Tosha Alston (African Dance, Caribbean Chrunch) Principal dancer, Muntu Dance Theatre. Tosha was born
and raised in Brooklyn, New York to a family of singers, dancers, actresses, and
musicians. She began dancing, acting, and vocal training at the age of 5 in a little local dance studio. At age 13 Tosha was introduced to West African dance & Orisa where she found love and salvation and helped her cope with the passing of her mother. After high school she began teaching in the public school system in Brooklyn and continued to train, perform and travel with M’bemea G’Bassikolo out of Guinea and New York. Now at 24, she relocated to Chicago to dance and study with Muntu Dance Theatre under the direction of Amaniyea Payne, where her love for dance and understanding of the arts have gone to a higher height.
Miguel Antonio (Jazz Funk/Hip Hop, Jazz Funk/Hip Hop Youth, Jazz Funk/Hip Hop Youth Team) Already dancing at the age of 10 months, Miguel joined his first Hip Hop Company "The Happiness Club" (choreographed by Gloria Araya-Quinlan) in first grade. Today Miguel’s unique form of Hip Hop, which integrates elements of Jazz and Modern Dance, has attracted a large following. Miguel teaches throughout Chicago, and dances with the Hip Hop ConnXion dance company as well as with R&B artist BEN ONE. Videos of his class at Danza Viva can be viewed on You Tube. Miguel says: “I Dance to Live. Though I am a Male, I am trying to keep the Feminine side of hip hop Alive. The Dance Studio is my Home and Place of Sanity, and it'll remain home for as long as these legs can dance.”
Phil Brooks (Tap Youth, Tap I, Tap II) migrated to the windy city in the summer of 2005 to pursue his dream of becoming a professional tap dancer. He began dancing at the age of 14 at "Strictly Dancing Ballroom Studio" exploring the art of partner dance and eventually becoming a classically trained ballroom dancer. With that he grew hungry for more dance, exploring dance forms from Jazz to Irish to African and back again. Phil found tap through his high school theater program, performing numerous musicals involving tap to bring the show to life. People say that Phil's passion for Tap is obvious, which shows whether its in line at the grocery store, on the bus, in the elevator at work; quite simply put, his feet never stop tap tap tapping and he would say that tap is where his heart is. The past two years he studied with M.A.D.D. Rhythms and has since joined the melodic forces of the incredibly talented Chicago Tap Theatre. He would like to take a moment and appreciate everyone who has ever given him support on his journey thus far and promises to always deliver his best!
Christopher Courtney (Break Dance) Chris Courtney graced the Hip Hop dance world with his presence in 1998. He started out as a break dancer and then decided to further his knowledge of hip hop dance by joining national hip hop company Culture Shock Chicago. Deciding that he wanted to share his influences with others Chris began teaching in the year 2000. He has taught at Columbia College Chicago, the Beverly Arts Center, Old Town School of Folk Music, Lou Conte, Grant Elementary, Crunch Fitness, the Chicago Cultural Center, and Danza Viva. Since becoming a dynamic performer he has performed on the same stage with Ludacris, Culture Shock Chiccago, Camron, Chicago Dance Crash, Busta Rthymes, Stick and Move, LIFE, Fivestar Boogie, Common and Kanye West. He plans to further his knowledge of dance and to continue to influence others.
Adrian Dela Cruz (Hip Hop II, Hip Hop Performance Workshop) Adrian was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, moved to Chicago to teach tae kwon do, and started dancing with a group called Naughty Yauzah Crew. Adrian had such a passion for dancing and teaching that he decided to start his own group called the Diffrace Kidz. Adrian joined Culture Shock, a nationwide dance company, and is now one of their main choreographers. From there, he started working for Flash Fitness, Gorilla Sports, Joel Hall, Old Town School, and U Dance Corporation. He also had a chance to be featured in a music video for the Baha Men. He went on to instruct master classes for Lion Heart Church and began directing classes for the Boys and Girls Club and Columbia College, which led him to a live, onstage performance for Syleena Johnson featuring Busta Rhymes at the United Center.
