+ reimagining of The Wizard of Oz at Geva Theater Center, starring RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist Rosé, Grease at The Rev (formerly Finger Lakes MTF), Catch Me If You Can at NYU; in the music videos for “Ready to Be Loved (Dance Version)”, “I’m a Star (Dance Version)”, “Train Ride” by Jack Scott, and “Not Forgiving You” by Josh Breckenridge. Favorite showcases/events: DanceBreak 2020, TSQ Project, and Jay Armstrong Johnson’s I Put a Spell on You (BC/EFA). He’s also worked as an associate to creatives Joshua Bergasse, Al Blackstone & Richard J. Hinds. Phil was named a finalist for The 2017 Capezio Award for Choreographic Excellence and was awarded an Emerging Theater Artist Grant from The Theater Hall of Fame in May 2023.
Phil continues to share his passion for dance while teaching for various dance studios and conventions across the country, and is a faculty member at Steps on Broadway & Broadway Dance Center in NYC.
Laura Aronoff is a triple threat performer originally from Atlanta, Georgia. She began her training at Rhythm Dance Center before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Tulane University. Her work spans musicals, television, film, music videos, live events, video game animation, and commercial campaigns.
Most recently, Laura danced in her first national commercial and served as an assistant choreographer to Maya Taylor on Nordstrom’s holiday campaign.
Her favorite performance credits span a dynamic range of live events, television, film, and stage. Live appearances include campaigns and premieres for Adidas, Southwest Airlines, Cartoon Network, and the FX Network. On screen, she can be seen in Netflix’s Tall Girl 2, Starz’s Step Up: High Water (Season 3), HBO’s Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, and ABC/Hulu’s Will Trent. Music video credits include performances with New Kids on the Block, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “American Girl,” and Andrew Winghart’s reimagining of “Cry Me a River.” Additional commercial and branded work includes projects for Disney x Gray Malin and Rooms To Go. Her regional theatre credits in Los Angeles include Footloose, West Side Story, Kiss Me, Kate, and The Music Man.
Beyond performing, Laura is deeply passionate about teaching. She strives to inspire dancers to fully commit to their craft and let fear take a back seat. Believing that dance lessons are life lessons, she hopes her students leave the room feeling challenged, supported, and empowered to grow both as artists and as people.
James (Washington) Manning, a native of Rochester, NY graduated from the Conservatory at Point Park University under the direction of Susan Stowe. James was a founding member of the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble (Top 25 to Watch, Dance Magazine) and also performed with Owen/Cox Dance Group, Houston Met Dance and Ballet Inc. in New York City. James has been seen on the stages of Broadway Dance Lab, Jacob’s Pillow, New York City Center, TONY Award Winning – Paper Mill Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO, and is a proud member of Actors Equity. James was the first male BRAZZY Award Winner for his accomplishments in the field of dance alongside being named one of “Pittsburgh’s Most Influential People” by Tom Mosser and his “Really Big Faces” visual arts series. Choreography credits include: Slippery Rock University, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (Graduate Students), Houston Met Too Youth Company, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Pittsburgh CLO, Lifetime Television, Netflix and Apple TV.
Most recently, James was the Dance Department Chair at Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts 6-12 (CAPA) and awarded the summer Artistic Fellowship at Pittsburgh CLO working alongside Baayork Lee (West Side Story), Christopher Betts, Tislarm Bouie (The Color Purple) and Sara Edwards, Mara Greer (The Music Man). This past fall, James was a 2024 recipient of The Advancing Black Arts Grant through the Pittsburgh Foundation and Heinz Endowments. James is currently pursuing his graduate degree at Goucher College and is thrilled to join the Artistic Team as the Artistic Administrator at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre!
Tess Renaud is a Chicago-based dancer, choreographer, and educator who began her training at the age of three. She studied extensively at Visceral Dance Center (VDC), where she was a member of the Visceral Studio Company and part of their scholarship program. Tess also trained at Luna Negra Dance Theater’s summer intensive and went on to earn her BA in Dance with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership from Western Michigan University (WMU). While at WMU, she toured with Western Dance Project, performing works by acclaimed choreographers such as Monique Haley, Carolyn Pavlik, Jackie Nowicki, and a reconstruction of Loïe Fuller’s “La Mer.” Since graduating, Tess has performed works by leading Chicago choreographers including Joey Hernandez and Harrison McEldowney, and she continues to teach and choreograph for studios across Chicago and Michigan. In addition to holding a 200-hour yoga certification and teaching multiple formats at CorePower Yoga, she also works with VIP Dance Competition. Tess is proud to be on faculty at Visceral Dance Center, where she is continually inspired by her students and fellow artists.
