We take great pride in the high level of education and experience that our D.A.M. dance teachers demonstrate.
Only the most qualified and skilled professional instructors are available for you, each specializing in their own, unique dance expertise!
Only the most qualified and skilled professional instructors are available for you, each specializing in their own, unique dance expertise!
The Dance Art Media Team
photo by Greg Campbell
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BFA in Theatrical Jazz Dance from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and a certification from The American Film Institute in Los Angeles. Ms. Page has been a working, career professional in the performing arts and entertainment industries since 1993. A natural leader and intuitive director, she has extensive experience with live theatre/stage, cruise ships, Film/TV, professional sports, education/academia, as well as corporate business, production, finance, administration, and management. Jessica is at her best when creating, collaborating and producing professional-level, theatrical entertainment. This becomes evident when looking at her 25 years of success as an artistic entertainer focused on amusing audiences in the medium of dance-art production. |
ELENA KRAMDA BALLET - HORTON MODERN DANCE TECHNIQUE
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Her dance training began w/ Christina Noel Adcock at the Arvada Center. She earned a BFA in dance from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at UMKC. There she studied under and performed in pieces by Jennifer Medina, DeeAnna Hiett, Rodni Williams, Sabrina Madison-Cannon, Paula Weber, and Mary Pat Henry, among others. She attended programs at The Ailey School, Jennifer Medina’s Common Thread Contemporary Dance Company, Cleo Parker Robinson, and Kim Robards, performing in showcases and attending some of these on scholarship. Elena then went on to study Graham with the renowned Franca Telesio. Elena has performed and choreographed with Legacy Dance Ensemble as a soloist, Blue Moon Dance Company, Emmy award-winning Melissa Ivey’s Speed of Life, international artist Nick Cave’s Heard*DAM, Flash Mob America as a lead, Ten Honies, and others. Elena believes in the value of the performing arts from both an artistic and educational standpoint. She is a licensed elementary teacher completing a Master's in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. As such, Elena believes dance education should be accessible, shared, and enjoyed by all. She hopes to use dance and choreography as a tool to build self-esteem and create a positive self-image for growing dancers, especially those who come from difficult backgrounds. Elena has taught in a variety of dance programs in the U.S. and abroad. She is currently at Airborne Gymnastics and Dance, the Dance Academy at the Arvada Center, The DAM Studios, and Your Soul's Movement.
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JESSE GREAVES-SMITH SOCIAL DANCE - BALLROOM - LATIN DANCES - SWING
Jesse Greaves-Smith holds a Master's degree in Instruction from the University of Denver and brings 12 years of teaching experience to DAM. He performed with CU Boulder's Rueda de Casino salsa team, and has spent the last three years teaching salsa and Bachata basics to 1000+ people through Black Belt Salsa. Having taught dance, rock climbing, archery, and martial arts to groups of all ages, he excels at helping people master new physical motions in ways that work for them. Jesse focuses on helping individuals become comfortable with whichever social dance they're learning, and helping couples connect as dance partners. He strives to bring a sense of humor, enjoyment, and personal growth to his classes.
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LIZZIE ALCORN SALES MANAGER - BALLET - MODERN CONTEMPORARY
Lizzie grew up in Arvada, Colorado and began dancing when she was three. As a teenager, she spent five years training with the Arvada Center Dance Company under Christina Noel-Adcock, Lisa Rebik, Ashi Smythe, Kate Wagner, Emily Hoch, and Therese Patton-Sanchez. With the ACDT company Lizzie had the opportunity to partake in outreach performances in various nursing homes and with children's fundraisers. After graduating from Arvada West High School, she went on to study at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Currently still in college, she is working on her Bachelor's degrees in dance and psychology, while working as the Sales Manager and teaching for The Dance Art Media Studios. Lizzie loves all kinds of dancing but found her true passion in Ballet and Contemporary dance forms.
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KEVIN "KO" O'KEEFE HIP-HOP - HOUSE - BREAKING
One of Colorado's original Hip Hop teachers, Kevin has an extensive background in all Hip Hop styles. He received training from industry pioneers - Clyde Evans, Eric Finn, Quickstep, and Rennie Harris. He has performed with Don Campbell Lock Jr, Electric Boogaloos, Lady Jules of the BeatFreaks, and the late Gary Kendall of the Jabbawockeez. Kevin is also a former member of Motion UnderGround's Hip Hop company EOM. He has been a guest artist at the Arena in Switzerland, The San Francisco Hip Hop Festival, The Colorado College Dance Festival, The Breaking Point in Montana, CU Boulder, CSU Fort Collins, Red Rocks Community College, and Front Range Community College. Kevin now is bringing this unique flavor to many studios in Colorado and is the Founder/Director of True 2 Form Dance Group. For years, he has been spreading a fire about the history of Hip Hop and a vision for where it could go. At this time, Kevin is a member of Street Stylez b-boy crew, is a performing core member with Machinez Remainz popping crew, and Rennie Harris Grass Roots Project, which has just finished a small performance tour of the east coast.
