teachers

 With a keen eye for detail and the insight of a visionary, Chris Payne Dupre' has created works on stage and screen that have captivated audiences the world over.

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Most recently Chris served as Supervising Choreographer on the ABC television show, “The Proposal”. Previously he served in the same position on the NBC television show, "America's Got Talent." On both shows, Chris worked to polish and transform a variety of weekly contestants into world-class entertainers.

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Chris’ work has been seen on the Comedy Central show, @midnight, the FOX television show, “Take Me Out,” with host George Lopez and the HBO series, “Arli$$.” He has done movement coaching for actors Seth Green, Eric Balfour and Christina Applegate and choreographed performances for renowned musical artists such as Prince, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Paulina Rubio and rock icons Jane's Addiction.

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Training in various disciplines of dance including Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Swing and Salsa along with the skill of stilt-walking, has allowed Chris to perform with Diana Ross, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Brian McKnight, Kylie Minogue, Enrique Iglesias and the legendary Mel Torme. He has performed on Glee, Lucifer, the 68th Academy Awards, Superbowl XXX & XXXII, the made-for-TV movie "Cinderella," Disney’s feature film "Newsies" and the Tony & Grammy award winning Original Broadway Cast of Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida." Chris has had the privilege of working in film, television and stage with such notable directors as Rob Reiner (Rumor Has It), Robert Zemeckis (A Christmas Carol), Tom Hanks (That Thing You Do), Chris Columbus (Rent), John Landis (Pepsi) and Garry Marshall (LA Opera). 

 Originally from Michigan, Leslie grew up with a true passion for music, not only for singing but she played the flute for 18+ years. Now a Los Angeles based SAG/AFTRA session singer, and performer and also a member of Actors Equity, Leslie has sung on many movie soundtracks such as Pitch Perfect 2, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and most recently Deadpool 2 to name a few. She was also the soloist for the recording of Desire Under the Elms recorded in NYC. Leslie records song demos for Los Angeles and New York based composers, has toured internationally with original theatrical music projects and has performed in regional theatre in Los Angeles... Regional credits include: West Side Story (Maria), The King and I (Tuptim), My Fair Lady (Eliza), Brigadoon (Jane), Carousel (Julie), Anything Goes (Hope), Dracula: An Original Musical (Vamperella), Terri in Life in the Trees at the Raven Playhouse, Patty Andrews of the Andrews’ Sisters in an adaptation of Studs Terkel’s The Good War at the Blank Theatre Company and in New York Off-Broadway at The McGinn-Cazale Theatre. Also The Merry Widow, with Edie Adams and a benefit concert of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson for the Rubicon Theatre Company. Leslie has sung on many independent movie recording projects, demos and original musical recordings and performances throughout LA and Europe. In addition to working as a session singer and on stage, she currently sings with the Metropolitan Master Chorale, Los Robles Master Chorale, California Philharmonic Chorale, Golden State Pops Chorale and is a guest soloist for concerts throughout the LA area. Leslie has a deep passion for teaching and mentoring young artists who share a passion for acting, music, and performance. She teaches her students how to be excellent performers, to have total command over their voice, whether speaking or singing, and how to handle themselves confidently in performance and auditions. Musically she teaches you how to brake down a song so you can “Act” the song, just as she would work with you in breaking down a scene to act. Leslie is dedicated to helping her students reach their greatest potential as actors, musicians, and their artistry in performance. Leslie is honored to be part of the staff at The Debbie Reynolds Studio. 

 Jamie Salmon received her professional ballet training as a youth with Dana Kennedy, Melissa Hayden and Paul Meija. She attended the North Carolina School of the Arts for Jr. high and high school. Further training was received at the School of American Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet school, where she became a member of the Joffrey Concert Group performing lead roles in classics and new works. Jamie has also worked with Kirk Peterson and Louis Falco as well as dancing in commercials, tv, film and print work.

Jamie began her teaching career at the Joffrey Ballet school as ballet mistress for the Concert Group and teaching at the Joffrey school. She is well known on the Dance Convention circuit teaching for Danny Hoctor’s Dance Caravan, Professional Dance Teacher’s Association Dance Masters and as a judge for the Stars of Tomorrow Dance Competition.

Jamie has been training dancers of all ages for over 20 years. Her students can be seen on Broadway, television, in classical and contemporary companies as well as attending the finest ballet schools and college dance programs in America.

