the flight crew
Drew Burgess
Mitchell Jackson
Mitchell Jackson
sought after as a performer, choreographer, guest teacher, dance supervisor, & dance captain. Drew can be seen on teaching & adjudication panels for: Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Dance Teachers Club of Boston, Leap! Competition, Dance Masters of America Regional Chapters, Dance Educators of America, Encore PAC Showcase &
sought after as a performer, choreographer, guest teacher, dance supervisor, & dance captain. Drew can be seen on teaching & adjudication panels for: Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Dance Teachers Club of Boston, Leap! Competition, Dance Masters of America Regional Chapters, Dance Educators of America, Encore PAC Showcase & the Rhee Gold Company. A former competitor himself, Drew’s regional titles include Master, Junior, and Teen Mr. Dance of Ohio, as well as, Mr. Dance of the Pacific Coast. Nationally, Drew is a former Jr. Mr. Dance of America and Mr. Dance of America. Drew is certified by test to teach through DMA & DEA in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, & Acrobatics and is an active member in both organizations. Drew is also proud to be Acrobatic Arts Certified (M1-M3) & part of their U.S. Division Staff of Course Conductors & Adjudicators. Drew’s passion for dance circles the globe with guest workshop classes, technique clinics, & choreography, year-round. His corporate & live entertainment credits include performances with the Radio City Rockettes, Taylor Swift, & The Baha Men. Drew’s students have accolades including: Teen Miss Dance of Arizona, Male Dancer of the Year, Miss Dance of Ohio, Mr. Dance of America, and one of Radio City’s newest Rockettes! His National Choreography merits include the Sherry Gold Memorial Choreography Award from DMA & Best Small Group & Production from NexStar. Drew has toured worldwide with Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance as a Swing in Rock the Ballet 2 and Romeo & Juliet. He was honored to serve as the Tap Director for four years at Spisak Dance Academy in Glendale, Arizona; and now resides in Columbus, Ohio and is part of the weekly teaching staff at Straub Dance Center. Drew has also filmed several episodes of class content at CLI Studios in Los Angeles.
Mitchell Jackson
Mitchell Jackson
Mitchell Jackson
Mitchell began dancing in his hometown of Sudbury, Ontario where he trained in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, and musical theatre. Within two years as a competitive dancer, he had won multiple awards. Seeking to develop his talent, he moved to Toronto and later trained in New York and Los Angeles. As a dancer, he appeared in multipl
Mitchell began dancing in his hometown of Sudbury, Ontario where he trained in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, and musical theatre. Within two years as a competitive dancer, he had won multiple awards. Seeking to develop his talent, he moved to Toronto and later trained in New York and Los Angeles. As a dancer, he appeared in multiple television shows and music videos by leading artists. In Los Angeles, he taught at the Millennium Dance Complex. His students went on to perform with music stars like Carly Rae Jepsen and Justin Bieber and appear on So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Mitchell continues to work with dance studios and competitions across North America as a choreographer, teacher, and adjudicator. After many years of exploring the art of dance, he partnered with Lisa Hupe to create a new kind of dance competition. The result was OTF – The Ultimate Dance Experience®. Mitchell is incredibly proud of OTF’s success and the opportunities it has given young dancers.
Rory Freeman
Mitchell Jackson
Rory Freeman
Rory Freeman most recently performed with recording artist Rita Ora at the 2018 People’s Choice Awards. He was a Principal Dancer with Travis Wall’s Shaping Sound on the brand new show “After The Curtain.” He has toured with the company for the past 5 years across the nation as well as performing on The Ellen Degeneres Show. Rory had the
Rory Freeman most recently performed with recording artist Rita Ora at the 2018 People’s Choice Awards. He was a Principal Dancer with Travis Wall’s Shaping Sound on the brand new show “After The Curtain.” He has toured with the company for the past 5 years across the nation as well as performing on The Ellen Degeneres Show. Rory had the honor of performing in Sonya Tayeh’s first full length show in New York City called “You Still Call Me By Name.” You may have seen him as a Featured Dancer on the hit television shows America’s Got Talent Season 11. He has worked with some of the top music artists such as: Taylor Swift, Rita Ora, Paula Abdul, Earth, Wind, & Fire, and Jack Wagner. Music video credits include: Taylor Swifts’ “Shake it Off’ and Paula Abdul’s’ “Check Yourself”. In 2014, he was part of the skeleton crew to create a number as part of the Opening Ceremonies for the Winter Olympics. Rory is blessed to have been able to perform all over the world with the world renowned dance company, MOMIX. Before his career started he proudly earned his BFA in Modern Dance from SUNY Purchase (NY) in 2010. This gave him the opportunity to perform pieces by Bill T. Jones, Paul Taylor, Bella Lewitsky, and Luca Veggetti. At the age of 18, he received the prestigious Silver Award in Modern Dance from the National Foundation for Advancements in the Arts (NFAA). Rory is a part of the faculty and judges for various national conventions and competitions. He has taught & choreographed at numerous studios across North and South America. Rory is also the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Move: The Initiative, a 4 day Dance Intensive based in Rhode Island.
