season 17 choreographers

This page was most recently updated on 1/5/26

All rehearsals will be held at CDP Studios - 5505 Valley Belt Rd, Suite B, Independence, OH

Before auditions:

• Watch choreographer videos / check out the rehearsal schedule so you know who to rank! (We always recommend ranking as many dances as you can to maximize your casting potential - due to high numbers of auditioning dancers, not everyone can be cast so rank a lot and come to class to hone your technique before auditions!)

• Print and complete the preference form and bring it with you to auditions.

• Register for auditions to save your spot!

• Videos of the audition combos are now posted on our YouTube page. You do NOT need to know the choreography from the below videos. Also, you do not have to pre-learn the audition combos, we only post them in advance to help make you feel more comfortable at auditions! If you don’t have time to pre-learn we will still teach them at auditions as if no one knows them ;)

You’ll see potential costume costs below for each piece - these are just an estimate and may change.

There is a YouTube playlist, HOWEVER some of our videos are only on vimeo, so make sure you watch down below too!

Danielle Rojas-Taylor, born and raised in Albany, NY, has trained in various studios since age 3. With a love for hip-hop and entertainment, in 2019, Danielle danced professionally for the AFL's Albany Empire dance team, the Empresses. Later that year, she managed and danced for the TBL Albany Patroon's first ever Hype Squad, the Emeralds. Danielle has experience choreographing dance routines for wedding parties, hip-hop classes, and has years of experience assisting her father, a professional dance instructor, with ballroom classes. Danielle moved to Cleveland in 2020, and has been involved with CDP since Season 6. She has choreographed 4 pieces, performed in 4 others, and taught hip hop classes in between!

Style: Hip Hop
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Eminem mix - Without Me, The Real Slim Shady, My Name Is, My Band, Just Lose It
Rehearsals: Sunday 8:30-10am
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Sweatsuit (either Red or Blue), baggy white t-shirt, bandana, white sneakers ($30)

Alyssa George, a Cum Laude graduate of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with specializations in Business Administration and Performance & Choreography. She is from Brunswick, Ohio, and has traveled to Paris and Rome with the SRU Department of Dance. She has presented at the CHESS Conference at Gannon University, twice in the SRU Research Symposium for D-Man in The Waters and Through Common Ground We Found Fate a rep directed by former professor Nola Nolen. She has attended American Dance Festival in Durham, North Carolina in 2017, and FORGE Summer Dance Intensive at SRU. In 2018 she performed at American College Dance Association at West Chester University and attended the Gibney Dance Experience in NYC. She has been in multiple student and faculty works in Faculty, Fall, Winter and Senior Synthesis Dance Concerts at SRU and in her senior year she put on her own independent concert discussing the research theme of story -telling in dance. As a choreographer, she has had her own work performed in concerts as well. Her other interests are creating dance films and has experience in editing and archival research. She is a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, has interned in the Technical Theatre department at Dance Place in Washington DC. She has attended the Orange Grove Summer Dance Intensive in 2019, 20, 22, 23 and 2025. She is currently performing and choreographing with the Cleveland Dance Project.

Style: Modern Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Crying - Roy Orbison; Running Scared - Roy Orbison
Rehearsals: Sunday 10-11:30am
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Satin dresses ($0-15)

Skylar Haberman began dancing at Dance Dimensions by Jen Naso, where she trained and competed for 13 years. She graduated from the University of Akron with a B.S. in Criminology, and performed with the UA Dance Team as well as Terpsichore, a recreational dance organization. In addition, Skylar has choreographed for Dance Dimensions by Jen Naso Performing company since 2018. She was a CDP Company apprentice for two seasons before being promoted to a company dancer in 2025. Skylar is currently earning a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Akron, and is employed as an intake assessor at a youth mental health agency in the Cleveland area.

Style: Contemporary
Level: Adv
Music: I Know The End - Phoebe Bridgers
Rehearsals: Sunday 10-11:30am
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Maroon or black oversized button-up short-sleeve shirt with tank top and shorts underneath ($10)

Tiera Peters is a professional ballet dancer with the Cleveland Ballet. She has performed in many productions in and around Cleveland, as well as at Playhouse Square. Tiera has choreographed on all levels of dancers, from young students to adult professionals, and finds a lot of joy and fulfillment in creating art that people can enjoy being a part of. She has choreographed for CDP in the past and is excited to work again with such a lovely group of people!

