season 16 choreographers

This page was most recently updated on 8/4/25

All rehearsals will be held at CDP Studios - 5505 Valley Belt Rd, Suite B, Independence, OH

Before auditions:

• Watch choreographer videos / check out the rehearsal schedule so you know who to rank! (We always recommend ranking as many dances as you can to maximize your casting potential - due to high numbers of auditioning dancers, not everyone can be cast so rank a lot and come to class in January to hone your technique before auditions!)

• Print and complete the preference form and bring it with you to auditions.(will be uploaded by 8/10)

• Register for auditions to save your spot!

• We will post videos of the audition combos about a week before auditions. You do NOT need to know the choreography from the below videos. Also, you do not have to pre-learn the audition combos, we only post them in advance to help make you feel more comfortable at auditions! If you don’t have time to pre-learn we will still teach them at auditions as if no one knows them ;)

You’ll see potential costume costs below for each piece - these are just an estimate and may change.

There is a YouTube playlist, HOWEVER some of our videos are only on vimeo, so make sure you watch down below too!

Alyssa George, a Cum Laude graduate of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with specializations in Business Administration and Performance & