WINTER 25

Anna Kriofske is a dancer located in North Carolina, where she grew up before moving to Northampton, Massachusetts to attend the CLI Conservatory in 2022. At CLI, Anna trained in various styles of dance under director Teddy Forance, as well as adjunct teachers and choreographers. In the summer’s of 2021, 2022, and 2024 she attended Justin Giles’ SoulEscape summer events, where she trained under Justin and the company in Dallas, TX. In September of 2023, Anna moved to NYC where she lived for a year, continuing to explore her journey with dance while gaining new perspectives. Currently, she’s living in North Carolina again where she teaches and choreographs in Winston-Salem. Anna is grateful to have had so many opportunities to connect with artists, share the love and joy of movement, and continue growing each day.

WINTER 25

With over a decade of experience in the dance industry, Gage Wayne has established himself as a versatile performer and passionate educator. Specializing in jazz funk and hip hop, Gage has worked across various styles, including contemporary and musical theatre. His impressive resume includes notable performances in The Mean Girls Musical Movie, Netflix’s A Week Away, and commercials for brands like VROOM and Panda Express. Gage has also made appearances on American Horror Story , HULU, The Greatest Showman Live, and shared the stage with country icon Dolly Parton at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

As a dedicated instructor, Gage has taught dancers of all ages at both studio and convention levels. He believes in fostering a supportive environment where each dancer can discover their unique voice and hone their craft. His teaching philosophy centers on the idea that everyone has something special to contribute to the industry, and he encourages his students to let their individuality shine.

Gage holds a bachelor’s degree in entertainment business and is a certified life and career coach. He leverages this knowledge in his mentorship program, stayenGAGEd, where he equips aspiring dancers with the tools they need to navigate their careers with confidence and professionalism.

WINTER 25

JaVonte’ Marquez  trained in dance for 10 years and earned his Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts at the University of Arizona with the class of 2020. JaVonte’ started his journey in entertainment at 14 years old in Nashville, TN and trained in Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Acro, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Choreography, and Improvisational Dance. During his training he traveled to different communities and cultures, (one of those places being Barcelona, Spain), to gain a wide perspective of his place in the arts and in the world. With all of the skills and tools that he acquired throughout his training, JaVonte’ received acceptance, as well as scholarships, to renowned programs like Joffrey Ballet, ABT, Point Park University, and University of Arizona. Even though JaVonte’ had an extensive training in dance education and concert style dance, he also gained experience on the commercial side of the entertainment industry as well. You can see young JaVonte’ on the country music scene dancing for artists like Keith Urban and Britt Nicole and on America’s hit TV show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ performing a number titled ‘Brand New’ choreographed by Emmy Award winning choreographer Mandy Moore. Recently JaVonte’ has been honored to; perform with The Weeknd at the Super Bowl LV Pepsi Halftime Show, work with Debbie Allen and Chester Whitmore on a Tyler Perry film, dance in Dolly Parton’s ‘A Magic Mountain Christmas’ film, and choreograph as well as perform in the Nashville Opera’s production of ‘Pagliacci’. JaVonte’ Marquez currently teaches Jazz Technique, Tumbling, Ballet, Improvisation, Cardio/Conditioning and is a Choreography Assistant at Milele Academy. Even though he is fulfilled with teaching, JaVonte’ simultaneous receives bookings through FreshTalent Group for various jobs that include choreography and performance so that he continues to follow his dreams of being a professional entertainer. JaVonte’ recently finished up a tour in Japan of the original Japanese musical ‘ENDLESS SHOCK’ and is now preparing for his chapter in choreography and movement with The Ripple Effect.

WINTER 25

Maya Paletta (Apprentice) is a multi-hyphenate performing artist from the Pacific Northwest currently working in the Chicago area. Most recently she has made her Chicago theatre debut in Dames at Sea (Ensemble, u/s Ruby) with Citadel Theatre. This fall she choreographed for Danceworks Milwaukee's Get It Out There! Showcase debuting her piece Tic Tic Tic. Paletta was recently a Trainee with Water Street Dance MKE under the direction of Morgan Williams. There she had works set on her by Kate Alava and Shanira Delgado. Earlier this year Paletta graduated with her BFA in Acting, minor in Dance from Northern Illinois University. Favorite NIU credits include She Kills Monsters (Agnes Evans), Big Love (Olympia), and Life is a Dream (Movement Director). She has done intensive training with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre. Thanks to her family, friends, and all who support the arts! Instagram @mayapapaya5678 or visit www.Mayapaletta.com

WINTER 25

Rachell Peace is a Licensed Massage Therapist and energy practitioner based in Nashville, Tn.  