Allegra Feamster (Brazilian Groove)
Allegra Feamster is a certified personal trainer and group fitness
instructor and a seven-year member of the
Bally Performance Team, a professional fitness team charged with promoting
strong health and fitness by way of performances and lectures in and around
the Chicago region. Allegra has been featured as a fitness expert in several media outlets, including EBONY Magazine, Family Circle Magazine, Latina Magazine, Sister to Sister Healthy
Heart, American Diabetes Association and NBC Chicago. Feamster was an
Assistant Choreographer at the 2003 Fitness America National Championship
Competition in Redondo Beach, CA and also serves as a Zumba Chicago area
Marketing Representative / Instructor for the Zumba Fitness Company based in
Miami, FL. Feamster is a former Varsity Cheerleader and founding Dance Team
member for the Temple University Owls in Philadelphia. She has coached and
choreographed competition level cheer and dance routines for both high
school and collegiate squads and has also judged a number of local, state,
and regional Cheer/Dance competitions in the Pennsylvania Tri-State area.
Inspired by her own global travels, Feamster’s passion for world culture
fuses her desire to promote cultural unity through education via the non
intimidating world of fitness and dance. Her motto: “fun with fitness,
unity through education”
Armando Flores (Latin 101/Latin Fast Track)
Curt Flowers (Capoeira) A Chicago grown Jamaican, Curt has trained under Mestre Delei (Delei.com) from Brazil in the style of Capoeira Abolicao, which is low to the ground and focuses on balance and stability. Curt has traveled and "played" with many other Capoeira groups, improving his skill with every interaction. He teaches at the Beverly Prododa Martial Art Academy in Chicago. He has also taught at Essential Elements on Chicago's Web Side, and at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Community Center along with private lessons. Curt has worked with children and adults of all ages teaching Steppin' fundamentals, Dancehall (Jamaican Dancing), Capoeira, culture, confidence, community and health throughout Chicago to all who want to learn. Mentoring many people along the way, he helps them improve their lives step-by step using dance, martial arts and other tools of expression. Known for his high energy and contagious BIG smile, Curt will keep you moving, feeling good about yourself.
Antwain Hicks (Steppin- Chicago Style) has been instructing Chicago Style Stepping for the past 7 years. Officially titled as a Step Master, Antwain is versed in 4 of the 6 variations of Chicago Style Stepping. Antwain has been featured in several music videos and the soon to be released Step in the Name of Love Movie. From the competitive to the leisure, Antwain's knowledge of the subtleties of Stepping will have you dancing like a pro in no time. Come learn the basics or brush up on you skills. There is something for everyone is this program.
Rebecca Huntman (Latin I and II, Latin Cardio Bootcamp, Salsa I, and Latin Performance Workshop) Executive Director of Danza Viva and Artistic Director of One World Dance Theater, Rebecca is a Latin dance artist with over twenty years of performance and international competition experience. She has traveled to Cuba, Brazil, and Argentina to study authentic Latin dance with master artists Lourdes Tamayo (Cuba); Paolo Araujo (Brazil); and Pablo Naveira, Mora Godoy, and Cristina Cortes (Argentina). Her explorations into the African, Middle Eastern, European, and indigenous roots of Latin dance led her to develop a fusion of global dance and music. In June 2002 she founded Danza Viva Center for World Dance & Music, assembling a staff of the finest world dance and music talents in the city, and in February 2003 founded the rich and provocative One World Dance Theater. Latin I & II are accompanied by live percussion. Latin Cardio Bootcamp is featured in Latina Magazine’s July 2005 issue
as one of the country’s best Latin-based fitness programs.
(Latin Heat, Latin Cardio Bootcamp, Latin Nite Club and Latin Performance Workshop) Executive Director of Danza Viva and Artistic Director of One World Dance Theater, Rebecca is a Latin dance artist with over twenty years of performance and international competition experience. She has travelled to Cuba, Brasil, and Argentina to study authentic Latin dance with master artists Lourdes Tamayo (Cuba); Paolo Araujo (Brasil); and Pablo Naveira, Mora Godoy, and Cristina Cortes (Argentina). Her explorations into the African, Middle Eastern, European, and indigenous roots of Latin dance led her to develop a fusion of global dance and music. In June 2002 she founded Danza Viva/Center for World Dance and Music, assembling a staff of the finest world dance and music talents in the city, and in February 2003 founded the rich and provocative One World Dance Theater. Latin Heat is accompanied by live percussion. Latin Cardio Bootcamp is featured in Latina Magazine’s July 2005 issue as one of the country’s best Latin-based fitness programs.
