OUR MENTORS
A Family of Dance Artists - Here to Challenge, Motivate & Inspire
2025 SUMMER INTENSIVE FACULTY
June 2-5, 2025 at The Florida Ballet - Jacksonville, FL

Keenan Cooks
Dance 100 Netflix, Ice Spice’s Y2K World Tour, America’s Got Talent NBC, Monsters Faculty
Keenan Cooks was born and raised in Boston, MA and began dancing at the age of 14. Just two years later, he became a member of Boston based Nia Dance Troupe where he first began his professional training. In 2008, Keenan moved to New York City to pursue dance professionally and has since worked with notable choreographers such as Rhapsody James, Laurie Ann Gibson, Luam, Kyle Hanagami, Rich & Tone, Danielle Flora, Nappy Tabs, and Charm La’Donna. He has had the privilege of working with artists such as Big Sean, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Ne-Yo, Flo- Rida, Kendrick Lamar, Prince Royce, Hailee Steinfeld, Halsey, and Dua Lipa. You may have seen him dancing on Saturday Night Live, America’s Got Talent, Today Show, Good Morning America, MTV Music Video Awards. His choreographic credits include a BET commercial, A Gap commercial, an episode of “Blindspot” (Season 2), David Guetta, J Balvin, Bebe Rexha, Meek Mill, and Yo Gotti. He’s also been the assistant choreographer on projects for Kelly Rowland, Lizzo, and the Kid’s Choice Awards. Most recently he was Movement Director/Choreographer for Ice’s Spice’s section of Fortnite Remix: The Finale. The biggest in-game concert in Fortnite history, with over 14 million people tuned in. Keenan was the choreographer for Ice Spice’s ‘Y2K World Tour” that just wrapped in January. As an instructor, Keenan is on faculty at one of the most popular studios in New York City Broadway Dance Center. He is also on Guest faculty at Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles. He has had the opportunity to travel internationally and teach on multiple occasions to almost 20 countries including Japan, South Korea, China, Germany, Paris, Argentina, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Switzerland, and Italy. You can catch Keenan on Netflix’s new Choreographers Competition “Dance 100” streaming now!

Macy Swaim
Masked Singer FOX, Super Bowl LVII Rihanna, The Weeknd Stadium Tour, STEEZY Instructor,
Macy Swaim is a dancer and creator living in Los Angeles, CA. She is an extremely versatile dancer who has trained and worked in the styles of contemporary, hip hop, ballet, heels, jazz and jazz funk. Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Macy moved across country to LA at the age of 19 and has worked for artists such as, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Billie Eillish, The Weeknd, Melanie Martinez, Camilla Cabello, Charlie Puth, Zedd, Maren Morris, Kanye West, Juliane Hough, and many more. She has worked with the choreographers of Charm LaDonna, Nina McNeely, Sara and Calvit, Dana Foglia, Kyle Hanagami, Galen Hooks, Parris Goebel, Brian Friedman, Zachary Venegas, Nappy Tabs, and HiHat. As a teacher and educator, Macy uses her versatility in applying a fusion of styles to challenge her students and show that education in more than one style is extremely useful. She loves to incorporate her flow and athleticism of contemporary with energetic and hard hitting hip hop technique. She also loves to express true passion when she dances, spreading positivity and confidence to help influence the community to support one another and dwell into what they love most about moving and dancing, pulling out individuality while maintaining a collective class.

Keaton Kermode
SYTYCD, Oscars 2024 "I'm Just Ken", MSA Talent Agency, DanceMakers Inc Faculty
Keaton Kermode, now residing in Los Angeles, comes to us from Fairland, Indiana. Growing up as a competition kid at Style Dance Academy, Keaton now has over 20 years of experience and is signed with MSA Talent Agency. Currently pursuing a career in commercial dance, Keaton is the Season 17 Runner-Up for So You Think You Can Dance. He toured with DanceMakers Inc as a Collective Season 7 member, and is now on Convention Faculty with DanceMakers Inc and Endless Talent. He has worked with some of the most renowned choreographers in the Industry and performed alongside entertainers such as Ryan Gosling, Derek and Julianne Hough, Paula Abdul, Alfonso Ribeiro, Robin Thicke, and C-Pop Artist Jolin Tsai. As a choreographer and teacher Keaton sees his ability to give back to his community as his true passion. Growing up, Keaton yearned for classes where the teachers made him feel seen and cared for. That is one of his top priorities during every one of his classes. Many people have made an impact on his life, not just dancers, and Keaton now takes this knowledge gained and pours it into the next generation by using every second in class to demonstrate and teach life lessons, to not only make great dancers, but great humans.

