season 18 choreographers

This page was most recently updated on 8/1/26

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 (Which will be posted in mid August), 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 since performed in 4 CDP Showcases and has choreographed hip hop pieces for 5 additional seasons. She also has taught weekly hip hop classes during the Summer Sessions for CDP since 2022.

Check out how Danielle teaches & learn some choreo from the piece on 8/13 5:45-7pm in Int/Adv Hip Hop (sign up on MindBody - tinyurl.com/cdpclasses)

Style: Hip Hop/Latin fusion
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Bad Bunny Mix - Tití Me Preguntó, MONACO, BAILE INoLVIDABLE, NUEVAYoL, DtMF
Rehearsals: Sunday 8:30-10am
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Streetwear - A range of browns, warm beiges, and soft cream colored clothing with varied fabric textures and layers (dancers’ closets)

Tori McKinney started dancing at the age of 2 in Parma Hts, Ohio at Charlotte Braun Dance Studio and continued her training there up until college. During high school Tori was also a member of the Magnificat High School Dance team where she then served as an assistant coach from 2017-2022. Tori received her BA in Dance from Slippery Rock University in 2015 and continues to train and perform as a Cleveland Dance Project Company member (apprentice in 2019, company member since 2021) and has been fortunate to set choreography on her fellow company dancers. Since graduating from SRU, Tori has taught and choreographed for many local studios (competition and recreation), school and all star dance teams and even a few high school musicals. Her choreography has been featured in multiple of Cleveland Dance Project's bi-annual showcases as well as CDP Company's collaborative showcases. This past March, her work, "The Emo Anthem," was featured in Ballet Legato's ROOTS: Choreographer Showcase. She is also a certified Safety and Legality Official for the US All Star Federation of club dance and cheer teams as well as a fitness instructor for Ryze & Grind Fitness and Be Fitness. Alongside dance and fitness, she's been an elementary school cheer coach at Old Trail School. Tori also discovered aerial dance after college and has earned 2 medals at the Pole Sport Organization Central Pole Championships in 2018 and 2019. Tori is a Teaching Artist with Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio, a social development program in local school districts that uses ballroom dance as the tool to promote teamwork and safe interaction between individuals in the 5th and 8th grade.

Style: Contemporary/Lyrical
Level: Adv
Music: Dear Icarus - Anna Miriam Brown, Isaac J Brown and Antonio Cipriano
Rehearsals: Sunday 10-11:30am
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Uncertain - hope to use the CDP closet/budget

John Thompson is originally from the Cleveland area and began his dance training from the famous Dee Hiller. He has been working in the entertainment world for over 20 years as a professional dancer, actor, choreographer, and director. John has worked with several Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Winners such as Tommy Tune, Tabitha & Napolean, Patti Colombo, and Barry Manilow. He has traveled the world teaching Master classes in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Heels and audition classes. For 15 years, John worked for Stiletto Entertainment based out of Los Angeles. While working for Stiletto, he worked in the Cruise Ship division as well as with many artists that Stiletto managed, working on stage shows as well as PBS specials. John also choreographs for RWS & Associates out of New York, most recently choreographing shows in New York City and England. He has also been a part of the Winter Guard world as either a performer or as a movement and equipment instructor.

Check out how John teaches & learn some choreo from the piece on 8/6 10-11:30am in Int/Adv Jazz (sign up on MindBody - tinyurl.com/cdpclasses)

Style: Jazz
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Crazy What Love Can Do - David Guetta
Rehearsals: Sunday 10-11:30am
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Red and Black (dancers’ closets)

