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BAAKARI WILDER (Tap Dancer, Actor, Singer) is a young man who has had an astounding career. Savion
Glover's replacement in the Broadway production of "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk," Baakari is a native Washingtonian and got his beginning
right here in the D.C. Metro area. At the age of twelve he opened the show at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC for legendary tappers Harold
Nicholas, Sandman Simms, Brenda Buffalino, and Savion Glover. When he was eighteen years old, he made his first recording in an audio
documentary on jazz music with Wynton Marsalis. His dancing has delighted audiences around the world in places such as the Kennedy Center,
Smithsonian, Carnegie Hall, Jazz@Lincoln Center, Germany, Africa, and Japan. On television, Baakari has appeared on BET's "Jazz Central", a
special documentary "Savion Glover and Friends" on the BRAVO channel, and as a back up dancer for singer "Mya" on "Secret Talents of the
Stars". He was also a dancer in Spike Lee's "Bamboozled".
Glover's replacement in the Broadway production of "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk," Baakari is a native Washingtonian and got his beginning
right here in the D.C. Metro area. At the age of twelve he opened the show at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC for legendary tappers Harold
Nicholas, Sandman Simms, Brenda Buffalino, and Savion Glover. When he was eighteen years old, he made his first recording in an audio
documentary on jazz music with Wynton Marsalis. His dancing has delighted audiences around the world in places such as the Kennedy Center,
Smithsonian, Carnegie Hall, Jazz@Lincoln Center, Germany, Africa, and Japan. On television, Baakari has appeared on BET's "Jazz Central", a
special documentary "Savion Glover and Friends" on the BRAVO channel, and as a back up dancer for singer "Mya" on "Secret Talents of the
Stars". He was also a dancer in Spike Lee's "Bamboozled".
Instructor Bios
FREE (Bellydance-Hall, Yoga)
“Life is full of choices” “Be Free” “Beautiful”
I am "Mayasa” (MAH-yah-sah) I've danced from the womb of my mother to an integrated structure of my loving grandparents. An African yet
native of Hyattsville, Maryland, I began my journey into the world of Belly dance years ago as a member of the "Original MoorHips" Dance
Company, the largest African American troupe in the United States.
A collective effort by the "Original MoorHips Dance Troupe, we meticulously combined our skills, knowledge and resources; organized and cultivated
the Bellydancers of Color Association (BOCA) and the Belly dance Conference (BOCA FEST) held annually.
A bellydance instructor at Marcellus Dance Studio, in Forestville Maryland and Ari's House of Dance in Stafford, VA I began to implement an
enhanced approach toward this art form; diversified my training privileged to have studied with such instructors as Tarik Sultan, Djenaba Bryant.
Sunyatta Amen, Morocco, Somra El Nubia and Nabeela El Shalimar to name a few.
I have traveled throughout the US and Caribbean performing and participating in all aspects of this dance. Ensuring the emphasis is on health and
healing the physical, psychological, social, economic, and cultural factors related to this ancient African dance. I was seen on Fox 5 Morning News
"Belly dancing for Health" segment with Holly Morrison.
“Life is full of choices” “Be Free” “Beautiful”
I am "Mayasa” (MAH-yah-sah) I've danced from the womb of my mother to an integrated structure of my loving grandparents. An African yet
native of Hyattsville, Maryland, I began my journey into the world of Belly dance years ago as a member of the "Original MoorHips" Dance
Company, the largest African American troupe in the United States.
A collective effort by the "Original MoorHips Dance Troupe, we meticulously combined our skills, knowledge and resources; organized and cultivated
the Bellydancers of Color Association (BOCA) and the Belly dance Conference (BOCA FEST) held annually.
A bellydance instructor at Marcellus Dance Studio, in Forestville Maryland and Ari's House of Dance in Stafford, VA I began to implement an
enhanced approach toward this art form; diversified my training privileged to have studied with such instructors as Tarik Sultan, Djenaba Bryant.
Sunyatta Amen, Morocco, Somra El Nubia and Nabeela El Shalimar to name a few.
