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At The Intensive Collective, we’ve intentionally built a faculty of industry professionals who believe that great training begins with great mentorship. While their incredible resumes include world tours, Broadway, television, film, commercial work & music videos, and extremely successful creative careers, what also matters is how they show up for the dancers standing in front of them.
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.
Jawkeen Howard a commercial hip-hop and jazz funk teacher and choreographer from Las Vegas. A leader at heart, Jawkeen continues to teach, mentor, and support his community, in addition to advancing his career in the dance industry.
He has worked on many projects with artists and iconic brands such as the Michael Jackson Estate, Britney Spears, New kids on the Block, Disney, America’s Got Talent Presents: Superstars Live, Boohoo, the NFL Pro Bowl, the Las Vegas Raiders, Jill Scott, The Killers, Voss Events, UDA College Nationals, Area 15, and Tina Guo, to name just a few.
Jawkeen has also traveled the world with Michael Jackson’s Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil, performed in MJ One by Cirque du Soleil, and most recently served as an Artistic Casting Advisor for Cirque du Soleil.
He is committed to always aiming higher, working harder, and going further to reach his goals. You could catch him touring with Tremaine dance convention as a faculty teacher.
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.
Marc Kimelman is an award-winning choreographer from Toronto, Canada currently residing in New York City.
Marc recently choreographed Rent at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, a new annual production of Come From Away in Gander, Newfoundland, and he directed/choreographed a new staging of A Chorus Line for the Rev Theatre.
He was the associate choreographer for Broadway’s Tony-award winning Jagged Little Pill (Broadway, National Tour, Australia), as well as Broadway’s A Bronx Tale and National Tour, and assistant choreographer for Broadway’s revival of Jesus Christ Superstar.
He choreographed Saturday Night Fever (National Tour), Billy Elliot (GoodSpeed Musicals), Man of La Mancha (Stratford Shakespeare Festival), Newsies (Drayton), Play It Cool and The Apple Boys (Off-Broadway), Once on this Island (Dora Award for Outstanding Choreography), Company (Gary Griffin), The Ballad of Little Jo and Songbird (Two River Theatre).
TV/Film credits includes: Disney Plus feature film World’s Best (associate. Tommy Kail producer), Degrassi: The Next Generation, Instant Star, Don’t Talk to Irene feature film (TIFF, starring Geena Davis), Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and NBC’s One Night Only.
Marc was movement consultant for Vogue magazine (Annie Leibovitz, Charlize Theron, A$AP Rock).
Associate/Assistant: Next to Normal at the Kennedy Centre (Michael Grief), Queen’s We Will Rock You (National Tour), Freaky Friday (Disney workshop), Hands on a Hardbody (Broadway workshop), Seven Deadly Sins (NYC Ballet with Patti Lupone), Elementary (CBS).
Marc has worked with Katy Perry, Phish, Deborah Cox, Kurt Browning, Neil Young and Chaka Kahn. He has directed and choreographed multiple productions for cruise lines (Holland America, Azamara Cruise Lines) and theme parks (Hershey Park).
Marc is on faculty at NYC’s Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway.
Casia began dancing at the age of three and has been immersed in the art ever since. Hailing from Indianapolis, she brings nearly 30 years of dance experience to her role as a mentor and educator.
Trained professionally in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, tap, and pointe, Casia has dedicated over 20 years to teaching competitive dance. As the Owner and Creative Director of Infinity Dance Academy, she is committed to providing dancers with pre-professional training and real-world experiences. Her alumni have gone on to perform with touring artists, elite college dance teams, cruise ships, Cirque du Soleil, and in professional companies. Her students have earned numerous regional and national titles, garnering Casia acclaim for her innovative choreography.
Casia is also the founder of Common Ground the Company, a unique initiative based in Indianapolis that unites elite dancers in various stages of their careers to create visual projects and encourage networking.
A firm believer in the power of passion and continuous learning, Casia actively continues her training, takes classes, and stays inspired by the ever-evolving dance world. She is dedicated to instilling hard work, open-mindedness, humility, and compassion in her students.