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: A dance under the Sun - Offthewally
Rehearsals: Sundays 2:30-4pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): black shorts, black or grey loose fitting shirt, white socks (dancer’s closets)

Elana Leonis has been dancing for 19 years, beginning her training in classical ballet. She trained under Mario De La Nuez and Meredith Benson at De La Dance Center, performing in ballets such as The Nutcracker, Giselle, Coppelia, and Cinderella. While completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester, Elana was a part of Louvre Performance Ensemble, a small group that focused on contemporary, jazz, and commercial styles. Throughout her time in the group, she gained experience with choreography, show production, and publicity management. Elana has been with CDP since 2022, and performed with CDP Company for 7 seasons. Through CDP, Elana has expanded her skill set and has had the opportunity to try new styles of dance. Outside of dance, Elana is a corporate meeting planner for Union Home Mortgage, and she is a mother to Pretzel the cat.

Style: Contemporary Fusion
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Time Piece - Sampha; Can't Go Back - Sampha
Rehearsals: Sundays 2:30-4pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): All black with some sort of loose over shirt (Dancers closet, maybe $5-10)

Ali Nienaber began dancing at a young age, training in tap, jazz, hip hop, and ballet, and later continued her dance experience as part of her high school poms team. After taking time away from dance, Ali reconnected with dance over a decade later through an adult dance studio in Columbus, where she rediscovered her passion for dance, including hip hop. A year and a half ago, Ali moved back to Cleveland and found CDP, which allowed her to continue dancing in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Style: Hip Hop
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Black Widow - Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora
Rehearsals: Sundays 4-5:30
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black joggers and black tight top or potentially mesh ($20)

Rachel Magliola: Educator, Choreographer, Coach, Costumer, and Consultant. Rachel Magliola’s lifelong commitment to dance began when she was just two years old and danced in the corner, imitating the older dancers as her mother taught a class. Ms. Magliola studied technique and pedagogy with her mother, Margaret Holden. After performing professionally with Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theater, Ms. Magliola earned her B.A.in Dance from the University of Akron. She’s worked with choreographers Michael Medcalf, Garry Abbott, Peter Kalivas, Germaul Barnes, Linda Kahn and Young Park. Ms. Magliola also worked with Tap Cleveland and was featured in musical theatre productions in Ohio and Tennessee. She studied the Kostrovitskaya Pedagogical method with Dr. Peggy Willis-Aarnio, received a full scholarship to the Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School, and currently holds educational certifications through Dance Masters of America, the Cecchetti Council of America, and Acrobatic Arts. Ms. Magliola has extensive teaching and coaching experience and continues to work with students from the preschool through professional levels in both group and private settings. Her students have been accepted into prestigious dance programs and universities, several of whom have gone on to professional careers in performance and pedagogy. Her choreography has received numerous awards including “Most Entertaining” and “Best Choreography.” As former director of Northern Classical Ballet, she has also directed and choreographed numerous ballets, including a full-length Nutcracker. Ms. Magliola has written and implemented curriculum and evaluation materials as well as served as a program administrator and director at a private studio, growing the program. After many years of teaching and performing, recognizing the need for high-quality affordable dancewear options, Ms. Magliola has recently embarked on a new project: designing and building custom costumes. Throughout her career, Ms. Magliola has continued to develop her teaching philosophy: Every student is entitled to equal attention and opportunities to learn skills and, most importantly, to have fun.

Brittany Arcuri began her dance journey at the age of three, discovering a passion for movement that would shape her life. She danced recreationally until the age of nine, when she transitioned into competitive dance. Throughout her competitive years, Brittany earned numerous overall placements and standout awards, highlighting her dedication, versatility, and performance quality. After graduating high school, Brittany continued her dance education at the collegiate level while also sharing her love of dance as an instructor. She has taught students ages 4–17 in a variety of styles, including contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and hip hop. Following her college graduation, Brittany has remained committed to her craft, continuing to train in multiple styles and inspire young dancers through teaching. Her passion for dance and commitment to growth drive her approach both in the studio and on the stage.