I have traveled throughout the US and Caribbean performing and participating in all aspects of this dance. Ensuring the emphasis is on health and
healing the physical, psychological, social, economic, and cultural factors related to this ancient African dance. I was seen on Fox 5 Morning News
"Belly dancing for Health" segment with Holly Morrison.
SPECIAL K (Hip Hop)
Gene aka Special K has been dancing since his younger years and immediately became inspired by the art of dance. He envisioned a world in which
he could share his inspiration of dance and make a positive impact among the youth and community. Appearances on So You Think You Can
Dance, America’s Got Talent, BET, and a number of cable channels across the east coast, Special K is determined to give the best quality, and
perfection to all ages.
Special K has taken our Competition Team to high levels winning multiple Double Platinum Awards and guiding us to National Champions.
Gene aka Special K has been dancing since his younger years and immediately became inspired by the art of dance. He envisioned a world in which
he could share his inspiration of dance and make a positive impact among the youth and community. Appearances on So You Think You Can
Dance, America’s Got Talent, BET, and a number of cable channels across the east coast, Special K is determined to give the best quality, and
perfection to all ages.
Special K has taken our Competition Team to high levels winning multiple Double Platinum Awards and guiding us to National Champions.
Ari Squires, a native of Sacramento, California can be described as a woman faithful to her community, who is full of ambition and
determination. After graduating from Howard University in Washington, DC., Mrs. Squires placed Ari’s House of Dance & Performing Arts Studio
into action, after discovering the lack of diversity in the performing arts schools in Stafford and Fredericksburg, VA. where she now resides.
After an unsuccessful search for a dance school for her daughter that offered authentic hip hop dance classes and ethnic dance teachers who
catered to a multi-cultural community, Ari discovered quickly that she had work to do. Through hard work, dedication and a whole lot of prayer,
came the birth of Ari’s House of Dance & Performing Arts Studio to the city of Stafford, VA in 2006.
The residents of Stafford and Fredericksburg now had a “home” to take dance classes such as Hip Hop, Break dancing, African Belly dancing,
African/Caribbean, Salsa, Hand Dancing, Street Jazz, Modern and a slew of other contemporary dance styles. Instructors came from all over DC,
Maryland and Virginia to be a part of this phenomenon. Some of her instructors include or have included Baakari Wilder, who’s most noted
accomplishments is as Savion Glover's replacement in the Broadway tap production of "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk," and Queen Mayasa
“Free” Telfair, one of the original members of Moor Hips, the largest group of bellydancers of color in the world. Her ballet instructors have received
their training at The Dance Theater of Harlem and The Alvin Ailey Institute in New York.
Since the arrival of her studio, Ari has developed a professional performance dance team, “The Dance Club,” who competes and performs at
various events within the northern Virginia area. Students and Professionals in The Dance Club have won many national awards in Hip Hop, and
have been featured in a national television commercial. The future of The Dance Club incorporates expanding their troupe to become a full-out
dance ensemble in Ballet, Modern, Musical Theater and African Dance.
Mrs. Squires' non-profit organization, Lend-a-Hand, Uplift-a-Child Foundation is an empowerment organization for young ladies that integrates
monthly teenage roundtable discussions. Lend-a-Hand’s mission is to develop integrity, vision and authority in today’s youth. www.lendahandva.org
determination. After graduating from Howard University in Washington, DC., Mrs. Squires placed Ari’s House of Dance & Performing Arts Studio
into action, after discovering the lack of diversity in the performing arts schools in Stafford and Fredericksburg, VA. where she now resides.
After an unsuccessful search for a dance school for her daughter that offered authentic hip hop dance classes and ethnic dance teachers who
catered to a multi-cultural community, Ari discovered quickly that she had work to do. Through hard work, dedication and a whole lot of prayer,
came the birth of Ari’s House of Dance & Performing Arts Studio to the city of Stafford, VA in 2006.
The residents of Stafford and Fredericksburg now had a “home” to take dance classes such as Hip Hop, Break dancing, African Belly dancing,
African/Caribbean, Salsa, Hand Dancing, Street Jazz, Modern and a slew of other contemporary dance styles. Instructors came from all over DC,
Maryland and Virginia to be a part of this phenomenon. Some of her instructors include or have included Baakari Wilder, who’s most noted
accomplishments is as Savion Glover's replacement in the Broadway tap production of "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk," and Queen Mayasa
“Free” Telfair, one of the original members of Moor Hips, the largest group of bellydancers of color in the world. Her ballet instructors have received
their training at The Dance Theater of Harlem and The Alvin Ailey Institute in New York.
