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Faculty With our approachable faculty and friendly staff, the Chicago Dance Connection truly stands out as a unique convention experience! Quick Links
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 Roberta Cassidy-DuMong
Modern / Modern JazzRoberta Cassidy is a professional dance instructor with a diverse background as a choreographer and director. Much of her Modern dance training began with the “Arve Technique”, which is an energy placement theory. Working directly with Richard Arve as Rehearsal Mistress for the “Arve Quartet”, she also danced with the “Arve Connection” Dance Company. Roberta attended “Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival” on scholarship and furthered her education with Judith Jamison and James Truitte. She is currently in high demand at many studios and companies around the Chicagoland area. Roberta has done choreography for The Terpsichore Dance Company as well as other independent projects in the Chicagoland area.  Christian Denice
Jazz (River North)Christian Denice began his dance training at the age of eight and in 2004 studied at Bobbie¹s School of Performing Arts in Newbury Park, California under Mandy Moore, Alex Little, Nikki Blakeslee, Nick Lazarrini, Nicole Harlan, and Terry Beeman. He has had extensive training in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, as well as tap, hip hop, and most recently aerial and cirque work. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Christian moved to Utah and had the great pleasure dancing as a member of Odyssey Dance Theater for two years under Derryl Yeager and Bonnie Story. Christian has competed nationally and won many awards and accolades, including 2005 Senior JUMP Male VIP, which allowed him to tour with JUMP Dance Convention the 05-06 season, and 2006 Male Outstanding dancer for New York City Dance Alliance, and toured with them the 06-07 season. He also received the runner up title for the 2005 Los Angeles Spotlight Awards in the contemporary category. Christian began his commercial work at the young age of eleven where he danced in Fiona Apple's "Paper Bag" music video as well several Public Service Announcements and a national Doritos's commercial. His movie credits include "A Time for Dancing" and "High School Musical 2". He has had the honor of assisting Mandy Moore and Dee Caspary with many projects, opportunities, intensives, and shows. In 2005, he danced at the Elan Awards in New York City, with a piece choreographed by Caspary. He is an assistant and on faculty with LA Dance Source, a new intensive and training program started in 2006. Christian is now dancing as a proud member of River North Chicago Dance Company as of July 2008. Christian has found an immense passion in teaching and choreographing, which he has been doing since the age of thirteen and hopes he can inspire all those he works with. He is very blessed to be able to travel throughout the country teaching, choreographing, and dancing.  VioLa E. Elkins
Hip HopCreative founder of The R.A.G.E. Project /
RawFunkyStreetFlav -rfsf.
A dancer, teacher, choreographer, designer. Former Artistic Director for Culture Shock Chicago, a professional hip- hop company. Founded by Angie Bunch, who developed a international family of troupes in San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Washington DC, Oakland, Atlanta, Canada, and New Zurich. Founder of the Chicago troupe, established in 1998, she became the troupe dance captain its' first year. Scholarship Director in 2000, Artistic Director in 2001 till 2006, Executive Director 2007, President of the Board 2008.Continuing the troupes mission to "cultivate self-worth, dignity, and respect for all people,through the power of music and dance." Currently, she teaches or has taught her own unique self - taught style of street dance at Northwestern University, Joel Hall Dance Center, Vero Dance Studio, Crunch Fitness, Lincoln Park Athletic Club, Evanston Athletic Club and Lake View Athletic Club, ID Gym. In addition to performing with Culture Shock and rfsf, this unique woman has worked with top recording artist R. Kelly, as well as local artist Anacron, Awun aka Angela Martin, Feenix aka Eboni Bates. Viola has been seen on the Dance Fever TV show hosted by ABC Family, where she competed with Cathy Lamorena. Previously worked with Director Ben Stokes in Earth People and M2 Vibravision. Credits include: Music videos include Happy People; R. Kelly, Gigolo; Nick Cannon.Get Stoked; Anacron Film credits include Paramount Pictures' Save the Last Dance. Tours include;“Key in the Ignition” R. Kelly “The Best of Both Worlds” R. Kelly and Jay Z. BMI Awards: R. Kelly Choreographed;"The Big Black Comedy Show" shows 5 and 6. ISBA Opening Ceremonies Chicago Theatre - Culture Shock Chicago Creative & Visual Consultant for the; JC Penny web page dance interactive Nike RockStar Workout Chicago Launch choreographed by Jamie King Culture Shock Chicago Dance Chicago 2006 Award recipient for Body of Work Produced and Directed Music Gave Me Life / The Best in the Midwest Showcase Dance Chicago Extended View- 2 shows in one - Hip Hop Assisted in production; Dance Chicago Streets / Urban Movement Showcase - John Schmitz
