2011 Master Teachers

Andrea Woodward is the owner of Hermitage Dance Academy in Nashville, TN. Recognizing her passion for choreography and teaching, she declined a professional dance career for herself and opened her own studio as a teenager. Her studio was in the FDC’s top 50 in 2008. In 2009 her studio was ranked number 8 among the FDC studios. 2010 her studio was ranked #1 in the Southeast region and #10 in the nation. Andrea has studied with many well known teachers and choreographers in all disciplines of dance from all over the U.S. She spent many years traveling the country and teaching workshops as well as running her studio back home. Today her primary focus is on pushing the boundaries of dance and choreography. Andrea’s students have won many awards and scholarships from different organizations around the country, and some have gone on to be members of college dance teams, professional sports team dancers, and appeared in several music videos. Andrea has won countless awards for her stylistic choreography and for her students’ technical ability, including both Teacher of the Year and Choreographer of the Year in 2008, 2009 and 2010 by KAR. Andrea is certified by Dance Masters of America and holds a B.S. degree from Cumberland University in Nashville, TN.

Ms. Anjuli Mulholland has a B.A. in Dance and Psychology from Hofstra University. During her years at Hofstra, she studied under the direction of Lance Westergard, Robin Becker, Michael Blake and Cathy McCann. She also took part in many National Dance Festivals, including the American College Dance Festival where her choreography was featured, and the Dancers Responding to Aids Benefit in NYC. Professionally, Ms. Mulholland was a four year member and Captain of the New York Dragons “Firedancers” (AFL). Her choreography has been featured on “Good Morning America”, “WB Morning Show” and “Fox Sports”. She has performed with Bon Jovi, 98*, the Venga Boys, and was core dancer on Club Jam TV featured on ABC. Anjuli is the co-owner and Artistic Director of The Dream Center Dance Academy located in Amityville, NY. Her dance company has received numerous awards of distinction, and is currently ranked one of the top ten dance studios in the Northeast by the FDC. Many of her students have gone on to pursue professional dance careers on Broadway and abroad.

Bernadette Foth is an accomplished dancer with a diverse performance background, as well as, being a board certified instructor, award winning choreographer, master class instructor and sought after competition adjuducator. She has received extensive training through New York University, Oakland University, Marygrove College, Broadway Dance Center, The Edge in Los Angeles and University of Buffalo NY. She is a member of Dance Educators of America, Dance Masters of Michigan, Universal Dance Association and Dance Masters of America and also was a principle dancer with Detroit Talent Dance Ensemble, The Windsor Dance Troupe and performed with Sesame Street. Bernadette is the co-owner of Tina Marie School of Dance, with her mother, in which they operate two successful dance studios in Michigan. Their dancers have received extensive recognition for their incredible technique and performances and many have gone on to dance in broadway shows, cruise ships, television performances and the Radio City Rockettes. In addition, she is the owner & director of an intensive dance workshop, DanzJam, a program that ensures a positive and developmental learning environment with the goal of added depth in the areas of dance to our current and future dancers. She dedicates her life to her students and the education of dance, enabling them to reach their fullest potential.

Dancing since the age of three, Donna has trained in the areas of ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, modern, and tap. Her first professional endeavor was her performance in Pasadena City Ballet Theatre's version of The Nutcracker at the age 12. Donna attended Orange Coast College and was selected to be a member of the National Champion Dance Team. While attending OCC, she performed in an Usher music video, "Pop Yo Collar", and was featured with Paul DaSilva for Dance Spirit Magazine. Donna has performed in numerous benefit shows in Southern California. She is now a well-known choreographer in the Southern California region winning numerous awards for her choreography and dance training. Her students have gone on to be represented by LA's top agencies performing with artists such as Hillary Duff, Vanessa Hudgens, Shakira, Black Eyed Peas, Fatima and also winning prestigious National titles such as the Music Center Spotlight Grand Champion award. Two of her students have qualified to be one of the top 20 dancers on the hit Fox TV show “So You Think You Can Dance”, Pauline Mata and Jordan Casanova.