Mike Tyus
Mitchell Jackson
Rory Freeman
Mike Tyus is a performing artist specializing in dance theater and acrobatics and is currently performing with Cirque Du Soleil. Mike is a firm believer that art expresses that which we feel but cannot say and that story-telling and the practice of creation are ingrained in our DNA. He began training in dance, at the age of 11, after bein
Mike Tyus is a performing artist specializing in dance theater and acrobatics and is currently performing with Cirque Du Soleil. Mike is a firm believer that art expresses that which we feel but cannot say and that story-telling and the practice of creation are ingrained in our DNA. He began training in dance, at the age of 11, after being prescribed dance as physical therapy following reconstructive leg surgery, Mike found his passion. He soon began performing and choreographing for a company called Urban Poets Dance Theater. Finding his personal sense of artistry unexpectedly lead him to work for Cirque Du Soleil and Pilobolus Dance Theater. There he was able to hone his skills in directing while co-creating company repertoire that is still performed today. He finds great satisfaction in guiding the next generation of artistic athletes and is happy to be a part of the F L I G H T AcroDance Faculty!
EJ Ferencak
Andrii Bondarenko
Derion Loman
Coach, Master Pilates Trainer, Founder/Owner Banuet Training Method Gabriela danced at the National School of Classical and Contemporary Dance and received a degree in Dance Movement & Choreography from UNAM (Mexico City). Her professional experiences date back to 1992 and include certification in Polestar Pilates (mat & apparatus), Ze
Coach, Master Pilates Trainer, Founder/Owner Banuet Training Method Gabriela danced at the National School of Classical and Contemporary Dance and received a degree in Dance Movement & Choreography from UNAM (Mexico City). Her professional experiences date back to 1992 and include certification in Polestar Pilates (mat & apparatus), Zena Rommett Floor-Barre Technique, Fitness Personal Training to name a few. Gabriela is the founder and director of The Banuet Training Method where she has trained dancers and athletes from across the country. Gabriela is a frequent guest studio teacher, sharing her love and knowledge of the Banuet Training Method.
Derion Loman
Andrii Bondarenko
Derion Loman
DERION LOMAN was born in Fairfield, California. His interest in dance came from his involvement in color guard, where he toured with the World Championship Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. Derion graduated in 2012 with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.F.A. in Dance from the University of California Santa Barbara. He was a pioneer member of B
DERION LOMAN was born in Fairfield, California. His interest in dance came from his involvement in color guard, where he toured with the World Championship Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. Derion graduated in 2012 with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.F.A. in Dance from the University of California Santa Barbara. He was a pioneer member of BHdos, Ballet Hispanico’s Second Company, where he performed at a variety of events and venues including Symphony Space Theatre, The FBI, and The Presidential Inauguration. He started with Pilobolus as the company’s first-ever Dancer Apprentice and was cast as a full-time company member in 2014. He joined the touring cast of Diavolo Architecture in Motion where he was a finalist for America’s Got Talent, and a leading role in their newest creation “Voyage”. Most recently Derion is known for being a Divisional Finalist on NBC’s World of Dance where his choreography is being considered for an Emmy.