Jessica “DiBa” Bennett trained at Canton Ballet for 14 years before earning dual degrees in Modern Dance (BFA) and Psychology (BA) from The Ohio State University, where she studied with former principal dancers from the companies of Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, Mark Morris, and Pina Bausch. She has also danced and choreographed professionally in New York City, Los Angeles, and Columbus, OH with dance companies like Lori Belilove, Anna and the Annadroids, the Backspace Performance Ensemble, Amy Campbell's Crooked Mouth Dance Company, as well as the Kloons production company, Fugitive Kind Live Theater and musicians including Yula Beeri, Basement Batman, Fashion Week, and several drag artists like Thorgy Thor and Acid Betty. Some of her exciting ventures in Ohio have been choreographing for several seasons of Cleveland Dance Project's showcases, collaborating with world-renowned choreographer Stephen Petronio for DANCE Cleveland's mentorship program and performing, performing with and choreographing on Studio West dancers for the Electric Forest Music Festival, and serving in the board for CDP Company.

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, 14, and 17.

Style: Experimental Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Carry On - GRiZ
Rehearsals: Sundays 1-2:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): solid color and flowy (CDP closet&dancers' closets)

Anna Donsky is a counseling student who continues to pursue her passion for dance alongside her graduate studies. She earned a minor in dance at the Ohio State University and has a background in classical ballet with experience across contemporary and other dance styles. Anna began her dance training with the School of Cleveland Ballet, where she performed in full-length productions including The Nutcracker, Coppélia, The Sleeping Beauty, and other classical repertoire. While attending college, Anna expanded her training into a variety of dance styles. She was a member of Momentum Contemporary Ballet, where she served on the executive board for three years and as President during her final year. In addition to teaching weekly ballet classes and organizing productions, she choreographed 11 original works for the organization. She also performed and choreographed with XClaim Dance Company and was a member of J2K Dance Group. Since returning to Cleveland, Anna has continued performing and teaching within the local dance community. She has performed with CDP for four seasons, is a member of Dulce Dance Crew, and is an instructor at KPOPDANCEinCLE. As a choreographer, Anna enjoys creating expressive choreography that feels good to dance and allows performers to connect with music, each other, and the audience.

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Crush - Ethel Cain
Rehearsals: Sundays 2:30-4pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Short white dresses with some kind of black lace element (possibly up to $30)

Amanda Paus grew up dancing at Dance Dimensions by Jen Naso in Strongsville. During her time there, she trained in all styles and competed in jazz, lyrical, tap, contemporary, and acro. After graduating high school, she went to college at Kent State University to study Early Childhood Education. She was also on the Kent State Dance Team for 4 years and was a captain her senior year. She has been teaching dance at Dance Dimensions by Jen Naso for 11 years. Amanda has been a part of CDP Company (2020-2026) and Cleveland Dance Project showcases every season since 2019. She has choreographed in 5 different seasons for CDP showcases in various styles and choreographs multiple pieces each year for Dance Dimensions by Jen Naso. She is a first grade teacher at Cuyahoga Heights and also is the choreographer for the middle/high school musical!

Style: Jazz
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Kickstart My Heart - Motley Crue
Rehearsals: Sundays 2:30-4
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black skort, black top, possibly red accessories (dancers’ closet/CDP budget)

Caitlin Basler, AFAA-CGFI, DMA, STOTT PILATES, is a seasoned dance educator and national adjudicator with over 30 years of experience in the dance world and more than a decade of teaching in classrooms and studios. With a strong foundation in tap and a passion for movement education, she brings a unique blend of artistry, musicality, and technical expertise to every class and critique. Caitlin is a certified member of Dance Masters of America and currently serves as Lead Master Trainer and Director of Education for Zumbini, where she develops curriculum and trains educators across the U.S. and internationally. Her work has been featured on TLC, DCTV, and at national conventions, where she continues to inspire dancers and educators alike through her dynamic, inclusive approach to movement!