Donovan Helma began dancing at the age of three under the direction of his mother's dance studio, Miller's Dance Studio, in Denver CO. He currently continues his education in New York City. When he is not performing, Donovan teaches for numerous studios and national conventions across the United States. Some recent stage works include corporate performances for General Motors, Charles Schwab and a Monday Night Football halftime performance with the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Donovan performed for Montreal’s Danse Encore International Festival in a production with the group Tap’d Out. In 2009 and 2010 Donovan toured with the new Greogory Hines tribute show, "Thank You Gregory" starring Jason Samuels Smith and Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards. Since 2004 to the present, he has performed for numerous tours and industrials with the international cast of Tap Dogs, including North America, South Africa, Australia and London's West End. Donovan looks forward to continuing his performing career and inspiring audiences and students worldwide.

Dance Styles include: Hip-Hop, Jazz, African dance,and Lyrical.
Faliceano was brought into the world of entertainment at the early age of 8, with RIngling Bros. & Barnum Bailey Circus.Faliceano learned most of his hip-hop skills and his dance technique,as well as his Vibrant character which he displays from lifes courses of ups and downs. His hard hitting energetic style is what keeps his kids at the top of the list in all major competitions far and wide. Partnered along with wife Summer Turk they have created the name K.A.S.T.(Keith and Summer Turk) Performing Arts that has taken a multitude of 1st place, top 1st, highest in catagories, and countless title awards.
Faliceano has worked with artist such as Busta Ryhmes, Missy Elliott, Napolean and Tabitha dumo. Choreographed for new and Up coming artist, Bollywood top artist Sukshindar Shinda and more! Landing top nationwide commercials along side of good friend D-trix (quest Crew) he has also grabbed the attention of directors to score a part in the award winning bi costal hit "WICKED".
Meeting with and Audtioning for artist such as Marah Carey,Rihanna,Missy Ellott,Madonna, Faliceano continues to push his students to the L.A. level to land jobs and gain knowledge of their future industry.
Faliceano says " Dance with no limits, leave the floor buzzing with your name on it."

Jacy Barney, the tap teacher at cutting edge dance center and assistant director of Supergyms Dance Academy, is versatile in all styles of dance including Tap, Jazz, lyrical, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and gymnastics. She is certified by United Spirit Association in dance technique and has a diploma in performing arts. Jacy was chosen to represent the United States in Barcelona Spain winning world titles as a member of the American dance company and choreographs for many competitive dance studios winning numerous top overall awards as well as creativity and choreography recognition. She won two college dance team titles which aired on ESPN and has coached at the Anaheim Angels stadium for the NCIF championships, and was head coach of the Edison High school Song Team. Jacy was crowned national “Miss Dance USA” and was awarded Dance Spirit Magazines “Future Star of the Year Award.” She assisted at Company dance convention with Brian Friedman, Gregg Russell, Barry Youngblood, and Tyce Diorio and currently travels on weekends working for KAR dance competition. Jacy is signed with MSA agency in Hollywood and dances for the Los Angeles Clippers.
She hopes to continue dancing and sharing her passion for dance while motivating kids to be the best they can be.

Jen Toby has been teaching all disciplines of dance and choreographing competition routines for more than 20 years. She has studied Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Hip Hop. Currently she is the owner/director of planetdance in Canton, MI. Her students have won numerous scholarships, overall awards at conventions and competitions and have obtained numerous choreography awards at multiple dance competitions. She has had students perform in the Choreographers Carnival in Los Angeles, California, back up dancers to several different recording artists, assist many different dance conventions and seen on the MTV hit, "Americas Best Dance Crew." Her cutting edge choreography has won numerous awards at both regional and national levels. Jen judges for numerous dance competitions and teaches on workshops around the country. Jen loves teaching and the love of dance instills in students carries throughout all their years of dance.

Loera started his career as a professional dancer, actor, and performer. For over 20 years, Loera has built a reputation in the entertainment industry. He has traveled the world on tours, performed in award shows, TV shows, films, commercials, and on stage with an array of artists such as Will Smith, Enrique Iglesias, Jim Carey, Bebe Neuwirth, Wayne Brady and Bette Midler to name a few. He has also had the opportunity to work with several high profile Directors/ Choreographers including Rob Marshall, Adam Shankman, Fatima Robinson, Rob Iscove, Otis Salid and Wayne Cilento. What makes Joe unique and outstanding in this field is his experience, the ability to motivate young artists and most importantly, he just loves it! This continues to push Joe to create new ways to teach that excite, inspire, and energize!

