Our team shares a common philosophy: to bring each student the benefits of performing arts training - healthy lifestyles, alert minds, self-discipline, the spirit of team work and a love for the arts.
Meet our Team
Enrollment/Studio Manager & Musical Theatre Director
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SAMANTHA NAVARRO
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ALANA THON
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CYX WYNN
LOREN LOMASTRO SPECHT
Loren LoMastro Specht (Founder & CEO) has worked as an instructor and choreographer throughout Illinois and Indiana since 1997. She is a member of the Cecchetti Council of America from which she holds her Associate IV Teaching Certificate, a member of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, a certified Rhythm Works Integrative Dance instructor, a graduate of the NFHS Coaches Education Program and a graduate of the American Tap Dance Institute’s Teacher Training and Certification Program, the world’s foremost training program for professional tap dance teachers. During the 2001- 02 season she attended company classes and trained with River North Chicago Dance Company. She has performed at Dance Chicago, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Center, Dance For Dreams, Ela Festival of the Arts and Tango 21 (Ravinia Festival). She has danced in works by renowned choreographers Claire Bataille, Frank Chaves, Paula David, Jeff Hancock and others. From 2001-08 she was the dance instructor/coach of the Lake Forest H.S. Varsity Poms Dance Team leading them to win 4 consecutive State Championships and 2nd place at UDA Nationals. From 2002-07 She was the director of Euphony Tap Ensemble and Prelude Dance Theatre. From 2008-18 Loren choreographed/coached the Loyola Academy Varsity Poms/Dance Team. Loren has choreographed works for many Chicago area dance companies, CenterStage Theatre, and Lake Forest H.S. She has received choreography awards from the Chicago Dance Connection, Dupree Dance, and Universal Dance Association. Loren was a guest faculty member of the National Tap Ensemble's "Spirit of Tap"Conference. Loren is a member of the International Dance Entrepreneurs Association and Dance Studio Owners Association Inner Circle. In addition to being the director/founder of LoMastro Performing Arts Academy, she is the creator of Dancing Tots, an early childhood dance program used by dance instructors throughout the US and Canada. Loren lives in Lake Forest with her husband Brian and son Leo (9).
ABBY ROSSITER
Abby Rossiter (Artistic Director) is thrilled to be back at LoMastro where she performed as a Next Step company member. Abby grew up training and competing in dance throughout the Chicagoland area. She was selected as an NYCDA Studio Showcase Dancer and recipient of the Dupree Dance Convention Advanced Ballet Scholarship. She also performed as a Patriette and Concert Company dancer at Stevenson High School. Abby graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Miami where she studied Motion Pictures, Dance, and Sociology. Favorite opportunities while there include The New York: Invitation to Dance summer program (attended on scholarship), The Frost School of Music Dance Department and Composers Collaboration (selected choreographer and soloist), and Dancing With the UMiami Stars (1st place, Standard division). Additionally, Abby was part of the Miami Motion Dance Team as a performer, student president, and coach post-graduation. Abby loves sharing her passion for dance with eager students and enjoys choreographing musical productions as well. Choreography credits include: Masque (University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL) Willy Wonka, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Little Mermaid (Area Stage Company in Coral Gables, FL) and The Wiz, 13, High School Musical, and Legally Blonde (Northbrook, IL).
LIZA ERWIN
Liza Erwin (Enrollment/Studio Manager and Marketing Director) has spent the past ten years working in intercollegiate athletics in various roles including marketing, event management, administration and most recently acting as the Director of Operations for the 2023 NCAA National Championship Northwestern Lacrosse Team where she was also a part of the coaching staff of the year. Prior to this, she was the Coordinator for Championship Operations at the NCAA. Liza earned her Master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Arkansas. Liza is no stranger to the performing arts, with 15 years as a dancer for Jody Phillips Dance Company. She was a member of her high school dance team, competed in both choir and theater and student-directed over 30 shows at the state level. Liza is originally from Pittsburg, Kansas and now resides in Evanston she is extremely excited to be joining LoMastro and bring spotlight and growth to the academy’s missions and values.