Otgo Waller
Andrii Bondarenko
Andrii Bondarenko
Otgo Waller is a professional contortionist as well as the creator and owner of Flexible Body Art LLC technique and school. Otgo grew up in the shadow of the holy mountain Bogd Uul near the Mongolian capital city of Ulaanbaatar. When Otgo was 7 years old she dreamed of becoming a contortionist, and by 13 years old Otgo was one of the be
Otgo Waller is a professional contortionist as well as the creator and owner of Flexible Body Art LLC technique and school. Otgo grew up in the shadow of the holy mountain Bogd Uul near the Mongolian capital city of Ulaanbaatar. When Otgo was 7 years old she dreamed of becoming a contortionist, and by 13 years old Otgo was one of the best contortionists in the world. In 1980, Otgo graduated from the Mongolian State Circus, specializing in Contortion Art. She also appeared on Mongolia’s postage stamp as one of the most prestigious contortionists in Mongolia. In 1991, the Ringling Brothers & Barnum Bailey circus discovered Otgo and she immigrated to America. After arriving in America, Otgo’s career exploded. Otgo was featured on the NBC, Discovery Channel, SyFy Network, PAX Network, MTV, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Donny and Marie Show,” “ Ripley’s Believe it or Not,” and E Network’s “Talk Soup.” She has also been a featured performer with Cirque du Soliel’s “O” Show, the NBA halftime shows, NHL halftime shows, NCAA halftime shows, and Britney Spears “MTV Video Music Awards.” Otgo Waller’s choreographic works have been featured at the 2010 Winter Olympics Opening and Closing ceremonies, The International Contortion Convention, and the San Diego Circus. After performing for many years, Otgo began to teach the art of contortion and flexibility. Otgo created her own training technique to help every individual become more flexible. Otgo has trained people of all ages and levels. Her most notable clients include Olympic athletes, top professional contortionist and circus artists, international high fashion models, competitive body builders, and national level ice skaters.
Andrii Bondarenko
Andrii Bondarenko
Andrii Bondarenko
Andrii Bondarenko is a Ukrainian-born World Champion in sport acrobatics and circus arts and is currently touring with Cirque du Soleil’s newest Big Top show Kurios. Andrii’s accomplishments in the circus arts include top prizes at many renowned international circus festivals. He is one of the most accomplished acrobats in the world. See the World Upside Down with Andrii Bondarenko.
Robin Dawn
Gabriela Banuet
Meaghan Wegg
In 1970 her family moved to Venice, Florida where she trained with the Sarasota Sailor Circus and traveled to Alaska to perform in the summer. Following high school graduation, she went to work as a professional circus performer in Colorado and New York, doing tumbling, aerial work and trick bareback riding. In 1975 Robin opened RDA in C
In 1970 her family moved to Venice, Florida where she trained with the Sarasota Sailor Circus and traveled to Alaska to perform in the summer. Following high school graduation, she went to work as a professional circus performer in Colorado and New York, doing tumbling, aerial work and trick bareback riding. In 1975 Robin opened RDA in Cape Coral, Florida where she and her staff have been training dancers for 41 years. She is a member of Dance Masters of America, Dance Teachers of America, and is one of fourteen Ambassadors for the Dance Teacher Summit held annually in New York, sponsored by Dance Teacher Magazine. She is most often asked to teach her stretch and flex warm up and strong technique classes after colleagues see the quality of her dancers during performance. This year she was asked to create the national curriculum in acrobatics for Dance Educators of America. For 31 years, Robin has been judging, choreographing individuals and groups, and guest teaching all over the United States and Canada. She has been nominated for Lee County’s Angel of the Arts Award, ABC’s The View’s Most Remarkable Women, and the Dance Teacher Award sponsored by Dance Teacher Magazine. Robin’s students have Broadway, Broadway tour, Disney Performer, Las Vegas performer, television, industrial, theme park, cruise ship, dance company, professional dance team, choreographer, teacher and studio ownership credits to their name. Many have gone into other aspects of entertainment and other professions. All note their Robin Dawn training as a major factor in their success.