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MADELINE SHAFFER MUSICAL THEATER - TURNS, LEAPS, & PROGRESSIONS - JAZZ
Madeline Shaffer has been teaching and choreographing for over 10 years. She is from Illinois where she taught and performed with her local studio in national competitions across the US. She then obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Dance at Jacksonville University and moved to NYC. While in New York she has had the opportunity to perform in a national tour, choreograph an off broadway show, have work showcased in a dance festival, and choreograph a world premiere along with numerous other dance positions and musical productions! She loves the spirit, community, and energy that dance can bring to the world, and is excited to get to know her new students! |
MYKAYLA SOLORIO DIRECTOR of THE D.A.M. TEAM - ASST. DIRECTOR OF D.A.M. STUDIOS - HIP-HOP - THEATRICAL JAZZ - TAP
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Mykayla began dancing at Premier School of Dance in Thornton, Colorado at the age of 3. From the ages of 7 to 18, she competed in dance; such was her dedication to dance that Mykayla elected to be home schooled, so she could spend more time dancing and competing. During this time, she studied many different dance styles including African, salsa, musical theater, modern, and break dancing. She joined LA Dance Magic's Company in 2015 under the direction of Jackie Sleight and Dave Carter. While working with LA Dance Magic's company she had the opportunity to study and work under Jason Myer, Will Thomas, Christian Vincent, Eddie Moody, DJ Guthrie, Ayodele Casel, and Albert Blaise Cattafi. Mykayla is currently a member of Life/Art Ensemble dance.
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PAT CONCEPCION HIP-HOP
Patrick "Pat" Conception was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. His dance career started in 2007 and has been progressively dancing/instructing hip hop for 11+ years. this island dancer and choreographer has danced/performed for multiple dance companies in Hawaii. Pat values expression as an artist and enjoys connecting with the dance community. Pat is known to be energetic, upbeat, coordinated, and flavorful! He truly believes that there is always room for growth as a dancer and instructor, and he will continue to share his knowledge and passion for dance!
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REBECCA WRIGHT BALLET - TAP - CREATIVE MOVEMENT
Rebecca Leslie Wright was born in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pa. and moved to Virginia at the age of three. Shortly after moving to Virginia Rebecca started dance lessons at the local YMCA and was bitten by the Dance Bug. When she knew she was serious about dancing Rebecca began her training at The Richmond Ballet where she performed in The Nutcracker for four years and one season of Coppelia. In her first year at VCU Rebecca was chosen to take part in a restaging of Martha Graham’s “Panorama” and performed with the company at the Carpenter Center. She has studied under many guest artists such as Ron Brown, Nicolas Leichter, and Gus Solomons Jr. When her faith pulled her in the direction of Liturgical Dance she was a Dance Choir Director, performed for the Missions Board, and performed many solo pieces in various local churches. As Co-Director of Pulse Dance Collective she performed and choreographed for the company in Virginia. Over 10 years ago Rebecca moved to Colorado and found it abundant with Arts opportunities and got involved performing, teaching, and choreographing with Ascential Dance Theatre, Lizanne McAdams, ACDT and Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids. Rebecca has attended two annual IABD Conferences participating in panel discussions and continuing her training in master classes. Rebecca has taught for over 25 years and enjoys working with youth and adults to bring the passion and dedication of dance into their lives.
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STEFANI CINTO SOCIAL DANCE - BALLROOM - SWING - COUNTRY - LATIN DANCE
A Professional Ballroom Competitor in American Rhythm and American Smooth styles, Stefani is certified in the DVIDA Syllabus Bronze / Silver / Gold Rhythm and Smooth styles. She is experienced in teaching and competing ballroom and also has a strong background in Ballet / Jazz / Contemporary / Hip-Hop. Ms. Cinto attended The University of Nebraska on a dance scholarship and was a member of their collegiate dance team for all four years, captain for two, and graduated with a minor in Dance. She absolutely LOVES teaching dance and building confidence in her students!