JENNY GAFRON
Jenny Gafron (Enrollment/Studio Manager and Musical Theatre Director) is a Chicago native, who spent the first seven years of her career as a high school show and concert choir director in Indiana. Jenny started her career at Lawrence North High School on the west side of Indianapolis, where she founded their two award-winning show choirs, Legacy and BellaBravada. From there, she moved south to Columbus, Indiana, where she grew their program and led their two show choirs, Vocal Pointe and North Stars, to many placements within the top five of their categories, in addition to "Gold" ratings at the Indiana State School Music Association Choir Organizational Contest, and music directed their annual musical. Jenny's solo voice students have received "Gold" ratings at the ISSMA Solo & Ensemble contests, district and state level, she was nominated for Teacher of the Year at Columbus North High School in 2023, and named a Top 25 Honored Educator at Lawrence North High School in 2018. She is excited to be sharing her love and knowledge of performing arts in the community that raised her.
SHANNON ALVIS
Originally from Greenwood, Indiana, Shannon received her training at Butler University and the University of Utah. She began her career with the second company of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, then going on to dance and perform professionally with HSDC for nine years. In 2009, Shannon went on to further her growth as a dancer at Nederlands Dans Theater under the direction of Jim Vincent and Paul Lightfoot. During her time in Chicago and Europe, Shannon toured internationally dancing works by many world renowned choreographers such as: Jiri Kylian, Nacho Duato, William Forsythe, Ohad Naharin, Jorma Elo, and Crystal Pite. After taking time away from the stage to focus on the birth of her daughter, Shannon began sharing her artistry once again with the Chicago community. She has appeared in seven productions at the Lyric Opera including Rob Ashford's Carousel, Susan Stroman's The Merry Widow, and Les Troyens w ith Helen Pickett. Shannon teaches around the city and has been on faculty at the Joffrey Academy, Interlochen School for the Arts summer faculty, and Visceral Dance Center. She is very happy now to be exploring her creativity through works of her own, and has choreographed for Visceral Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, DanceWorks Chicago, The Big Muddy Dance Company in St. Louis, the University of Iowa, and was a recipient of the Joffrey Ballet’s Winning Work’s Choreographic Competition. She feels very fortunate for every one of these opportunities, finding inspiration in the things that she loves, and most recently completed an MFA from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia w ith continued commitment to the power of dance.
Shannon is an adjunct member of our faculty.
BENNETT CULLEN
Bennett began his dance training in the suburbs of Chicago, and continued training at the University of Iowa. He has previously danced for The Big Muddy Dance Company where he has performed work by Brian Enos, Kirvan Douthit-Boyd, and Prince Lyons. He has also had the privilege to perform works choreographed by Ohad Naharin, Shannon Alvis, Ramon Flowers, Stephanie Miracle, Sarah Olson, Marc Macaranas, Eloy Barragan, Jennifer Kayle, Armando Duarte, and Meredith Stapleton. Additional training includes Hubbard Street Dance Chicago summer intensive, Gibney and Bates Dance Festival Connect winter intensive, Threads Dance Project summer intensive, DanceWorks Chicago summer intensive, and The Cambrians summer intensive. Bennett is currently a Company Artist with Visceral Dance Chicago.
DEB DEAN
Deb's roots are in Northbrook where she lived and breathed sports growing up. She was in class or teams for soccer, swimming, diving, baseball, ballet, skiing, and enjoyed roller skating and bike riding, but her all time favorite- gymnastics. She was the equivalent of a level 5 USAG gymnast and then in high school until a sophomore. She trained at Mid-American Twisters and when that closed-Northbrook Gymnastics. She started coaching in college at NIAG in DeKalb, then under Leonard Isaacs at AAG Wheeling. Deb graduated from NIU with a B.A. in English, married her college sweetheart, then had two children who are now 25 and 21. Her husband can often be seen around town rollerblading with dogs running out front. Her son is a gamer, former skate boarder, and expert pool player. Her daughter, a senior in pre-med, danced all the way through High school and there, she noticed in her daughter, the beauty and emotionally dynamic force that dance created. While her kids were little she started coaching sports at 8 park districts, became a gymnastics director in Evanston, a coach and then Coordinator at the Park District of Highland Park. Deb lived and breathed gymnastics for 30 years with kids ages 1.5 to 15 in levels Parent/Tot to GIJO/AAU level 4 team. Deb created several classes that added a focus on sparking imagination and communication in Pre-K to K. Deb went on to become a pre-school teacher at Glencoe Park District then started a