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 Connie Fagan
Tap / Jazz (Same Planet Different World)Connie Fagan has been dancing for 19 years. She has advanced level mastery in the art of Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern and Hip Hop. Growing up in LaGrange, IL, with Jo's Footwork Studio, she trained under Jay Fagan(Tap), Jackie Farina(Ballet), Corey Nagel(Modern), Mari Jo Irbe(Jazz) and Kirby Reed(Hip Hop). She continues her training at Lou Conte's Studio. She is currently on staff at Jo's Footwork Studio in Western Springs, and Dance Workshop in Orland Park. In 2001, she was awarded the Regional Presidential Scholar in the ARTS, NFAA, Madison, WI. She received the Plantinum in the category of Dance(Tap), and Honorable Mention for Dance in Jazz. She has also worked with Kirby Reed and the "KIRBY REED/ASCENSION PROJECT", been a member of "MATRIX DANCE IMPROV", a member of "RHYTHM ISS", an all female tap ensemble, and a former company member of INSTRUMENTS OF MOVEMENT. She is also one-half of "SIBLING RIVALRY", a tap duo featuring her brother Jay Fagan. She has been a member of SAME PLANET DIFFERENT WORLD for 4 years.  Jay Fagan
Tap / JazzJay Fagan made his debut as a featured artist in Lasting Impressions starring Bill Acosta in 1998 at the Las Vegas Luxor Casino. Technically, Fagan has been trained by the very best tap dancers in the business. Gregory Hines, Henry La Tang, Sam Weber, Lane Alexander and Savion Glover to name a few. His polished performances have been seen by the President of the US, at the Kupio Dance Festival in Finland, The Chicago Human Rhythm Project, and a multitude of conventions, master workshops and studios around the world. Beyond his talents of tap, he has studied all mediums of dance including jazz, modern, and ballet and is a highly sought after instructor and choreographer. He’s taught for DEA(Dance Educators of America), Kansas Tap Festival and the Chicago Human Rhythm Project to name a few. Jay’s choreographed pieces for Chicago’s foremost tap company ETC, a variety of revues in Atlantic City and Las Vegas and has received the Presidential Scholar Award and American Dance Award. Jay is presently an artist in residence at Oklahoma City University Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management. In his spare time Jay like to paper machet, short walks on the beach and his mom's meatloaf. What else could be said of Jay Fagan? Only that his added sense of humor makes this talent one of the hottest up-and-coming artists of the millennium.  Elijah Alhadji Gibson
JazzTeacher, choreographer, and dancer in demand, Mr. Gibson is currently on faculty at the Shenandoah University Conservatory in Winchester, VA. Originally from San Diego, CA, he attended San Diego School for the Performing Arts and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance and Choreography from Sam Houston State University. While there, Mr. Gibson performed with Spectrum Dance Company, Raven Dance Project, and the City Dance Company of Houston. He joined Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago in 2000 where he performed for eight years. He has worked with or performed the works of Tony Powell, Christopher Huggins, the late Gus Giordano, Liz Imperio, Mia Michaels, Jon Lehrer, and Randy Duncan, among many others. He has performed and taught throughout the United States as well as in Germany, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Latvia, and Mexico. Mr. Gibson has served on the faculties of the American College Dance Festival Association, Jazz Dance World Congress, Dance Masters of Wisconsin, and the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters and his choreography has been performed by many local Chicago dance companies, as well as by university dance ensembles throughout the country. Thodos Dance Chicago is thrilled to welcome an artist of this caliber as guest choreographer for its New Dances Choreography Performance Series.  William Gill
Jazz Funk and Horton ModernWilliam, a Chicago native has danced with the Joel Hall Dancers, Bryant Ballet and most recently Dallas Black Dance Theatre. He is currently teaching full time around the Chicagoland area.  Monique Haley