Meaghan Wegg
Gabriela Banuet
Meaghan Wegg
Meaghan Wegg graduated in 2005 from L’Ecole Nationale de Cirque in Montreal specializing in aerial hoop and contortion. Meaghan has toured globally with Cirque du Soleil, Les 7 Doigts de la Main (The Seven Fingers), Cirque Eloize and Pigeon’s International (a ballet and contemporary dance company). In 2011 Meaghan staged her own show, “So
Meaghan Wegg graduated in 2005 from L’Ecole Nationale de Cirque in Montreal specializing in aerial hoop and contortion. Meaghan has toured globally with Cirque du Soleil, Les 7 Doigts de la Main (The Seven Fingers), Cirque Eloize and Pigeon’s International (a ballet and contemporary dance company). In 2011 Meaghan staged her own show, “Something Real” in Montreal. The show is a dance and circus review based on the original music of her husband, Tim Buckley. Meaghan holds a diploma from L’Ecole Nationale de Cirque specializing in the highest level of circus coaching. She choreographed The Girlie Show Live, assisted choreographed on Cirque du Soleil special events and acted as an onscreen coach for a new TV show in South America. Meaghan is a private acrobatic coach and Makeup artist. She attracts students from around the world and is highly recommended by Cirque du Soleil. Her focus is on career development and professional stage preparation. Meaghan is the director of Move With The Beat dance competitions and the Australian Division Manager for Acrobatic Arts her goal is to promote new talent and career opportunities for the next generation in dance, circus and performance.
Gabriela Banuet
Gabriela Banuet
Gabriela Banuet
Coach, Master Pilates Trainer, Founder/Owner Banuet Training Method Gabriela danced at the National School of Classical and Contemporary Dance and received a degree in Dance Movement & Choreography from UNAM (Mexico City). Her professional experiences date back to 1992 and include certification in Polestar Pilates (mat & apparatus), Ze
Coach, Master Pilates Trainer, Founder/Owner Banuet Training Method Gabriela danced at the National School of Classical and Contemporary Dance and received a degree in Dance Movement & Choreography from UNAM (Mexico City). Her professional experiences date back to 1992 and include certification in Polestar Pilates (mat & apparatus), Zena Rommett Floor-Barre Technique, Fitness Personal Training to name a few. Gabriela is the founder and director of The Banuet Training Method where she has trained dancers and athletes from across the country. Gabriela is a frequent guest studio teacher, sharing her love and knowledge of the Banuet Training Method.
Briar Nolet
Derek Piquette
Derek Piquette
Briar Nolet is a Canadian actress, dancer, singer and creative producer best known for her leading role as Richelle on the hit TV series "The Next Step" and for competing as a soloist on season 3 of NBC's hit reality series “World of Dance.” After finishing in the top 5, with performances going viral, Briar’s success caught the eye of
Jenn
Briar Nolet is a Canadian actress, dancer, singer and creative producer best known for her leading role as Richelle on the hit TV series "The Next Step" and for competing as a soloist on season 3 of NBC's hit reality series “World of Dance.” After finishing in the top 5, with performances going viral, Briar’s success caught the eye of
Jennifer Lopez who invited the soloist to be the opening act for JLO’s “It’s My Party” tour. With the exposure WOD and the platform of NBC, Briar has been candid about her battle with epilepsy, drawing awareness to the disease that she says she conquered through treatment and a positive mindset. Briar will reside in Toronto & LA to focus on diversifying her acting with roles across genres. Briar’s time on tour with JLO has reignited her passion for singing and is determined to refine her craft and get back in the studio.
Derek Piquette
Derek Piquette
Derek Piquette
Dancer, Director, Choreographer and Teacher Derek Piquette began dancing at the young age of 10 in his hometown of Chicopee, MA. From there his dance career accelerated quickly. By the age of 16, he received full scholarships for several ballet intensives and won several National Titles. Derek then moved to Miami to follow his dreams of b