Kasey Jones is a dedicated dance instructor and choreographer with over 20 years of dance experience. Kasey started her teaching career by training extensively as both an assistant instructor and a member of a competitive dance team at AADbK, developing a strong foundation in technique, performance, and mentorship. Kasey holds her Cecchetti Levels 1 and 2 teaching certifications, as well as her Grade 1 certification from Dance Masters of America. Kasey also continues her dance education as a graduate student through the University of Northern Colorado focusing on a masters degree and Dance education. She is an active performer with the Cleveland Dance Project and is also a teacher at Miller South School for Visual and Performing Arts. Passionate about early dance education, serving as the early childhood director at All About Dance! by Kristen Kasey is committed to creating a positive, structured, and inspiring environment where young dancers can build confidence, technique, and a lifelong love of movement.

Check out how Caiti teaches & learn some choreo from the piece on 8/19, 6:15-7:30pm in Adv Tap (sign up on MindBody - tinyurl.com/cdpclasses)

Style: Tap
Level: Adv
Music: Joy-RAYE
Rehearsals: Sundays 4-5:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Jeans on bottom and crop top or tee that says JOY($35-40)

Lilly Mendenhall has been a dancer for 17 years, starting when she was just 3! She trained for 15 years at Martell School of Dance in Akron, Ohio. After graduation, she went on to do Broadway Dance Center’s Professional Semester in New York City. While in New York, she was able to train in various styles with many well-known choreographers in the dance industry. After her graduation from BDC’s Professional Semester, she began an intensive program with CLI Conservatory. She has spent the last 10 months training under Teddy Forance, Martha Nichols, Riley Watts, and many more leading artists in the industry. She is just getting started in her dance journey, and is so excited to continue learning and see where she ends up!

Style: Contemporary Fusion
Levels: Int/Adv
Music: Rhiannon - Fleetwood Mac
Rehearsals: Sundays 4-5:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): white/cream and lacy (a mix of dresses, skirts, pants, etc.) ($15)

Christian Spates is a self taught street dancer. He began dancing with a crew of street dancers, and they would dance in public areas entertaining crowds. Christian first joined CDP in season 6 as a dancer, followed by seasons 7 and 8. In season 9 he choreographed Hip Hop for CDP, and he would then choreograph in the following CDP seasons 10, 11, 12, and 13. Christian was selected to choreograph for season 14 while also being selected to join the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team for the 24-25 season. Christian would then go on to join the Scream Team again for the 25-26 season and choreographing for CDP's 16th season.

Style: Hip Hop
Level: Int/Adv
Music: JUMPIN - Pitbull and Lil Jon
Rehearsals: Sundays 5:30-7pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): White shirt with graffiti, black bottoms, black shoes, black finer-less gloves. Headgear optional but recommended. ($10-20)

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.

Check out how Alyssa teaches & learn some choreo from the piece on 8/11 7:45-9pm in Int/Adv Contemporary (sign up on MindBody - tinyurl.com/cdpclasses)

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Promise - Laufy
Rehearsals: Sundays 5:30-7pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Simple dress with a long stemmed rose prop ($15)

Brittany Balside first began dancing at Donna Crean’s DC dancers in Warren at the age of 4 years old studying tap and jazz. Brittany continued to dance off and on throughout her childhood up until her senior year of high school. Brittany finished off her high school years dancing at James Dance and Performing Arts Center joining their competition team adding ballet, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theater to her dance portfolio. Throughout college Brittany continued to take dance classes as electives. Through her last 4 years of college, Brittany danced and cheered for various northeast ohio semi-pro football organizations adding coaching and choreographing to her resume. In 2017 Brittany exited the semi-pro world to take her talents back to the stage joining the inaugural season of Cleveland Dance Project. Since then, Brittany has been a 18 season veteran member of Cleveland Dance Project participating in their spring and winter showcases as well as choreographing and participating in various smaller events and performances. Through CDP Brittany has had many incredible opportunities such as performing for the Cleveland Cavaliers pregame show and most recently participating in the Cleveland Browns Monday night football halftime show in fall 2022. In 2016, Brittany also began studying ballroom through Fred Astaire gaining knowledge in Latin Rhythm and Smooth dance. Most recently Brittany joined Reverie Movement Collective, a dance and wellness company based in her hometown in the fall of 2023 where she has performed and choreographed for three seasons now. Brittany's dedication to this adult dance community continues to be one of her deepest passions and is grateful for the opportunities and friends that have become family this organization has provided throughout the years. Instagram @BrittnissB