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AMANDA BENZIN GUEST TEACHER - TAP - JAZZ - MODERN
Ms. Benzin is a rhythmically and passionately driven educator, performer and choreographer that holds an MFA in Dance from CU Boulder with concentrations in performance, choreography, somatics (Alexander Technique and Body-Mind Centering), and pedagogy. She graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a BFA in Dance and minor in Business Administration. Amanda was an Emmy-Award-winning member of the renowned Chicago-based rhythm jazz and tap dance company Jump Rhythm Jazz Project for 6 years touring and teaching nationally and internationally. Amanda has taught ballet, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theatre to children and adults of all ages across the country for the past 19 years. She believes dance education should not only instill the knowledge, passion, love and appreciation for dance, but also inspire students’ creativity and encourage self-confidence, exploration, and skills they can use in dance and in life. She is committed to empowering individuals through the community of dance.
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ALEX MILEWSKI GUEST TEACHER - HIP-HOP
Alex is a professional bboy from Denver, Colorado. He started dancing in 2006 and has competed, taught and/or performed throughout the United States and around the world in Canada, Australia, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, The U.K., Ecuador, Morocco and more. As a founding member of Block 1750, Alex continues developing his passion for learning all styles of dance and sharing his knowledge with his students on a daily basis. https://youtu.be/BkiUpU_O9uE
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AMBER ANDREWS GUEST TEACHER - TAP
Cal Poly State University - minored in dance and participated and choreographed for the student-run spring dance show for 3 years. Focused on creative movement and dance theory providing a great appreciation and passion for modern dance and interpretive movement. Amber started an on-campus tap & breakdancing group, sharing knowledge of the two dance styles and subsequently developing an interest in tap/hip-hop fusion. Throughout her studies, she also taught dance for 5 years in many disciplines, including tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip hop, and creative dance. Amber's worked with many differing levels of dancers, from ages 3 to adult, and from beginners to the performing pros. She absolutely loves to share her joy of dance with others!
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photo by Drew Levin
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ANGIE SIMMONS GUEST TEACHER - MODERN DANCE
Angie Simmons is is a Denver-based teaching artist and the Artistic Director/choreographer/founder of Evolving Doors Dance, a modern company, founded in 2006. She is Adjunct Faculty in Dance at Red Rock and Pikes Peak Community Colleges. Her creative research has been granted by the Neodata Endowment Fellowship, the Boulder Arts Commission, and the Open Door Foundation. She has choreographed, taught and performed in New York, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee, Mississippi and throughout the midwest. She was Presenting Denver’s first In the Spotlight featured artist. Angie teaches throughout the Denver metro, working with beginning through professional dancers in many genres. Simmons has served as dance faculty for the University of Southern Mississippi, Naropa University, and as a Graduate Teacher at the University of Colorado. Angie Simmons holds an MFA in Dance Choreography from the University of Colorado-Boulder, with an emphasis in the Alexander Technique, and a BS in Secondary Dance Education from Illinois State University. Simmons has performed professionally with Isis Movement Company and Tribe of Human in New York and 3rd Law Dance/Theatre and Louder Than Words Dancetheatre in Colorado. She frequently dances with Cindy Brandle Dance. Angie has also performed in individual projects with Nick Cave, Gabe Masson, Tom Evert, Jon DeMone, Doug Woods, David Dorfman, Toby Hankin, Nada Diachenko, and Megan Flood.
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BRANDYN 'BOOG' HARRIS GUEST TEACHER - HOUSE - HIP-HOP - POPPING - LOCKING
Brandyn grew up in Philadelphia, deep within the hip-hop community. His father, Rennie Harris, is well-known as the first person to put hip-hop & house dancing on the concert performance stage. At a young age Brandyn was surrounded by the pioneers of this culture and gained a deep knowledge and understanding from first hand experience. He has spent the majority of his professional experience performing, competing, and battling in the local circuits through Philadelphia, as well as nationally. Brandyn ‘ ooh Harris is very versatile and experienced with street styles: popping, locking, hip-hop social, and house. His strongest suit is popping and he as won many prestigious accolades and battles, attributed to his very own and unique style. As a dancer in both Rennie Harris Puremovement and RHAW for ten years, Boog evolved as a dancer, performer, choreographer and teacher and served as the assistant rehearsal director of Rennie Harris RHAW. He always and consistently pursuing progress, as a person and as a dancer, in hopes of one day following in his father’s footsteps as a premier choreographer. Prior to moving to CO, Boog was a hip-hop teacher at Philadanco School of Dance Arts in Philadelphia, PA where he taught a wide range of ages and abilities.