Originally from Ohio, Lauren moved to Los Angeles at the age of 18. She trained at Millennium Dance Complex and Edge Performing Arts Center before signing with Go 2 Talent Agency. She has performed internationally, including at the World Expo in Shanghai and with Holland America Cruise Lines, and has worked with artists and brands such as Beyoncé, Madonna, Nike, and Walk the Moon. Her performance experience includes burlesque and cabaret shows in Los Angeles and the notoriously known, Forty Deuce.
Currently based in Chicago, and represented by GTA, Lauren is a choreographer, educator, and creative director with over 15 years of professional experience. Her choreography can be seen with the Chicago Bulls’ Luvabulls and numerous performance organizations throughout Chicago. She recently directed, produced and choreographed Pride in Motion, a lululemon sponsored event celebrating LGBTQ+ history through performance and storytelling. As the founder and director of the Elevation Process Program, Lauren is dedicated to developing the next generation of commercial dancers, and continues to teach classes and intensives at Visceral Dance Center.
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.
Zach Hudson is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator originally from Beloit, currently based in Los Angeles by way of New York City. He began dancing at the age of 12 and, at 19, moved to New York City to pursue his professional training. There, he joined the inaugural Professional Semester program at Broadway Dance Center, fully immersing himself in the city’s elite dance culture and laying the foundation for his professional career.
After establishing himself in New York, Zach went on to teach at some of the industry’s most respected institutions, including Broadway Dance Center and Peridance Center. Throughout his journey, he has trained and been mentored by some of the most influential names in the industry, including Rhapsody James, Tricia Miranda, and Brian Friedman, gaining the knowledge, versatility, and discipline needed to thrive at the highest level.
Zach’s performance credits include the Billboard Music Awards with Tate McRae and the historic Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show alongside Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Kendrick Lamar. His extensive list of collaborators also includes Zendaya, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez, Camila Cabello, Megan Thee Stallion, Gwen Stefani, Becky G, Sam Smith, Zedd, and Maren Morris.
His commercial work includes campaigns for global brands such as Nike, Spotify, Target, Walmart, Marshalls, Skechers, Tide, and Credit Karma. His choreography credits include work for Kid Cudi at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and Megan Moroney’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve performance.
Through dance, Zach has built a career rooted in passion, discipline, and artistic expression. His mission is to inspire dancers around the world to discover and fully embrace their unique voice through movement. In every class, his focus is on empowering students to build confidence, push beyond their limits, and pursue continuous growth — both as dancers and as individuals.
Mackenzie Martin, an Oklahoma native, is a working dancer, teacher, and choreographer in Los Angeles. Her professional credits include music videos, back up dancing and performances with Missy Elliot, Polica, Sharaya; for Sephora, Ceasar’s Palace, and LA’s Choreographers Carnival; recording artists Hybrid Digital, Dez Cleo and Dario Benitez, and rap artist Oh Blimey.
Mackenzie was a featured dancer and character for the hit web-series for FLiRTv, and recently as a dancer on the upcoming web series, Destroy the Alpha Gammas. Mackenzie is a member of LA’s elite professional Jazz company, FLiRT Dancers, and can be seen in the company’s tri-annual full length company shows, and in various performances around Los Angeles. She has performed all over the LA and Las Vegas areas, including hot spots like Club Nokia, the Roosevelt Hotel, San Diego Pride, Dim Mak Studios, Spot 5750, Rolling Stone Lounge, Falcon’s Lounge, and Avalon.
Mackenzie is on faculty at International Dance Academy (IDA) Hollywood and Millennium Dance Complex OC. She also teaches jazz and contemporary for the IDA Certificate Program. She is the CEO and Co-Founder of Soul de Soul Dance Convention, where she travels and teaches on faculty. She is a judge for West Coast Dance Elite, and has had the privilege of teaching master classes in Los Angeles, New York City, Boston and through-out the Mid-West. She teaches locally in California at Impulse Dance Company, where she choreographs for the company.\
Mackenzie is the Artistic Director for her Los Angeles based contemporary dance company, Geometry. Her choreography is well known for creating innovative, distinctive, and artistically grounded pictures. She has received numerous choreography awards and much recognition from dance competitions and conventions. Her work has been featured on MyIndieLife.tv, FLiRT dancers, and the Dancescape stage. She recently set choreography for the Oklahoma City Ballet Summer Intensive, and directed and co – produced a concept video for Green Light Dance Project in Dallas. Her distinctive movement style, technique and ear for music continue to bring her success in her endeavors as a dancer, teacher and choreographer.