Style: Contemporary/Lyrical
Level: Intermediate
Music: Searchlight-Shinedown
Rehearsals: Mondays 5-6:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): flowy/ summer/“sunset vibes”; cream summery knee length dresses or shorts/pants with potentially some warm coral/ burnt orange tones mixed in. ($20)

Delaney Bochenek grew up in Bainbridge, Ohio where she began dancing at the age of 3. She is trained in contemporary, ballet, lyrical, and jazz and was on the competition team at her studio for 8 years. She attended Purdue University where she continued to dance while earning her degree in Civil Engineering. At Purdue she was a member of a 250 person dance organization, Higher Ground Dance Company, for 8 semesters. All the proceeds from the Higher Ground performances go to the Andrea Rizzo Foundation which provides dance thearapy to children with cancer and special needs. This is where she discovered her passion for choreographing. Delaney was selected as a choreographer each semester, choreographing 8 dances for their shows over the course of her time there, as well as participating in 34 other dances. Delaney was also a member of XSeries through Purdue's Division of Dance. While being a member she choreographed 3 pieces for XSeries. Instagram: delaney_choreo

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Go Easy - Matt Maeson
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Possibly a vest with flowy shorts

Sarah Neiswander found her passion for dancing at an early age, and has yet to stop fulfilling it! She grew up training and dancing competitively at The Beat Dance Company in Bowling Green, Ohio, and knew she wanted to turn dancing into her career. During her time at the University of Akron, she was a student in the dance program as well as a member of UA’s dance team. She had opportunities such as performing at the American College Dance Association as well at the Dance USA festival. After graduating, Sarah’s professional career began as a member of Cleveland Dance Project Company in 2021. She went on to join the Cleveland Cavalier’s Powerhouse dance team, where she performed at over 50 games. Currently, Sarah is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher in the Northeast Ohio area. She has loved CDP since her first time dancing with them in season 8, and is excited for every season to come! Socials: @sarahneiswander

Check out how Sarah teaches & learn some choreo from the piece on 8/24 in Int/Adv Jazz (sign up on MindBody - tinyurl.com/cdpclasses)

Style: Jazz
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Right Now - The Pussycat Dolls
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): dancers will be in a bright colored dress, different shades of pink or red ($10-15)

Growing up, Reagan Lovelace loved watching dance and the stories it told (it all began with an episode of Dance Moms in 2011). As an adult, Reagan finally stepped into the world of dance herself, discovering not only a new creative outlet but a passion that quickly became an essential part of her life. She has been a part of Cleveland Dance Project since Season 12. In Season 15, she had the opportunity to co-choreograph a Taylor Swift Reputation inspired piece, marking an exciting step in her journey as a choreographer. Whether performing or choreographing, Reagan is drawn to pieces that center on storytelling as well as high-energy, confidence-building routines. Outside of dance, Reagan is a reading interventionist in the local area, helping elementary students reach their fullest potential. She is an avid reader, an arts-and-crafts girl, and a cat mom.

Style: Jazz Funk
Level: Int
Music: Fergie Mix - London Bridge/Fergalicious/Glamorous/Here I Come
Rehearsals: Mondays 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black lace & red ($10)

Anaka Herbillon has been dancing since the age of ten, he is from France but always has been inspired by america and its variety of super talented dancers accross the country, mostly from california actually. Growing up looking at youtube videos of the millenium dance studio in LA, he swore one day he would attend a class in this studio. He specicialized in Hiphop and afro dance through classes but mostly on his own reproducing dances online. After highschool he enrolled in a business school program that would allow him to study in the country of his choice, naturally he chose the USA. He waited two years to be enrolled in his foreign college and during this time he was part of his school dance crew as well as the dancers of the school musical, they would perform day and night for any celebrations or contest. After a year of investing all his time to dancing even after classes, he was named head master of the dance crew and choreographer for the school musical. His two years of school in France was awesome, but now was time for the most waited part of his life and he got accepted in college in Cleveland, not california but still... AMERICA!!! His first semester of junior year was full of trips and discovering the country, he realised his dream, visited LA and his favourite studio. And during his second semester he discovered this amazing studio called CDP and their showcase, he obviously auditionned and met amazing dancers.