Style: Contemporary / Jazz
Level: All
Music: One Day - Matisyahu
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black bottoms (dancers closet), colored top (dancers closet), button up jacket (CDP costume budget)($10)

Jenni Ashby has been dancing since the age of two and has had a passion for dance ever since. Jenni started dancing at Noreen Londregan school of Dance and then moved to Dance Studio M as a competitive dancer under the direction of Michelle Sileo in Solon, Ohio. Jenni is trained in Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, hip hop, jazz funk, street heels, and acro. She also earned her Cicchetti Certification with the help of Katie Lyons. Jenni was also an assistant teacher at Dance Studio M in 2024. Jenni was honored to be chosen as a Faculty Assistant for ID Dance Nationals and got to perform in the Opening Number in 2024 in Sandusky, Ohio. She also got the opportunity to assist the faculty at LUX Dance Convention in March of 2024. After graduating from Lawrence Upper School in 2024, she took her talents to CLI Conservatory in Southampton, Massachusetts, where she graduated the 10 month professional training program in June of 2025. While at the Conservatory, she studied with Teddy Forance, Martha Nichols, and many more professional artists. Jenni was in several creative films and performances during her time at CLI working with artists like Candance Brown, Eric Delgado, JA Collective, Greg Chapkis, Ashley Cruz, and Jakevis Thomason. Jenni is currently teaching at Solon Center for the Arts and is attending Kent State University studying Interior Design. Jenni resides in Bainbridge, Ohio with two younger sisters, loving parents, and their dog Tommy. In her spare time Jenni loves to hangout with family and friends, go shopping, and be outside, and audition for dance opportunities! After choreographing a peace in season 16 called “Been Thinking”, Jenni is so excited to continue her journey at Cleveland Dance Project!

Style: Contemporary
Level: Advanced
Music: Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:30-8:00pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Female identifying dancers: white dresses. Male identifying dancers: black pants and shirt with white tie or bow ($25)

Alyse Flack-Brown grew up dancing Ballet, but explored other styles like Ballroom, Contemporary, and Latin in college. She joined CDP in season 3 and choreographed a Latin Fusion piece in season 6. She took a break for parenting and traveling and joined CDP again in season 15! Her whole life, dance has been her constant source of joy and creativity and she is excited to share that joy with you all this season!

Kaitie Fox (she/they) is a Cleveland based Latin dancer. She has been teaching weekly Bachata classes at Viva Dance Studio for 8 years, is the head of the Bachata department at Viva, trains teachers, directs and coaches 3 performance teams, and travels with her team and dance partner to teach and perform across the country. Kaitie has a background in ballet, contemporary, and modern, and often incorporates these elements into Bachata performance choreography. They are also certified to teach ConRi style Bachata, which fuses Bachata with hip hop musicality and isolations. Kaitie is so excited to work with Alyse and CDP to bring this contemporary and Bachata fusion piece to life!

Style: Bachata fusion
Level: All
Music: Dancing in the Moonlight - Prince Royce
Rehearsals: Mondays 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Silver and black sparkles (dancers’ closets), bedazzled high top sneakers ($20-40)

Hannah Lee has been dancing since the age of five, training extensively on competition teams at various dance studios throughout Cleveland. She continued her dance journey at The Ohio State University, where she was an active member of a student-run dance organization, choreographing multiple hip-hop and contemporary pieces and serving as Vice President during her senior year. After graduating, Hannah found her home at CDP, where she has been dancing, teaching, and choreographing for the past five years. Her favorite styles to teach and create are hip-hop and contemporary, and during her time with CDP she has choreographed one hip-hop and two contemporary pieces for various showcases. In addition to choreographing, Hannah teaches intermediate to advanced hip-hop classes at the studio.

Emily Bellack is a Cleveland native who began dancing at the early age of 3. Her love for dance was immediate but grew even more when she began training heavily in jazz and hip-hop at Emjaez Dance Studio. Emily danced at Emjaez throughout high school while also performing on her high school kickline, the Westlake Demonettes, where she served as captain her senior year. At the University of Dayton, Emily joined a student-led dance organization where she taught and choreographed beginner through advanced level hip-hop performance pieces. After college, Emily joined the CDP community and has been performing with the group for six seasons, and teaching intermediate/advanced hip-hop classes at the studio for the past two years. Outside of dance, Emily works as a Brand Marketing Manager and resides in Fairview Park with her husband, Aaron, and dog, Patty!