Khazna Khalil (Bellydance, Toddler Moves) Inspired at a young age by Michael Jackson and her favorite movie: Flashdance, Khazna’s dance studies include ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hip hop, and raks sharki. When her Lebanese roots led her to the dance of her heritage land, she turned in her ballet slippers for a hip scarf and began studying Egyptian Oriental dance (belly dancing). She studied extensively with Yasmina Amel of Michigan and became a member of the Habibi Dancers before hitting the nightclub stages of Detroit. She moved to Chicago in search of more dance opportunities and began making her living as a professional belly dancer. Khazna has performed at Souk, Layalina, Pasha, Sahara, Prestige, Juliana’s, The NBC Tower of Chicago; and Hookah at Purdue University. Her collaborations include Calliope of Michigan (rock band) for Aids network benefit and Funkadesi of Chicago (world beat). Khazna continues to study traditional Turkish Karslema with Artemis and on her own. You can catch her show regularly on Friday and Saturday nights (Arkadash Café 5721 N.Clark St. – Andersonville) She can also be found at the Kan Zeman on Friday at 9:00 pm (617 N. Wells – downtown Chicago).
Sidney McNeal III (Hip Hop I, Hip Hop Kids I and II) Renowned Hip Hop dance artist and choreographer, Sidney delivers a compelling, masterful, and deeply personal interpretation of today’s latest moves. He has performed at the Park West and Regal Theater, and has won first place in several Hip Hop competitions. Television appearances include the Jerry Lewis Telethon, Just Kidding Around, and the Oprah Winfrey show.
Ramona Nita (Argentine Tango, Salsa II)
has a solid dance background with 12 years professional experience in various forms of dance. Her training began 20 years ago in gymnastics, ballet, jazz and modern dance and evolved into the ballroom dances. She has taught at Chicago Dance and currently teaches, performs and choreographs independently. Two years ago, she decided to focus her dance career on Argentine tango and has studied with master teachers such as Daniel Noce, Rodolfo Dinzel, Susana Miller, Pablo Villarraza and Dana Frigoli, and Omar Vega.
Lauren Parets (Rhythm Kids, Jambalaya Jazz Kids, Jazz Fusion Youth, Praise/Sacred Dance) Lauren has been teaching dance for over nine years and has been an independent artist/choreographer in Chicago. She currently performs with One World Dance Theater, working with a range of styles including Modern, Latin, Jazz, Hip Hop, and African dance. Lauren received her degree in Theater and Social Science and brings her diverse experiences of study to teaching dance/performing on every occasion! She also loves to perform sharing her endless desire to dance forever. Believing there is dancer within everyone, Lauren encourages her students to celebrate the beauty of movement and let go. When kids, teens, adults - everyone walks into her class, she instills the meaning of making the movement come alive, teaching them to lose control, regain, and dance with everything.
Gloria Araya-Quinlan (Latin Cardio Heat, Belly Cardio, U-nited Elementz Youth Team) Former Artistic Director of Choreography for the Happiness Club and Founding Director of Chicago Culture Shock, and treasured choreographer for One World Dance Theater, Gloria is
an international motivational movement presenter and choreographer. She has educated others in the field of dance and fitness in Europe, Latin America and the United States, and has choreographed several videos. She has served as spokesperson for the American Heart Association, the Diabetes Society, and the Institute of Dermatology and Mental Health of America. Gloria received the Best Woman of the Year Award for her fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and lymphoma Society.
Erin Rehberg (Jazz) studied dance and choreography at the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC. Erin has choreographed for WIU, University of Minnesota-Duluth and currently teaches in schools all over the Chicago area. Erin was a founding member of Kim Nofsinger’s Shelter Dance Repertoire in Duluth, MN., and also helped found Suite 132 Dance Company where she choreographed three premiere works on its dancers. In Chicago, she has performed with Jay-Son Dance Company, Nicole Gifford Dance, Jennifer Sandoval and others. Her choreography has been presented in Dance Chicago, Rebound Dance Festival, Full Circle Danztheatre Festival and Quest Fest among others. Erin is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts and Media at Columbia College Chicago and is Co-Artistic Director of the movement-based, interdisciplinary performance group Core Project.