Since the arrival of her studio, Ari has developed a professional performance dance team, “The Dance Club,” who competes and performs at
various events within the northern Virginia area. Students and Professionals in The Dance Club have won many national awards in Hip Hop, and
have been featured in a national television commercial. The future of The Dance Club incorporates expanding their troupe to become a full-out
dance ensemble in Ballet, Modern, Musical Theater and African Dance.
Mrs. Squires' non-profit organization, Lend-a-Hand, Uplift-a-Child Foundation is an empowerment organization for young ladies that integrates
monthly teenage roundtable discussions. Lend-a-Hand’s mission is to develop integrity, vision and authority in today’s youth. www.lendahandva.org
Jennifer Gregory, grew up in Liverpool England and trained at the Elliott Clarke Theatre School as a professional actress and dancer.
During this time, Jennifer earned her professional acting Associate Memberships from The London College of Music and Dramatic Art, The London
Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and a Diploma in Public Speaking from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. After completing her
formal training, Jennifer toured internationally with jazz-ballet companies and appeared in shows such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour
Dreamcoat, several B.B.C television dramas and August Strindberg’s, Miss Julie, alongside actress Joley Richardson (101 Dalmatians and The Last
Mimsy). In between professional engagements, Jennifer taught young professional performers at both full time theater schools and preparatory
boarding establishments. Jennifer has also written, directed and produced for her own theater company with young professional actors.
Under the pseudonym, Guinevere Edern, Jennifer Gregory’s first novel Among Other Edens, was published in 2010 and is the first in the paranormal
‘Legends of Eden Series’ The sequel is set to follow in 2011. Jennifer’s first paid publication occurred at the rips old age of seven for a supernatural
poem based upon a nightmare. Her other writing credits include features writer for the San Pedro Weekly, Los Angeles, and fitness writer for the
online publication Examiner.com. Jennifer has also successfully written grants for the non profit sector.
Jennifer currently runs creative writing workshops at various locations within northern Virginia, to include Northern Virginia Community College and
Germanna Community College.
In addition to her credentials as a theater arts professional, Jennifer holds a Bsc. (Hons) in Social Science. Jennifer is a member of the Florida
Writer’s Association, The Bronte Society, the National Writer’s Union and British Actor’s Equity.
During this time, Jennifer earned her professional acting Associate Memberships from The London College of Music and Dramatic Art, The London
Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and a Diploma in Public Speaking from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. After completing her
formal training, Jennifer toured internationally with jazz-ballet companies and appeared in shows such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour
Dreamcoat, several B.B.C television dramas and August Strindberg’s, Miss Julie, alongside actress Joley Richardson (101 Dalmatians and The Last
Mimsy). In between professional engagements, Jennifer taught young professional performers at both full time theater schools and preparatory
boarding establishments. Jennifer has also written, directed and produced for her own theater company with young professional actors.
Under the pseudonym, Guinevere Edern, Jennifer Gregory’s first novel Among Other Edens, was published in 2010 and is the first in the paranormal
‘Legends of Eden Series’ The sequel is set to follow in 2011. Jennifer’s first paid publication occurred at the rips old age of seven for a supernatural
poem based upon a nightmare. Her other writing credits include features writer for the San Pedro Weekly, Los Angeles, and fitness writer for the
online publication Examiner.com. Jennifer has also successfully written grants for the non profit sector.
Jennifer currently runs creative writing workshops at various locations within northern Virginia, to include Northern Virginia Community College and
Germanna Community College.
In addition to her credentials as a theater arts professional, Jennifer holds a Bsc. (Hons) in Social Science. Jennifer is a member of the Florida
Writer’s Association, The Bronte Society, the National Writer’s Union and British Actor’s Equity.