Jazz (River North)Monique Haley (Springfield, VA) is a graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in performing arts specializing in jazz dance. This is Monique’s eighth season with River North Chicago Dance Co., after training and performing with the Company as an apprentice part of the first year. Her 23 years of training in competitive and professional dance experiences include Chris Collins Dance Studio (Alexandria, VA); Gary Pates Superstars Show Troupe (Waldorf, MD); participating in workshops sponsored by Dance Theatre of Harlem and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago; training with Philadanco, the Philadelphia Dance Company; and working as an instructor at Rivernorth Chicago Dance Co. workshops and Marching Auxilaries and dance camps in Plano, Tx. Monique is a former member of the Bermuda Dance Company and the Eleone Dance Theatre of Philadelphia. In Chicago, she keeps busy choreographing for various projects, teaching all age groups thru the professional level, and performing in a variety of commercial and industrial events.  Brian Hare
All StylesBrian Hare is originally from Bloomfield Hills, MI. After moving to chicago to attend Columbia College Chicago to graduate with honors with a degree in Arts Entertainment Media Management and Dance he performed as a company member with Chicago Dance Crash, as a guest artist with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, and in independent projects including Dance Chicago, The Incovenience Theatre, Winifred Haun, and Dance for Life. He is currently in his fourth season with Thodos Dance Chicago and has professionally worked with Melissa Thodos, Ron De Jesus, Ann Rienking, Harrison McEldowney, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano and performed work by Bob Fosse. Brian currently has work in the repertory of Chicago Dance Crash and Thodos Dance Chicago. He teaches students of all ages and disciplines at several Chicago dance studios as well as Master Classes at studios, conventions and colleges around the country.  Reginald Harris
BalletReginald Harris began his dance training with his uncle Marshall Lindsey at the age of five. At the age of twelve he began his classical ballet training with former Dance Theatre of Harlem principal dancer Homer Bryant and continued his studies with Mr. Bryant until he graduated from high school. After high school Reginald studied dance at the School of American Ballet in New York City, the Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet in Philadelphia and the Pacific Northwest Ballet School in Seattle. Reginald has danced professionally with Ballet Austin, The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Dances Patrelle and the River North Chicago Dance Company. Reginald has had the privilege of dancing works by George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Gina Patterson, Stephen Mills, Thaddeus Davis, Thang Dao, Viktor Kabaniev, Sidra Bell and Frank Chaves. Reginald’s love of teaching was cultivated and mentored by world renowned teacher and coach Truman Finney, Ballet Austin Artistic Director Stephen Mills and Ballet Austin school principal Lynne Short. He served on the faculty of the Ballet Austin Academy for six years. In addition to teaching, Reginald was commissioned to create five new works for Ballet Austin II and was the winner of the Gem City Ballet’s 2008 choreographic competition.  Kasper
Hip HopKasper was featured on the first season of the FOX smash hit "So You Think You Can Dance." He was asked to appear on MTV's "The Wade Robson Project," performed on "Dance Fever" on the ABC Family Channel, and was chosen as an alternate for the Bravo dance series, "Step It Up & Dance". Kasper teaches and choreographs for many different dance teams, high schools, colleges, and universities throughout the U.S. His dance credits include dancing for Manheim Steamroller, as well as Bad Boy Bill at the B96 Summer Bash taking the stage right after Shakira, and just before P. Diddy. He's danced for Nike (Culture Shock Chicago), Hip Hop ConnXion, and Dance 2XS Chicago. Most recently he's been dancing for Ty Taylor (Rockstar INXS/Ghosthounds) in Los Angeles and in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand, and he just performed on the Oprah show. If this isn't enough is the co-owner of BOOM Entertainment, where he DJ's and entertains at various private events including bar mitzvahs, weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, school parties, and more! Kasper loves, and continues to spread his knowledge of dance throughout the country, inspiring students where ever he goes.  Lizzie Mackenzie