Kevin Hermann began his dance training as a child in Albuquerque, NM. He went on to receive his formal training from the University of Arizona, where he graduated Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in dance. He has had the privilege of performing works by world-renowned choreographers Mia Michaels and Dee Caspary, and has danced with Malashock Dance and Company and the San Diego Opera. Kevin has also added video and television work to his credits including commercials for Allstate Insurance, videos for Los Angeles based singer Brooke Wilkes, Melissa Lowe's The New Ballet Workout (Kultur Productions), and has appeared dancing on CBS with Miss America 2000, Heather Renee French. Kevin is a full time teacher and choreographer at The Element Dance Center in La Mesa, CA; winner of the 2008 FDC Pinnacle Cup. His students can be seen in national commercials for Welch's Grape Juice, Divaz Dolls, Target, Kraft, Mattel and McDonald's. He has also been awarded Teacher of the Year and Choreography of the Year from Kids Artistic Revue National Finals. Mr. Hermann continues to travel from coast to coast setting his high energy, unique choreography for kids of all ages and is in high demand for master classes and summer intensives. In addition, Kevin travels with the highly acclaimed Fusion Dance Workshops, a personalized in house intensive, to studios around the country. He enjoys sharing his love and passion for dance with kids around the country!

Moving bodies while moving souls, this Arizona native danced her way into the hearts of all those who she has shared her passion with. Kira DiMartino immersed herself into the dance culture twenty-two years ago, studying with the Edge Performing Arts, Millennium Dance Complex, Ballet Arizona, and the prestigious Dance Connection under the direction of Lisa and Lori Waddel. During this time, she not only perfected her dance skills but her choreography skills as well soon winning the award, Student Choreographer of the Year. She also became the first national L.A. Dance Magic Performer of the year. After high school, Kira was crowned Miss Dance of Arizona, performed and choreographed for the Phoenix Suns Dancers, performed a Broadway Review for the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, performed in SuperBowl XXX, and is currently leading the world of gymnastics into a new realm of dance. Her professional theater productions include A Midsummer Night's Dream, Charlotte's Web, James and the Giant Peach, Thumbellina and Cinderella. Her dance experiences have included Industrials for DaeWoo, Matrix, Biolege, and numerous choreographer carnivals.

Kristi Fair began dancing at the age of three in Riverside, California. At the age of 10 she began dancing for the prestigious West Coast School of the Arts in Cypress, California. During Kristi’s competition years she took top honors in tap, jazz, ballet, and lyrical. In 2001 Kristi opened her own dance studio where she teaches tap, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical. In the past four years Kristi’s students have received high top honors at competitions at both the regional and national level. Kristi has choreographed for local theaters, high schools, and colleges earning top honors. Kristi spends a lot of her time traveling teaching master classes. Kristi received her training from teachers and choreographers such as Cory Finn, Tina D’Amato, Paula Kessinger, Amy Bates, Dawni Novak, and many teachers/choreographers in the LA area.

Mario Velez Jr. is a professional hip-hop choreographer and dancer/performer. Mario has toured and worked with artists such as Omarion, TLC, Rock Steady Crew, Fergie, My Chemical Romance, Brandy, Boyz II Men, Doug E. Fresh, Paula Abdul & many others! He has also toured with the world-renowned Harlem Globetrotters! Mario is currently performing and choreographing for the National Recording Artist, Jasmine Hormez and for Automatic Response Dance Crew which was featured on the show’s first season of “ America’s Best Dance Crew!”. He has also done work with the NBA and WNBA Phoenix Suns Dance Team, The Seattle Supersonics, The Warrior Girls , The Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Mercury Hip-Hop Squad. He has trained dancers that have worked with artist such as: Lady GaGa, The Jabbawockeez, Jason Derulo and pricipal dancer David Hallberg from ABT, and many others. Mario has also started an exciting and very passionate Dance Studio called Diverse Elements. His diversity also includes choreography for shows, Splash and Bottoms UP in Las Vegas NV, and Jubilation in Reno, NV. This was all possible because of his long time partner and wife Melissa Velez. Mario has one saying that he lives by-"Hip-hop is not just rapping and music, it is a culture, a way of life!