Style: Hip Hop
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Grillz - Nelly; Milkshake - Kelis; Freek-a-Leek - Petey Pablo; Maneater - Nelly Furtado; Get Low - Lil Jon
Rehearsals: Mondays 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): School uniform vibes with early 2000s and urban/streetwear influence ($10-15)

Katelyn Deckelman's love for dance began at the age of three when she first heard The Lion King movie soundtrack. From age three through high school, Katelyn extensively trained in all styles of dance and danced competitively starting at the age of 8. Her dancing took her all over the US where she won individual and team championships. After graduating from high school, Katelyn attended Kent State University where she participated in many of Kent's dance program performances and also was a member of multiple summer intensive programs. Katelyn was a Canton Charge Dancer for one season where she performed at halftime for all home games and also at a few Cleveland Cavalier games as well. Her love of choreographing started to develop while she was teaching Jazz and Lyrical to ballet students during her college years. Katelyn was also a member of the Live Entertainment Division at Cedar Point Amusement Park where she was a dancer in one of their Halloween shows, "Sideshow: A Carnival of Magic". Katelyn works full time in Marketing but enjoys the Cleveland Dance Project community and many local performance and teaching opportunities!

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Never Tear Us Apart - INXS
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 5-6:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): dress with a flowy bottom and tight top for the women; dark pants & dress shirt for men (CDP closet, $30 max)

Tori Byrd is from the Cleveland area and grew up dancing competitively. Tori began her training at age three, and has trained in various styles including ballet, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, and tap. After graduating high school, Tori began teaching dance and choreographing for local studios at both the recreational and competitive level. Tori has worked with Ohio Dance Masters, judging for scholarship awards and teaching convention classes. Tori continued her training at the University of Akron where she obtained a minor in dance, graduating in 2025. Tori continues to teach and choreograph in the Cleveland area and often travels to train in cities such as NYC, Chicago, and Detroit.

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Sailor Song - Gigi Perez
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): all grey (dancer’s closets)

Meredith Dunlap began dancing at age three and trained in heels, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and modern. At Ohio Northern University, she performed with the Northern Stars Dance Team and in various theater productions. After graduating, she danced professionally for two seasons as a Canton Charge Girl, performing for crowds and engaging with fans. Meredith has choreographed for multiple CDP showcases and most recently, the CDP appearance at the Cavs game. Outside of dance, Meredith is a Customer Success Manager and enjoys working out, walking her dog, and traveling with her husband.

Style: Heels
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Where Is My Husband - RAYE
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Heels, black bottoms, white button down top and a black tie ($0-50 depending on what a dancer already owns)

Arielle Strosser is originally from Lancaster, PA. She choreographed for multiple dance teams in the area from the age of 16. She taught dance at the Lititz Academy of Dance, and was a part of their Cojomotion Dance Company. This company gave her the opportunity to perform at many local and charitable events. After majoring in Dance at Radford University in Virginia, Arielle moved to Ohio to attend Cleveland State University with a major in psychology and a minor in dance. Arielle works closely with Cleveland Dance Project and has choreographed for 13 of their 16 seasons so far. Arielle enjoys freelancing heels classes around the greater Cleveland area and hopes to bring a new sense of sass and femininity to the dancers she works with!

Style: Jazz
Level: Adv
Music: Hella Good - No Doubt
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black skorts, white button down shirts tied up, and colorful loose neck ties ($0-20)