 A native Texan, Misty Rasconsmith has been professionally working in the dance industry for more than 14 years. She has had the opportunity to work in various areas of this competitive industry including music videos, commercials, TV/ live performances, and print. She is a passionate, innovative, and quirky woman who believes there's room for everyone and their unique giftings.  This game changer was made to IMAGINE, CREATE, and IMPACT today's culture. Embracing her wild journey in the dance industry, the following credits have facilitated who she is today.  She has worked with numerous recording artists such as Natasha Beddingfield, Janelle  Monae, Vanessa Hudgens, Kirk Franklin, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, and Daniel Powter just to name a few. You may have seen her in national commercials for Sunkist, Pepsi, Nike and Sears.  She can be seen in a popular episode of CBS’s hit show “How I Met Your Mother” (Robin Sparkles episode). In addition, Misty has been a series regular dancer on networks such as Nickelodeon and ABC.  She has danced for several award shows including the American Music Awards, Soul  Train Awards, and the Latin Grammy’s. Her extensive dance training, including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, salsa, hip hop, and more, has enabled her to balance commercial work with concert work (European tour with Instincts Live Media Dance). She currently dances and choreographs for Word In Motion Dance Company, featured on ABC Family's One-Cubed USA and JCTV, as well as directs, lectures, and mentors through their platforms. She has successfully choreographed for a wide range of venues and individuals, including GX International (YWAM), Cisco Industrial, Corp Bara Dance Company, The Recipe Men (Former LA based dance company), Nikki “Faithful” Franklin, LeCrae, La Unbound, and most recently The RRBCS in Houston, Texas. Some recent fun performances include Firestone, HP, and the debut of “The Stories from The Shack” at Wamu Theater. Her ability to instruct all levels and numerous genres of dance has enabled her to instruct for the following: Edge Performing Arts Center, Debbie Reynolds Studio, Word In Motion’s Dance Festival, Cross Connection, Groove Street, Project Dance New York, and various intensives and master classes across the United States.  She currently tours with Dance Revolution, a well respected faith based dance convention. Misty is an innovator in all ways and has created her very own style “Tribal Funk”. She has developed something that many describe as a movement that impacts people through dance, music, and clothing. (Mistyrasconsmith.com).  Misty has a way of creating environments that challenge and encourage students to dance with and on purpose. “Always invest and be great at what you do, never forgetting the greatest investment will be in the people you encounter.” 

 Stephanie Brooks Martin is a NYC based performer, teacher, choreographer, and fitness instructor. National Tours: White Christmas, 42nd Street, Mamma Mia!; the equestrian show, Apassionata; USA and European tour with Ad Deum Dance Company. Regional productions: Swing!, Mary Poppins, Chicago and My Fair Lady. Commercials: Zips Dry Cleaning and Major Lazer's "Lay Your Head on Me" music video. TV: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”. Stephanie dances with the swing company, The Canarsie Wobblers. She received a BFA in Dance from the University of Arizona. Stephanie had the honor of restaging the original choreography of Tony-nominated choreographer Randy Skinner for the 42nd Street 2016 National Tour. 

Stephanie is a teaching artist at Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Project Dance, and a choreographer for the Westside YMCA’s Kids Company. Stephanie also has a heart for disaster relief and bringing the healing power of art to underserved areas. She volunteers with ASTEP, Sing for Hope, and has served as the outreach director and is the Co-founder of ALMA NYC. Represented by MSA Agency and a proud member of AEA. www.stephaniebrooks.org @steph.brooks.martin  

 Born in Iowa and attended Assumption High School in Davenport; currently resides in Santa Monica, CA. Christopher Kriesa is a prolific actor who has been in over a hundred films and TV series. He worked in the cult film Karate Kid, with Kirstie Alley in Carl Reiner film Summer School, opposite Jack Lemmon as Agent Kopeck in My Fellow Americans, co-starred with Tom Hanks in Robert Zemeckis film Cast Away as the pilot Kevin, and also worked in The Man Who Wasn't There by Joel and Ethan Coen as Officer Persky. Horror films include playing an older detective in Hellraiser: Inferno and Wes Craven's Shocker film as a security guard. Christopher is known to the German public primarily from splatter films by director Olaf Ittenbach (Legion of the Death, Beyond the Limits and Chain Reaction). Kriesa also starred in other B-Movie films, such as: Nautilus, The Meeting, House of Blood, Ibid, D.C. Sniper, American Zealot, Goy and Interpreters. 