Lexi Smith has been dancing since the age of two in all genres of dance. She was born and raised in Ohio, and loves performing. Quickly, realizing the passion she had for hip-hop and jazz, particularly. Growing up she was a competitive dancer for seven years. In high school, she was on the Normandy Dazzler’s dance team for three years, getting to travel with the team out of state to perform in Florida at Universal Studios. As well as community performances such as football games, parades, etc. Then she branched out, traveling to NYC for dance classes at the Broadway Dance Center off and on since 2018. Being taught by many different choreographers in multiple different genres. She then found CDP in 2019 and started taking classes. Eventually, she expanded here and became old enough to start auditioning for CDP’s showcases. She has now been a part of eight seasons, making this her ninth season with CDP! Just recently she was fortunate to be chosen for a paid dance roll by the Backlit team to be one of the backup dancers in the Usher & Chris Brown Show. She was also given the incredible opportunity to be chosen separately to dance in the Rythm Section with Usher himself. Instagram : @alexis.smith46 & @lexdances34

Style: Hip Hop/Jazz Funk
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Can't Keep a Beat - Saynow ; GALA - XG ; Like Jennie (MMA studio version) - JENNIE
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 5-6:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black striped track jackets ; Leg warmers ; Sport shorts ($30)

Tori Byrd is a Cleveland native and grew up dancing competitively. Tori began her training at the age of three and has trained in various styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, tap, and pointe. After graduating from Brunswick High School, Tori attended the University of Akron where she obtained a minor in dance, and participated in their dance club as both a dancer and choreographer. Tori teaches and choreographs at local studios at both the recreational and competitive level. Tori continues to train and perform and often travels for training in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Detroit.

Check out how Tori teaches & learn some choreo from the piece on 8/20 from 7-8:30pm in Int/Adv Contemporary (sign up on MindBody - tinyurl.com/cdpclasses)

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Not My Responsibility - Billie Eilish
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): brown and tan colored clothing (dancers closets)

Heather Sakai serves as the Marketing Director for Cleveland Dance Project and Cleveland Dance Project Company. She has been part of CDP since its inception, contributing her talents as a dancer, choreographer, and instructor. Heather began her dance journey at the age of three, training initially under Jeanne Ann Corrigan before continuing her studies with Arlene Cassara and dancing competitively with the Rocky River Studio of Dance. She went on to study 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 more than 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. She has also choreographed for children and adults, bringing a diverse range of training and experience to her work as an educator and choreographer. Heather has served as an adjudicator for the Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards and as a co-choreographer for the Rocky River High School Spring Musical. Outside of her work in dance, Heather serves as a Social Media Engagement Coordinator for Bright Beginnings/Cuyahoga Parents Connect. When she’s not dancing or working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, stepson, and dog, Kuppy.

Check out how Heather teaches & learn some choreo from the piece on 8/11 in All Levels Musical Theater (sign up on MindBody - tinyurl.com/cdpclasses)

Style: Musical Theater/Heels
Level: All
Music: You Oughta Know - Jagged Little Pill soundtrack
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Oversized sheer black button up shirt, black tank or leotard, black bike shorts and fishnets, black boots or heels. (CDP Closet & dancers’ closets)

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 just finished choreographing her 13th piece of her 16 seasons with them. She also offers heels and jazz classes through the CDP studio and hopes to bring a new sense of sass and femininity to the dancers she works with!

