Stepping into his first dance class, Chris Jacobsen felt himself come alive. A connection with the art was created that has guided him through life since that moment. His journey of creative discovery continued while attending The San Francisco School of the Arts, where he studied Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Afro-Haitian. Armed with a deeper understanding of dance, he then began to experiment with the art of choreography. In 1999, Chris established The Dance Company of San Francisco. As the Artistic Director, he created an alternative environment for passionate dancers to explore the art of dance with less focus on commercial standards and more on personal growth. Continuing through to today, the desire to share his passion consistently challenges his dancers to exceed their perceived capabilities. Chris has been traveling nationally with the highly acclaimed dance convention Adrenaline Dance Inc since its inception in 2003. He continues to teach and create choreographic works for companies and schools across North America. He is the co-director and founding member of The Dance Sessions. Chris is driven to educate dancers in a loving and safe environment, so his students can enlighten and inspire each other with their own passion. He continues to seek out new philosophies and information to enhance his students and his own life. He is YPAD™️ certified and a GYROKINESIS®️, GYROTONIC®️certified trainer. He welcomes all to his classes and invites us to be present and let go of expectations.

Anthony Morigerato is a tap dancer, producer, director, content creator, writer, and Emmy nominated choreographer. He is the executive producer and artistic director for AM Dance Productions, which counts with a long list of short films and live theatrical shows productions and the founder and co-director of Operation: Tap, an online forum dedicated to immersing tap dancing into the public’s consciousness. Anthony worked as a tap dance teacher, performer, and adjudicator for NUVO Dance Convention from 2010-2020 and as a performer, was a soloist and member of Michael Minery’s Tapaholics; a soloist and associate choreographer for Stacey Tookey’s Still Motion, and also soloist for various tap dance festivals, benefits, industrials, seminars, and performances since 1999. He has appeared as a choreographer and/or a performer on several television shows and holds the world record for “most tap sounds in one minute”. Anthony is an accomplished dancer in multiple disciplines, having received his dance education and training from the Marymount Manhattan College, where he has also recently done choreographic residencies. He is an artist in residence at the American Tap Dance Foundation and recently performed and had choreography featured in Ayodele Casel: Chasing Magic (2021), presented by The Joyce Theater in NYC. Anthony continues to travel as a teacher and choreographer for dance organizations, festivals, competitions, theater schools, and dance studios all over the world.

Jeremy Arnold earned his MFA in Dance and Social Justice from the University of Texas at Austin in May 2020. He is an alumnus of the tap program at The School at Jacob’s Pillow under the direction of Michelle Dorrance. Jeremy was a principal dancer with Tapestry Dance Company from 2014 through 2017, performing in the United States and abroad and was and featured in the PBS docuseries Arts In Context. Before joining Tapestry, Jeremy toured nationally with Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers. From 2015 through 2020, Jeremy was a lecturer on the faculty of University of Texas at Austin dance department, teaching courses in rhythm tap, jazz, composition, and music theory. He served as artistic director for several mainstage productions. Since 2013, Jeremy has worked with Charles O Anderson’s Dance Theatre X, performing in and choreographing works which premiered at American Dance Festival, MANCC at Florida State University, The Fuzebox Festival, and The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. In 2020, he was associate director of and performed in the dance film (Re)current Unrest, described by Sightlines Magazine as a “masterpiece.” Jeremy has served on the faculty of many tap festivals including Soul 2 Soul, True Sound Rhythm Festival, Riff, Phoenix Tap Fest, Little Rock Tap Fest, and SynCoPate. His work has been commissioned by Tap Ties, Third Coast Rhythm Project and Tapestry Dance Company. He tours nationally with Revive Dance Convention and National Dance Honors. Most recently, Jeremy can be seen dancing alongside Karissa Royster in Mood Indigo, a short dance film produced by Amplified Productions. Jeremy is an avid bird watcher, huge Philadelphia sports fan and coffee enthusiast.

