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MEET OUR CONVENTION INSTRUCTORS

Our faculty can be seen on the sets of SYTYCD, America’s Got Talent, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, and World of Dance. You can see their amazing performances on awards shows, in today’s top music videos, movies, commercials, Broadway shows, and ballet companies.

*Not all teachers will be at every convention*

 

 

Alexie Agdeppa

Alexie Agdeppa

Alexie Agdeppa is a dancer, choreographer, and actress. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a bachelor’s degree in world arts and cultures: dance and choreography. Alexie danced her way to the Top 5 on Season 7 of SYTYCD. She has danced in music videos with Prince, Nelly Furtado, Macy Gray, Daft Punk, Pharrell, The Pussycat Dolls, and many more. Alexie’s film and television credits include the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, America’s Got Talent, The X-Factor, Camp Rock 2, and Glee. She has appeared in numerous commercials for companies like Disney, Nissan, Nordstrom, and Reebok. When she was an LA Laker Girl, Alexie appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Last Call with Carson Daly, and HBO’s Entourage.
@alexieagdeppa

Arielle Elonys

Arielle Elonys

Arielle Elonys is a Choreographer, Dancer, Actress, Writer, and Singer. Elonys has a Bachelor of Art in Dance from the prestigious Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Her work has been seen on the TV shows Nashville, Making Moves, and So you Think You Can Dance. She has worked with brands such as McDonalds, Eureka Vacuum, Tesla, Tenth House, HBUS, KIA, and Image Comics. In addition she has worked with artists such as Jon Bellion, Brendon Urie, Kygo, Miguel, 3OH!3, Tiesto, DJ Mustard, Dillion Francis and was the lead in the Kane Brown CMA winning Music video “Lose it”. Most recently Arielle Elonys worked as a voice over artist for the popular video game Identity V.

@arielleelonys

Brandon Norris

Brandon Norris

Brandon Norris is a clogging world champion. Brandon began clogging at age 3. He is known for his unique view on clogging and modernizing this traditional style of dance. Brandon has won numerous national titles such as seven CCA (Clogging Champions of America) team national titles, six CCA duet national titles, and seven CCA solo national titles. He competed on Season 3 of SYTYCD, and as the only clogger to ever perform on the show, he was asked back as a special guest performer for the season finale. Brandon led his team, Dynamic Edition, to a Top 5 finish on Season 3 of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew. He now travels throughout the country to teach his clogging/hip hop style and host numerous clogging competitions.

@clogginman

Brooke Maroon

Brooke Maroon

Brooke has lived in Los Angeles, California for 10 years working professionally as a dancer, choreographer, and actor. Brooke performed on stage with the Backstreet Boys during their residency in Las Vegas and in their Summer Radio Show and Winter Radio Show tours. She also performed at Coachella in 2023 with Elyanna. On screen, Brooke can be found as the lead actress in Thomas Rhett’s “Marry Me” and “Remember You Young” music videos, on shows like The Voice, Good Morning America, and The Late Late Show with James Corden. She is also in the Netflix musical A Week Away. From brands to trending artists, Brooke has worked with names such as Charlie Puth, Jason Derulo, Sephora, Nickelodeon, Jordan Fisher, James Corden, ZAYN, Galantis, Dylan Conriuque, Ruby Rose, and Becky G.

Bryant Culler

Bryant Culler

Bryant Culler is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Bryant currently teaches and choreographs for the studio Peace Love Hip Hop in Charleston, SC. Bryant grew up competing with Showstopper with his hometown studio in Warren, OH. He was later recruited by PLHH to come teach in South Carolina. Bryant has appeared on Dance Moms with Candy Apple’s Dance Center and performed in the routine “Own It.” Bryant was recently recruited by one of the top choreographers in the world, Greg Chapkis, to join his dance crew and perform on Daddy Yankee’s world tour. Since joining Daddy Yankee’s tour, Bryant was a featured dancer in Daddy Yankee’s music video for his song “Muévelo,” and has performed in two award show performances.

Christy Lyn

Christy Lyn

Christy Lyn is a ballerina, model, designer, fashion writer, and choreographer. Christy Lyn works with Classical Dance Academy in California. She started dancing at a very young age and currently choreographs and trains in multiple styles of dance with focus in ballet. Her choreography work has debuted at the Lincoln Center- David H Koch Theatre in New York City dancing in the Youth America Grand Prix Gala, “Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow”, along with being an invited performer dancing and premiering her choreography at the international Nervi Music Ballet Festival in Italy. She’s trained summers at the American Ballet Theatre New York and California. Christy has walked and danced in fashion shows for multiple national and international designers at LAFW and NYFW. She is a fashion writer for Showstopper Magazine. Christy Lyn is also the designer and founder of the chic dance fashion brand Royal Couture.