Style: Heels
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Coconut - Harry Nilsson; Coconut Girl - Brother Noland
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Sparkly green tops with brown high slitted skirts ($10-15)

Maegen Gallagher started dancing at a young age in Tulsa, OK before moving to Omaha, NE and continued her dance career for the next 17 years. Maegen grew up dancing at a local studio and trained in ballet, tap, jazz, pom, hip hop, and lyrical. At 15 years old, Maegen began leading dance classes and choreographing for her studio and did so for seven years. She continued teaching and choreographing as a three-year member of her high school dance team. Maegen's true love for pom emerged during her college career at The University of Nebraska Omaha where she was a member for five seasons and team captain for two. Maegen attended grad school at Midland University where she was the assistant dance coach of the Midland Dance Program from 2015-2019. In 2017, Midland won the Inaugural NAIA Dance National Championship. Maegen has lived in Ohio since May of 2019 with her husband, Tyler (an Akron-area native), and their eight-year old son, Reese. Shortly after moving to Ohio with her family, Maegen became the Head Dance Coach for The University of Akron Dance Team where she coached from Fall of 2019 to Spring of 2023. Since Maegen retired from college coaching, she has been performing, choreographing, and teaching with Cleveland Dance Project, judging NAIA college dance and Dance Team Union competitions, and choreographing competitive routines for Ohio-area dance teams.

Style: Hip Hop
Level: Int/Adv
Music: BTS mix - Body to Body, FYA, Aliens, 2.0, Hooligan
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 6-7:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): red, black, boots, strappy or baggy pants, spikes, chains, dark sunglasses, etc (Dancers’ closets), balaclava ski masks (CDP Budget)

Karen Colabianchi has been in the dance field for over 50 years. She started dancing professionally at the age of 11 and by the age of 15 she was a member of a New York City dance company. She has performed in famous dance clubs, theatres, stadiums, and syndicated television shows.She was fortunate enough to train under dance legends Alvin Ailey, Debbie Allen, Hinton Battle, Phil Black, Ron Ferella, Frank Hatchet, Betsy Haug, David Howard, Charles Kelley, Henry LeTang, Luigi, JoJo Smith, and of course, Dee Hillier. Along with performing, Karen has worked professionally as a dance instructor, choreographer, designer, and director for over 40 years. In addition, Karen has choreographed modeling and bodybuilding shows, gymnastics and skating productions, musicals, show choirs, dance teams, bands, and winterguards. Some of her choreography has been performed nationwide and internationally. Presently, Karen teaches at her dance studio Uptempo Dance in Middleburg Heights, and she continues to perform and choreograph throughout the Greater Cleveland Area. Karen is honored to be part of Cleveland Dance Project’s Season 18 Showcase.

Check out how Karen teaches & learn some choreo from the piece on 8/27 in Int/Adv Jazz (sign up on MindBody - tinyurl.com/cdpclasses)

Style: Jazz
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Walk of Fame - Miley Cyrus & Brittany Howard; RUNWAY - Lady Gaga & Doechii; Vogue - Madonna
Rehearsals: Thursdays 10-11:30am
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Runway styles - from dancers closets

Kayla Mae Meyer began dancing at the age of three and immediately fell in love. Thirteen years of ballet experience provided her with a technique foundation. The many years of extensive jazz, contemporary, tap, lyrical, and hip-hop training fueled her love of self-expression through dance. Kayla Mae worked as an assistant dance teacher for several years of lessons and camps, even starting her own dance camp one summer. Kayla Mae has been a part of the CDP family for the past two seasons, performing in four pieces. Kayla Mae is always challenging herself to learn new styles, which is why in the past couple of years she has begun training Hoop dancing at CDP. She also started training different types of social dancing, including courses in Salsa, Bachata, West Coast Swing, Argentinian Tango, and Ballroom Dancing. Kayla is currently a member of the Malevo bachata team at Viva Dance Studio. Hip-hop has always been Kayla Mae’s primary passion, which is why she has also been training with 10k Movement to learn the technique of street dancing, including courses in House, Krump, Litefeet, Popping, Rocking, and Hip-hop.