Katy Spreadbury received her early training from Diane Kelley, Kathy Kozul, Carol Somers, Sherri Moore-Nikitas, and Terri Gordon. Katy was a member of the Burncoat Fine Arts Magnet Program throughout her middle and high school years. She spent her summers training and performing with Ballet Workshop of New England under the direction of Jacqueline Cronsberg. As a youth, Katy received numerous accolades and awards for outstanding achievements in dance. She was named Capezio’s Future Star, a featured artist in Dance Magazine, and a cover model for Dance Spirit. Upon moving to NYC, Katy began her professional career performing alongside legends Ben Vereen and Karen Ziemba. She is now sought after as a guest artist, and was most recently featured as a soloist at the International Film Festival in Dubai. In addition to dancing, Katy has been working as an educator for over 10 years. She has taught for Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway as well as colleges and dance schools all over the world. She has had the great pleasure of assisting Emmy Award nominated choreographer, Mandy Moore in setting new work for the Los Angeles Ballet, and was featured on the cover of Dance Teacher Magazine in 2012. Katy is most widely known for her work on the convention circuit. She is currently the ballet teacher for JUMP Dance Convention where she is known as a motivator, positive spirit, and fountain of knowledge. Katy continues to remain in high demand throughout the country as a teacher who wants to make a difference.

Starting dance at the late age of 16 and beginning his formal ballet training a year later, Jason Ambrose, of Virginia Beach, VA., began his studies at the Virginia Beach Ballet Academy under the direction of Ana Maria Martinez. He furthered his training at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School where he danced roles in company productions such as Terrance Orr’s “The Nutcracker” and Derek Deane’s “Alice in Wonderland”. Jason has had the opportunity to study closely with teachers such as Hector Zaraspe, Marina Stavitskaya, Deborah Wingert, Daniel Ulbricht, Andrei Bossov, and the late Peter O’Brian. He is an alumnus of the Ellison Ballet Professional Training Program where he was coached and mentored by master teacher Edward Ellison. Jason has been recognized as “a rapidly rising choreographic talent”. His work has been featured in the annual Dance Against Cancer Benefit Gala (NYC), the Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition Closing Gala and has been invited to be performed in the Youth America Grand Prix, (YAGP), closing gala in Lincoln Center. He has choreographed for and coached numerous Top Three winners in the YAGP Contemporary and Classical Solo Categories and was also a coach to the 2020 Prix de Lausanne Second Prize Winner. Jason received the 2020 WBAC Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award. In 2021 Jason was featured in Pointe Magazine and Dance Magazine. Jason was personally invited by St. Petersburg Conservatory Dean and former Mariinsky (Kirov Ballet) Director, Oleg Vinogradov, to St. Petersburg, Russia as the first African American to enroll in their Ballet Masters and Choreographers Degree Program and to dance with the Ballet Theatre of the St. Petersburg Conservatoire. Jason travels the country, and internationally, as a guest ballet teacher and classical and contemporary choreographer. Ambrose has served as Resident Choreographer for Ellison Ballet, NYC, and Ballet Master at Elite Classical Coaching in Frisco, Texas. He is currently Artist in Residence at Elite Classical Coaching and a Full Time Men’s Teacher at the San Francisco Ballet School.

Adam Peterson was born in 1989 in Sacramento, California. In 2011, he graduated after studying jazz at the Dominican University and ballet at Alonzo King LINES Ballet. In January 2012, he set foot on Dutch turf as a young, unemployed dancer. The friend he was staying with in Groningen brought an audition at the City Theater in Oldenburg, where Guy Weizman and Roni Haver were “choreographers in residence,” to his attention. He went to it naively and unpreparedly, not knowing very much about the company or anything at all about Guy and Roni. He was not accepted, but instead was offered a spot on the spot in Club Guy & Roni. Back in Groningen, he quickly did some Googling and found out to his great surprise (and his slight shame) that the dance video that had inspired him to come to Europe was made by . . . Club Guy & Roni. It obviously had to turn out this way. What he finds most wonderful about the Club is that the “band of idiots” still knows how to surprise and inspire him, both professionally and personally.