Alberto Limonta Pérez (Salsa)
Alberto Limonta Pérez "Limon" from Havana Cuba, is an accomplished and experienced percussionist, dancer, singer and teacher.
He was a member of Clave y Guaguanco, Havana´s top contemporary Rumba fusion group and toured with them in the UK and Europe. He has
taught latin percussion and Cuban casino salsa in Switzerland and Germany. Limon now lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA. where he is
performing and teaching his art.
Alberto Limonta Pérez "Limon" from Havana Cuba, is an accomplished and experienced percussionist, dancer, singer and teacher.
He was a member of Clave y Guaguanco, Havana´s top contemporary Rumba fusion group and toured with them in the UK and Europe. He has
taught latin percussion and Cuban casino salsa in Switzerland and Germany. Limon now lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA. where he is
performing and teaching his art.
Music Director & Vocal Coach, Candace Clark, also known in the music world as Canda, is truly a performer
of versatility, and has graced the stage performing R&B, Neo-soul, and Jazz.. She embraced R&B at an early age, and was found listening to her
father’s collection of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, and Nancy Wilson, as well as modern sultry vocals of Sade.
She has toured both nationally and internationally sharing her passion for music and touching the hearts of those who listen. Canda, classically
trained, furthered her musical studies and obtained a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance at Catholic University in Washington, DC, where she
studied under the teachings of Jean Carter, Metropolitan Opera featured artist Sharon Christman, University of MD College Park professor Bonnie
Kunkel, Washington Opera artist Robert Baker, and Metropolitan Opera artist Myra Merritt. In addition, to her performances in the metropolitan area,
for two years she held the professional role of Soprano Section Leader at Palisades Community Church in Washington, DC, under the direction of
Dr. Lawrence Caines. She has performed internationally as well, where she toured Europe twice performing contemporary vocals, gospel, jazz,
classical and opera.
of versatility, and has graced the stage performing R&B, Neo-soul, and Jazz.. She embraced R&B at an early age, and was found listening to her
father’s collection of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, and Nancy Wilson, as well as modern sultry vocals of Sade.
She has toured both nationally and internationally sharing her passion for music and touching the hearts of those who listen. Canda, classically
trained, furthered her musical studies and obtained a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance at Catholic University in Washington, DC, where she
studied under the teachings of Jean Carter, Metropolitan Opera featured artist Sharon Christman, University of MD College Park professor Bonnie
Kunkel, Washington Opera artist Robert Baker, and Metropolitan Opera artist Myra Merritt. In addition, to her performances in the metropolitan area,
for two years she held the professional role of Soprano Section Leader at Palisades Community Church in Washington, DC, under the direction of
Dr. Lawrence Caines. She has performed internationally as well, where she toured Europe twice performing contemporary vocals, gospel, jazz,
classical and opera.
Kori Terrell (Classical Ballet, Modern, Tap)
Kori has been studying dance since 5 years old at various studios in Fredericksburg Virginia. They include Dance Inc., The Academy of Ballet and
Avery Ballet. She also attends dance intensives at Michigan Ballet Seminar, BalletMet in Ohio, Alvin Aliey American Dance Theatre and Governor's
School for Dance in Richmond Virginia. She is currently a member of Dance Matrix and has been teaching Dance to children and adults for over 6
years.
Kori has been studying dance since 5 years old at various studios in Fredericksburg Virginia. They include Dance Inc., The Academy of Ballet and
Avery Ballet. She also attends dance intensives at Michigan Ballet Seminar, BalletMet in Ohio, Alvin Aliey American Dance Theatre and Governor's
School for Dance in Richmond Virginia. She is currently a member of Dance Matrix and has been teaching Dance to children and adults for over 6
years.
STEPHANIE KASSAPIAN (Classical Ballet, Musical Theater, Jazz)
Stephanie has been training in Dance since 1993 at various schools throughout the East Coast: Virginia Ballet Co., Washington Ballet, Virginia School
of the Arts, Maryland Youth Ballet, Joy of Motion and Old Dominion University. Her dance performance experiences include Nutcracker, Don
Quixote, All Star Halftime Performance, ABC Television, Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and many more. Theatre/Television
performances include Peter Pan, Comedy Improvisation, Disney Tribute, Annie, Christmas Unplugged and many more. Stephanie enjoys sharing
her love of dance with children in all genres.