Jazz (River North) Lizzie Mackenzie graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy where she earned "High Honors in Dance". While at the academy she received a scholarship to study at the Gus Giordano Dance Center where she later became a company member. Currently, Lizzie is touring nationally and internationally with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. She has appeared in numerous performances in the area, some of which includes, Dance Chicago, Dance for Life, Jazz Dance World Congress and the Chicago Symphony Orchestras "Welcome Yule" to name a few. She has also had the pleasure of working with many well renowned choreographers, such as, Randy Duncan, Harrison MacEldowney, Tony Savino, Davis Robertson, Liz Imperio, Eddy Ocampo, Tony Powell and Mia Michaels to name a few. Lizzie is on faculty at the Gus Giordano Dance Center, as well as JEM studios in Mundelein, IL and Perserverence Dance Company in Bloomingdale, IL where she choreographs for both competitive companies.  Eddy Ocampo
Contemporary Jazz (Former Gus Giordano Company Member)Biography Coming Soon.  David Petro
ProgressionsDavid has served as a casting director for many Broadway and Off-Broadway shows including; For Colored Girls, starring India.Arie and produced by Whoopi Goldberg, Altar Boyz, Pages, IDAHO! and Drift. For national tours David has cast: The 25th Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chicago Co.) and Altar Boyz. David’s work extends beyond NYC to include regional shows for; Altar Boyz (Nederlander tour), Dreamgirls starring Jennifer Holliday, The Princess and the Black-Eyed Pea starring Lillias White, The Wizard Of Oz (KC Starlight/Fox Atlanta/Bass Hall), Loving, Repeating (Stephen Flaherty & Frank Galati world premiere) and productions for The Goodman Theatre Of Chicago, Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park, Theatre Aspen, San Diego, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Madison and Indiana Repertory Theatres. In addition to his many theatre credits, David has also cast TV shows such as; Nickelodeon’s Storyforia, The Jump Arounds, and NBC’s You’re The One That I Want. As a performer David has appeared on Broadway and in national tours of; CATS, Cabaret, First You Dream (a benefit for Christopher Reeve), A Christmas Carol, the 20th anniversary national tour of A Chorus Line, and the original European tour and cast recording of Fame The Musical. He also appeared in the feature film Batman & Robin and was a series regular on the Television show Fame LA. David is a dance and voice double major graduate of The Chicago Academy for The Arts and attended Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. He is currently a guest faculty member for New York University, Julliard School of Music, and the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. David lives in NYC and is the owner of David Petro Casting in New York.  Nick Pupillo
Jazz / LyricalNick Pupillo began his dance training in Northwest Indiana under the direction of Amy White Hanas and Laura Gallardo Brand. He later attended Indiana University on full scholarship, where he studied with Jacques and Virginia Cesbron, Leslie Peck, and Violette Verdy. Nick performed numerous roles with Indiana University Ballet Theater, graduating with a B.S. in Ballet concentrating in teaching and choreography. He has worked with many esteemed choreographers including Lynne Taylor-Corbett, Ron DeJesus, Randy Duncan, Mark Godden, Jon Lehrer, Eddy Ocampo, Tony Powell, and Davis Robertson. A former member of Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Nick toured with the company throughout the United States and internationally for three years. Additional performance credits include various roles with the Ruth Page Foundation Nutcracker, Brass Theater featuring the Star of Indiana, Dance Chicago, Schaumburg Dance Ensemble, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Stars of Dance Chicago, and Dance For Life.
 Kirby Reed
Jazz FunkKirby Reed is the Artistic Director of Ascension/The Kirby Reed Project and founder of House of Ascension; Mr. Reed is a former Joel Hall Dancer, Mr. Reed was voted twice as a top Jazz instructor for classes in Chicago out of ten must take classes in the city in Dance Spirit Magazine Jan., 2005. Voted Best Hip Hop teacher by Chicago Magazine (Best of Chicago) Aug. 2003. Currently teaching at Columbia College, Joel Hall Dance Center, Master Guest Instructor/teacher For Gus Giordano’s and at Francis W. Parker where he is developing a dance program for the upper school. Mr. Reed has received 2 awards in Canada for best choreography and seven consecutive nominations from The Black Theatre Alliance for best choreography in a Music/Dance program. Having choreographed musicals such as Wizard of Oz, West Side Story, Anything Goes, Honk ,Fame , Bye Bye Birdie and Cabaret. He has worked in various capacities in the dance community, as a dancer, choreographer and instructor. Kirby has traveled extensively both in and out of the country teaching master classes and judging future dancers, through Dance America, Dance Olympus, Dance Educators of America and International Dance Competition to name a few. He has appeared as a dancer for television, in movies and live in concert with a variety of today’s pop and hip hop artist.