Maddison started dancing when she was 3 years old. She is proud to be starting her 10th year on staff with first Adrenaline Dance Convention and now Revive Dance Convention. She was a founding member of Westside Dance Project under the direction of Jessie Hartley, she was a member of Soul Escape the Company for 3 years under the direction of Justin Giles, and she is a current member of Feemove Dance Company under the direction of Jenn Freeman. Maddison just returned from a yearlong training program with the Hubbard Street Pre-Professional Company where she had the opportunity to train with Alexandra Wells, Peter Chu, Ryan Mason, Sarah Cullen Fuller, Meredith Dincolo, Rena Butler, Adam Barruch, and David Northsworthy. Maddison’s TV credits include The Cleaner, Victorious, & a Ubi Soft Commercial for Just Dance 2. Maddison travels around the country teaching award winning choreography to various studios in addition to guest classes. She has a gift and passion for teaching that is evident in her classes and her choreography.

Matt Luck is a contemporary dancer and choreographer based in Los Angeles, CA. Presently, Luck dances as a part of The TL Collective. Recent performances include works premiered at Vilar PAC’s Residency Program, Jacob’s Pillow, Springboard Danse Montréal and The Wallis Center for Performing Arts, each choreographed by Micaela Taylor. In addition to other international performances, Luck has traveled throughout the United States and Europe instructing classes. He is currently training alongside performing artist Adam Linder in Los Angeles and producing stage work for the band Fig’s Vision. Matt is represented for commercial work by Clear Talent Group and is looking forward to his fourth season with The TL Collective.

Born and raised in Northern California, Alex Blitstein’s dance career began after over a decade of gymnastics training. Alex earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance and Science from San Diego State University. His passion for dance education paired with a strong technical background has granted him wonderful opportunities to spread his knowledge and love of dance and choreography around the world. Alex was an original staff/faculty member of 24 Seven Dance Convention and has also been a guest faculty member on NUVO, JUMP, and Hollywood Connection Dance Conventions. He is currently the Executive Director of Marketing for Showbiz and Primetime National Talent Competitions. Some of Alex’s credits include: Jennifer Lopez, Glee, American Idol’s Jessica Sanchez, Disney Channel, FOX networks Mobbed, America’s Got Talent, and dancing in national commercials and industrials for FIAT, Esteé Lauder, Adidas, Genetech, Flash Mob America, and more. As a sought after dance educator and choreographer, Alex has found himself around the globe working in many different arenas aside from his time spent at competitive studios, universities and with professional companies. Most recently Alex was in Germany and Turkey where he was the assistant choreographer for the new production of Robinson Club’s entertainment sector. Prior to that he was in Tokyo, Japan where he was contracted by the Japanese talent agency, Johnny’s and Associates, training some of Japan’s most famous boy bands and solo artists.

Coming from the San Francisco Bay Area, Will Johnston received the majority of his training at A.K.A Dance Company under the direction of Kelly and Alex Velasquez. Will holds an M.F.A. in Dance from the University of California: Irvine as well as a B.F.A in Dance Performance, a B.F.A in Dance Choreography, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Credits include Clear Talent Group, Tayeh Dance, Still Motion, Soul Escape, Wade Robson Creations, So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, Dance Camera West, Glee, The Late Show with James Corden Show, Son Lux, Sigur Ros, FARR, Deborah Cox, Jordin Sparks, X Ambassadors, Sofia Reyes, Katy Perry, Rita Ora, Khalid, Ben Platt, and Kelly Clarkson. In addition, Will is the co-director of Entity Contemporary Dance and a faculty member at West Coast Dance Explosion and Chapman University. He has taught and choreographed across the United States, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, and South Korea.