After attending Nashville School of the Arts for film and performing arts, she continued her dance career with local artists and Found Movement Group. 

In 2018 she began her career in massage and bodywork. As she learned more, she fell into deeper understanding of the human body from a wholistic point of view. Her relationship with movement is intuitive, somatic and deeply spiritual. She draws inspiration from the human condition, emotions, relationships and the cycles of nature. As a creator, she inspires others to look within, drawing parallels between the internal and external connections we experience in life as fully embodied humans. 

Rachell Peace

Licensed Massage Therapist & Energy Practitioner

SUMMER FILM 25

Kara Munz (she/her) is a multi-faceted artist and creative mind from St. Louis, Missouri, currently based in Nashville, TN. Her artistic journey began with training in all styles of dance, including years as a dedicated member of Redd Williams’ pre-professional hip-hop company, where they prepared for a career in the commercial dance industry. As she gained experience in the dance industry, her interests expanded to include film, photography, and editing, leading to a deep passion for visual storytelling. Now studying Media and Entertainment Industry with a minor in Design Communications at Belmont University, Kara continues to explore the intersections of movement, design, and media. Through her work, she aims to capture experiences by blending physical expression with visual impact to create emotional resonance. Set to graduate in 2026, she is focused on building connections and expanding their creative practice across all artistic disciplines.

SUMMER FILM 25

Arynna Kieara is a contemporary fusion based choreographer, dancer, and teacher based in North Carolina. Growing up as a competition dancer, she has trained in a variety of styles under a number of various choreographers. She specializes in improvisation, as well as a fusion of hip hop techniques and contemporary styles. 

Spring 2024, she graduated from The University of North Carolina Greensboro with a BFA with a concentration in Dance Performance and Choreography. During her time at UNCG she had the opportunity to study Screendance under Director of the Greensboro Dance Film Festival, Robin Gee. Within those studies she found a love and appreciation for editing and directing dance on film. Additionally she had the opportunity to work with and learn repertory from Gerri Houlihan and Jordyn Santiago. 

The spring prior (2023) she graduated from The CLI Conservatory under director Teddy Forance. While at CLI she had the opportunity to learn from teachers and choreographers such as FLOCKWORKS, Micaela Taylor, Chaz Buzan, Al Blackstone, Brian Friedman, and many more. As well as learn works from and by Ethan Colangelo, Larkin Ponyton, and Teddy Forance. 

SUMMER FILM 25

Mya Tran is a Rochester, NY native, beginning her career in her early childhood to train in areas of dance including ballet, jazz, contemporary/modern, and hip hop. At 15 years old, she began working as an assistant instructor at her hometown studio, which opened the door to paid positions in teaching her own classes and private lessons. From this opportunity, Mya composed award winning choreography for her students by age 17. Throughout her evolution in dance, Mya has received praise from highly accredited workshops, competitions, and conventions that provided offers including exclusive invitations and college scholarships.

This year, Mya graduated summa cum laude from The University at Buffalo with a Bachelors of Art in dance. During this time, she has performed in a multitude of showcases such as Zodiaque Dance Company, American College Dance Association, Choreolab, Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase, MFA Thesis Showcase, and Dancer’s Workshop. These performances allowed her to work with artists including Moriah Markowitz, Cameron McKinney, Evan Matthew Stewart, and James Levy Jr.

Currently, Mya is a Soulelite PRO with SouldeSoul dance convention, where she gets to assist and teach classes in a tour setting as well as work backstage for showcases.  Her choreographic work lately has taken life both on stage and through the medium of film. She has recently taken on many cinematic projects, where she’s played the roles of director, editor, dancer, and choreographer.

SUMMER STAGE 25

Zoee-Noel is a dance artist and choreographer based out of nashville TN, having 3 contemporary choreographic works under her belt by the age of 18. She has been featured at The Charlotte Booth Playhouse, Bonnaroo Music Festival, The Grand Ole Opry, The Country Music Hall Of Fame, and other various historic stages around Tennessee. She specializes in Improvisation, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Urban + African diasporic movement. she aims to defy the intersection of music and movement. She has assisted Broadway + TV/Flim dancemakers such as Otis Sallid, Connor Gallagher, and Chris Campbell. As a dancer and choreographer, Zoee-Noel’s work celebrates the boundless potential of movement as an expressive force that transcends traditional boundaries and ignite a visceral connection in audiences, pushing beyond the conventional to uncover moments of unexpected beauty and truth.

to create ripples is to intentionally create something that is bigger than you. while we often get stuck on the impact of ripples, what about the intentionality behind it? the courage and strength behind creating ripples is so fascinating to me.