Stephanie has been training in Dance since 1993 at various schools throughout the East Coast: Virginia Ballet Co., Washington Ballet, Virginia School
of the Arts, Maryland Youth Ballet, Joy of Motion and Old Dominion University. Her dance performance experiences include Nutcracker, Don
Quixote, All Star Halftime Performance, ABC Television, Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and many more. Theatre/Television
performances include Peter Pan, Comedy Improvisation, Disney Tribute, Annie, Christmas Unplugged and many more. Stephanie enjoys sharing
her love of dance with children in all genres.
JOHN CROSBY (Hip Hop) from Richmond,Va, has been dancing since the age of 2, now at the age of 23 he is taking his dance
career to the next level. John has been teaching dance since he was 15, teaching hip-hop to dancers that range in age from 4-25. John's genre of
choice is hip-hop but he is taking ballet, modern, tap, and gymnastics to expand he resumè. He is the founder of AbstraKt Entertainment which is
the premier dance team at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Va. He currently majors in Mass Communications at VSU but plans to transfer to
NYU and Major in dance. His biggest inspiration comes from Michael Jackson, Usher, Robert Hoffman (Step Up 2), and Madd Chadd (Step Up 3).
Some of John's accomplishment consist of being a background dancer and choreographer for Imani Crosby, Dancer and Choreographer for
Jyration Dance Crew and AbstraKt Entertainment. John hopes to become a premier dancer and choreographer that would like to travel the world and
teach young and the young at heart the art of dance.
career to the next level. John has been teaching dance since he was 15, teaching hip-hop to dancers that range in age from 4-25. John's genre of
choice is hip-hop but he is taking ballet, modern, tap, and gymnastics to expand he resumè. He is the founder of AbstraKt Entertainment which is
the premier dance team at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Va. He currently majors in Mass Communications at VSU but plans to transfer to
NYU and Major in dance. His biggest inspiration comes from Michael Jackson, Usher, Robert Hoffman (Step Up 2), and Madd Chadd (Step Up 3).
Some of John's accomplishment consist of being a background dancer and choreographer for Imani Crosby, Dancer and Choreographer for
Jyration Dance Crew and AbstraKt Entertainment. John hopes to become a premier dancer and choreographer that would like to travel the world and
teach young and the young at heart the art of dance.
TANYA DECASSERES (Ballet, African, Modern) holds a BA in Sociology from Ithaca College with a minor in
Fine Arts. She has been dancing professionally for over 20 years starting her training at The Dance Theatre of Harlem in Classical Ballet. Tanya
has studied Modern and African through intensives and internships at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York. This training inspired a
desire to teach and to pass her love of dance to children of all ages. Tanya has been teaching workshops and classes for over 10 years and
enjoys every moment of it.
Fine Arts. She has been dancing professionally for over 20 years starting her training at The Dance Theatre of Harlem in Classical Ballet. Tanya
has studied Modern and African through intensives and internships at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York. This training inspired a
desire to teach and to pass her love of dance to children of all ages. Tanya has been teaching workshops and classes for over 10 years and
enjoys every moment of it.
RAISAH GIBSON (Hip Hop) 22, is a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA. She began dancing
at a young age and was able to pursue her increasingly growing love for dance through the opening of Ari's House of Dance in 2006. During her
enrollement, she was trained in African and Hip Hop dance. She was also a prevalent member of the inaugural Hip Hop competition team "Groove
Theory" that performed at several events. Since then, she has worked her way up from a hip hop teaching assistant to teaching her own dance
classes and camps held at the studio. This year she will be teaching Adult hip hop and teen hip hop.
at a young age and was able to pursue her increasingly growing love for dance through the opening of Ari's House of Dance in 2006. During her
enrollement, she was trained in African and Hip Hop dance. She was also a prevalent member of the inaugural Hip Hop competition team "Groove
Theory" that performed at several events. Since then, she has worked her way up from a hip hop teaching assistant to teaching her own dance
classes and camps held at the studio. This year she will be teaching Adult hip hop and teen hip hop.