Will Thomas is the youngest of three kids raised in Troy, Michigan. At 11 years old, Will began taking dance classes locally. He instantly fell in love and attended every dance convention nationwide that his schedule (and parents) would allow. At the age of 18, Will moved to Los Angeles to expand his craft. Before he had even arrived in LA, Will was represented by a newer agency, enrolled in 3 acting classes a week and set up a schedule to attend as many dance classes as possible! His hard work paid off as he began working professionally.
Will learned that his strength was his versatility. Because of this, he has been casted in stage work, television, commercials, movies, and has been a guest teacher all over the world.
Will has enjoyed dancing for Disney’s Raven, The Jonas Brothers, and the Cheetah Girls. He has also danced for artists such as Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Zendaya, Brendan Urie, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Daughtry, Patti LaBelle, and Michelle Williams. Many of the performances were for the VMAs, EMMYS, Critics Choice Awards, Radio Disney Music Awards and more.
His dancing and acting can be seen on television shows like “So You Think You Can Dance”: Season 9 (top 4 guys), “Nashville”, “Hit the Floor”, “Ellen”, “Parenthood”, “World of Dance”, “Superstore”, “Rupaul’s Drag Race: All Stars”, “X Factor”, “20/20” and more. Will has also been casted in films such as “Pitch Perfect 3”, “Marry Me”, “Renfield”, and “Spirited” which is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2022.
One of Will’s proudest accomplishments is America’s #1 prime time TV show, “The Masked Singer”. Will began dancing on the show in season #1 and by season 4 was hired as an assistant choreographer. Sense he has assisted choreographers for “SYTYCD”, short films, music videos and commercials, Will was excited for the opportunity. It paid off and Will has been a choreographer on the show since season 5. His choreography can also be seen on “The Price is Right” and a docu-series called “Meddling” based on an Olympic ice skating scandal.
Those who know Will understand that he has a lot of energy. When he’s not on set or at rehearsal, he has been traveling to every LA Dance Magic convention weekend as a faculty member. He loves to teach kids who are dancing where his dreams began and for his mentor who paved the way, Jackie Sleight.
You can find Will living in Los Angeles, still chasing those dreams.
Mia received her BFA in dance from Marymount Manhattan College under the direction of Katie Langan. She has danced with contemporary dance companies BodyStories: Teresa Fellion, 10 Hairy Legs Projects, and Freemove Dance. She performed in Sonya Tayeh’s New York Live Arts and Jacob’s Pillow commissioned dance symphony You’ll Still Call Me By Name.
Mia’s television credits include ensemble/assistant choreographer for Rent: Live on the Fox Network, and waltz dancer for Gilded Age on HBOMax. She was ensemble/dance captain in the off-broadway production The Lucky Ones.
Most recently, she was the associate choreographer turned swing/dance captain at Moulin Rouge! the Musical.
Mia is also a guest teacher and choreographer at various dance institutions throughout the country.
Christina Farr has been engaged in both dance and cheer from a young age, starting as a trained ballet dancer and progressing to competitive dance and cheerleading.
She has coached and choreographed for various high schools in both dance and cheer, gaining experience with both competitive and recreational teams.
Chrissy served as a High School Coach for nearly 15 years and was formerly the Head Dance Team Coach at The University of Mount Union. As a Head Dance Coach, she also attended UDA in Orlando with the team.
Chrissy continues to assist dancers and coaches in the recruitment process, guiding them to find “their home.”
Chrissy has also been involved with thePanel with Revel and currently participates in Revel Regional cities, offering workshops and classes to dancers on gameday and sideline techniques, as well as the process of joining a dance team. She also provides seminars for studio owners, teachers, and parents on navigating The Collegiate Dance Team Route.
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.