@christyisa_dance_princess

Dominic Franco

Dominic Franco

Dominic Franco has a BFA in musical theatre from Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech, Dominic was on the Texas Tech Pom Squad for three years where he became a three-time Collegiate NDA National Champion in both the Jazz and Pom Divisions. Since graduating, Dominic moved to Los Angeles, CA where he performed professionally in regional, national, and international productions and shows. He became the first male dancer to ever make the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleading team in 2020 and was part of the team until 2022. He started his company, Dominate Technique, in 2021 and became a national champion choreographer through his company. Dominic continues to instruct/choreograph for high schools & colleges all around the nation!

Emma Dahlin

Emma Dahlin

Emma Dahlin grew up in a small town in Virginia where she developed her love of musical theater. Most recognized for her performances with Disney entertainment, Emma has appeared as Rapunzel in Tangled: The Musical, Ariel in Voyage of the Little Mermaid, and Anna in Frozen Singalong, among many other branded Disney characters. Emma released her debut pop album titled NOW in 2021 with 13 original songs, available on all streaming platforms. You can find Emma in New York City auditioning for Broadway, performing at 54 Below, and helping children and adults achieve their dreams through performance and vocal coaching.

Evan Ruggiero

Evan Ruggiero

Evan Ruggiero began dancing at the age of 5, and by age 10, he was accepted into the New Jersey Tap Ensemble. During his sophomore year at Montclair State University, Evan was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. Enduring nine surgeries in a six-month period in an effort to save the leg, he ultimately decided to amputate in order to stop the cancer and save his life. 18 months after the amputation, and only two days after receiving his “peg-leg”, Evan was tap dancing again. In 2018 he received Drama Desk Nomination and Chita Rivera Award Nominations and was awarded a Clive Barnes Award in Theatre. Evan has performed at Carnegie Hall, the 90th Oscars, and for notable individuals including President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and alongside Jason Mraz. On stage, he has performed in Camelot, Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz, Shrek, and more.

@Lord_Pegleg

Geo Hubela

Geo Hubela

Geo Hubela is a choreographer, dancer, and teacher. Geo is co-owner and director of ICON Dance Complex, home of the ICONic Dance Company. Geo’s ICONic dancers have performed at events such as World of Dance Live and Beatstock as well as at the Apollo Theater, Madison Square Garden, and on television specials on Nickelodeon and MTV. Geo has choreographed for productions, movies, and commercials. He choreographed the first live show for Lionsgate Film’s Step Up. Geo has danced with stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, P!nk, Britney Spears, NSYNC, Selena Gomez, Michael Jackson, and many others. Geo worked on Glee, The Wedding Singer, Step Up, That ‘70s Show, the Miss America pageant, and the 69th Annual Academy Awards.

@geohubela

Greg Chapkis

Greg Chapkis

Greg Chapkis is a dancer, choreographer, creative director, producer, and studio owner. Greg competed on SYTYCD, NBC’s World of Dance, and made it all the way to the semi-finals on America’s Got Talent with his dance crew, Chapkis Dance Family. He has choreographed major productions for companies including Disney, Nickelodeon, Six Flags, the Golden State Warriors, Volkswagen, and Dell. His choreography can be seen on world tours, awards shows, television shows, and in music videos with recording artists like Daddy Yankee, Anuel AA, Katy Perry, Ciara, Ozuna, Jessica Mauboy, and more. Greg has also produced over 40 shows all over the country and abroad. He is the founder of one of the most respected dance studios and teams in the country, Chapkis Dance Family.

@gregchapkis

Hayley Mac Cooper

Hayley Mac Cooper

Hayley Mac is a nationally recognized choreographer, director, teacher, dancer, designer, and motivational speaker. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University in liberal arts with a focus on theater and a master’s degree in instructional leadership. Hayley was mentored by legends Henry LeTang and Gregory Hines. She starred in musicals such as 42nd Street and danced for national commercials and networks including MTV, CBS, and Fox. Hayley also performed at numerous events for professional sports teams and with celebrities. She has choreographed for the Emmy-nominated Showstopper American Dance Championships, several Top 10 dancers on SYTYCD, and prestigious companies and universities across the country.