Growing up, Alexia Reiman trained in ballet, jazz, modern and improvisation at Pleasant View School for the Arts and Living Fountain Dance Company (LFDC) in Canton, Ohio. She went on to join LFDC’s senior company as their youngest member, performing onstage as well as for local events around the community. Alexia continued her dance training at Athletic Garage Dance Center (AGDC) in Los Angeles, California, where she trained in and performed contemporary/lyrical, modern, jazz, jazz funk, salsa and hip hop. She taught and choreographed for seasonal shows at AGDC in contemporary/modern. While in Los Angeles, she had the opportunity to perform within the larger dance industry, with some of her accomplishments being the onstage performance of Euphoria/Dysphoria by Shannon Janet Smith (modern/contemporary), a pilot commercial submission for American Apparel with choreography by Steven Butler (jazz), a pilot commercial submission for Calvin Klein with choreography by Paolo Alcedo (modern/contemporary) and live performance at the Western Toyota Conference with choreography by Desi Jevon (salsa). Upon moving back to Ohio in 2017, she started dancing with Cleveland Dance Project, and has performed with them in modern, contemporary, jazz and hip hop. Alexia has her 200-hour yoga certification and loves to practice and teach yoga and mindfulness to help promote mental and physical health. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Malone University and is currently working on a Physical Therapist Assistant degree at Stark State College. IG: @alexiarenae

Style: Modern
Level: All
Music: Boy With a Coin - Iron & Wine
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 4:30-6pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Matching rompers/dress/jumper. Barefoot/turners/paws. ($15-25)

Delaney Jones began dancing at age 3 at her home studio, Sam Smith School of Dance in Buffalo, New York. Here she trained in contemporary, jazz, tap, ballet, and hiphop; and later choreographed and taught. She attended Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio where she studied psychology and childhood studies and minored in modern dance, while participating in Case Kismat Fusion competitive dance team as a dancer and choreographer. She received a masters degree in Community Practice for Social Change from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. Delaney began dancing with Cleveland Dance Project in 2020, and choreographed for seasons 9, 10 and 14.

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: In My Arms You Built A Tower - Elitin
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 6-7:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): tan oversized tshirt and pants ($0-10)

Elizabeth Adams grew up admiring dance, but didn't become a dancer herself until adulthood. She gradually made the transition from basketball player, to cheerleader, to dancer and hasn't looked back. She draws on her time in other sports to inspire her choreography and add a unique flair. Elizabeth spent time in college competing on a nationally competitive Bollywood Fusion dance team, Case Kismat, where she learned the art of sharing a story with an audience. Elizabeth joined CDP in season 9 and has danced in every season since. She choreographed for seasons 10, 11, and 14. Elizabeth spends many evenings in the CDP studio taking classes for fun and to improve her technique. Outside of dance, Elizabeth is completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in anesthesia to become a CRNA.

Style: Hip Hop
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 6-7:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black hoodies, green track pants, white sneakers ($15)

Karen Konopacki started dancing at the young age of 5, where she developed a drive to explore the world of expressive art and rhythmic motions. As the years went by, her passion for dance only grew stronger. As an adult, she transitioned into a teaching role for studios all throughout Northeast Ohio. In her 20s, she became a member of a local hip-hop crew, embarking on an exciting journey that would lead her to some incredible opportunities. She was showcasing her talents in front of massive crowds, but also had the privilege of being an opening act for renowned artists like MGK, the Temptations, and even the late Little Richard. Karen started a thrilling journey by participating in professional auditions where her exceptional skills and perseverance paid off. Her hip-hop crew was among the top 7 crews for the hit MTV series America’s Best Dance Crew season 2, and she also was one of the top 25 dancers for Beyoncé‘s 2007 auditions in Chicago for “the Beyoncé experience“ tour. She left a lasting impression with every audition, and even though she wasn’t awarded the job, it brought her one step closer to her goals. She has drawn the interest of local musicians, and appeared in several videos in the Cleveland and surrounding areas. She continues to train and undoubtedly has a great love for dance that she loves sharing with others.

Style: Hip Hop
Level: All
Music: Michael Jackson mix - Bad, Dirty Diana, Beat It, They Don’t Care About Us, Wanna Be Startin Something, You Rock My World, and possibly Threatened
Rehearsals: Thursdays 6-7:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Edgy with black, red, white, and leather (no more than $20)

Originating from the small town of New Philadelphia, Ohio, Bella Gibbs has transformed her passion for movement into a vibrant journey of artistic exploration. A dedicated dancer, choreographer, and educator, she is the holder of a B.A. in Dance Studies from Kent State University, where she has trained extensively in contemporary, jazz, ballet, improvisation, and composition. Isabella’s work blends technical precision with storytelling, often exploring emotional nuance, community connection, and the relationship between music and motion. She has performed in numerous collegiate productions, choreographed original works for the stage, and led weekly classes for college dancers that emphasized both technique and mental wellness. Isabella has trained under esteemed faculty at Kent State University and has performed in works showcased at the OhioDance Festival, ACDA, and internationally in Bangkok, Thailand. With a deep appreciation for both performance and pedagogy, Isabella continues to grow as an artist who not only moves but moves others.