Originally from Buffalo New York, Angel Mammoliti is a dancer/choreographer/educator currently based in Los Angeles and represented by Clear Talent Group. She graduated from the University at Buffalo with BA in Fine Arts in Dance and a BA in Psychology all while training with the Joffrey School of Ballet in New York City and The Conteur Academy in Toronto, Canada. She is a member of Entity Contemporary Dance directed by Marissa Osato and Will Johnston. Angel has worked and performed with concert companies such as The Phoenix Ballet directed by Slawmoir Wozniak Sr. and Conteur Dance directed by Eryn Waltman. Angel has appeared on televised shows such as the Latin American Music Awards, American Country Music Awards, Lucifer, Stumptown and has worked with companies such as Intel, Paramount Pictures and National Parks Project. She has worked with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Flo Rida, Ludacris, Miguel, The Dixie Chicks, Carly Rae Jepson, Ingrid Michaelson, Little Big Town, Maluma, Price Royce, Alvaro, Wisin y Yandel, Anitta and toured with Viktoria Modesta. Angel has taught and performed internationally in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Mexico as well Master Ballet Academy in Arizona, Edge Performing Arts Center, Kinjaz Dojo, and Movement Lifestyle in Los Angeles. She currently is on staff with Hollywood Vibe Dance Convention as a professional assistant, teacher, and adjudicator. Her style blends her technical jazz and ballet training with explorative movement pathways and diverse musicality creating a fusion of styles that can range from contemporary ballet to jazz-modern fusion.

Miss Amy graduated from Chapman University with her B.A. in Communications. During her first year at Chapman University she won the “Freshman Dancer of the Year.” Amy has been dancing since the young age four and is very grateful for all the talented teachers she has had along the way. She has been a S.A.G. member for many years after working on commercials for Mattel Barbie, Cabbage Patch Kids, Knott’s Berry Farm, Trix Cereal, CSI New York as well as working on films with Steven Spielberg and David Spade. She has worked with and assisted many Los Angeles based choreographers such as, Mandy Moore, Justin Giles and Stephen “Twitch” Boss for Fox TV’s Hit Show “So You Think You Can Dance.” Amy has been teaching contemporary throughout California for the past ten years but is most excited to call OCPAA her new home!

Jared Baker (Fort Worth, TX) began his dance training at Dance Concept, under the direction of Debbi Jo Utter and Leslie Senevey. While there, he became a member of the Tremaine Performance Company, assisting and performing across the country. He then was accepted into the School of Dance at the University of Arizona where he received his BFA in Dance and was awarded the 2013 Creative Achievement Award. Upon beginning his master’s degree at The University of Arizona in 2018, Jared was awarded the University Fellows Award, the most prestigious award in the Graduate College. In 2020, he received his MFA in Dance and was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant for the School of Dance. Jared is a four-time finalist for The Choreography Festival (2012, 2013, 2014, 2019) in Palm Desert, CA and was the winner of the 2012 International Choreography Competition at Jazz Dance World Congress. He has set work on Fusionworks Dance Company, competed in the Inaside Choreographic Sponsorship Event, and was a 2014 finalist for the prestigious Capezio A.C.E. Awards. He has guest taught all over the country, including at the Millennium Dance Complex Chicago, Houston School of the Visual and Performing Arts, and The University of Arizona. As a performer, Jared was a founding member of Bree Hafen’s [+]Space where he performed in Dallas and NYC. While living in Chicago, he performed in Thodos New Dances as well as the Inaside Choreographic Sponsorship Event. In 2016, Jared moved to Sacramento, CA where he became a full-time company member of CORE Contemporary Dance, as well as the Assistant Artistic Director for the 2017-2018 season. He now resides in Milwaukee, WI where he has established his own professional dance company, Nova Linea Contemporary Dance.