@hayleymaccooper

Janelle Jalila Issis

Janelle Jalila Issis

Janelle Issis is a national touring belly dance artist, choreographer, performer, certified Yogini, nutritionist and CESD signed Model and Performer. She studied belly dancing as protégé to Aziza of Birmingham and earned a bachelor’s degree in dance at the University of Alabama. As the first belly dancer ever on the show, Janelle danced her way to the Top 6 on Season 9 of SYTYCD. Her most recent credits include The Wendy Show spotlighting Janelle’s one-of-a-kind BellydanceBURN fitness system, working with Marguerite Derricks on Season 3 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, dancing with Derek and Julianne Hough on Good Morning America, and performing with J Balvin in an international T-Mobile commercial. Janelle currently resides in New York City teaching weekly In-Studio and Online classes under her school JBelly’s School of RAQ: Bellydance LLC. as well as for Broadway Dance Center and Ailey Extension.

@jbellyburn

Kristin Altfather

Kristin Altfather

Kristin is a dancer, performer and choreographer. She performed as a Radio City Rockette for 18 years and was also dance captain, swing and assistant choreographer for the Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular as well as an associate choreographer for the Rockette Summer Intensive program. Her choreography credits include numerous Rockette performances on TV, in parades and the infamous tree lighting ceremonies. Her TV appearances included Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, Dancing with the Stars, the Today Show, Ellen, The Late Show and the Andy Dick Show. Film credits include America’s Sweethearts and Bob Roberts.

@kristin.altfather

Julian Thorn

Julian Thorn

Julian Thorn is a host, judge, and teacher who has been with Showstopper for over 35 years. Julian earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. He has performed in several productions including Hello Dolly!, La Cage aux Folles, My One and Only, Evita, Showboat, Broadway Magic, Phantom of the Opera, at Opryland USA, in the European tour of Bubbling Brown Sugar, and in the national tour of Legends in Concert where he portrayed the artist Little Richard. Julian produced and starred in his own educational children’s dance video. During the Showstopper season, you can find Julian on stage hosting Showstopper dance competitions. In the off-season, Julian enjoys giving back to his community by hosting several different charity events each year.

@showstopperjullian

Mackenzi Bolyard-Pizaña

Mackenzi Bolyard-Pizaña

Mackenzi is a dancer, acrobat, singer, choreographer, dance educator, and speaker. She has worked with the industry’s top choreographers in IAF Jazz Project, Academy of Villains, and MusEffect and toured with Lucent Dossier Entertainment and Shade Productions. She can be seen in music videos with Dara Rollins, Capture, and Jordan Hollywood, among others and seen in Showtime’s Penny Dreadful: City of Angels. She has taught internationally in Spain and continues to choreograph and speak for teams and studios across the country. Mackenzi currently performs with The Chicago Honey Bear Dancers under Greg Schwartz and Identity Performing Arts under Ginny Ching Yin Lo.

Mary Ann Lamb

Mary Ann Lamb

Mary Ann Lamb is a dancer, performer, and choreographer. She choreographed for the hit FX television series Fosse/Verdon. Mary Ann choreographed for the Connecticut Repertory Theatre, Symphony Space in NYC, and Coupe Youth Ballet. Mary Ann has performed in eleven Broadway shows including The Visit, Curtains, Seussical, Fosse, Chicago, Song and Dance, Goodbye, and Starlight Express. She danced in the Oscar award-winning picture Chicago as well as Portrait of a Show Girl, The Muppets, and Rock of Ages. Mary Ann also danced with Taylor Swift a the 2019 MTV VMAs. Mary Ann has taught at several of the top universities including NYU, WCSU, Marymount NYC, Wilson, Penn State, and Julliard.

@_maryannlamb_

Matt Tayao

Matt Tayao

Matt Tayao has performed nationally and internationally with superstars such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, P. Diddy, Kali Uchis, Charlie Puth, Kelly Rowland, Meghan Trainor, and Kesha. He has also appeared in various music videos and on popular shows like MTV Video Music Awards, MTV Movie Awards, Teen Choice Awards, The X Factor, American Idol, America’s Got Talent, Shake It Up!, and Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition. Matt has been fortunate enough to work with companies such as Apple, Bud Light, Disney, Nike, FOX, E!, MTV, Lifetime, and many more. Matt enjoys educating the next generation of dancers and has developed youth dance communities in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and China. His students have gone on to have their own successful careers working with major recording artists and companies such as Michael Jackson, Childish Gamino, Target, Old Navy, and more.

