Jamal Sims

Jamal Sims is a self-taught dancer and award-winning choreographer and director whose career launched with a role in Michael Jackson’s Remember the Time. He broke into choreography with Usher’s You Make Me Wanna and went on to choreograph major films including Step Up, Encanto, Hairspray, Aladdin, 13: The Musical, Girls Trip, and Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies—which he also directed an episode of.

On television, Jamal has worked on Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, the Academy Awards, and is the longtime resident choreographer for RuPaul’s Drag Race and Celebrity Drag Race. His directorial debut, When the Beat Drops, a documentary about the underground dance style “bucking,” won Outstanding Documentary at Outfest in 2018.

Jamal has earned four Emmy nominations for his choreography on projects like Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, and RuPaul’s Drag Race. His extensive music video and stage credits include work with Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Usher, Miley Cyrus, Outkast, and the Spice Girls.

Dana Wilson

Dana Wilson became well known for performing on three world tours and countless performances alongside Justin Timberlake but her feature in Dance Magazine declares her “Anything But A Backup Dancer”. You can spot her work in Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated stop motion Pinocchio, she was an associate choreographer on the film “In The Heights”, she served as the pre-production movement coach for Baz Luhrmann’s “ELVIS”, she makes up one third of the wildly imaginative Seaweed Sisters, and her podcast “Words That Move Me” has landed in Apples top 100 Performing Arts Podcasts multiple times! No matter where Dana is, screen, stage, studio, or in your headphones, she is sure to bring a smile to every face.

Jennifer Jones

Jennifer Jones, born in Newark, New Jersey, is an award-winning performer and civil rights advocate known for breaking racial barriers in the arts. In 1987, she made history as the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette, ending a decades-long discriminatory policy and ushering in a new era of inclusion. She debuted nationally during the Super Bowl XXII Halftime Show in 1988.

Jones later performed in the Tony Award-winning 2001 Broadway revival of 42nd Street and was crowned Miss Morris County in 1989 as its first African American titleholder. Her inspiring journey was honored by the Harlem School of the Arts in 2016 and continues through her memoir, Becoming Spectacular, and her 2023 children’s book On the Line: The First African American Rockette, published by HarperCollins.

A survivor of Stage III colorectal cancer diagnosed in 2018, Jones now advocates for early detection and health equity in the African American community. Her legacy of courage, talent, and advocacy continues to inspire generations.

Saleemah Knight

Saleemah E. Knight is an internationally recognized dancer, choreographer, TV personality, educator, and interdisciplinary artist known for her dynamic work across concert and commercial dance. She is a founding faculty member and professor at the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, where she teaches Jazz technique, dance theory, and cultural studies.

Knight holds a BFA from the University of Arizona (Magna Cum Laude) and an MFA from UC Irvine. Her performance credits include Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, and numerous high-profile televised events. She has also worked with top artists like Daddy Yankee, Wisin, and Wiz Khalifa, and choreographed for major productions, fashion shows, and benefit concerts.

Trained in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, and Hip Hop, Knight has studied at premier institutions and with leading dance companies. She is a sought-after master teacher and speaker, having taught globally and appeared in UPROOTED: The Journey of Jazz Dance, alongside legends like Debbie Allen and Chita Rivera. Knight also leads a lifestyle brand, Shop Saleemah, and is deeply committed to arts education, outreach, and empowering the next generation of artists.

Misty Lown

Misty Lown is an internationally recognized dance educator, speaker, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the dance industry. She is the founder of Misty’s Dance Unlimited and More Than Just Great Dancing!®, and currently serves as President of Schools at Ensemble Schools, overseeing 80 music and dance schools nationwide. Her work has shaped the landscape of dance education, empowering both dancers and studio owners to pursue excellence in artistry, business, and personal growth.

Misty is known for her holistic and inspiring teaching style, having trained thousands of dancers to develop not only technical skill but also confidence, artistry, and character. She has created professional training programs for dance educators, helping teachers build sustainable, purpose-driven careers. Her influence extends to major industry conferences, where she regularly presents at events such as Studio Owner University, Dance Teacher Summit, Toronto Dance Teacher Expo, and the Australian Teachers of Dance, among many others. She recently led a training for 240 students at the CLI Conservatory in Massachusetts on beginning a career in teaching dance.

