WINTER INTENSIVE APPRENTICES
MAYA SMITH
Maya Smith artist from Michigan, currently residing in Nashville, Tn. Grew up competitive dancing from 7-17 years old, learning various dance styles and went to college to further her knowledge in dance. Favorite genres have always been contemporary and jazz, while finding ways to incorporate movement from other styles that have shaped her throughout her dance life.
DESTINEY DIAZ
Destiny Diaz is a Dominican-American dancer and choreographer from the Bronx, New York. She relocated to South Florida at the age of 11, where she discovered her passion for movement through Hip Hop and Latin dance in a small local studio.
In 2012, Destiny was accepted into the Academy of Arts and Minds High School, where she studied the fundamentals of dance. Her dedication led her to the prestigious New World School of the Arts College, where she performed works by acclaimed choreographers including Robert Battle, Ohad Naharin, Mark Morris, and Peter London.
Throughout her career, Destiny has worked with and performed under the direction of renowned artists such as Rennie Harris, Shawnette Heard, Randolph Ward, Rena Butler, Rhapsody James, Andrea Miller, Eddie Martinez (of the Pina Bausch Company), Brian Friedman, and Ray Basa. She has also assisted choreographers including Adele Myers and Sandra Portal, and performed in works by Herman Payne, Jennifer Archibald, Hattie Mae Williams, Kashia Kancey, Maya Billig, and many others.
Destiny has held a residency with the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and Pioneer Winter Collective, expanding her artistry through collaboration and community engagement. She is currently a freelance artist, teacher, choreographer, and educator in the Miami dance community, as well as a company member with the Gloria Eve Dance Company in New York City and Syncopate Dance Company in Miami. Additionally, she is a member of the West Palm Beach-based Hip Hop crew Offset.
TAKIA MILLER
Takia Miller, born and raised in the historic Music City of Nashville, Tennessee, is a passionate mover and creative dedicated to empowering others through dance and expression. A proud graduate of the illustrious Alabama State University BFA Dance Program, Takia has trained across multiple dance genres, including composition and improvisation. Her artistry lives at the intersection of storytelling, healing, and soul — rooted in the belief that movement is a divine form of connection and freedom.