SUMMER STAGE 25

Kendall McDowell (she/her) is a dancer and choreographer born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York. She received her early dance training at Denzel Washington School of the Arts and Harlem School of the Arts, where she developed a passion for performance and movement. Kendall has further honed her craft through prestigious summer programs, including Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Dance Theater of Harlem, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Throughout her career, Kendall has had the opportunity to perform at iconic venues such as Radio City Music Hall under the direction of the Radio City Rockettes, as well as Lincoln Center and other renowned locations. These experiences have shaped her performance style, combining technical skill with emotional depth. Currently, Kendall is pursuing a dual undergraduate degree at High Point University, studying both dance and psychology. This unique academic combination allows her to explore the intersection of movement, mental health, and human behavior, shaping her approach to choreography and performance. Her work focuses on vulnerability, emotional storytelling, and the human experience. Kendall’s diverse background in both the arts and psychology informs her creative process, and she is passionate about using dance as a tool for expression, healing, and connection. She continues to explore new ways of blending her dance training with psychological insights to create compelling, meaningful work.

SUMMER STAGE 25

 Munk, queer multidisciplinary artist, hailing from Orlando, FL. I’m a movement artist, choreographer, archivist, and photographer. Creating images and telling stories of my own and my family (blood and chosen) for a choreographic work that captures intimacy of our lives as they were through movement.

SUMMER STAGE 25

David Maccree is a Dance artist and educator with over two decades of training and over 14 years teaching experience. In his Professional career he's lived between New York City, Los Angeles and Knoxville, TN.

Participating in professional programs and training at Broadway Dance Center, Peridance Capezio Center, Movement Lifestyle, Body and Pole NYC and with the Los Lobos Art Collective, CATastrophe, formerly the ImmaBeast/Breathe companies and more.

David has appeared in performances and print for Good Morning America, The International Emmy Awards, Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theatre, Broadway Dance Center NYC, The Wanted, Chris Lane, Chris Blue, Mandy Moore, Derek Mitchell, Hayden Frederick, Andrew Winghart, Chio, Cat Cogliandro, and appeared in Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas. Performing at Lincoln Square, The Hammerstein ballroom Manhattan Center, The Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater, Dollywood, the Island in Pigeon Forge and many more.

Teaching dance since 2011, David has worked with many Studios, High Schools, Universities, Theme Parks and other organizations across the country. He has produced multiple nationally recognized works and received many choreography recognitions. When not teaching, David has continued to train with some of the most effective artistic minds in dance. With mentor Erica Sobol, David most recently trained multiple years in the Gypsy project, a methodical program as part of Los Lobos Art Project in LA with directors and choreographers of The Batsheva Dance Company, Ballet BC, and Nederlands Dans Theatre; with a focus on movement analysis and improvisational movement.

David is excited to be in development of a program surrounding the concepts of mental wellness, strength, and stability through Movement. He tries to push the understanding that being a Dancer and being a Person is the same thing. To grow as one, is to grow as the other.

SUMMER STAGE 25

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Shanira started dancing at the age of 13 and graduated from the University of South Florida with her Bachelor in Fine Arts with a concentration in Modern dance performance and a General Business Administration Certificate. Upon graduation, she moved to New York City where she performed work alongside SammyJ Dance. Most recently she has joined projectAlchemy as a project-based artist, performed with Water Street Dance Milwaukee, an Ensemble member in Rudolph the Red Nosed-Reindeer, and worked on a Salsa Partnering Team.

     She has been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with a variety of choreographers, and international artists in the field. She has been in works by Morgan Williams, Leandro Damasco Jr., Madison Hicks, Kameron N. Saunders, Leila Henry, Charles Anderson, Michael Foley, Bliss Kohlmyer, and Andee Scott. She also had the fortuity to perform in many settings both nationally and internationally.

      In 2019 she attended the Dance in Paris summer program through USF in which she was immersed in the culture and Parisian lifestyle, as well as the diverse dance scene. Here, she continued to work on her craft. This experience provided new avenues of learning, understanding and creativity to spur. This lended itself to new choreographic exploration, in which she decided to merge two parts of her identity into one. She found her long term choreographic goal, merging the two styles into one and challenging the audiences' expectations of what dance is and when it happens.