Jose Torres (Flamenco, Flamenco Kids)
Principal dancer with the acclaimed Ensemble Español , Jose Torres has studied Spanish Dance extensively in the United States and Spain with such artists as Dame Libby Komaiko, Manolete, Paco Romero, Mario Maya, Maria Magdalena, Edo, Azucena Vega, Manuel Reyes, Timo Lozano, Juan Mata & Ana Gonzalez (Founding members of the Ballet Nacional de España), Candela Soto, and Omayra Amaya. In addition to performing extensively with Ensemble Español, Jose has also performed as guest artist with Sol y Duende under the direction of Azucena Vega and has taught Spanish Dance and choreographed for education and community programs at local schools and universities. Most recently, he has choreographed and performed for L’Opera Piccola’s production of Giuseppi Verdi’s La Traviata.
Riley Wimes Jr. (Ballroom, Weddings & Parties and Mad Hot Ballroom Youth) is a dancer, teacher, performer and DJ. He began dancing socially at a young age and grew up in a family and community surrounded by music and dance. He has always enjoyed movement and music even though it wasn’t always his professional pursuit. He has a B.A. degree in Communication from Western Illinois University and has worked with the public and managed groups of all ages, all of his adult career. Riley began partner dancing extensively in 1997, teaching adults in 1998 and began a dance and music touring program for schools in 1999. He has placed first several times in dance competitions in the US and Canada, has graced the cover of a CD, a poster campaign and a full-page Chicago magazine pictorial. Riley is a featured instructor for the City of Chicago’s Summer Dance Program, a staff instructor for the Willowbrook Ballroom and an instructor/choreographer for I AM Dance Youth Ensemble. He is also a touring and resident artist for Urban Gateways, A ballroom instructor for the Chicago Public Schools “Having A Ball Program” and a touring instructor for May I Have This Dance Studio in Chicago, Illinois.
While his main focus is social partner dancing, he routinely choreographs dance pieces for dance recitals, performances, workshops and classes that call for individual performance within a group but without dance connection as partners. He also loves to teach and create line dances with authentic jazz movement and modern concepts that can capture the “youngest of the young” to the “oldest of the old”.
Brenda Zepeda (Mambo Kids, Caliente) began dancing at the age of 7 at Macuilzochitl-Xochipilli in Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico. After moving to the US, Brenda became a member of the Morton High School Dance Team where she became a co-captain. Her dance training includes Latin, Jazz, Hip Hop, African, Middle Eastern, Flamenco, Modern, and Tap. Brenda is a founding member of One World Dance Theater and has worked as assistant to the director of Danza Viva since its inception in 2003. She has taught Latin Dance at Danza Viva since 2002, has created Danza Viva’s Mambo Kids program, and has choreographed “Guys and Dolls” at Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, “The Sound of Music” and “Beauty and the Beast” at Morton College.
Tosha Alston (African Dance, Caribbean Chrunch) Principal dancer, Muntu Dance Theatre. Tosha was born
and raised in Brooklyn, New York to a family of singers, dancers, actresses, and
musicians. She began dancing, acting, and vocal training at the age of 5 in a little local dance studio. At age 13 Tosha was introduced to West African dance & Orisa where she found love and salvation and helped her cope with the passing of her mother. After high school she began teaching in the public school system in Brooklyn and continued to train, perform and travel with M’bemea G’Bassikolo out of Guinea and New York. Now at 24, she relocated to Chicago to dance and study with Muntu Dance Theatre under the direction of Amaniyea Payne, where her love for dance and understanding of the arts have gone to a higher height.
Miguel Antonio (Jazz Funk/Hip Hop, Jazz Funk/Hip Hop Youth, Jazz Funk/Hip Hop Youth Team) Already dancing at the age of 10 months, Miguel joined his first Hip Hop Company "The Happiness Club" (choreographed by Gloria Araya-Quinlan) in first grade. Today Miguel’s unique form of Hip Hop, which integrates elements of Jazz and Modern Dance, has attracted a large following. Miguel teaches throughout Chicago, and dances with the Hip Hop ConnXion dance company as well as with R&B artist BEN ONE. Videos of his class at Danza Viva can be viewed on You Tube. Miguel says: “I Dance to Live. Though I am a Male, I am trying to keep the Feminine side of hip hop Alive. The Dance Studio is my Home and Place of Sanity, and it'll remain home for as long as these legs can dance.”