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CHRISTINE ROHDE GUEST TEACHER - JAZZ - MODERN - CONTEMPORARY - TURNS, LEAPS, & PROGRESSIONS
Graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point with a BA in Dance and also completed a clinical massage therapy program. Ms. Rohde graduated from the Theatre and Dance Program with a MFA in Dance from the University of Colorado at Boulder in May 2012 with a secondary emphasis in the Alexander Technique. Ms. Rohde's extensive professional background with nationally recognized jazz dance and contemporary dance companies, including Juan Carlos Rincones Dance Theatre, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, Interweave Dance Theatre, and 3rd Law Dance, brings further insight to her teaching. As a teacher Ms. Rohde is known as a generous, knowledgeable, and energetic educator who pushes her students to explore the range of their abilities as technicians, artists and performers.
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EDDY KOVACK GUEST TEACHER - TAP - POPPING - LOCKING
Eddy has dedicated his entire life to his dance training and doing everything possible to further the education of others. Training in jazz, modern, lyrical and tap at the Academy of Dance in San Luis Obispo, Eddy has been privileged to be on stage more than 1200 times in core and lead roles, performing with San Luis Jazz Dancers and the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo. He has owned and operated his own dance school in New Mexico and traveled around the world as a touring commercial dance artist, including to Bangkok Thailand on tour with Warner Brothers. He has produced artists that have gone on to tour with Aaron Carter, and appeared in music videos with Brittany Spears, Ice Cube, and Janet Jackson. Additionally, his students have received lead roles in Broadway shows and have become soloists with major ballet companies. Eddy has been recognized regionally and nationally for his choreography, gaining notoriety with his cutting edge style. Eddy is currently a faculty member for DX Events and the founder of the in-studio convention "Rip The Floor".
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LARRY SOUTHALL GUEST TEACHER - HIP-HOP - HOUSE
Larry Southall was born in the Bronx, NY where he began dancing hip-hop forms in the early eighties. He received an MFA in dance from the University of Colorado Boulder. He has worked with many companies including Boulder Ballet, Harambee African Dance Ensemble, Blue Moon, Motion Underground, Longmont Symphony and Dance Theatre, and Steamboat Springs Dance Theatre. Larry has worked as a master teacher at Dance Place in Washington, D.C., at Slippery Rock University and for the American College Dance Festival. He has choreographed for the Native Tongue Dance Theatre, Skeleton Dance Project, the Black College Dance Exchange and the “Legacies” concert of the American College Dance Festival in Boulder. Larry teaches traditional hip-hop and is an established and well respected teacher. He currently teaches hip-hop at the University of Colorado Boulder, the Longmont Dance Theatre, and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance School.
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MARIA BILEYCHIK GUEST TEACHER - SOCIAL DANCE - WEST COAST SWING - LATIN DANCES
Maria started dancing at 6 years old doing International Standard & Latin back in her hometown. She danced and competed in the ballroom circuit for twenty years until in 2014 when she found her favorite dance style in West Coast Swing. Not only does Maria have ballroom training, but she is also well versed in ballet and contemporary styles. Trying to always incorporate and blend the different styles together, she enjoys the opportunity that dance brings to express yourself and improvise.
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MICHELLE BERNIER GUEST TEACHER - BALLET - JAZZ - MUSICAL THEATRE
Michelle was raised in Maine, and has been dancing since age 7. Her early training was deeply rooted in ballet and jazz, with bits of tap, musical theater, and ballroom dance mixed in. She studied dance at Skidmore College, the University of South Florida, the University of Southern Maine, and the Bates Dance Festival. Dancing in college, Michelle fell in love with modern dance and has focused her career in that direction ever since. In Maine, Michelle danced as a soloist w/ the Portland Symphony Orchestra and was a member of Collective Motion, a contemporary dance company based in Portland. Her choreography has been seen throughout that state. Since relocating to CO, Michelle has been performing w/ Life/Art Dance Ensemble in Denver & Blue Moon Dance Company in Boulder, and teaches ballet, tap, jazz, modern, leaps/turns, and strength and flexibility throughout Colorado. She applies her utmost passion and effort to maintain a fun, creative collective for our young performers to gain valuable community-based performance experience. Ms. Bernier earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Dance from CU Boulder. ~ Executive Director, Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema ~ Tour Ensemble Director Airborne Dance Center ~ Life/Art Dance Ensemble Board Member
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