Nathan Trasoras

Nathan Trasoras

Nathan Trasoras is a dancer and choreographer with a unique style of contemporary hip hop. He danced his way to the Top 5 on Season 6 of SYTYCD. Nathan has performed on The Voice, Glee, Jane the Virgin, American Housewives, 90210, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, America’s Got Talent, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He has performed with celebrities such as the Black Eyed Peas, The Pussycat Dolls, Wyclef Jean, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, with P!nk in her “Beautiful Trauma” music video, and with Kelsea Ballerini at the 2019 CMAs. Nathan has appeared in commercials for Skechers Industrial, Nike, Cadbury Chocolate, and Red Barron Pizza. Keep an eye out for Nathan in the new movie The Suicide Squad (2021).

@nathantrasoras

Octavia Ellison

Octavia Ellison

Octavia Ellison is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She has been the Director of Dance for multiple companies in Los Angeles, California. Her professional performance experience includes dancing with pop and R&B superstar Rihanna. Octavia’s home has always been where dance meets sports. She spent six years with NBA dance teams, including the Phoenix Suns and most recently the Los Angeles Laker Girls. Octavia has choreographed for the Phoenix Suns, the NBA Tournament in Rome, and the Adidas 5 Tournament in Madrid. After more than 10 years as part of the Lakers, she has seen two NBA Championship wins and even has a championship ring! She is currently executive assistant to Owner and President Jeanie Buss and Executive Director Linda Rambis.
@octavia_marie

Sam Picart

Sam Picart

Sam Picart is a dancer, performer, teacher, and choreographer. Sam started off by studying urban street styles and west coast funk styles, creating his own unique style of dance. He began his formal ballet training at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City at age 18 and earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornish College of the Arts. Sam was the chosen winner of Ellen DeGeneres’ Dance Off competition. He then had the opportunity to be a featured guest and performer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Sam’s dance videos have gone viral on YouTube, including his dance-off with the Harlem Globetrotters. He has danced featured roles in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Jose Limon’s “Psalm,” and Camille A. Brown’s “New Second Line.”

@sampicartis2much

Sam Shapiro

Sam Shapiro

Sam Shapiro is a classically trained ballet dancer and teacher. As a young dancer, he started ballet under his mother’s teaching at Wake Forest University. At age 11, he trained at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Sam graduated with commendation from The Royal Ballet’s Upper School. He has danced in numerous productions with The Royal Ballet, including “Cinderella” and “Firebird.” He has also danced with prestigious companies worldwide, including Boston Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theater, Tulsa Ballet, Fort Wayne Ballet, Ballet National de Panamá, and The Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Taylor Arenz

Taylor Arenz

Taylor Arenz has a Master’s of Science in Athletic Administration and a Bachelor’s of Science in Broadcast Journalism. She is an NFL Pro Bowl cheerleader and cheered for five seasons in the NFL for the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals. She performed at Super Bowl XLIX! Taylor is also a professional dancer, choreographer, and model. She has performed with T-Pain, Blanco Brown, Parmalee, Josh Abbott Band, New Kids on the Block, Flo Rida, Tone-Loc, American Authors, and Big Boy as well as choreographed NFL pregame and sideline routines. She is also a HOTWORX virtual instructor and can be seen in HOTWORX studios all over the world. She currently works as an On-Air radio reporter with iHeartMedia and is the host of the podcast Sideline Attraction.

Taylor Quinn

Taylor Quinn

Taylor Quinn is a dancer, choreographer, model, and yoga teacher. She is one of Showstopper’s all-time top-scoring soloists from the east coast. She danced in the company “FireWALL Dance Theatre”, run by Elisa Alaio. She has worked with several artists and bands, including Olivia Rodrigo, Kill the Noise, Phillip Chbeeb, Alyson Stoner, Dillon Francis, and Georgia Vannewkirk, among others. She has appeared in national commercials for companies like McDonald’s and modeled for the cover of Alex Linares’s book “The Art of Dancing”. Recently, she was a featured dancer in Olivia Rodrigo’s new concert video for her album “Sour”. Taylor currently teaches weekly dance classes and travels the country to teach masterclasses and choreograph competition pieces. Taylor has also choreographed the Opening Number for the past 6 years at the Showstopper Finals!

@taaaylorquinn

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