Style: Contemporary/Modern
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Wolves - Bon Iver
Rehearsals: Thursdays 6-7:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Different plain white dresses and/or white shirts ($0-20)

Bryan Chambers is a multi-faceted performer, director and producer born and raised in Cleveland Ohio. He began his professional career at age 16, performing in various shows for many artists in Ohio as well as other States. He had the opportunity to perform with artist such as Patti La Belle and Crystal Waters. Bray was also chosen as the first male dancer to ever dance for the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers Dance team. Bryan then Moved to Atlanta, GA working with many different producers from Sony Music and various record labels in Atlanta as a recording artist. Bryan also joined the Atlanta Hawks dance team as a dancer/ choreographer and vocalist, he was asked to perform the National Anthem before one of the teams home games. Bryan was also commissioned to work with Bad Boy Recording artists B5. Bryan then went on to work for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as well as Norwegian Cruise Lines working as a Dancer/ Dance Captain & Show Director. Bryan then Moved to Los Angeles Booking Commercials for Sharp Electronics and the television show "Magics Biggest Secrets Revealed". While in LA was hired as actor for the Music Video for Chrisette Michele, while also working in the Aladdin Show in Anaheim, CA at Disneyland. Bryan then traveled to Athens, Greece as a Dancer for EuroVision sensations Anna Vissi and Helena Papparizou, performing on the television shows X Factor and Greek Idol. He performed for both concerts and touring as well as Anna Vissi's Misic Video "Fabulous". Bryan then Moved to Las Vegas performing as a dancer in Show In The Sky at The Rio & Vegas! The Show! then The Donny & Marie Show and tour booking events as dancer/ assistant choreographer for different companies Always Entertaining/ Destinations by Design and E Plus Productions feat. stars, Britney Spears/ Gordon Ramsey/ Jennifer Lopez/ Tyson Beckford/ Rita Moreno/ Wayne Newton/Tony Bennett as well as Being selected as Lead Dance Captain/Director/Choreographer/MC and Vocalist for The Chippendales International Tour.

Style: Street Jazz/Tango fusion
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Black Mascara - RAYE / Feisty, FredAgain feat. BIA
Rehearsals: Thursdays 7:30-9pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): shades of blue and shades of red 50/50 fire and ice theme (up to $50)

Vaani Nanavaty is a Pharmacology PhD student at Case Western Reserve University. She is a passionate dancer who has been immersed in the world of dance since a young age. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, she developed a deep appreciation for Indian classical dance. After 8 years of rigorous training in Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form characterized by its graceful gestures, rhythmic footwork, and expressive storytelling, Vaani successfully completed her Arangetram, a significant milestone marking the completion of a dancer’s formal training. Driven by her love for dance, Vaani is eager to explore the fusion of different dance styles, pushing the boundaries of traditional dance forms and creating innovative performances.

Nisha Kamath, originally from Buffalo, NY, moved to Cleveland in 2020 to pursue a PhD in Immunology at Case Western Reserve University. Beyond her academic pursuits, Nisha channels her creativity and relieves stress through dance. A passionate performer, she is self-taught in hip hop and traditional Indian dance styles and has expanded her repertoire by taking contemporary, modern, jazz, and advanced hip hop classes as an adult. Nisha has a long history of choreographing for Indian festivals and school performances, showcasing her talent and love for blending styles. Recently, she choreographed a dynamic hip hop-bhangra piece for CDP Season 12 and taught beginner/intermediate Bollywood classes during the summer of 2024. This season, she’s thrilled to debut a new piece on the CDP stage, combining her diverse influences into a captivating performance.