Kim began training as a dancer at three years old. From the very start, she loved every second of dance. By age eight, she was training in ballet 30 hours a week, and at 12 years old she received 3rd in the nation at a National Tap Event sponsored by tap industry legend Gregory Hines. Mr. Hines was so impressed with Kim that he traveled to her studio in Dallas to give her a private lesson. At 24 years old, Kim moved to L.A., where she quickly achieved success, booking jobs with celebrities such as Britney Spears, N’Sync and Michael Jackson, among many others. As well as working in films with stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. Despite her growing career, Kim felt drawn to teaching and decided to focus her career strictly on training dancers. As a teacher, ​Kim first joined Adrenaline on the convention circuit before being picked up by the largest dance convention in the world, JUMP. For six years, Kim taught everything from ballet and jazz to hip-hop, interacting with thousands of students a week. After that experience, Kim joined NUVO as the Children’s Director. Focusing on technical development, she gained a reputation for inspiring young dancers to be more than excellent performers, but also excellent people. The longer she taught, the more other instructors wanted to learn from Kim. In city after city, Kim’s teacher seminars drew huge crowds as she motivated countless instructors to be the best educator and role model they could be for their students. Additionally, many of her own students have gone on to achieve incredible success, working with some of the most talented artists in the dance and film industry. These experiences led Kim to retire from the convention circuit to focus on the success of her unique Changing Lives program. Kim now travels across the country, working directly with studios to educate their faculty and implement her teaching philosophy, along with speaking engagements, parent seminars, and business consulting. With Kim’s experience and reputation in the industry, she enjoys strong relationships with a wide range of teachers and choreographers. As well as teaching young students, her mission now includes training others to be leading mentors and trainers in the dance world.

Born and raised in Orlando, David Moore was influenced by dance through music videos and concert tours at the age of 16. Most of his training in his early years consisted of many hours in front of the TV learning choreography from any and everything dance related. At the age of 20, David was a contestant on MTV’s Wade Robson Project and became a top 4 finalist. He decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue a dancing and choreography career. Since then, he’s worked for Hanna Montana (aka Miley Cyrus), Busta Ryhmes, Pepsi, Adidas, Nike, Monsters of Hophop, American Idol, and is currently a judge and choreographer on Germany’s So You Think You Can Dance (VIVA Dancestars), and has made recent guest choreographer appearances on Ukraine’s So You Think You Can Dance. His passion for teaching has taken him all around the world teaching workshops and conventions year round. Most recently he choreographed and directed the Kidzbop World Tour for Disney, a 42 city arena tour. This year David can be seen in the dance movie Boogietown, and he is already set to teach out of the country in Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Switzerland, Japan, and Australia to name a few. He hopes to spread his passion and desire to make history in the entertainment industry all over the world.

Ivan Koumaev hails from Russia, coming to the US at the ripe age of 8 years old. He began dancing at age 13 in Seattle, WA where he immediately fell in love with the art. He quickly transformed from student to contributing member of the community, and one of the leaders of Team Boogiezone Breed – Seattle. At age 16, Ivan moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue dance as a career where he remained an integral part of Team Boogiezone – OC. Just as Ivan reached adulthood at age 18, he was chosen to be one of the 20 finalists on the 2nd Season of Fox’s hit series So You Think You Can Dance. He quickly wowed the crowd with his talent and moved ahead to the top 6, landing him a spot on the US tour of the Live Show. Following his success on the show, he continued his training in New York, Virginia and eventually settled back in Los Angeles. ​ Ivan has since worked with the likes of Jason Derulo, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Usher, Chris Brown, and Ne-Yo for various music videos, awards/TV shows and live performances. Most recently he performed in the 20/20 Experience World Tour with Justin Timberlake. He can be spotted in commercials such as Microsoft and Pepsi, and can be seen in feature films including Step Up 3D, Footloose, and Rock of Ages.

As Justin Timberlake’s choreographer and artistic director for almost 20 years, Marty Kudelka is a five time MTV Video Award Nominee and Winner of Best Choreography for Suit and Tie and My Love. He has choreographed numerous performances for Timberlake including the Superbowl, the Oscars, the MTV Video Music Awards, the Grammy Awards, the Brit Awards, and the ESPY Awards. Marty has been a driving creative force for Timberlake’s music videos, television performances and his 4 solo world tours. He has also worked his magic choreography for such artists as Mariah Carey, JLO, Pink, Janet Jackson, One Direction, The Backstreet Boys, JLS, Sean Kingston, Jason Derulo, Joe Jonas, Bebe Rexha, and Tinashe. Marty has also choreographed numerous feature films including Trolls and Rollerball in addition to commercial ad campaigns for brands including Target, Coca-Cola, Wild Turkey, Tommy Hilfiger, Old Navy, McDonald’s, and Citroen. Marty has been a featured choreographer for Dancing With The Stars, and So You Think You Can Dance. Most recently Marty worked as Co-Director for the highly successful Dancing With the Stars Live Tour.