Nathan Cherry
SYTYCD, Tribe99, Queens ABC, Michael Jackson Biopic: Michael, UDA LSU 24' & FSU 25'
Nathan Cherry is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher hailing from Orlando, Florida residing in Los Angeles, California. His talent has taken him across various stages, both live and on film, where his remarkable journey reached new heights when he landed in the top 12 of season 16 of the highly acclaimed dance competition, "So You Think You Can Dance." Nathan's primary focus lies in Hip Hop and Street Style foundations and choreography. He has graced live performances alongside celebrated musicians like Nicky Jam, Ozuna, Maluma, Farruko, Camilo, and Jordan Fisher. In addition to live stage work, Nathan has made a mark in the corporate world through his industrial performances with renowned brands and organizations such as Amway, Orlando City Soccer, Orlando Magic, Paul Mitchell, Supercuts, and the Food Network. Nathan's versatility has extended to the realm of film and television. He has made multiple appearances on the hit ABC network show "Queens,” showcased in Universal Pictures' Praise This, Disney’s Descendents: Rise of Red, and the upcoming Michael Jackson Biopic, Michael. As a choreographer, Nathan Cherry's impact is profound, shaping routines that resonate with audiences and elevate performers to new heights. His contributions range from assistant choreographer for music videos to his involvement with LSU's winning 2024 UDA performance, garnering acclaim and recognition for his innovative approach and most recently working with FSU's Golden Girls for their 2025 UDA routine.

Kennedy Phelps
Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Western Dance Project, ROC Magazine
Kennedy Phelps is a dancer, choreographer and teacher in the Detroit Metropolitan Area. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University class of 2021, where she received her BFA in Dance. While at WMU, Kennedy performed in works by Paul Taylor, Yin Yue, Kate Skarpetowska, Jennifer Archibald, Mike Esperanza, BAIRA, Monique Haley, Brendan Duggan, and was a member of Western Dance Project under the direction of Whitney Moncrief. Kennedy has worked as a guest artist with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, and in the summer of 2022, she was featured on the cover of ROC Magazine’s Issue 03: Embodied. In 2023 Kennedy became the founder and director of K Company Dance, LLC located in Southfield, MI, where she continues to share her knowledge and love for dance with the youth of today.

Trevor Sones
Revel Dance Convention Director, National Tours: CATS & Beauty and the Beast
Trevor Sones, originally from Clearfield, PA, received a BA degree in Dance from Mercyhurst University. National Tour Credits: CATS and Beauty and the Beast. TV/Film Credits: ZIPS Dry Cleaners, The Knot, CATS National Tour commercial, Step Up 3D, Good Morning America, and Do You Dance, Ms. Parker?. Trevor has worked extensively with Royal Caribbean as a performer (Hairspray & Mamma Mia), Associate Choreographer (Grease & Name That Tune), and Director (Bada Bing Bada Boom). He has worked with RWS Entertainment Group as a Dancer/Dance Captain, Audition Choreographer/Casting Assistant, and now is a Director/Choreographer. Trevor also is a Guest Teacher/Adjudicator for Encore Dance Competition for the Stars and a Regional Director with REVEL Dance Convention traveling North America teaching young artists! Most recently he toured Germany, Switzerland, and Dubai with SweetBird Productions Rock The Ballet X and Romeo and Juliet.