Dancer, Director, Choreographer and Teacher Derek Piquette began dancing at the young age of 10 in his hometown of Chicopee, MA. From there his dance career accelerated quickly. By the age of 16, he received full scholarships for several ballet intensives and won several National Titles. Derek then moved to Miami to follow his dreams of becoming a professional dancer, training over 50 hours a week and taught at Stars Dance Company. As a performer, he was a principal dancer in the Bridge To Artists productions of Carmen and The Maid. He has also performed in the Paul Mitchell Fashion Show and MOVE the World Charity Event. One of the most exciting experiences in his young career took place in 2015, when he competed on Season 12 of So You Think You Can Dance, finishing among the top 4 stage dancers and performing for over 37 million viewers. He followed up his appearance on the show with the So You Think You Can Dance Live Tour, performing in 70 cities across North America for over 190,000 audience members. In early 2017, Derek launched his newest project, Intrepid Dance Company, which had its first performance entitled “HER” that he directed and choreographed. Most recently Derek was the lead role in Cirque Du Soleil’s KOOZA as the “Trickster” traveling under Big Top in Australia, Singapore and China. As a teacher and choreographer, Derek has worked for various dance organizations including On the Floor, Hit the Floor, CLI Studios, Mather Dance Company Online, Acrobatic Arts, Step Up 2 Dance, Twilight Dance Convention and Top Ten Dance Challenge where he has judged, taught, and assisted top choreographers in the industry. His career has taken him to destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Central America, Australia, China and Singapore where he has taught at over 200 competitive and professional dance studios. Since 2014, Derek choreographed more than 350 award winning pieces, including pieces for stars on Dance Moms, Disney Channel’s Backstage and So You Think You Can Dance. Derek currently teaches and assists for On the Floor: The Ultimate Dance Experience, working with young dancers all over North America and is a Core Faculty member for Millennium Dance Complex Toronto. He has also choreographed pieces and been a principal dancer in On the Floor’s Gala for SickKids Hospital in Toronto for 4 years and has helped raise over $200,000 for the ChildLife Program. With his inspirational drive and love of dance, Derek has achieved many professional and artistic goals and helped other dancers do the same. Derek is especially focused on working with young dancers around the world, hoping to instill in them his enthusiasm for dance and inspire them to become the best they can be. A natural teacher, Derek has an exceptional way of connecting with his students, whether it be in class, through choreography or through performing. He makes a lasting impression, leaving his students touched, encouraged, and educated.
Courtney Ortiz
Derek Piquette
Courtney Ortiz
Courtney Ortiz, a native of , Baltimore, MD, is a 2007 youngARTS award winner in Modern Dance. Her professional dance and teaching career has allowed her to travel the world performing in places such as: Dubai, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Australia and France. Her career spans from stage to screen with credits including: Compa
Courtney Ortiz, a native of , Baltimore, MD, is a 2007 youngARTS award winner in Modern Dance. Her professional dance and teaching career has allowed her to travel the world performing in places such as: Dubai, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Australia and France. Her career spans from stage to screen with credits including: Company Member with The Chase Brock Experience, Choreographer and Dancer on Youtube’s hit web series "The Key of Awesome", Backup Dancer for PSY and Chris Brown on "The Today Show", Dancer for Heidi Klum at Madison Square Garden in "Macy’s Fashions Front Row" on E! Network, and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. One of her most favorite and memorable credits was performing throughout Europe on the International Tour of the classic musical West Side Story as a Jet Girl and the Assistant Dance Captain. Some of her most recent credits include the 1st National Tour of the Broadway Musical Finding Neverland, Lin Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, and the first ever revival in 30 years of Jerome Robbins’ Broadway at The Muny’s 100th Season in St. Louis, MO! You can also catch Courtney’s feet tap dancing in the hit series, FX’s “Fosse/Verdon”, where she was the dance double for Young Bob Fosse! Outside of performing, she is a master teacher on numerous Dance Conventions and also a full time competition judge. You can even see her behind the judges table on Lifetime’s “Dance Moms” in Seasons 2 & 3. Currently, she resides in New York City, is repped with The Movement Talent Agency, and is the owner of Impact Dance Adjudicators! Follow her @courtney.ortiz and tune into her podcast - Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast!