Style: Hip Hop
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Woman - Doja Cat; That's My Girl - Fifth Harmony
Rehearsals: Thursdays 6-7:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): All black - Pants or shorts in a light fabric with a flowy fit ($20-30); tops from dancers’ closets

Kara Richey has been dancing since the age of three, training extensively in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and contemporary styles. In middle school, she earned multiple national and world championship titles as a competitive all-star cheerleader before continuing her dance training at the Academy for the Performing Arts, where she competed with the elite company and won several regional and national titles. She later joined the Dance Team at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and performed nationally with the university’s hip hop crew, Physical Grafeeti. Alongside her early career, Kara continued to pursue dance and movement education, traveling to national hip hop workshops, World of Dance events, and training opportunities. She also earned her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification through Pavones Yoga Center in Costa Rica and has enjoyed teaching yoga for over a decade. After moving to Cleveland in 2019, Kara immersed herself in the Latin dance community through Viva Dance Studio, specializing in salsa. She joined the competitive Ladies Styling team, Azucar, in 2020, where the team earned third place in the amateur division in the World Salsa Summit, and later joined the partner performance team, Saoco de Mambo, in 2023. With Saoco de Mambo, she earned amateur runner-up honors at the World Salsa Summit and won first place in the amateur teams division at the Paramount Cup in 2026. Today, Kara teaches salsa, Latin fusion styles, hip hop, and yoga classes while continuing to perform and compete.

Check out how Kara teaches & learn some choreo from the piece on 8/28 in Int/Adv Latin Fusion (sign up on MindBody - tinyurl.com/cdpclasses)

Style: Fusion (Afro/Hip Hop/Salsa/Contemporary)
Level: Int/Adv
Music: IBN.ADAM - Karpe
Rehearsals: Thursdays 7:30-9pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black and silver (Dancers’ closets, maybe up to $25)

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 eight CDP showcases and frequently teaches classes. Outside of dance, Meredith is a Customer Success Manager and enjoys working out, walking her dog, and traveling with her husband.

Style: Hip Hop
Level: Int/Adv
Music: I Like You - Post Malone; Wow. - Post Malone; The Drop - Connor Price
Rehearsals: Fridays 5:45-7:15pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Likely oversized, below knee jean shorts. Oversized baggy top. White crew socks with white sneakers. ($10-50)

Megan Perry is the Artistic Director of Cleveland Dance Project Company, CDP’s 501c3 wellness & outreach professional contemporary company, as well as a Dancer. She grew up in a competitive style dance studio in Ohio, where she had the chance to study Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip hop, and Contemporary. She received many awards at competitions and conventions, and was given the opportunity to travel and learn from many teachers. After high school she received an internship with the Cleveland Verb Ballet, where she worked with industry leaders like Richard Dickinson, Kay Eichman, and Christopher Flemming. A few years later, she was offered a scholarship to a summer intensive in Cleveland, and then performed in Cleveland & Columbus with a small pick up company. Recently she has continued her training by attending classes at Broadway Dance Canter yearly and taking classes in North East Ohio. Megan has been working with Cleveland Dance Project since 2018 as a dancer & choreographer, and has been a CDP Company member since 2019, as well as their ballet master. She became the Artistic Director in 2022, and has had the opportunity to showcase her choreography at Playhouse Square, Ohio Dance Festival, Dance for Film Projects, and CDP showcases. Megan also teaches many styles at local studios, instructs master classes, and has choreographed award-winning pieces for many competition classes and schools!

Style: Lyrical
Level: Beg/Int
Music: What I’ve Done - Marie Digby
Rehearsals: Saturdays 2:30-4pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): dark colored babydoll/flowy top or dress with black shorts (CDP Budget)