Phil Brooks (Tap Youth, Tap I, Tap II) migrated to the windy city in the summer of 2005 to pursue his dream of becoming a professional tap dancer. He began dancing at the age of 14 at "Strictly Dancing Ballroom Studio" exploring the art of partner dance and eventually becoming a classically trained ballroom dancer. With that he grew hungry for more dance, exploring dance forms from Jazz to Irish to African and back again. Phil found tap through his high school theater program, performing numerous musicals involving tap to bring the show to life. People say that Phil's passion for Tap is obvious, which shows whether its in line at the grocery store, on the bus, in the elevator at work; quite simply put, his feet never stop tap tap tapping and he would say that tap is where his heart is. The past two years he studied with M.A.D.D. Rhythms and has since joined the melodic forces of the incredibly talented Chicago Tap Theatre. He would like to take a moment and appreciate everyone who has ever given him support on his journey thus far and promises to always deliver his best!
Christopher Courtney (Break Dance) Chris Courtney graced the Hip Hop dance world with his presence in 1998. He started out as a break dancer and then decided to further his knowledge of hip hop dance by joining national hip hop company Culture Shock Chicago. Deciding that he wanted to share his influences with others Chris began teaching in the year 2000. He has taught at Columbia College Chicago, the Beverly Arts Center, Old Town School of Folk Music, Lou Conte, Grant Elementary, Crunch Fitness, the Chicago Cultural Center, and Danza Viva. Since becoming a dynamic performer he has performed on the same stage with Ludacris, Culture Shock Chiccago, Camron, Chicago Dance Crash, Busta Rthymes, Stick and Move, LIFE, Fivestar Boogie, Common and Kanye West. He plans to further his knowledge of dance and to continue to influence others.
Adrian Dela Cruz (Hip Hop II, Hip Hop Performance Workshop) Adrian was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, moved to Chicago to teach tae kwon do, and started dancing with a group called Naughty Yauzah Crew. Adrian had such a passion for dancing and teaching that he decided to start his own group called the Diffrace Kidz. Adrian joined Culture Shock, a nationwide dance company, and is now one of their main choreographers. From there, he started working for Flash Fitness, Gorilla Sports, Joel Hall, Old Town School, and U Dance Corporation. He also had a chance to be featured in a music video for the Baha Men. He went on to instruct master classes for Lion Heart Church and began directing classes for the Boys and Girls Club and Columbia College, which led him to a live, onstage performance for Syleena Johnson featuring Busta Rhymes at the United Center. 
Allegra Feamster (Brazilian Groove)
Allegra Feamster is a certified personal trainer and group fitness
instructor and a seven-year member of the
Bally Performance Team, a professional fitness team charged with promoting
strong health and fitness by way of performances and lectures in and around
the Chicago region. Allegra has been featured as a fitness expert in several media outlets, including EBONY Magazine, Family Circle Magazine, Latina Magazine, Sister to Sister Healthy
Heart, American Diabetes Association and NBC Chicago. Feamster was an
Assistant Choreographer at the 2003 Fitness America National Championship
Competition in Redondo Beach, CA and also serves as a Zumba Chicago area
Marketing Representative / Instructor for the Zumba Fitness Company based in
Miami, FL. Feamster is a former Varsity Cheerleader and founding Dance Team
member for the Temple University Owls in Philadelphia. She has coached and
choreographed competition level cheer and dance routines for both high
school and collegiate squads and has also judged a number of local, state,
and regional Cheer/Dance competitions in the Pennsylvania Tri-State area.
Inspired by her own global travels, Feamster’s passion for world culture
fuses her desire to promote cultural unity through education via the non
intimidating world of fitness and dance. Her motto: “fun with fitness,
unity through education”
Armando Flores (Latin 101/Latin Fast Track)
Curt Flowers (Capoeira) A Chicago grown Jamaican, Curt has trained under Mestre Delei (Delei.com) from Brazil in the style of Capoeira Abolicao, which is low to the ground and focuses on balance and stability. Curt has traveled and "played" with many other Capoeira groups, improving his skill with every interaction. He teaches at the Beverly Prododa Martial Art Academy in Chicago. He has also taught at Essential Elements on Chicago's Web Side, and at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Community Center along with private lessons. Curt has worked with children and adults of all ages teaching Steppin' fundamentals, Dancehall (Jamaican Dancing), Capoeira, culture, confidence, community and health throughout Chicago to all who want to learn. Mentoring many people along the way, he helps them improve their lives step-by step using dance, martial arts and other tools of expression. Known for his high energy and contagious BIG smile, Curt will keep you moving, feeling good about yourself. 