Ricky Maalouf started dancing at a late age while at Arizona State University. While starting out dancing at ASU and with various NBA and WNBA teams in Arizona, he also danced with recording artist Yasmeen, who opened for Omarion, and danced for the professional dance company Automatic Response who were featured on Americas Best Dance Crew, opening for My Chemical Romance and Fergie while also working with Dillards, LRG, Kiss FM amongst others. However, he quickly developed a true passion for teaching. His teaching has helped with several of his students having danced with artists such as Justin Bieber, Missy Elliot and more. In addition, they have been showcased on shows including So You Think You Can Dance, World Of Dance, Dancing with the Stars, Dancing with the Stars Junior, Ellen, Dance Moms, Disney’s Shake It Up and Americas Got Talent to name a few. He is grateful to have worked with several fantastic dance conventions, companies and Universities, while being fortunate enough to work with several amazing choreographers, teachers and dancers in the industry. Ricky spends most of his time trying to inspire and educate at studios around the country and believes in a high-energy class in which the students work hard while enjoying the process

Lyle Beniga is a choreographer/ dancer residing in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in Washington D.C where he trained in all forms of dance, but his expertise lies in freestyle Hip-Hop. He had the privilege to perform on the Michael Jackson tribute during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Since his move to Los Angeles, he has performed with top recording artists Cassie, Missy Elliot, Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale, and Hilary Duff. He is most known for his innovative freestyle, which has provided him with the opportunity to teach master classes and workshops around the globe. In LA, he teaches regularly at the famed Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio. Lyle’s choreography has been featured in films, music videos and live performances. His most noted work is his choreography in the hit feature film Fame. He has also worked closely with Korean Musical Artists JYP and TaeYang.

Max Pham is a professional dancer/choreographer born in Texas with strong influence from his upbringing in Boise, Idaho. Max has been touring and performing live shows for the majority of his professional career, working with artists from the likes of Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Rosalia and more. All while making appearances on stages such as Super Bowl LII, AMA’s, Billboard Music Awards, and The Grammys.

Aubree Leste is a seasoned dancer and choreographer with a passion for performance and mentorship. After honing her skills for 16 years at Northern Force Dance Company, she represented the University of Minnesota Dance Team for four years, culminating in multiple national championships. Her dedication to the craft extends beyond her own career, as she currently coaches the Maple Grove Dance Team and choreographs for various dance programs across the country. With a rich background in competitive dance and a commitment to inspiring the next generation of dancers, Aubree continues to make a significant impact on the dance world.

Mia’s passion for dance has led her to a successful career with Innovate Dance, where she has taught for the past six seasons. She has mentored dancers across the country and was part of the 2019 National and World Champion Utah Valley University Dance Team. Mia has also represented the United States at the World Championships, where she earned a gold medal. Mia’s choreography prowess is undeniable. She has clinched 3 World Championship titles at the prestigious All-Star Dance Worlds in Orlando, Florida, and has her work has consistently placed in the finsls. Her recent performance at the 2024 Industry Dance Awards in Los Angeles further solidifies her status as a leading figure in the dance team world.

Matt Aylward is a professional dancer/teacher living in Los Angeles. In his time in LA, Matt has danced for artists such as: Justin Timberlake (Super Bowl LII Halftime, 20/20 Experience Tour, Netflix Special), Michael Jackson, Usher, Rihanna, Jason Derulo, Katy Perry, and Joe Jonas. Matt can be seen in films/tv shows like La La Land, Ghostbusters, Dancing with the Stars, Glee, Ellen as well as The Oscars and Golden Globe Awards! Matt travels the country with Revive Dance Convention teaching kids (and parents) of all ages. His unique, smooth style is great for all ages, and provides for a great learning experience!