Beyond the dance world, Misty is also a serial entrepreneur, managing businesses like Willow & Grace Boutique, EduCare LLC, and Ironside Self Storage. She founded the Chance to Dance Foundation and volunteers with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club. Deeply rooted in her faith and family life, Misty lives in La Crosse, Wisconsin, with her husband Mitch and their five children.

Alicia Graf Mack

Alicia Graf Mack is the Dean and Director of Juilliard Dance, becoming the first Black person and youngest ever to hold the position. A former principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet, she has performed with artists like Beyoncé and John Legend and at major festivals including Vail Dance Festival and Fall for Dance.

Alicia holds a BA in history from Columbia University and an MA in nonprofit management from Washington University in St. Louis. She is a Dance Magazine Award recipient, Columbia Medal of Excellence honoree, and was named an American Innovator by Smithsonian magazine. Her writing has been featured in Dance Magazine, Pointe, and Dance Spirit, where she authored the landmark cover story on diversity.

A dedicated educator, Alicia has taught at multiple universities and co-founded D(n)A Arts Collective to mentor young dancers. She currently serves on several boards and hosts the Moving Moments podcast. She lives in South Orange, NJ, with her husband and two children.

Our diverse and inspiring faculty offers thoughtfully designed classes for educators, providing essential tools for engaging and effective teaching. Discover what each faculty member will be teaching by simply hovering over their photo.

PRODUCERS

THE ESSENCE OF CLASSICAL BALLET (M)
In this class, we will explore the connective tissue of classical Ballet technique and the development of Artistry and discuss the necessity of equal emphasis on both as a pathway to the education of a finished dancer in this genre.

FOUNDATION & PRINCIPLES OF BALLET/SETTING CLASS STRUCTURE (M)

Jason
Ambrose

SONIC EMBODIMENT (M)
This course will provide you with an in-depth kinetic understanding of musical structure and Rhythmic analysis. It aims to equip students with the musical vocabulary required to communicate effectively with musicians and expand their unique embodied musical potential. We will use process-oriented problem-solving activities to explore concepts such as rhythmic displacement, polyrhythm, and syncopation. The class asks us to consider how heightened musical awareness impacts our dance, improvisation, and choreography.

Rhythm/Musicality/History

Jeremy
Arnold

Tap

Enhancing Your Brand (collab w/Chloe Arnold)

Maud
Arnold

Commercial Hip Hop (M)
Combining the feel and foundational grooves of street styles with the technique and precision of other classical genres.

Nick Bass

Hip Hop (M)

In my class, I’m all about pushing the limits of movement and discovering the joy in growth while having a great time; we’ll dive into ways to articulate choreography correctly, all while encouraging students to express their individuality and shine in their own unique way.

Inclusivity and Special Needs in Dance (L)

Focuses on Inclusivity by equipping teachers with the tools to welcome individuals with special abilities and learning challenges, encouraging a supportive environment where it is essential that these students have the same experience as others, while showcasing effective strategies to implement in their own classes.

Kassidy Bright

Hip Hop

Collab w/Chonique

Lisette Bustemante

Ballet FUNdamentals (M)
Developing creative ways to make ballet class relative and interesting to the dance community without losing the importance of it as a foundational technique as it pertains to all styles of dance and all dance levels.

Professional Paths for the Ballet Dancer
Explores the multitude of different professional paths for your concert dancer and how to navigate that transition from studio to stage!

Duncan Cooper

THOUGHTS ON GUIDING AN INSPIRED IMPROV EXPERIENCE (M)
In this class, we will discuss language and prompts that can be useful in guiding inclusive and playful improvisational experiences, we will also put some of these tools into practice.

THOUGHTS ON CROSS-TRAINING AND INJURY/PAIN MANAGEMENT IN DANCERS (M/L)
In this class, we will discuss ideas about creating a baseline of fitness for dancing athletes that will promote longevity in the art form. We will also discuss how to navigate pain and injury in young artists.