Nazear Brown
Clear Talent Group, kNoname Artist, Jacob’s Pillow, Harlem Stage, New York City Center
Nazear Brown, signed to Clear Talent Group New York, is an emerging dance artist and choreographer from New Bern, North Carolina. He was apart of the inaugural class of the CLI Conservatory and subsequently joined their company for the 2022-23 season working with; Teddy Forance, Mike Tyus, Micaela Taylor, Spenser Theberg, Ethan Colangelo, Jermaine Spivey, Tyce Diorio, Brian Nicholson, Kirsten Russell, Spenser Theberge, Jacob Jonas, Mark Caserta, Joy Isabella Brown, Alex Komulainen, and Erica Klein. Nazear transitioned to New York City where he met choreographer and dance artist, Roderick George in September of 2023 through DanceLabNYC. In January ‘24, Nazear performed his new work “Venom” at Gibney DOUBLEPLUS curated by Kyle Abraham. Nazear continues to work with Roderick George’s “Knoname Artist” Company and has since then performed works at Jacob’s Pillow, Harlem Stage, and the New York City Center.

Emily Poli
Cleo Parker Robinson (Cleo II), Hannah Kahn Dance Company, Wonderbound
A Florida native, Emily is a multi-talented dancer who earned her BFA from Jacksonville University with a minor in Kinesiology. Her early dance training focused on the ballet aesthetic, but quickly expanded through Modern techniques (Limon, Gaga, Muller), and commercial styles (Street Jazz, Vogue, dance on film). Emily is deeply inspired by the inner workings of the world, the tendencies of the human condition, and raw human emotions which have become pillars in her approach to dance. In dance performance she strives to make art that is a reflection of the world we live in, and to inspire viewers to think, feel, connect, or just appreciate. Emily has danced professionally as a Company member/Artist alongside notable dance companies such as Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble (Cleo II), Hannah Kahn Dance Company, and Wonderbound. Currently, Emily is a third-year Company member with Jacksonville Dance Theatre (JDT) where she aims to make art that is a reflection of the world we live in by using dance as a tool to connect, to heal, and to celebrate. As an educator, Emily’s goal is to utilize dance as the vessel that encourages an environment which supports the realization of dreams, ideas, stories, and concepts.

Devin Waxman
BLOC Talent Agency, CLI Professional Company, Space & Time Feature Film
Devin was born and raised in Central Florida, where he began his artistic journey with a focus on hip-hop and tumbling training under the direction of Olympic Gold Medalist, Scott Johnson. His love for dance quickly grew and as a competitive dancer, Devin received numerous scholarships to further his training while traveling as a Prodigy assistant for NRG Dance Project. In 2021, Devin was selected to attend the CLI Conservatory in Easthampton, Massachusetts, under the direction of Teddy Forance as part of the inaugural class. Upon completing the program, Devin was invited to join the CLI Professional Company, where he worked as a professional dancer and instructor for CLI Studios. Devin's performance credits include appearances in the feature film Space & Time, the immersive experience Super Blue Miami, the music video “How” for Omar Apollo, a TEDx performance , and the Chick-fil-A National Convention. He has had the opportunity to work with many sought-after choreographers, including Teddy Forance, Keoni and Mari Madrid, Mike Tyus, Chaz Buzan, Jermaine Spivey, Spencer Theberge, Ethan Colangelo, Al Blackstone, Billy Griffin, and Monika Felice Smith. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Devin is represented by BLOC Talent Agency and continues to pursue his passion for dance, inspiring others through his artistry.

Geovanna Garavelo-Bortoleto
Tribe99, Disney’s Descendents: Rise of Red
Geovanna Garavelo-Bortoleto, originally from Orlando, Florida, is a dancer, educator, and choreographer currently based in Los Angeles. With over 15 years of extensive training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop, heels and street styles, Geovanna has established herself as a versatile and dynamic artist. A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Kinesiology, in 2023 she etched her name in school history as one of the captains of the UCF Dance Team. During her time as co-director at the Orlando International School of Dance, her choreography gained recognition at prestigious dance competitions, including Break the Floor Productions, World Ballet Competition, Universal Ballet Competition, and Youth America Grand Prix. Beyond live performances, her on-screen credits include appearing in Disney’s Descendents: Rise of Red, as well as work in music videos, background dancing for artists and SAG-AFTRA projects. Geovanna currently travels across the United States setting choreography for elite high school, all-star, and collegiate dance teams as a choreographer with Tribe 99. Her most recent work includes collaborating with the LSU Tiger Girls for their 2024 UDA championship-winning routine “Smooth Criminal” and with FSU’s Golden Girls for their 2025 UDA appearance. Represented by Clear Talent Group, Geovanna’s multifaceted experience—from competitive dance to commercial projects—has equipped her with a unique perspective and much knowledge that she brings to every teaching and performance, and training opportunity.

