National Dance Day

Hip Hop led by Kenny Fowler

This workshop will consist of a Hip Hop party vibe.  We will introduce and learn some of the newest and older party dances to have fun with at your next event.  Bring your sneakers and be ready to get down! 

Theater Dance led by Herman Payne

This workshop will focus on musical theater choreography with an emphasis on style!  

A BFA graduate of The Juilliard School, , Herman Payne has performed with the Aspen Ballet and has also appeared in The International tours of Fosse and West Side Story, 9 to 5 on Broadway, The New York City Center Encores’ production of The Wiz, House of Flowers, Pajama Game, Radio City Christmas Spectacular (2000 – 2012) and Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Special. In addition to Michael Jackson, Herman has worked with Mariah Carey, Usher, Mya, Destiny’s Child, Whitney Houston, Deborah Cox, Thalia, Tony Moran, Lisa Lisa, Kevin Aviance, Love INC and Camp LO. Payne has choreographed industrials and corporate events and has been a faculty member for numerous summer intensives, including Miami City Ballet, Springfield Ballet, Performance Edge and The Theatre Arts and Minds.  

All Together Dance led by Kori Epps

Let’s move! In this class all levels and all ages are celebrated. No technique necessary. Music and group instructions will inspire connections between body and soul, creativity and community. 

Kori Epps holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Wisconsin and Bachelors of Arts in Dance, and Communication from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She performed as a dancer in the Demetrius Klein Dance Company – Palm Beach County’s first modern dance company – for over fifteen years, also serving as Associate Artistic Director and Marketing Maven. Her technical foundations are ballet, modern dance, and dance improvisation. She specializes in creative dance, along with dance integration – using movement and dance to teach academic concepts. Kori has taught in Palm Beach County since 2010, believing that everyone can dance. She is currently on the board of the Natural Movers Foundation. 

Salsa led by Isabelle Pailleret

Isabelle is the owner of Ambiance Dance Studio & has been teaching for over 25 years. She received her BFA in Dance Performance & has judged several Ballroom Competitions. From Ballet to Ballroom, Latin to Contemporary…dancing is her passion! 

 Ready to have fun? Join in & let’s dance! Introduction to Salsa dancing. You will learn the rhythm, the basic steps and of course, how to move your hips. Dancing is great physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. All ages & all levels are welcome. See you on the dance floor! Don’t forget your smile! 

Advanced Ballet: led by Steven Caras

Steven will conduct an advanced ballet class, emphasizing throughout, the critically important rhythm and musicality he garnered under the watchful eyes of some of the world’s greatest instructors including George Balanchine, Stanley Williams, David Howard, and Jerome Robbins (among others).   

Steven Caras was invited to join the New York City Ballet at the age of eighteen by its legendary founder, George Balanchine. Over the next fourteen years, Caras performed in numerous works by both Jerome Robbins and Balanchine, who, noting Steven’s added gift in photography, doubled up on his encouragement.  Today, Steven Caras is regarded as one of the most prolific photographers in dance history.  He is the subject of the Emmy Award-winning documentary, Steven Caras: See Them Dance, and remains active in his guest speaking, teaching, and photography work.

Irish Step Led By Caitlyn Kelly Rathe

Calling all Riverdance fans! High-stepping fun awaits in this class where you’ll learn the basics of this 500-year-old traditional dance which promotes stamina, balance, flexibility and increased cardiovascular health benefits.

Caitlin began studying Irish Dance at the age of seven with the Harling Irish Dance Academy, under the direction of the late Maureen Harling Welty, TCRG, ADCRG. Caitlin performed and competed on the regional and national levels under Harling for fourteen years, traveling nationally and internationally. Caitlin placed in the top 10 at the 2010 Oireachtas and was a member of four second-place Oireachtas teams. She also qualified for the North American Championships multiple times. While Caitlin was finishing her competitive career with Harling and later, another local school, she assisted with solo and ceili classes at both schools. In the spring of 2012, at the age of twenty-one, Caitlin traveled to Limerick, Ireland, where she passed the T.C.R.G exam. Caitlin is an accredited teacher with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha. Caitlin directed and operated Drake Fort Lauderdale for three years before establishing the Kelly Academy of Irish Dance in 2015. Caitlin graduated with honors from Palm Beach Atlantic University in December of 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a specialization in Exceptional Student Education. Caitlin worked at a local private school for three years as a Special Education teacher before committing all of her time to the Kelly Academy.

Polynesian Dance led by Kona Garcia

Kumu Kona will teach a beginner’s hula dance lesson, participants can expect a warm and welcoming environment where they will be introduced to the basics of this beautiful art form. Expect to engage in a mix of Hawaiian group exercises, allowing for a sense of community and shared learning. Kumu will provide encouragement and personalized feedback, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and confident.

Kumu Hula Kona Garcia is a well known figure in the Hawaiian community, embodying the spirit of hula and the depth of Hawaiian tradition. As the kumu hula of Hālau Hula O Nā Liko A‘o Puna, he plays a crucial role in preserving and teaching the art of hula, rooted in his own rich heritage and training. His journey, beginning at the age of 3 under the guidance of his ‘Ohana and respected kumu hula, shows his deep commitment to Hula. Kumu Kona’s educational background further enriches his teaching, with experiences in Hawaiian immersion schools and advanced studies in the Hawaiian language. Kumu has traveled to over 20 countries sharing Hawaiian culture globally, and his long-standing Hālau presence in Fort Lauderdale has made a significant impact on the local community. The accomplishments of his hālau, including numerous awards at the Ho‘ike Hawai‘i Hula Competition, reflect the effectiveness of his teaching and the talent of his students. His involvement in the Mai-Kai Polynesian Show as a cultural advisor and his commitment to returning to Hawai’i for educational purposes demonstrate a continuous connection to his roots. Kumu Kona’s efforts in environmental stewardship and cultural education through activities like working in lo‘i (taro patches) and performing traditional practices resonate with the values of mālama ‘āina (caring for the land). His participation in significant events, such as the Merrie Monarch Festival, underscores his dedication to the hula tradition and community. Overall, Kumu Hula Kona Garcia is not only a teacher of hula but a passionate ambassador of Hawaiian culture, ensuring its vibrancy and relevance for future generations.

Intermediate Tap led by Ashley Bachner

This workshop is an intermediate tap class focusing on proper technique and rhythm! Please bring your own tap shoes. 

Ashley Bachner‘s professional career has spanned over 20 years during which time she has appeared on Broadway as a featured performer in FOSSE, working with such luminaries as Gwen Verdon, Anne Reinking, Ben Vereen, Chet Walker and Bebe Neuwirth. She was a featured dancer for Lyrics And Lyricists and Songs Of Jerome Kern at the Tish Center, and Celebrations of Tap where she worked side by side with Tarik Winston. Regional credits include: Tommy, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, Jazz On Jazz at Jacob’s Pillow and Singin In The Rain. Television credits are highlighted by The Chapelle Show, Law & Order, The Tonight Show and Good Day LA.