Jenn Freeman

Hip Hop

Hannah Gossett

FINDING YOUR ARTISTRY THROUGH YOUR EXCELLENCE

Robert Green

Commercial Choreography (M)

“Andye J's class is a fusion of fluidity, precision, and raw expression, blending commercial choreography with musicality and storytelling.”

Andye J

GYROKINESIS (M)
This gentle and joyful movement method addresses the entire body, enhancing deeper body awareness, increasing range of motion, and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences.

LYRICAL FUNDAMENTALS (M)

A class for all levels and abilities with a focus on the fundamentals of lyrical dance. We will dive into clarity of form, fluidity, seamless transitions and soulful expression of music.

Chris Jacobsen

JAZZ PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUE (M)
Bringing back the basics of weight exchange, traveling, body language and sequencing through progressions and short combo.

Caroline Lewis Jones

COMMERCIAL STYLE JAZZ (M)
A stylized jazz class and a list of progressions across the floor.

Marcea Lane

Jazz Funk (M)

Come to move and groove with Sienna Lyons for a high-energy, confidence-boosting Jazz Funk class!

Sienna Lyons

BUILDING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

AGES 3-12 (L)
Approaches to effective classroom management.

STAGES OF CHILD DEVELOP (L)
Assessing and addressing age-appropriate curriculum Kindergarten - 5th.

Lindsey Morgan

NERVOUS SYSTEM SECRETS (L)
Minute to Win it exercises that allow the mind/body to feel calm and centered quickly.

ARTISTS AND ATHLETES INITIATIVE (AAI)
Functional and practical tools to fuel the total well-being of you and your dancers.

Gina Pero

Contemporary

Floorwork & Transitions

Sabrina Phillip

Ballet For Beginners (M)
Movement class includes exercises, music selection, and interactive learning for an unconventional ballet class that will inspire babies to beginners with their love for ballet from the start!

Preparation for Prospective

College Dance Majors
Gain knowledge and information that helps prepare your trained and technical dancers to understand the landscape of their next big move: College Dance!

Judy Rice

Unconventional Jazz (M)
A movement class incorporating familiar foundation's of classic jazz with layers of uncommon patterns, shapes, and timing.

The Choreographer's Toolbox
A seminar class aiming to create new tools and modalities for choreography as well as aid in breaking through choreography blocks.

Derrick Schrader

Jazz Progressions Tip and Tricks (M)

Learn about Jackie Sleight's iconic jazz progressions and how to implement them into your own studios' jazz program.

Jackie Sleight

Jazz / Across The Floor

How To Improve Your Technical Judging Score

DJ Smart

Hip Hop

Collab w/Lisette

Chonique Sneed

Building a Strong Recreational Foundation Program in Your Studio (L)

Equip dance instructors with strategies to create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging recreational dance program that attracts new students, fosters long-term retention, and builds a strong, progressive curriculum tailored to various age groups and skill levels.

Creating a New Teaching Vibe that Attracts Dancers and Prevents Burnout for You as the Teacher (L)

Explore how to create a unique teaching vibe by blending energy, empathy, and professionalism, while also providing strategies for managing your energy, setting healthy boundaries, and avoiding burnout to maintain passion and sustainability in your dance career.

Julie Kay Stallcup

Building Execution from the Ground Up (M)
Experience a structure based hip hop dance class that will motivate you to design your class process for building dancers with strong execution technique.

Gigi Torres

THE HUMAN BEHIND THE DANCER (L/M)
Human Movement for the Youth Artist/Athlete.

ARTISTS AND ATHLETES INITIATIVE (AAI) Caroline, Gina & Robert) (L)
A workshop Providing Functional and practical quick and easy wellness tools for dancers to be able to:
1. Increase energy through awareness of food and hydration
2. Optimize body awareness and flexibility to reduce injury
3. Increase attention span and positive thinking to handle nerves and stress better

Robert Tsai

Jazz (M)

Staying Current and Rooted in Jazz History (L): This class blends the rich history of jazz dance with its modern evolution, focusing on foundational techniques, cultural context, and creative expression to help students stay rooted in tradition.