 Actor, singer, dancer and writer who has performed in feature films, television, commercials and theater. Johnathan has been a lead singer of multiple bands that have performed around the country. He began performing at a young age and has continued since his move to Los Angles in 2003. That same year, he began working for the iconic Debbie Reynolds, who gave him the greatest gift ever: an entertainers dducation of a lifetime! For the next 15 years, John was a major part of the world-famous Debbie Reynolds Studio in North Hollywood, CA, where he was fortunate to witness countless stars rehearse for their performances in acting, dancing, and music. He has worked with multiple stars, including Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher, Arthur Duncan, Catherine Hickland, and Annie Semler. In addition, he trained under the world-renowned acting coach and television executive, Darryl Hickman, as well as actor and acting coach Max Decker. In 2015, Johnathan was asked to start teaching, thereby passing on the knowledge he acquired from his unique career. He has focused on teaching since that time and enjoys witnessing his students grow and guiding them to flourish in the Industry.

 Mike Muscat was an Army brat born in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and lived on or near several army bases growing up. His family settled in Gastonia, North Carolina, where he was bitten by the acting bug in a high-school drama class. He fell in love with it and knew that he wanted to be an actor when he grew up. While he never "grew up", he did pursue acting.

Over the past three decades Mike has built a career in film and TV, working on many front-rank projects. He has also worked behind the cameras as an on-set Acting Coach on several films including Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) (many of these films are listed along with most of his acting work on his IMDb page).

In between acting jobs, Mike works as a professional magician and balloon artist at large events and private parties, coaches actors and has written many magazine articles (mostly about skydiving) and several scripts.

He is a father and grandfather. He has one son and two grandsons. Mike Jr. is an accomplished martial arts instructor for Ryan Hoover Extreme Karate in Gastonia, NC. Mike Sr. is known as "Pappy" to his grandsons, Gabriel and Silas.  

 Johnny Cannizzaro was born on February 3rd in Brooklyn New York. He made his feature film debut in Clint Eastwoods Jersey Boys (2014) but was no stranger to the garden state having grown up there for the majority of his adolescent life. It was at a young age while acting in local theatre in which Johnny discovered that performing on stage was going to be his future. Not long after, Johnny found himself in piano lessons, dance class and singing lessons. With the full support of his family, Johnny relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. During his his time in Hollywood, he also discovered a talent for writing and began creating characters for himself to perform on stage. Johnny has since written several television pilots, a feature film, and a comedic stage play. He has a twin brother and older sister.   

 Nalani Wilson has over 25 years of teaching experience under her belt in dance, pilates, and fitness. She grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii where she trained in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hula, and hip hop with Ballet Hawaii, Mid Pacific Institute School of the Arts, House of I Hula Halau, and Honolulu Dance Studio. For over ten years, she was a member of Honolulu Dance Company and the Junior and Teen Co. Director before moving to Los Angeles in 1998. Shortly after, Nalani joined the original production team for The Choreographer's Carnival and also began teaching jazz and hip hop at Debbie Reynolds Studio in North Hollywood, CA. In 2001, Nalani created and took on the Director of Instructors role at Debbie Reynolds Studio and over the following seven years was responsible for bringing in the top instructors and choreographers in the nation to teach weekly classes and workshops. In this time, the studio’s growth was exponential and it became one of the most renowned as well as visited studios from around the world. 

Aside from Debbie Reynolds Studio, throughout her career, Nalani has taught and choreographed for numerous studios and recording artists and has many top-ranking state and national dance competition choreography pieces to her name. Currently, Nalani is the Operations Manager for Pilates Studio City, where she also enjoys teaching Pilates, Integrated Stretch, DaVinci BodyBoard, Total Body Burn, and Cardio Burn classes, along with private instruction. Whether teaching dance, stretch, or fitness, Nalani has a passion for helping people achieve their goals and to feel better in their bodies. She strives to continually acquire new skills and knowledge and applies her accumulated and diverse know-how into her teaching.

MASTER TEACHER

(THE BUSINESS OF SHOW BUSINESS) 

Dacia James is a creative executioner, known for her professional poise and her infectious smile.