Tumbling enrichment program there. When covid hit she was encouraged to start an at-home tumbling business, mostly in the summer, on the north shore, called Sweet Home Gymnastics. Her love for gymnastics has deepened as well as her love for kids. Deb is spurred on by the sports science behind movement, progressions, and the collaboration and awe-inspiring coaches she's worked with through the years. Outside of work, she invests her time caring for and spending time with family and friends, reading books in topics of research, education, theology, culture, faith, history, memoirs, watching TV or movies, and cuddling with her cat, Odie. Deb is looking forward to teaching at LoMastro as an Acro Arts teacher and is so excited to help each Acro student develop dynamic technique. She is certified through Acrobatic Arts levels 1-6. "Acro, when incorporated into dance routines, is remarkably stunning to perform and watch"
CHELSIE JACKSON
Chelsie Jackson has been a professional choreographer, dance educator, and performer for over a decade. She first started her dance training near Detroit, Michigan at the age of three. While growing up she participated in many conventions, master classes, performances, and competitions in all idioms of dance. Chelsie graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Dance from Western Michigan University. During college she trained with faculty members as well as guest artists including Derrick Evans, Eddy Ocampo, Willy Shives, and Ron De Jesus. She has also taken her training to various parts of the country such as The Edge Performing Arts Center, The Paul Taylor Dance Intensive, ACDF, Dance Masters of America's Teacher's Training School, Lou Conte Dance Studio, Visceral Dance Center, and Detroit Dance Collective. Chelsie has danced professionally for Chevrolet, Nabisco, Lisa Lamarre and Dancers, Tapestry Dance Company, and A. Deran Dance as well as many independent artists and choreographers. Her passion for teaching has given her opportunities to be on faculty at Illinois High School Dance Festival and Raw Energy Dance Competition, as well as many studios throughout the Midwest. Chelsie is certified in Acrobatic Arts, Zumba and ABT's National Training Curriculum in Pre-Primary through Level 3.
DANI JOHNSON
Dani Johnson is a dancer, choreographer, and instructor from Ramsey, MN. Dani received her BFA in dance from Western Michigan University, along with a certificate in Dance Studio Management. Dani was part of Western Dance Project during her time at Western Michigan and has previously danced with Crash Dance Productions’ pre-professional company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With her focus being contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop, she enjoys blending styles and finds creative freedom in doing so. Dani has had the opportunity to teach in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Michigan. She finds great joy in meeting new students and sharing her artistry with others. Dani had the honor of being the performer of the 2021 Maggie Allesee Choreography Competition winner Ten/10 choreographed by Sara Kausch. Dani has also found a great passion not only in dancing but in choreography. Her collaborative work with Sawyer McNamara titled Ascendancy premiered in the WMU Winter Dance Concert in 2023. She has had the honor of working with choreographers Kiki Lukas, Derrick Schrader, Kim Cooper, Danielle Maas, Sara Kausch, Jeremy Blair, Monique Haley, Kaitlyn Pollock and Rachel Doran. Dani is excited about continuing to pursue her career as an artist!
JANA KALIDOVA
Jana Kalivoda has been dancing since she was 8 and is trained in contemporary, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and modern. From 2013 - 2018, Jana was a part of Capitol Movement Inc.; a non-profit, pre professional dance company in Washington, DC. With this company, she has performed multiple times at renowned venues, including: The Anthem Theatre, John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts, the Atlas Performing Arts Center, and the Shakespeare Theatre. Jana was a dance major at James Madison University. During her time at university, she was a member of Virginia Repertory Dance Company, and worked with artists such as Kyle Abraham, Omar Roman De Jesus, Christian Warner, Xiang Xu, and Ricky Ruiz. She also was Head Artistic Director for the competitive hip hop dance team at her university called Mozaic Dance Team. After graduating, Jana performed professionally with Ensemble InterTwining at Green Space in New York. In August, she moved to Chicago and trained at DanceWorks Chicago’s summer intensive, and Visceral’s professional summer intensive. Additionally, Jana has a passion for teaching and creating choreography. She has explored this passion with Capitol Movement Inc., The Movement Studios - a competitive dance studio in Springfield, Virginia, Dance & Co - a dance studio in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Mozaic Dance Team, and through the dance program at JMU. She is excited to continue her passion of teaching and choreographing at LoMastro Performing Arts Academy!
