MEET THE FACULTY

DANCE & FITNESS DIRECTOR ~

(TAP, HIP-HOP, JAZZ & TUMBLING)

Derek received a degree in dance from East Carolina University and has co-owned and operated dance studios and performing companies in North Carolina, Florida, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles. Derek has worked as a performer at Walt Disney World, Busch

Gardens Tampa Bay, Dance Revolution, Glory Dance Company & Holy Land Experience. His fitness journey started in Honk Kong and Singapore and led him to Los Angeles. He's had the opportunity to work with amazing organizations such as Tracy Anderson, Orange Theory, Equinox, Bay Clubs, Pure Fitness, Exhale & Griffin Club LA.

DANCE DIRECTOR ~ 

(BALLET, MODERN & CONTEMPORARY)

Cami received a BFA in Modern Dance from East Carolina University and has over 30 years of experience teaching dance and working in the entertainment industry.  She founded and directed professional dance companies and studios in Hong Kong, Singapore, Florida, and North Carolina. She has a passion to mentor youth and assists them in developing careers in the area of performing arts. Cami also works with Kreativ Media Partners as a youth talent manager. She was the administrator and children's dance instructor for Abby Lee Dance Company in Los Angeles, CA. In Orlando, Florida, she worked as co-artistic director/choreographer for the Holy Land Experience theme park. Cami toured internationally with dance conventions as a dancer, guest speaker, instructor, choreographer, and talent judge.  She has also choreographed and performed in music videos, TV shows, films and events internationally. This year marks the 26th year of marrige for Derek & Cami. They are most proud of their 3 treasures Cayden, Sasha, and Cole.

DANCE - (CONTEMPORARY)

Gianna Martello is a dancer, teacher and choreographer from Pittsburgh, PA. You may know her from the fan favorite, Dance Moms. You can catch her choreography on all 8 seasons of the hit reality TV show! Raw talent and intensive training under the direction of Abby Lee Miller and the faculty at the Abby Lee Dance Company earned her regional and national accolades growing up as a “competition kid. At 16, Gianna began choreographing routines alongside Ms. Miller as well as on her own which led her to discover her passion for teaching and choreography. She has been on faculty at the ALDC for over 15 years and serves as a guest instructor and competition judge around the world.

Gianna was able to balance her academic and dance opportunities with great success. She graduated from Point Park University in 2011 with a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations. Her choreography can be seen in the movie, Dance-Off, Go90’s Crashed series, Kid’s Choice Awards and Dance Class Live promos, Australia’s ASTRA Awards, Abbys Ultimate Dance Competition, and music videos for Rachael Sage, Alexx Calise, Nia Sioux, Todrick Hall, and many more. 

DANCE ~ (HIP HOP, CONTEMPORARY, ACROBATICS)

Natalie is a graduate from the University of Akron; BA in Dance with Business Cognate. She teaches Hip-Hop, Tumbling/Acrobatics & Contemporary.

Natalie began dancing competitively at the age of 14 with her dance studio, and high school team.  In college Natalie was a 4 year member of the University of Akron dance team and trained weekly at The Abby Lee Dance Company in PA. Natalie regularly teaches at Abby Lee Dance Company LA,  DanceKidz LA and Palisades Studio.  Her most recent performance credits include dancer/choreographer for the "Boys of Summer National Tour 2021-2022" and "Playlist Live Orlando".  She has appeared in various music videos such as “Tainted” by American Idol’s Allegra Miles, “It’s a Vibe ft. R3HAB” x Peloton collab, RIP Youth, Alexis Ma.

DANCE - 

(BALLET, CONTEMPORARY, TAP, AERIAL SILKS)

Sasha began her dance training in Hong Kong at the age of 2.   Sasha was receently invited to join Ballet Magnificat Professional training Company in Brazil.  Her parents (Derek & Cami Capps) were professional dancers and Sasha had the opportunity to train in dance, travel and live in Florida, Hong Kong, Singapore and Los Angeles.  She has also had the opportunity to study at the Hong Kong Ballet Academy, Jean M. Wong Ballet Academy, Cheng Ballet School, Glory Academy of Dance Arts, Marat Daukayev Ballet Theater , Ballet Magnificant, Abby Lee Dance Company and the Grand Academy of Ballet.  Currently she is studying dance and assisting classes at Palisades Studio.

(AERIAL SILKS)

Born in Texas and raised in Mexico, Yaya began her early dance training at Escuela Rusa de Ballet Classico de Monterrey. She continued her education traveling for workshops and conventions around the world, influencing her versatile dance style. She reinforced her studies at The Martha Graham School and Peridance Capezio Center. In her mid 20s, Yaya received circus (aerial arts) training followed by work as an aerialist performer. Her most recent work was with ACPW and Labyrinth Dance Theatre as a dancer and choreographer in NYC.

ACTING/ Toddlers & Toes

Sarah studied Cultural Anthropology at Princeton before earning a Masters in Drama Therapy, all while pursuing an acting career that allowed her to study under New York City’s top acting professors. As a model, spokesmodel, and actress, Sarah grew her career from the ground-up, experiencing a turning point when she began harnessing the communication tools and faith strengthened in her studies. Years of practice taught her to master client loyalty with clients ranging from Guess to Maybelline, informing her coaching approach today.

FITNESS

 Simone is a Celebrity trainer  who founded Body By Simone in 2011. Her dance based fitness method with a celebrity following, is supported by a global community of strong women from all walks of life. Simone strives to ensure all clients feel comfortable, safe and at ease while achieving the best possible results for their physical and mental well-being. She offers both one-on-one personal training and a range of group fitness classes that can be accessed both in-person in her pop up classes and through her award-winning BBS App.
Simone  will uplift, inspire, and support you with guidance and love to achieve your goals using her unique fusion of dance, Pilates and functional strength training. BBS method can help you achieve the body you want - and deserve!

DANCE ~ (BALLET/ TAP-JAZZ - BABY BALLET & MUSIC)

Bethany Dean began her dance training at the age of 3 in Hong Kong.  She has studied dance in Thailand, China, New York and Los Angeles. Styles ranging from Ballet, Modern/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, Thai Dance, and Chinese Folk.  Her most recent studies are from "AMDA" Dance Conservatory in Hollywood and "Steps" in New York City. She has performed with dance companies, been the principal dance lead in commercials as well as photography projects. As an instructor, her goal is to inspire children with creativity and imagination. She believes in the discipline, freedom and the focus dance can bring to help children achieve whatever dreams they aspire to accomplish in life. 

ACTING, VOICE, TODDERS & TOES

Brenna Yeary is an actor, singer, director, and educator based in California. She has studied with Douglas Davidson (The Shakespeare Forum), Claire Warden (The Shakespeare Forum), Andrew Borthwick-Leslie (The Humanist Project), Dianna Shoenborn (The Linklater Center), as well as intensives with the Feldenkrais Institute in NYC and The Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She apprenticed at Flat Rock Playhouse and considered it her artistic home away from home. Brenna is passionate about making the actor’s journey accessible to anyone curious about their capacity for connection and discovery. Brenna loves people-watching, finding treasures on Craigslist, caramel cone ice cream—and light bulb moments! She is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association.

ACTING & VOICE

Malek Hanna was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where he discovered his passion for the arts at a young age. Studying and acquiring a BA, MA and PHD credits from numerous prestigious universities, as Fordham, Juilliard and UCLA, Malek continues to act, sing and produce in Los Angeles and New York. He was a featured vocalist on "The Voice" TV show, The Ellen show and recently released his new musice video titled, "Beautiful Stranger".