Style: Bollywood
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Chaiyya Chaiyya - Sapna Awasthi and Sukhwinder Singh
Rehearsals: Thursdays 7:30-9pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Either Indian lehenga choli inspired outfits (crop top and long twirly skirts), or black base pants/top with some colorful jacket on top (less than $15)

Ashanti Evans is from Cleveland, Ohio and has been dancing for over 20 years. She lived in Los Angeles for 6 years pursuing a professional dance career. She has worked with great choreographers like Erin Marino, Derrell Bullock, Sienna Lyons etc. Moving back to Cleveland wasn't really in the cards but turned out to be one of the best decisions she made. She's taught all around help choreograph for the CAVS half time show for MLK day, choreographed and performed at the Rocking Roll Hall of Fame. also just had a chance to work with many Non profits around Cleveland teaching for the youth .

Style: Lyrical Modern
Level: Beg/Int
Music: Solange -Cranes in the Sky
Rehearsals: Fridays 5-6:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): very pedestrian, start in layers (Flannels, shorts, loose clothes), and end up in a short and crop top or strap top shirt ($15-20 if that)

Kate Sandborn (she/her) is a dancer and choreographer from Cleveland, Ohio, who discovered her love for dance at the Creative Movement Center in 2009 and hasn’t looked back. A recent graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s in Strategic Communication, she also served as President of Dance Connection and as a student choreographer. In addition to her choreographic experience, she has taught hip-hop, contemporary, and jazz in the Columbus and Cleveland areas, inspiring dancers of all ages to develop their unique movement skills and build self-confidence. Now back in Cleveland, Kate is excited to reconnect with the vibrant dance community and share her passion for dance with CDP!

Style: Contemporary
Levels: Adv
Music: Lay Me Down - Sam Smith and John Legend
Rehearsals: Fridays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): white/cream and lacy (a mix of dresses, skirts, pants, etc.) ($15)

Heather Sakai serves as the Marketing Director for Cleveland Dance Project, as well as for Cleveland Dance Project Company. Heather has been a part of CDP since its inception, contributing as a dancer, choreographer, and instructor. Heather began her dance journey at the age of three, spending her early years training under Jeanne Ann Corrigan and later receiving the bulk of her education under Arlene Cassara, dancing competitively with the Rocky River Studio of Dance. She continued her studies at Baldwin-Wallace College before earning dual master’s degrees in Social Work (with a focus on Adult Mental Health) and Contemporary Dance from Case Western Reserve University. While at Case, Heather specialized in Graham technique and was selected to attend a summer workshop at the Martha Graham Studio in New York City. Heather began her dance journey at the age of three, spending her early years training under Jeanne Ann Corrigan and later receiving the bulk of her education under Arlene Cassara, dancing competitively with the Rocky River Studio of Dance. She continued her studies at Baldwin-Wallace College before earning dual master’s degrees in Social Work (with a focus on Adult Mental Health) and Contemporary Dance from Case Western Reserve University. While at Case, Heather specialized in Graham technique and was selected to attend a summer workshop at the Martha Graham Studio in New York City. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Heather has taught ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, musical theater, and gymnastics to students of all ages both nationally and internationally. Heather also serves as an adjudicator for the Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards. Outside of her dance endeavors, Heather works as a Social Media Engagement Coordinator for Bright Beginnings. When she’s not dancing or working, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and her dog, Kuppy.

Style: Theater Jazz
Level: All
Music: Paper Bag - Fiona Apple
Rehearsals: Saturdays 10:30a-12pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): vintage black dress ($20), white gloves, black T strap heels ($20)

Rashawn Kadeem is a Cleveland-based dancer, choreographer, and performing artist. A product of Cleveland’s rich performing arts scene, Rashawn started training as a dancer at Cleveland School of Arts and CMSD All-City Arts Dance Program. His stage credits span institutions such as Karamu House, Great Lakes Theater Festival, and Cleveland Playhouse. He has also performed professionally with Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Daniel Ezralow Dance Company, Universal Studios, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Known for his emotionally charged presence and work within the LGBTQ+ community, Rashawn is the founder of @ClevelandVogueNights on instagram. His work is deeply inspired by cultural storytelling, identity, and the transformative power of movement. Whether on stage or in the studio, Rashawn is committed to using dance as a tool for healing, expression, and community empowerment.

Style: Vogue Fusion
Level: All
Music: Sam Smith FT. Madonna - Vulgar
Rehearsals: Saturdays 3-4:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Animal print punk - Black , leather, chains, animal print, face paint, etc. (dancers closets)