Antonio Moore
Derek Piquette
Courtney Ortiz
Antonio grew up in Chicago competing in gymnastics and performing with the Triton Trooper Circus. He became a walk-on gymnast at the University of Illinois in Chicago and shortly after moved to California to perform in our Cirque de la Mer show at SeaWorld San Diego. He has continued to be a sought-after performer in the industry and has
Antonio grew up in Chicago competing in gymnastics and performing with the Triton Trooper Circus. He became a walk-on gymnast at the University of Illinois in Chicago and shortly after moved to California to perform in our Cirque de la Mer show at SeaWorld San Diego. He has continued to be a sought-after performer in the industry and has performed acrobatics in over ten different Cirque du Soleil shows around the world! He most recently worked as a coach/strength & conditioning and consultant for new projects for Cirque de Soleil. He has also worked with Cirque Mechanics, the WNBA and as a featured stuntman in films and commercials"
Malik Gray
Michael Cusumano
Lauren Yakima
Malik Gray is a collegiate, well-rounded dancer, choreographer, and teacher. He grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he found his passion for dance and started dancing at a competitive studio. He got to work with many incredible choreographers such as, Randi Kemper & Hefa Tuita, Ade Obayami, Talia Favia, & Desiree Robbins to name
Malik Gray is a collegiate, well-rounded dancer, choreographer, and teacher. He grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he found his passion for dance and started dancing at a competitive studio. He got to work with many incredible choreographers such as, Randi Kemper & Hefa Tuita, Ade Obayami, Talia Favia, & Desiree Robbins to name a few. After he graduated high school, he attended and graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a degree in Dance and Choreography. Now he is pursuing a professional dance career in Los Angeles while traveling around the nation teaching and choreographing. Highlights include performing in the Live Virtual Concert for 21 Pilots, “In the Thick of Things” (with Red Desert Dance Ensemble in Greece), “Alright” (a Nya Bloom music video), and in Los Angeles’ Winter Choreographers Ball. Along with performing, he has choreographed concept videos to “In My Blood” and “Born This Way,” and worked as a faculty member on the convention Dance League. He is grateful for all the opportunities he has received, the connections he has made so far, and is looking forward to honing his performance and choreography skills as well as experiencing more of what the dance industry has to offer.
Lauren Yakima
Michael Cusumano
Lauren Yakima
Lauren Yakima is trained in all styles of dance, including ballroom and has worked with many top choreographers in the industry. She competed on the NBC hit show World of Dance and danced on Disney Channels Summer Singalong. She was in music videos for singers AJ McLean, Christina Ricucci and Sam Tsui and has performed at the Capezio ACE
Lauren Yakima is trained in all styles of dance, including ballroom and has worked with many top choreographers in the industry. She competed on the NBC hit show World of Dance and danced on Disney Channels Summer Singalong. She was in music videos for singers AJ McLean, Christina Ricucci and Sam Tsui and has performed at the Capezio ACE Awards, with the Radio City Rockettes as the role of Clara as well at Tony Robbins Birthday Fundraiser. She has been a member of RoyalFlux, a contemporary company directed by Jaci Royal, and is a demonstrator at 24Seven Dance Convention. Lauren most recently toured with JoJo Siwa as a dancer in her Nickelodeon D.R.E.A.M Tour.
Michael Cusumano
Michael Cusumano
Michael Cusumano
Michael Cusumano grew up in Long Island New York. He began dancing at the age of 6. At the age of 14 he won the bronze medal at the International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria, the youngest male dancer to medal in the competition’s history till then. That same year he went on to win the special Jury Prize at the Prix de Paris 199
Michael Cusumano grew up in Long Island New York. He began dancing at the age of 6. At the age of 14 he won the bronze medal at the International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria, the youngest male dancer to medal in the competition’s history till then. That same year he went on to win the special Jury Prize at the Prix de Paris 1994. Michael then joined American Ballet Theater at age 15, the youngest male dancer in the company’s history. With ABT Michael danced in all the full length classics as well as works by Twyla Tharp, John Neumeier, Agnes DeMille, and Lar Lubovich to name a few. After ABT Michael danced as a principal with Alabama Ballet, then as a soloist with the Boston Ballet. He went on to perform in the original cast of “All Shook Up” on Broadway and then to star as “the jury” in the smash hit “Chicago” the musical on Broadway. Michael won the title of Mr.Broadway 2011. Other credits include “The Most Happy Fella” at New York State Theater, “On the Town” at Encores, “Live with Regis and Kelly”, “The Today’s Show”, “ABT Now for PBS”, “Le Corsaire for PBS”, feature film “Center Stage”, "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert", “SNL.” Michael’s alter ego Madame Olga was featured on an episode of “Joan and Melissa Joan knows Best” dancing the Black Swan coda for WE TV. Madame Olga is currently a highly sought out teacher nationally and internationally. IG @madameolgav and Madameolgatv.com . As a singer Michael performed as the lead in the BBC up-fronts performing David Bowie’s “Changes.” He appeared in the original production of "An American in Paris" on Broadway. Most recently Michael is the subject of the award winning short documentary “When I’m Her” for PBS which has been the #1 short doc since it’s release. He is currently on faculty at Pace University where he has taught for eight years, and also teaches at world renowned institutions including Broadway Dance Center, Peridance, and Ballet Arts at City Center.