JESSICA LYNN
Jessica Lynn graduated from the Youth Performing Arts High School as a Dance major. After a short stint performing nationally in regional theatre, she then moved to Los Angeles California. There she danced for the artists Blu Cantrell, Nelly Furtado, Beyonce, Fantasia Barrino, & toured overseas with the reggeaton artist Adassa. Over her career Jessica has appeared in Film, Industrials, Music Videos, Stage, and on Television including the hit sketch show MadTV as a Britney Spears back up dancer.
An established teacher and choreographer in her own right, Jessica Lynn has taught throughout the United States, Italy, and Guam. She was on faculty at the famed Musician's Institute in Hollywood CA for seven years and has also taught at the Millennium Dance Complex and other studio's throughout the Los Angeles area. Jessica has been an adjudicator for Applause Talent, Precision Arts, and The Movement Dance Competition.
Currently Jessica resides in Chicago where she has served as a Competition Director for two studios and was also artistic director for her own Youth Dance Company, JLynn Productions. Jessica is now a teacher and Dance Co. Rehearsal Director at LoMastro Performing Arts Academy. She is certified In Progressing Ballet Technique, Intellidance, Acrobatic Arts, and Progressing Contemporary Technique. She still enjoys traveling to teach guest classes & set choreography.
GLORIA MATTERO
Gloria Mattero (Enrichment Club Director) has always had a passion for working with children. After raising her three daughters, she helped create a Tot Camp program for preschoolers in Highwood, IL. The program’s objective was to incorporate learning through movement and play. For 11 years, she coached recreational gymnastics in Highland Park. This gave her the opportunity to work with children of all different ages with various skill sets. In the parent-tot classes she was able to facilitate parent and child bonding through activities that created a special connection between learning and play. In her work with preschool aged children, she encouraged the children to develop skills and gain confidence in basic tumbling tasks. She takes pride in teaching more complex tumbling while the children learn body awareness, gain strength and flexibility. She loves to teach new skills using creativity and games that encourage self-confidence and growth. She is enthusiastic and passionate and loves to praise each and every child on their individual development. As a member of USAG and Actobatic Arts certified teacher, she is always encouraged to learn new and innovative ways to keep the children striving to reach their best potential. In 2021 Gloria completed the Studio Fine Arts Club™ High Impact Teacher Certification - Level 1 in Early Childhood Fundamentals. She was born and raised in Highland Park, IL, where she continues to live with her husband of 35 years. In her spare time she enjoys going on walks, spending time with family and doing home improvement projects.
MARY MEO
Mary Meo is a movement artist from Chicago, Illinois. Her early dance education includes Légere Dance Centre, DeMaira Dance Studio, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Lou Conte Dance Studio. In 2021, Mary graduated summa cum laude from Ball State University where she obtained her BFA in Dance Performance. At Ball State, Mary had the privilege of working with artists such as Sidra Bell, Noa Shadur, Jamy Meek, Beverly Bautista, and Tweet Boogie. She was a part of Sidra Bell’s piece, “Work Within Dreams,” selected to be performed at the American College Dance Association South Conference in March of 2020. Throughout her collegiate experience, she was able to discover her love for improvisation and how that contributes to the creative process. Upon graduation, Mary danced with Consuming Kinetics Dance Company in St. Louis, Missouri for four seasons. Currently, she is an Apprentice with Ardent Dance Company. As an educator, Mary strives to create an environment where the cultivation of curiosity exists at the forefront. She is super excited to be sharing her love for movement with the students at LoMastro Performing Arts Academy!
KATHLEEN MYERS
Kathleen began her formal dance training with a tap class at the Dance Academy in Chicago many years ago. After falling in love with musical theatre in high school, she pursued a BFA in musical theatre from Western Illinois University where she studied all styles extensively and performed with a modern based dance company called UDT. After graduation, Kathleen began performing, choreographing, and teaching for Lexington Children’s Theatre, which sparked a deep adoration for education. Professional performance credits include TheatreWorks FL, Big Noise Theatre, Missoula Children’s Theatre, and more. Fun fact: Kathleen has taught and/or performed in 13 different states and 2 Canadian provinces! When not in the classroom or on stage, you can find Kathleen drinking hot tea, eating tacos, or watching anything Disney/Pixar with her two children. Kathleen has been teaching since 2010. Joining LPAA in 2023, she is most excited to form relationships with the students and families while instilling a lifelong love of dance and learning!