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Bringing her high energy creativity to stages like the American Music Awards or the Grammy's, Dacia’s charismatic personality makes for a highly energetic and motivating environment that is inspiring to say the least. From early morning shows like Good Morning America to the Late Show with David Letterman, Dacia’s creative genius captivates audiences around the world.

A triple threat with a passion for creating quality entertainment, Dacia is not only an accomplished choreographer, but she is also a polished performer and a seasoned creative visionary. Experienced working with some of the best entertainers in the industry - from music performers like Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, and Mary J. Blige to working with actors such as Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, and Jamie Foxx. Her industry experience even extends to working with brands such as: Weight Watchers, Pantene Pro-V, and Wienerschnitzel, in addition to dozens of television shows, films, and commercials.

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When it comes to choreography, Dacia is a visualist who likes to pay close attention to detail in movement and sound, enticing the audience to not only see a performance but hear the elements of dance. She is technically trained in all areas of dance and is known for her groovalicious “swag” and southern influences. Her gifts lie in working with actors, artists, and dancers alike, to bring out the optimal performance that exudes confidence, spunk, style, and grace. 

 Mr. Andrew Black has performed from the stage of Carnegie Hall to the streets of Tokyo's DisneySea.  Favorite Credits include: Irving Berlin's White Christmas (Asst. Choreographer, Asst. Director, Dance Captain, and Swing), The First National Tour of 42nd Street (Bert Barry/ Pat Denning us), Thoroughly Modern Millie, (Dance Captain and Graydon us @ Gateway Playhouse), 42nd Street for Randy Skinner (Dance Captain and Swing) at the Westchester Broadway Dinner Theater, Tap Dogs, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat, Sugar, Singing in the Rain, Anything Goes, The Nationally Televised Tribute to Dudley Moore, Moon Over Buffalo, Lend Me a Tenor, Love, Sex and the IRS, “Freshly Tossed” @ NYMF for Ray Hesselink, Crazy Love (Barney and Asst. Choreographer) for the Off Square Theater in Jackson Hole, WY.  

He has choreographed over forty different shows and taught workshops for schools, theaters, and festivals across the planet including South Africa and Italy.  

His Tap and Theater Dance classes are technique based with an in-depth warm-up, and patterns that focus on fundamentals including turns, jumps, and clear rhythms.  Finally the combination is in a variety of styles from 1920’s Charleston, to 1940’s Swing to MGM style Fred and Ginger numbers to Elvis and even some modern music thrown in just for fun. 

Lionel Medina Jr. is a Portuguese-American actor, writer, and musician from San Diego, California. He began his career as a

stage actor, quickly gaining accolades among the theater community with awards such as “Best Actor” for his portrayal of John Proctor in “The Crucible” and Eddie in “Hurly Burly” as well as “Best Supporting Actor” for his portrayal of Dick Jensen in “The Best Man.”

Lionel moved to Los Angeles to transition from theater to on-screen acting, making his television debut in “The Suite Life of

Zack and Cody” and his film debut in “Chu and Blossom” starring Alan Cumming and Caitlin Stasey. Since coming to LA, Lionel has

studied with renowned acting coaches including Juan Castro, Milton Katselas, Chick Vennera, and Lee Aronsohn, who helped

him discover his passion for writing. Quickly finding his footing as a comedic writer and actor, Lionel has gone on to produce several

of his own projects with director Lee Aronsohn, co-creator of “Two and a Half Men” and “Big Bang Theory.” As a professional saxophone musician, comedic writer,

accomplished actor, and sketch comedian, Lionel is a well-rounded, multi-talented artist who is well on his way to achieving

his ultimate goal of creating and starring in his own sitcoms and films.

Tiffany Phillips is a highly accomplished, multi-talented actress, singer and dancer who began her career in the New York Theatre and has since gone on to appear in numerous television shows and films. From recurring as BNC News Anchor “Angela Raines” on “Scandal to playing a sinister warrior Skinwalker named “Dark Spirit” on MTV’s Teen Wolf or the fictional

1950’s film star Cynthia Beckley in the award winning dramatic film “Daughter Of Fortune,” Tiffany has an exceptional range and chameleon-like ability to morph into a multitude of different characters. Aside from her TV/Film credits, Tiffany was the lead background vocalist for Michael Bolton’s world tour and she also wrote and starred in her smash hit and critically acclaimed one woman play “I Never Met a Jerk I Didn’t Like”

where she played 10 different characters (both men and women), which sold out theatre venues in both Los Angeles and Off Broadway in New York. Currently; the comedy series “Ethnically Ambiguous” that she

created, wrote and starred in can be seen on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/c/NunoonProductionsLLC