Yury Kuznutzov
Michael Cusumano
Michael Cusumano
Yury is a World Champion and Russian National Team member in the Men's 4 Event in Sports Acrobatics, and has a Bachelors degree in Physical Education, specializing in Gymnastics. His career has taken him all over the world performing with Cirque du Soleil, for International Competitions, and America's Got Talent and Russia's Got Talent wi
Yury is a World Champion and Russian National Team member in the Men's 4 Event in Sports Acrobatics, and has a Bachelors degree in Physical Education, specializing in Gymnastics. His career has taken him all over the world performing with Cirque du Soleil, for International Competitions, and America's Got Talent and Russia's Got Talent with his renowned act Duo Resonance. Yury has over 20 years of training, competitive, and performing experience in Sports Acrobatics, Voltige, Teeter Board, hand balance, and hand to hand.
Emily Torres
Emily Torres
Emily Torres
Emily Torres is an Aerialist/Contortionist from Clearwater Florida. Emily has been training in circus arts for over 10 years in Florida, New York and Montreal and has been fortunate enough to be trained under former cirque du Soleil performer and world renowned coach Meaghan Wegg. Emily has gone on to help many of her own students of all
Emily Torres is an Aerialist/Contortionist from Clearwater Florida. Emily has been training in circus arts for over 10 years in Florida, New York and Montreal and has been fortunate enough to be trained under former cirque du Soleil performer and world renowned coach Meaghan Wegg. Emily has gone on to help many of her own students of all ages and skill levels reach their goals. When not teaching Emily can be found performing aerial and contortion acts all around the world in America, Montreal and Macau China, with companies such as Moving Arts of Tampa bay, Stufish Asia, Creativiva, and quixotic fusion.
Alex Patrick
Emily Torres
Emily Torres
Alex Patrick, graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.A. in Creative Advertising, a B.A. in Dance Management and Production, as well as a minor in Dance Performance. She is certified by the Acrobatic Arts, Acro Dance Teachers Association, Progressing Ballet Technique and Alixa Flexibility. She is the Founder and Director of
Alex Patrick, graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.A. in Creative Advertising, a B.A. in Dance Management and Production, as well as a minor in Dance Performance. She is certified by the Acrobatic Arts, Acro Dance Teachers Association, Progressing Ballet Technique and Alixa Flexibility. She is the Founder and Director of SHAPPE Dance, a Dallas-based professional contemporary fusion company aimed at bringing more body diversity and emotional inclusivity to the dance industry. The company also hosts a mentorship program for youth choreographers.
Kathy King
Emily Torres
Kathy King
Kathy King is a Metro Detroit-based dance educator, mentor, and certified entrepreneurship coach. You can find her touring nationwide as the executive director of the Los Angeles-based Artists in Training In-Studio Dance Conventions. In 2006, Kathy founded the professional nonprofit company Michigan Dance Project, touring the Midwest for
Kathy King is a Metro Detroit-based dance educator, mentor, and certified entrepreneurship coach. You can find her touring nationwide as the executive director of the Los Angeles-based Artists in Training In-Studio Dance Conventions. In 2006, Kathy founded the professional nonprofit company Michigan Dance Project, touring the Midwest for eight seasons. During that time, she also launched the Brighton Dance Festival, growing the organization into a premier international dance event. In 2013, Kathy was named as a Crain's Detroit Business "20 in their 20s" for her work as a dance educator and director in Metro Detroit. In 2019, she was presented with a "Special Tribute" from the State of Michigan for her contributions as the director of Brighton Dance Festival. Recent teaching credits include NewDANCEFest (Eisenhower Dance Detroit), Wayne State University, Concordia University, Cecchetti Council of America, American College Dance Association, Eastern Michigan University, and Michigan State University. She earned the title of NAIA WHAC Conference Coach of Character in the 2019-20 season as head coach of the Cleary University Dance Team. She has also served on several nonprofit boards including the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts, Jodie Randolph Dance Company, and the Arthur Secunda Museum, and has been a featured speaker at the DanceLife Teacher Conference and the International Dance Entrepreneurs Association. Most recently, Kathy launched her company Kathy King Strategies, LLC in 2020, providing mentorship and business coaching to creative entrepreneurs across all industries worldwide.