Niko Fagan
World of Dance & America’s Got Talent NBC Orlando Magic NBA, Universal Studios
Niko began his journey in dance at the tender age of three, and by four, he was being trained by his father in a diverse array of styles, including Hip-Hop, Tap, Jazz, and Ballet. Since the age of eight, Niko has showcased his talents at numerous competitions and performances, achieving significant acclaim. As he cultivated his passion for performing, teaching, and choreographing, Niko had the distinct honor of collaborating with renowned choreographers such as Dave Scott, Shane Sparks, Wade Robson, Nappytabs, The Jabbawockeez, Laurie Ann Gibson, and Julie Johnson, among others. His impressive stage credits include performances on prominent platforms such as NBC’s World of Dance, Universal Studios CityWalk, America’s Got Talent, World of Dance, and with the NBA’s Orlando Magic. As a competitive dancer, Niko has participated in prestigious international competitions with Extreme All-Stars and Studio One, securing National and International Champion titles at events like the Dance Worlds at Walt Disney and Hip Hop International in Las Vegas. Currently, Niko serves as a production manager for Revel Dance Convention and teaches locally in Orlando, Florida. He is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers and inspiring students to reach their full potential, which remains his paramount objective.

April Henehan
MFA, Fellowship Jacob's Pillow, Dance Ireland
National College Dance Festival Faculty
April Henehan, MFA Choreography and the recipient of the ‘22-23 Hicks Choreography Fellowship’ with Jacob’s Pillow most recently taught for two years at Jacksonville University and spent 8 years on Faculty at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where she was the director of the Creative Dance Ensemble. April’s first professional experience came at the age of 16 performing principal roles in “Jacksonville Symphony’s: First Coast Nutcracker;” and her early professional experiences continued with companies: Ka'Mia Contemporary Dance Theatre & A Rhythm Nation, as a semi-finalist on Season 4 of FOX's hit show “So You Think You Can Dance,” and as a semi-finalist on BRAVO TV’s “Step It Up & Dance.” Additional performance credits include works by: Demetrius Klein, Douglas Gawriljuk, Yanis Pikieris, Ronen Koresh, Michael Foley, Mia Michaels, Adele Myers, Eddy Toussaint, Kavin Grant, Cathy Young, Alyn Cassal, Bill Evans, Amanda Coogan, Amy Miller, and Nita Little. Besides being a seasoned performer, April’s choreography and leadership as a dance practitioner has been recognized internationally by ChoreoLab Europe and featured in articles for POINTE Magazine, Dance Magazine, Dance Spirit Magazine, and Dance Teacher Magazine. Further teaching and choreographic credits include the Candice Glover, Florida Dance Festival, Cal State University Long Beach, Santa Fe College, Jacksonville University, Lindenwood University, Brenau University, University of Florida, Jacob’s Pillow 360 Intensive, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, LaVilla School of the Arts, New World School of the Arts, Episcopal School of Jacksonville, the Movement Talent Agency, DanceLook, American College Dance Association, National College Dance Festival, Institute of Classical & Modern Dance (Mumbai), and Dance Ireland (Dublin). April holds certification in both Progressing Ballet & Contemporary Techniques, assisted Andrew Winghart on his dance film, Is Anyone Receiving the Data? (2023) during his residency with CLI Conservatory, and spent last summer working alongside Doug Varone during his residency for the American Dance Festival at Duke University (2024).