 JC Renzetti
Hip HopJC Renzetti, Co-Director of Xtreme Dance Force, grew up and resides in the Chicagoland area. With a credited bachelors degree in Political Science from UIC, JC trained in jazz, tap, ballet, acro and hip hop since age 7. Through his performing and training years, JC lived in the competition limelight winning countless overall 1st place awards and being offered scholarships throughout the country. He was recently featured as a top 10 finalist with Xtreme Dance Force on MTV's Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew Season 2. JC was also an assistant hip hop coach on MTV's hit show MADE. He has performed and opened up for several top recording artists such as Ludacris, Ciara, Twista and Soulja Boy. JC has also been showcased in top shows in Las Vegas. He was a choreographer for the internationally broadcast MLS All Star Game Half-Time Show featuring top recording artist Lupe Fiasco on ESPN. He has also choreographed for the NBA Detroit Pistons dance team Automotion. JC continues teaching all over the country while he sets award winning hip hop routines for numerous dance studios, companies and universities. Since becoming Co-Director of Xtreme Dance Force, the company has opened up for celebrity recording artists such as Chingy, Tyrese, Bow Wow and Mims, just to name a few. He was a part of the Dance Power Express faculty for 2 years, and was also an instructor on the dance convention/competition WILD. He is currently a judge for Starpower which enables him to pass down his knowledge to others.
 Rachel Rockwell
Musical TheaterRachel Rockwell: Has performed in Chicago, regionally on national tours and on Broadway. She has been nominated by the Joseph Jefferson committee for her work as both an actress and a choreographer. She recently directed productions of Disney’s Aladdin at the Marriott Theatre, John and Jen at Apple Tree Theatre and Miss Saigon at Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre. She has been on the dance faculty at the University of Evansville, served as the dance captain for the national tour of Mamma Mia! and was the resident choreographer for The American Girl Revue in 2005-06.
 Richard Smith
JazzRichard Smith is the new Artistic Director of Inaside Chicago Dance, a contemporary concert jazz dance company . He is on faculty at world renowned The Joel Hall Dance Center and as well as the jazz teacher for Cerqua Rivera Dance Company. Smith is the Assistant Director of Forum Jazz Dance Theatre, a pre-professional youth jazz dance company and the winner of the 2007 Leo’s Gold Shoe Award at Jazz Dance World Congress. In addition to his own company, Smith has worked for Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, River North Chicago Dance and Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre. He attended East Carolina University in North Carolina where he worked with Mia Michaels, Mark Dendy, Katiti King and Frank Chaves, Alan Arnett and Tomi Overcash-Galaska. After college Smith moved to Chicago to train with GJDC. He has since had the opportunity to work with great teachers and choreographers including the late Gus Giordano, Randy Duncan, Sherry Zunker, Elijah Gibson and Eddy Ocampo. He has had the privilege to perform regionally in Dance for Life and Dance Chicago. Smith has worked at the famous Goodman Theater and The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Smith has appeared in the commercial for “The Wedding Singer” National Tour and for Phillips Magnavox. He has performed on stage with pop artists Kim English, Pat Hodge, Barbara Moran and Byron Stingly. He has also worked with Sir Elton John in his last visit to Chicago. Smith is a teacher of all ages for numerous studios in the Chicagoland area. He is a regional and national adjudicator and teacher for Applause Talent Presentations in addition to teaching and choreographing for workshops and companies across the country.
 Laura Taylor
Modern and Musical TheaterLaura Taylor is a performer, choreographer and teacher. She started dancing over 25 years ago and hasn’t stopped since! She is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and Fordham University. While in New York she trained with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center mastering both Horton and Graham technique. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology of Creativity and a minor in Music, highest honors. Now a proud member of Actor’s Equity, she has had the pleasure of touring nationally in both Oklahoma! and Beauty and the Beast. Regionally she has played such roles as Millie Dilmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Sister Mary Leo in Nunsense, and Ulla in The Producers for which she garnered a Jeff Nomination. She loves teaching and has taught Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Tap, and Musical Theatre in Nashville, New York and Chicago.
 Sasha Vargas
JazzSasha Vargas has been a choreographer, dancer, and master instructor for 16 years. She was awarded the Jeff Award for her choreography in the Marriott Theater's production of The All Night Strut. Her choreography has been seen in Dance Chicago, the State Street Thanksgiving Day Parade, and has been set on companies across the country. As a dancer Sasha worked with River North Chicago Dance Company (apprentice), the Joel Hall Dancers, Ascension – the Kirby Reed Project, industrials, Royal Carribean Cruise Lines, and a Department of Defense European U.S.O. Tour. She also played the role of Louise in the 2001 production of Carousel at the Marriott Theatre. Sasha is currently the director of Dance Exchange.
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