Antwain Hicks (Steppin- Chicago Style) has been instructing Chicago Style Stepping for the past 7 years. Officially titled as a Step Master, Antwain is versed in 4 of the 6 variations of Chicago Style Stepping. Antwain has been featured in several music videos and the soon to be released Step in the Name of Love Movie. From the competitive to the leisure, Antwain's knowledge of the subtleties of Stepping will have you dancing like a pro in no time. Come learn the basics or brush up on you skills. There is something for everyone is this program.
Rebecca Huntman (Latin I and II, Latin Cardio Bootcamp, Salsa I, and Latin Performance Workshop) Executive Director of Danza Viva and Artistic Director of One World Dance Theater, Rebecca is a Latin dance artist with over twenty years of performance and international competition experience. She has traveled to Cuba, Brazil, and Argentina to study authentic Latin dance with master artists Lourdes Tamayo (Cuba); Paolo Araujo (Brazil); and Pablo Naveira, Mora Godoy, and Cristina Cortes (Argentina). Her explorations into the African, Middle Eastern, European, and indigenous roots of Latin dance led her to develop a fusion of global dance and music. In June 2002 she founded Danza Viva Center for World Dance & Music, assembling a staff of the finest world dance and music talents in the city, and in February 2003 founded the rich and provocative One World Dance Theater. Latin I & II are accompanied by live percussion. Latin Cardio Bootcamp is featured in Latina Magazine’s July 2005 issue
as one of the country’s best Latin-based fitness programs.
Khazna Khalil (Bellydance, Toddler Moves) Inspired at a young age by Michael Jackson and her favorite movie: Flashdance, Khazna’s dance studies include ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hip hop, and raks sharki. When her Lebanese roots led her to the dance of her heritage land, she turned in her ballet slippers for a hip scarf and began studying Egyptian Oriental dance (belly dancing). She studied extensively with Yasmina Amel of Michigan and became a member of the Habibi Dancers before hitting the nightclub stages of Detroit. She moved to Chicago in search of more dance opportunities and began making her living as a professional belly dancer. Khazna has performed at Souk, Layalina, Pasha, Sahara, Prestige, Juliana’s, The NBC Tower of Chicago; and Hookah at Purdue University. Her collaborations include Calliope of Michigan (rock band) for Aids network benefit and Funkadesi of Chicago (world beat). Khazna continues to study traditional Turkish Karslema with Artemis and on her own. You can catch her show regularly on Friday and Saturday nights (Arkadash Café 5721 N.Clark St. – Andersonville) She can also be found at the Kan Zeman on Friday at 9:00 pm (617 N. Wells – downtown Chicago).
Sidney McNeal III (Hip Hop I, Hip Hop Kids I and II) Renowned Hip Hop dance artist and choreographer, Sidney delivers a compelling, masterful, and deeply personal interpretation of today’s latest moves. He has performed at the Park West and Regal Theater, and has won first place in several Hip Hop competitions. Television appearances include the Jerry Lewis Telethon, Just Kidding Around, and the Oprah Winfrey show.
Ramona Nita (Argentine Tango, Salsa II)
has a solid dance background with 12 years professional experience in various forms of dance. Her training began 20 years ago in gymnastics, ballet, jazz and modern dance and evolved into the ballroom dances. She has taught at Chicago Dance and currently teaches, performs and choreographs independently. Two years ago, she decided to focus her dance career on Argentine tango and has studied with master teachers such as Daniel Noce, Rodolfo Dinzel, Susana Miller, Pablo Villarraza and Dana Frigoli, and Omar Vega. 
