Meet The Palisades Dance Studio FACULTY

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 & 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 - (CONTEMPORARY)

Gianna Martello is a renowned dancer, educator, and choreographer best known for her work on all eight seasons of the hit television series Dance Moms. A Pittsburgh native and former competitive dancer, Gianna began choreographing at just 16 years old, quickly discovering a lifelong passion for teaching and mentoring young artists.

Her choreography has been featured in films, music videos, award shows, and international productions, including Dance-Off, the ASTRA Awards, the Kids' Choice Awards, and performances for artists such as Todrick Hall, Allegra Miles, and The Pretty Wild.

Gianna is a sought-after guest teacher and competition judge, traveling the world to teach dancers of all ages and levels. She is on faculty with Broadway Dance Center, Millennium Dance Complex, Wild Dance Intensive, Savage Dance Intensive, Titans of Dance, and other leading dance organizations. Most recently, she headlined Move It, London's largest dance and performing arts convention.

Known for her dynamic choreography, high standards, and encouraging teaching style, Gianna is passionate about helping dancers build confidence, artistry, and strong technical foundations. Her classes are designed to challenge, inspire, and empower students, providing performance-driven training that extends far beyond learning choreography.

DANCE ~ (HIP HOP, CONTEMPORARY, ACROBATICS)

Natalie Minns is a dancer, educator, and choreographer originally from Ohio and currently based in Los Angeles, California. She earned both her Master of Business Administration in Interdisciplinary Business and her Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a Business Cognate from the University of Akron.

During her time at the University of Akron, Natalie was a four-year member of the NCAA Division I dance team, performing at football and men's and women's basketball games, community events, and the NDA Collegiate National Championship.

Today, Natalie teaches throughout the United States and holds weekly classes at several California studios, including ALDC LA and Palisades Studio. She is on faculty with Wild Dance Intensive, serves as a judge for Starpower Dance Competition, Battle of the Seas Cruise, Move It Convention in London, and Evolution Dance Competition in Australia and Singapore.

Natalie also travels internationally as an assistant to Gianna Martello, working at conventions, studio intensives, and master classes around the world.

Represented by Go 2 Talent Agency, Natalie has appeared in numerous music videos and live performances, including New York Fashion Week; JoJo Siwa's "Serendipity" and "Karma"; Allegra Miles' "Tainted"; Emily Rowed's "Blindside"; Peloton's "It's a Vibe" featuring R3HAB; as well as projects with RIP Youth, the Boys of Summer National Tour, We Are the PrettyWild, and more.

DANCE ~  (HIP HOP, BALLET & CONTEMPORARY, ACROBATICS)

Hailey Lopez is a professional dancer, performer, singer, choreographer, and experienced dance educator with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Akron. With years of experience teaching and performing across Ohio, Puerto Rico, and California, Hailey brings versatility, high energy, and strong musicality to every class. Her training includes hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, modern, musical theater, tap and beyond. She is passionate about creating an encouraging environment where dancers can build confidence, develop their technique, and discover their unique artistry.

GUEST FACULTY-

(BALLET & CONTEMPORARY)

Sasha began dancing in Hong Kong at the age of two and has had the unique opportunity to train, travel, and live in Florida, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles.

Her parents, Derek and Cami Capps, are both former professional dancers, and Sasha has grown up immersed in the dance world. Throughout her training, she has studied with several respected programs and institutions, including Hong Kong Ballet Academy, Jean M. Wong Ballet Academy, Cheng Ballet School, Glory Academy of Dance Arts, Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre, Ballet Magnificat, Abby Lee Dance Company, and the Grand Academy of Ballet.

Sasha previously studied with Ballet Magnificat Professional Training Company in Brazil and is currently a member of the Carolina Ballet Pre-Professional Program in Raleigh, North Carolina.