Mauricio Fernandez
Compania de Danza Antoinette Mexico,
Teater Vanemuine’s Ballet Estonia
Mauricio Fernandez is originally from Mexico where he received his early training at Estudio de Danza Antoinette de Puebla. To further his dance education abroad he attended, on full scholarship, Idyllwild Arts Academy, Boston Ballet School, Orlando Ballet, Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet in New York City, City Ballet of Iowa and Milwaukee Ballet. He has performed with several ballet companies including Compania de Danza Antoinette in Mexico, Inland Pacific Ballet, Orlando Ballet, Western Chicago Ballet, Hinsdale Ballet Theatre, Springfield Ballet, DanceWest Ballet, Albany Berkshire Ballet, Kentucky Ballet Theatre and the Chicago Repertory Ballet. Mauricio is a Tap Gold medalist at Confederacion Inter-Americana de Profesionales de la Danza (CIAD), Intrancefest Tec de Monterrey and received first overall at several international dance competitions. He was a semifinalist of the Spotlight Awards of the Music Center of Los Angeles in 2012 and of the Youth America Grand Prix in 2015. In 2013 Mauricio received the Youth of Mexico Award for his achievements in the arts and has been recognized by AGMA as an Artist of Extraordinary Ability. In 2018 Mauricio relocated to the Chicago area and decided to further his tap dance studies with the Chicago Human Rhythm Project “Stone Soup Rhythms” and Tapman Productions. He has taken part of Tap Music Project, CHRP’s Rhythm World Festival and MADD Rhythm’s Chicago Tap Summit and had the privilege to study with tap dance masters such as Dianne “Lady Di” Walker, Sam Weber, Brill Barret, Sarah Reich, Daniel Borak, Star Dixon, Nico Rubio, Martin Dumas, Jason Janas, Charles Renato, Ted Louis Levy among others. Mauricio was an Apprentice of the CHRP’s Stone Soup Rhythms Tap Company in 2019, a company dancer with Teater Vanemuine’s Ballet in Estonia for their 2020-2021 season and a Guest Artist with South Chicago Dance Theatre for their 2021-2022 season. Mauricio has had the opportunity to travel around the US, Mexico, Panama and Europe as a performer, teacher and adjudicator. Currently, he is on faculty at Impact Dance Studio in Illinois and is the Artistic Director of Grooves On Tap, as well as a faculty member at Sheer Elite International Convention and Celebration Talent Dance Convention.

Madeline Crandall
Disney World Orlando, Sea World San Diego Ohio Star Ball, Millennium Dance Sport
Madeline "Mads" Crandall, a certified Pro-Am Ballroom Instructor, started dancing and competing in the greater Orlando area at the age of 6. Throughout her competitive years she traveled as an assistant with Tremaine Dance Company and Revel Dance Convention. Additionally, she was rewarded full scholarships to further her studies by attending Broadway Dance Center's Summer Program and Joffrey Ballet in New York City. Since 2018, Maddie has been working professionally as a featured performer for various productions & events with Universal Studio Orlando, Saturday Night Takeaway with Ant and Dec, Hardrive Productions, Walt Disney World Orlando, House of Blues, Sea World San Diego, Kalahari Resorts, Ohio Star Ball, Millennium Dance Sport, Kinfigure, and more. She has taught for studios all around central Florida, CB Fest in California, and was an assistant choreographer for SeaWorld San Diego. Maddie aims to bring the ballroom industry to another level by showing her students how fun ballroom can be!

Tyveze Littlejohn
Ballet Eddy Toussaint de Montreal, Lexington Ballet, Ballet Palm Beach
Tyveze Littlejohn is a highly accomplished dancer, choreographer, and teacher. He graduated from the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in 2011 and then went on to work with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. He has a diverse range of experiences, including touring in the South of France with his original work "Evolution of Love" and working with communities in various locations such as teaching children with disabilities with the Lexington Ballet and working with the elder community in Cuba while touring with Ballet Palm Beach. Throughout his career, Mr. Littlejohn has performed with prestigious ballet companies such as Ballet Eddy Toussaint de Montreal, Lexington Ballet, and Ballet Palm Beach, showcasing his talent in leading roles in ballets like Giselle, The Nutcracker, Midsummer Night's Dream, Rite of Spring, and Gatsby. He has also had the opportunity to perform at renowned dance festivals including the American Dance Festival, Vail Dance Festival, and Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. As a freelance teacher, choreographer, and dancer, Tyveze Littlejohn continues to share his passion for dance across the United States and internationally. He recently returned to his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, to join the Florida Ballet for his first season and is excited to contribute his talents to the community. Additionally, he served as the school director of the Lexington School, further demonstrating his commitment to education and the arts.