MATT POSPESHIL
Matt Pospeshil grew up dancing, singing & performing theater in the northern suburbs of Chicago, and got his start dancing professionally in high school with Especially Tap Chicago (dir. Julie Cartier). He furthered his education at Western Michigan University; received a bachelor’s degree in Dance, with concentrations in Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Musical Theater. During his college summers, Matt was performing at Six Flags Great America - Gurnee, IL. After college Matt returned home to dance with Inaside Chicago Dance (dir. Richard Smith), Chicago Tap Theatre (dir. Mark Yonally), Chicago Human Rhythm Project - BAM! (dir. Lane Alexander), and Chicago Human Rhythm Project - Stone Soup Rhythms (dir. Dani Borak). Some of his memorable performances are Dance for Life (2015, 2017, 2019), Dance in the Parks (2017), The Fly Honey Show (2017), Audible Odyssey (2015, 2016), and The Green Mill Poetry Slams (2013-present). Matt currently is a Judge for Starpower Talent Competition. He has previously adjudicated for Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, Dreamstar Dance Competition, Edge Talent Competition, and has taught for the Wild Dance Intensive - National Touring Convention. Matt is an adjunct member of our faculty.
MEREDITH ANN SEELEY
Meredith trained in Rochester, NY at the Orcutt/Botsford School and the Draper Center for Dance Education. She received further training from the Hartford Ballet School, Pennsylvania Ballet School, Chautauqua School, and the NYSSSA Program. At a young age, Meredith joined Timothy Draper’s Rochester City Ballet as a soloist dancing leading roles in productions including The Nutcracker, Firebird, Don Quixote, and Cinderella. She also performed with Rochester’s modern dance company, Present Tense Dance, directed by Anne Harris Wilcox. Later, Meredith joined Gen Horiuchi’s Saint Louis Ballet, where she originated the leading role in his production of Beauty and the Beast and danced numerous pieces by resident choreographer Francis Patrelle. She later went on to perform with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Dallas Opera, Civic Ballet of Chicago, Chicago Festival Ballet, and many others. Meredith loves helping students of all ages and abilities develop a true connection to their bodies. She has a passion for teaching dancers how to cultivate healthy and sustainable movement patterns both in dance and in everyday life. She enjoys sharing skills that help students regulate their bodies for optimal learning and performance and to help boost confidence. Learning how to move well and be well is essential for building and maintaining robust whole-body health. This philosophy has led Meredith to explore and study many other styles of movement and somatics beyond the dance realm including Pilates, Restorative Exercise, natural movement, aikido, climbing, parkour, Somatic Experiencing, and nervous system regulation. Meredith is a Certified Restorative Exercise Specialist (CPT-RES) through Nutritious Movement, a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT), and a movement teacher and coach. She graduated summa cum laude from Saint Mary’s College of California’s LEAP program and holds her BA in Performing Arts.
ABIGAIL STACHNIK
Abigail Stachnik was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She began her dance training at the Young Dance Academy under the direction of Sandra Young. Abigail became a faculty member at the Young Dance Academy in 2010 and has continued to teach and choreograph since then. In 2015, Abigail earned a BFA in Dance with Honors from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She has trained in the Scholarship Program at Lou Conte Dance Studio, apprenticed with Chicago Repertory Ballet, and performed in the Mezzo Company with Cocodaco Dance Project where she eventually joined the main company in 2018. Additionally she has performed as a guest artist with Marlene Skog Dance and performed at Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival in works by Jessica Miller Tomlinson and MitchellMovement Collective. Abigail is currently dancing with Moonwater Dance Project and Symbiosis Arts, and one of her choreographic works “Windmill” has been commissioned by Simantikos Dance Chicago for their 2020 season! Abigail was honored to present her choreography at the Athenaeum Theatre, the College of DuPage, and the “Take Up Space” festival this past year. Her choreography has also been performed at the University of the Arts, DanceChance, Simantikos Dance’s Celebration of Chicago Art and Choreo Kick-Off. Abigail is an adjunct member of our faculty.