Kaytee Cox, originally from Medina, Ohio, is a passionate educator, choreographer, and performer who earned her BA in Dance Education from The University of Akron in 2016. A vibrant force in the Chicago dance scene, Kaytee has co-produced three shows and presented her work at notable festivals including the Detroit City Dance Festival, Cleveland Dance Festival, Trifecta Dance Collective’s Festival, Take Up Space, and KYL/D’s Inhale Performance Series, among others. She is also the proud recipient of the Mark C. Ovanich Choreography Award. As a former Associate Artistic Director and Company Member with Alluvion Dance Chicago, she’s also performed with Hannah Brictson and Dancers and Visceral Dance Chicago’s Within. Currently, Kaytee serves as Co-Artistic Director of Forward The Movement, a company committed to raising scholarships for local Chicago students, as well as she is the Director of Visceral Dance Center’s Youth Program and Youth Ensemble, where she continues to inspire and uplift the next generation of artists.
Christie Sirota-Jordon is a seasoned choreographer, educator, and creative director with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She began teaching and choreographing at the age of 15, developing a unique and versatile style shaped by training with top choreographers across the country—from the East Coast to the heart of L.A.’s commercial dance scene.
A Pittsburgh native, Christie has traveled nationally with renowned conventions and organizations such as Commercial Dance Intensive (CDI), Dance Masters of America, Dance Caravan, Professional Dance Teachers Association, N-House Productions, and VIP Dance Competition. She continues to teach master classes and set choreography for studios and dance teams across the U.S.
Her performance and choreography credits span high-profile projects including Las Vegas Fashion Week, Latin music legend Juan Luis Guerra, Disney’s boyband NLT, dance-pop group Taxi Doll, and the popular fitness program Hip Hop Abs. Christie is also a regional trainer for The BodyBar(re) Fitness Franchise and teaches “conditioning and cross-training for dancers.”
Christie’s career has transitioned into other facets of the entertainment industry including creating & directing events. She currently serves as a National Director for VIP Dance Competition, co-producing and overseeing events nationwide. In 2018, she founded 412 The Intensive in Pittsburgh, a program designed to empower young dancers through high-level training, artistic exploration, and career preparation. The program has since expanded to Chicago with the launch of 312 The Intensive, alongside a growing suite of mentorship programs.
These mentorship initiatives offer dancers deeper, more personal support—focusing not just on technical growth, but also on confidence, clarity, mental wellness, and mapping out next steps in their dance journeys.
Now, with two decades in the industry, Christie is partnering and preparing to launch her latest program geared toward college-aged dancers looking to break into the entertainment world. Her mission is to redefine what it means to be a freelance artist—shifting the narrative from “starving artist” to confident, thriving artist.
Kara Ingold is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Point Park University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. During her time at Point Park, she worked with Lloyd Culbreath, Maud Arnold, Kiesha Lalama, Jesse Factor, and Kiki Lucas. She was given the opportunity to represent the Pittsburgh CLO at the Rock Steeler’s Style Fashion Show as a dancer and model. Currently Kara is working for RWS Global in Step One Dance Company on Holland America Cruise Line where she performs for international audiences. Whether performing, choreographing, or teaching, Kara’s love for life and the arts is something that she holds close to her heart.
DeLuca is a theater and television actor, best known for originating the role of Jack Kelly on the First National Tour of Disney’s Newsies. He has developed new musicals alongside the greatest theater composers of our time including Stephen Schwartz, Alan Menken and Martin Charnin. Alongside working as an actor, DeLuca has studied at Quantum University, working with therapists and scientists studying the science of mindfulness to incorporate healthier approaches to art in the professional and educational playing field. @DDeLuca15
Dealing with insecurities, anxiety and depression is unfortunately a giant part of the social makeup of today’s world. Having the most elementary tools to approaching taking care of one’s mental and emotional states is the most powerful resource one can have, especially when it comes to dance. This workshop focuses on the basics of healthily working with the negative stories we tell ourselves in our heads and learning simple breathing exercises that can reset our bodies in the most stressful situations. In a world where one rarely finds a moment of peace within their own minds, DeLuca approaches teaching the science of mindfulness in the easiest and playful way an artist could learn.