Originally from San Diego, Ca., Michelle grew up training extensively in ballet, tap and jazz. As an adult, Michelle was drawn into the tap world and has been an accomplished tap choreographer for over 18 years. Michelle has trained with such tap masters as Brenda Buffalino, Mike Minery, Sam Weber and the late Gregory Hines. Her choreography is sought after all over the country and her students can be seen dancing for Fox, Disney, ESPN and in “Dance Teacher” and “Dance Spirit” magazine. She has also trained the 2006 World Dance Champion, who became the youngest ever intern for the NYC Rockettes and her students have danced for such artists as Rhianna and Britney Spears. You can see her choreography on Fox and numerous music videos. Aside from directing the tap programs for two studios in San Diego, Michelle is also the tap director for the acclaimed “Mather Dance Company” in Orange County (Directed by Shannon Mather). Michelle is also proud to be on tour with KAR’s amazing dance convention!

Michelle received her education in dance form Long Beach State and Cal State Fullerton. She worked for United Spirit Association for 6 years as a songleading head coach. For over 10 years Michelle made her home at Disneyland performing in both parades and live shows such as the Queen Mary and Spruce Goose Show. She has performed for many superstars like Milton Berle, Dustin Hoffman, Michael Jackson and Frankie Avalon. Her most recent choreography credits include Grease, Anything Goes, Cabaret, Oliver, Peter Pan, Bye Bye Birdie, Godspell, The Wiz and Beauty and the Beast. Michelle's the former owner of MKR Dance Productions which she is the most proud of. Her choreography and her students have been the recipients of many regional and national titles. Many of her students have performed on TV and in music videos, receiving scholarships to major universities and becoming nationally ranked choreographers themselves. Michelle is currently a teacher and choreographer for Dance Precisions in Placentia CA.

Patrice has studied with some of the dance industry's most well respected and notable choreographers. With this training, Patrice has since become one of California’s most sought after choreographers herself. She has choreographed for the dancers for recording artists Destiny’s Child as well as Gladys Knight. Her students have worked with Gwen Stefani, Pink and Carrie Ann Inaba to name a few. Patrice's students continue to book work in Television, Feature Films, Music Videos and one of her dancers is currently a supporting lead role in Broadways "Grease". Patrice's work has been seen on the ABC, CBS and FOX television networks. Many of Patrice's students have held National Titles such as: Miss Dance America, Miss Teen Dance America, Mr. Teen Dance America, Miss Jr. Dance America, Mr. Jr. Dance America and Miss Petite Dance America. Her work is in high demand nationally and internationally, including Japan and Australia as Guest Teacher and Choreographer. Patrice is the Director/Choreographer of the highly successful Los Angeles based project "Destination Dance" bringing the nations most well respected and talented dancers together. Patrice is the choreographer for the National College Dance Team Champions, The University of Tennessee. Patrice's choreography has been described as "breathtaking", "genius", "intriguing" and "incomparable", yet her most proud attribute is that she is continuously recognized for her fresh, positive approach to working with dancers of all ages and achieving amazing results in the process.

Patrick, 26, began his dancing career taking class at his family's studio C&C Dance Company in Bowie Maryland. His professional career started right out of high school with off broadway shows and national tours such as "Footloose", "A Few Good Men Dancing", "Nights On Broadway 2 and 3" and with "The All American Dance Team" with well known choreographers such as Ac Ciulla, Ray Leeper, Laurieann Gibson, Jerry Mitchell, Jeff Amsden and Mark Marino. He then signed with Clear Talent Agency to pursue more commercial work. He has backup danced in music videos and shows for artists such as Toni Braxton, Amerie, Lupe Fiasco, Cassie, Corbin Bleu to name a few. He was featured in the major motion picture "Step Up 2 The Streets" choreographed by Jamal Sims. His television debut was a 4 episode stint for ABC's "One Life To Live" and performed on "The View". Pat has also performed with Rasta Thomas' "Bad Boys Of Dance". Pat has performed across the world but his passion is to teach. He loves to choreograph and inspire kids to express themselves through dance. Pat says watching the growth of dancers is "the best rush you can get" as a teacher.

Rochelle Mapes graduated from Cal State Long Beach on scholarship receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance. Her normal life is a juggle of time split between teacher, choreographer, judge and dancer. Her professional credits include dancing on the television show “Nip/Tuck” as a dance double for Joely Richardson and performing with such artists as Gladys Knight and Wayne Brady. She was a founding company member of BARE Dance Company under the direction of Mike Esperanza and has also danced with Bodytalk Dance, In Mix’d Company and Benita Bike’s Dance Art Company. She is currently in her 3rd season dancing with RhetOracle Dance Company. Her choreography can be seen on college dance departments, pre-professional companies, studios and nationally ranked dance teams throughout the West Coast and has been nationally recognized for its creativity.. She also judges regional and national dance competitions for dance teams, studios and conventions for KAR, USA and CADTD. Rochelle teaches commercial and classical dance at the Orange County High School of the Arts, is a head instructor for dance camps through the United Spirit Association and is a much sought after master class teacher around the country.