MIKKI STOTTER
Raised in Skokie, Illinois, Mikki Stotter discovered her affinity for dance at the age of two. Her training includes an array of styles, from classical ballet and tap to modern, contemporary, lyrical, and musical theater. Mikki honed her craft as a pivotal member of both the Auroris Dance Company and Theatre Troupe 113 at Niles North High School, while also shining on stage as an accomplished musical theater artist. Competing at the national level, Mikki clinched championship titles at esteemed events such as the Showstoppers Dance Convention and Dupree Dance Convention. Her journey then led her to Loyola University Chicago, where she pursued a major in Psychology complemented by a minor in Dance. There, she was fortunate to study under renowned professionals like Deborah Goodman, Amy Wilkinson, and Sarah Cullen Fuller, specializing in ballet and the modern techniques of Doris Humphrey. Adding another feather to her cap, Mikki was a participant in the inaugural Chicago Inclusive Dance Festival, an event that champions diversity and inclusivity in the dance world. Her dedication to dance education began when she became an assistant teacher at just 14 years old, a role that marked the onset of a flourishing teaching career that continues to this day. Mikki is driven by an unyielding passion for facilitating individual growth in movement styles, regardless of one's background or experience. With a keen eye for technique and a heart full of empathy, she delights in sharing her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for dance with her students, empowering them to unlock their full artistic potential.
ALANA THON
Alana Thon grew up in Villa Park, Illinois, where she began dancing at the age of 2. She received her early training at Aspirations Dance and then continued at Deforest Dance Academy where she studied ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop under the mentorship of Ashley Deforest, Carly Brandle, and Devon Perri. From 2012 to 2022, Alana not only trained but also competed at the regional and national levels as a distinguished member of Steppin' Out at Deforest Dance Academy. Elevating her dedication to the craft, Alana transitioned into a teaching role at just 15 years old. In addition to teaching, Alana serves as the Hip-Hop Choreographer for Grayslake North High School's Dance Team. She continues to broaden her skills and network as she trains at Chicago's Puzzle Box studio, and as an active member of the hip-hop dance team The Peicemakers, she has performed at prestigious competitions like Indyopen and Prelude Las Vegas. Certified in Acrobatic Arts, Alana incorporates a multifaceted approach to dance education, emphasizing both athletic prowess and artistic nuance. She is ecstatic to be on the faculty at LoMastro, where she looks forward to inspiring her students and sharing her enduring passion for dance.
LILA TURNER
Lila Turner has a love of movement and has been teaching dance for more than 30 years. She has taught a broad spectrum of students ranging from children as young as 18 months to senior citizens. Her teaching styles include Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Swing, and Latin and Standard Ballroom dance. Throughout her career Lila has had her own competitive teams and has run her own large dance company. She is an experienced competitor, coach, choreographer, and dancer. Lila utilizes her extensive knowledge of Pilates and therapy to be a better foundational teacher for her students. Lila has personally performed and coached in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Utah, Michigan, St. Louis, Chicago, and London. She has an undergraduate degree in dance education, a master’s degree in exercise physiology, is a Certified Pilates Method Alliance instructor with an emphasis on rehabilitation (studio certification: reformer trapeze table, barrel, chair & mat), and is a certified Dance Master of America. Lila and her husband have traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe to represent the United States in International Dancesport Competition (ballroom dance). They were national champions for several years. Together they performed guest television spots for NBC, ABC, and numerous music videos.
BLAIR VAUDELLE
Blair Vaudelle was born in Houston, Texas. Her training began at the Houston Ballet Academy and later continued her studies with the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet School and the Atlanta School of Ballet. She was invited to attend ballet class at Northern Illinois University, at the age of 14, while training and performing with the Rockford Dance Company. She studied ballet at the University throughout her high school years and went on to receive her B.F.A in Dance Performance there after graduation. Professionally, Blair has worked with Ballet Nouveau (Colorado), Ballet Deviare (NYC), the Sarasota Ballet of Florida, and guested with the Civic Ballet of the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, the Faubourg Ballet, State Street Dance Studio, and Alma Ballet. She currently lives in Chicago and has been teaching and choreographing for over 15 years. Most recently she worked as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Northern Illinois University, teaching ballet and setting contemporary ballet works.
CYX WYNN
Cyx started his professional career with Dance2xs International in Chicago in 2003. In 2007, he along with three friends founded the Chicago Onyx Dance Alliance better known as CODA. In 2009 Cyx joined Hip Hop Connxion and in 2011 was named director of the Chicago branch. Cyx has performed on the Soul Train Music Awards, The Grammys, The American Music Awards, the MTV music awards, and the VMAs. Cyx has danced background for Syleena Johnson, B2K, Marques Houston, Missy Elliott, Usher, and Omarion. Cyx has also choreographed and performed in China, Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, England, and Austria along with a multitude of cities in the U.S.