Website: www.itstiffanyphillips.com 

IG/Twitter: @iamtiffanyp

  De’Mar Jovan Singleton (D’Jae Storm), native to the Midwest, received his Bachelors of Arts in Choreography and focus in Cultural Studies from Columbia College Chicago in 2010. While pursuing his degree in Dance, he was an apprentice at Deeply Rooted Dance Theater where he received intense training in various styles of Modern technique such as Dunham, Horton, Graham and AfroPyrogramics, alongside multiple styles of Ballet and African, and performed Company repertoire at large venues for several years. Upon obtaining his degree, D'Jae relocated and is currently a self-represented Freelance Artist. He has since worked as a company member with Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company, L.A. Choreographers and Dancers, “Flirt” directed by Justine Menter, LA street crews “D.4.B.P.” and “S.N.W.A.”. He has also worked on staff with Debbie Reynolds Studio, Chris Stokes, and Slick Rick, and has made professional appearances with Intel, Samsung, Taylor Swift, Akon, Maroon 5, Cedric The Entertainer, Chris Brown, Jayden and Willow Smith, and Kanye West.  He has gained ample experience in assisting Reegan Haynes (RMHMovement) and her stylized Technique “AfroFuzion” for many years and is currently Associate Director of RMH Dance Roots Company. D'Jae holds the patience to work with beginners and exudes the intense push that the working dancer needs to continue to grow. With a multitude of styles in D'Jae's background, when relaying information to students, he is more capable of using proper terminology and/or imagery to aid students in understanding movement. One thing he is thankful for is to be able to share with others that although there may be a definition to the movement or material being discovered in a dance, the dancer still has to Invest, Get Involved, and Present Themselves where they are in that moment to the dance. This process is what creates art and tells a story, and that is the capability, freedom, and gift that dance can bring!  

FREDERICKA MEEK can bench press 4 pounds blindfolded and is fully prepped for

the zombie apocalypse. Fredericka starred as Anarcha Westcott in the world premiere of

Unsung Sheroes, an Encore Producer’s Pick at the Hollywood Fringe Festival and an

official selection in the 2020 Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. Fredericka recently

performed in the pre-Broadway workshop of Car Wash the Musical: The Norman

Whitfield Story where she played Bunny, Norman’s niece and a hopeless romantic.

Partial TV & Film: Mommies: An American Parody, Dak Tandy, Willing and

Able, Blackbird***, Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop, F/X’s Anger Management,

ABC’s Work It, TBS’s CONAN, TNT’s Franklin & Bash, NBC’s Tonight Show, Fox

TV's Head Cases, ABC’s General Hospital (recurring). Recipient of an NAACP

Theatre Award for Best Supporting Blactress, this rising star is no stranger to the

comedy scene, headlining Comedy Festivals in both LA and abroad, winning Best

Ensemble Cast and Best Comedy Series at LAWeb Fest, and being nominated for Best

Comedy Short at the Trail Dance Film Festival. Tours:”Legally Prohibited from

Being Funny on Television”, CelticFusion. She is extremely proud to be a part of

the Rising Storytellers Search with her talented and beautiful sisterfriends and

writing partners Karla Mosley and Chante Carmel.

IG: FrederickaPatricia. Twitter: @FrederickaMeek

MASTER CLASS TEACHER

 Lizz is so thankful to be living the dream, in NYC! Represented by CESD Talent Agency, she teaches full-time at Broadway Dance Center when she is not touring the country, performing, or traveling the world, teaching. Most recently, Lizz performed and served as Dance Captain, Associate Dir., and Associate Chor., in Tony-nominee Denis Jones’ production of Chicago! Around the country, Lizz has starred as Cassie in A Chorus Line, The-Girl-in-the-Green-Dress in Singin’ in the Rain, played Tess in Crazy For You, Virtue in Anything Goes, Dawn in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Gertie Cummings in Oklahoma!, Ruth in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, West Side Story, On The Town, When You Wish, Beauty and the Beast and Sister Act. She has had the opportunity to serve as Associate Dir.,/Chor. to some of the industry’s best. (Follow along for some exciting updates: @lizzpicini !)