Lauren Parets (Rhythm Kids, Jambalaya Jazz Kids, Jazz Fusion Youth, Praise/Sacred Dance) Lauren has been teaching dance for over nine years and has been an independent artist/choreographer in Chicago. She currently performs with One World Dance Theater, working with a range of styles including Modern, Latin, Jazz, Hip Hop, and African dance. Lauren received her degree in Theater and Social Science and brings her diverse experiences of study to teaching dance/performing on every occasion! She also loves to perform sharing her endless desire to dance forever. Believing there is dancer within everyone, Lauren encourages her students to celebrate the beauty of movement and let go. When kids, teens, adults - everyone walks into her class, she instills the meaning of making the movement come alive, teaching them to lose control, regain, and dance with everything. 
Gloria Araya-Quinlan (Latin Cardio Heat, Belly Cardio, U-nited Elementz Youth Team) Former Artistic Director of Choreography for the Happiness Club and Founding Director of Chicago Culture Shock, and treasured choreographer for One World Dance Theater, Gloria is
an international motivational movement presenter and choreographer. She has educated others in the field of dance and fitness in Europe, Latin America and the United States, and has choreographed several videos. She has served as spokesperson for the American Heart Association, the Diabetes Society, and the Institute of Dermatology and Mental Health of America. Gloria received the Best Woman of the Year Award for her fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and lymphoma Society.
Erin Rehberg (Jazz) studied dance and choreography at the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC. Erin has choreographed for WIU, University of Minnesota-Duluth and currently teaches in schools all over the Chicago area. Erin was a founding member of Kim Nofsinger’s Shelter Dance Repertoire in Duluth, MN., and also helped found Suite 132 Dance Company where she choreographed three premiere works on its dancers. In Chicago, she has performed with Jay-Son Dance Company, Nicole Gifford Dance, Jennifer Sandoval and others. Her choreography has been presented in Dance Chicago, Rebound Dance Festival, Full Circle Danztheatre Festival and Quest Fest among others. Erin is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts and Media at Columbia College Chicago and is Co-Artistic Director of the movement-based, interdisciplinary performance group Core Project.
Jose Torres (Flamenco, Flamenco Kids)
Principal dancer with the acclaimed Ensemble Español , Jose Torres has studied Spanish Dance extensively in the United States and Spain with such artists as Dame Libby Komaiko, Manolete, Paco Romero, Mario Maya, Maria Magdalena, Edo, Azucena Vega, Manuel Reyes, Timo Lozano, Juan Mata & Ana Gonzalez (Founding members of the Ballet Nacional de España), Candela Soto, and Omayra Amaya. In addition to performing extensively with Ensemble Español, Jose has also performed as guest artist with Sol y Duende under the direction of Azucena Vega and has taught Spanish Dance and choreographed for education and community programs at local schools and universities. Most recently, he has choreographed and performed for L’Opera Piccola’s production of Giuseppi Verdi’s La Traviata. 
Riley Wimes Jr. (Ballroom, Weddings & Parties and Mad Hot Ballroom Youth) is a dancer, teacher, performer and DJ. He began dancing socially at a young age and grew up in a family and community surrounded by music and dance. He has always enjoyed movement and music even though it wasn’t always his professional pursuit. He has a B.A. degree in Communication from Western Illinois University and has worked with the public and managed groups of all ages, all of his adult career. Riley began partner dancing extensively in 1997, teaching adults in 1998 and began a dance and music touring program for schools in 1999. He has placed first several times in dance competitions in the US and Canada, has graced the cover of a CD, a poster campaign and a full-page Chicago magazine pictorial. Riley is a featured instructor for the City of Chicago’s Summer Dance Program, a staff instructor for the Willowbrook Ballroom and an instructor/choreographer for I AM Dance Youth Ensemble. He is also a touring and resident artist for Urban Gateways, A ballroom instructor for the Chicago Public Schools “Having A Ball Program” and a touring instructor for May I Have This Dance Studio in Chicago, Illinois. 
Brenda Zepeda (Mambo Kids, Caliente) began dancing at the age of 7 at Macuilzochitl-Xochipilli in Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico. After moving to the US, Brenda became a member of the Morton High School Dance Team where she became a co-captain. Her dance training includes Latin, Jazz, Hip Hop, African, Middle Eastern, Flamenco, Modern, and Tap. Brenda is a founding member of One World Dance Theater and has worked as assistant to the director of Danza Viva since its inception in 2003. She has taught Latin Dance at Danza Viva since 2002, has created Danza Viva’s Mambo Kids program, and has choreographed “Guys and Dolls” at Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, “The Sound of Music” and “Beauty and the Beast” at Morton College.