Ryan’s true passion is in teaching and choreographing. He has taught on numerous conventions including LA Dance Magic, Dance Olympus, Co Dance, 3D Dance Network Inc., OnCue LA, Global Dance Convention (Australia), The Streetz, Dance Raw, Encore, HYPE, and the Tampa Bay Tap Festival in Florida. Although known for his tap, Ryan excels in all forms of dance. Using his versatility, he infuses and creates a unique and up to date style that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

At age 13, Scotty Nguyen booked his first dance job with Michael Jackson on MTV. Along the way, he has accumulated a strong portfolio of dance credits such as the Adam Sandler's Wedding Singer, MadTV, iPod, So You Think You Can Dance ads, Bravo's A-List Awards, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and the Spice Girls Reunion World Tour. Recently, Dance Spirit featured Scotty and his new footwear line, New Street Order, on the cover of the 2011 June issue. As a choreographer, Scotty's recent projects include the Ringling Bros. "Fully Charged" circus, Nickelodeon's Fresh Beat Band, and the hit TV show Bucket & Skinner. In the touring world, he just completed A.R. Rahman's "Jai Ho" World Tour and is creating a new motocross show called Nuclear Cowboys. Scotty's movement can also be seen in national TV ads for Bratz Dolls, Xbox 360, Ford Motors, Hasbro Gogo, EZ Bake, and Mortal Kombat video games. Last year, he directed and choreographed a short dance film called "There Goes My Baby" that has been nominated for multiple awards.

Tiffany has over thirty-five years of dance experience in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, musical theater and several styles of tap dancing including Broadway to Hoofing. She served as Dance Captain at the Ohio State University at age 16 and received a full dance scholarship to the prestigious Gus Giordano Dance Center in Chicago, Illinois. She has performed at the Capital Building in Washington D.C., the Chicago Theater, in the promotional tour for the movie “TAP”, various industrials, charity events and on television. Tiffany has performed with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Savion Glover, Lane Alexander, the late Gregory Hines and was an original member of the “ETC” Tap Company. She has also had the honor of studying under such greats as Gus Giordano, Henry LeTang, Sandman Simms, Jimmy Slyde, Derick Grant and the Emmy winning Jason Samuels Smith. Tiffany has earned the titles Teacher Of The Year & Top Choreographer on Regional and National levels, and most recently, her choreography was featured in the New York City, Tap Extravaganza 2011. Her students can be found on television, Broadway, movies and professional dance companies. Tiffany has been recognized by the Stanford Who’s Who of America, Ohio House of Representatives for her dedication to the Arts and is a member of the International Tap Association. She now serves as a National Adjudicator and the Elite Company Director at Judy Dollenmayer Studio of Dance in Columbus, Ohio. Tiffany is committed to sharing her love of dance through mentoring, educating and teaching proper technique across the country.

Kristen Hibbs is the owner and artistic director of the San Diego Dance Centre located in Poway, CA. In her early years, Kristen trained extensively in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop. She began to pursue her career as a dancer at the age of 16 and traveled from San Diego to North Hollywood twice a week to learn from the masters such as: Dee Caspary, Mandy Moore, and Wade Robson. Kristen has worked in the dance industry since the age of 17. She graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School and in the same year became an instructor for the United Spirit Association. She attended Orange Coast College where she was selected to be a part of the National Championship Dance Team under the direction of Dan Sapp. While dancing with OCC, Kristen was featured in the hit comedy “The Hot Chick” starring Rob Schnider and Rachel McAdams. Kristen is an award-winning choreographer and has trained some of the nation’s top young dancers who currently work in the dance industry. Kristen’s students can be seen in commercials, movies and professional dance companies all over Southern California. Kristen currently resides in Poway, CA with her husband Nick and their beautiful baby girl, Zoey. She is excited to be part of KAR’S Convention and can’t wait to share her passion and dance education with all of you!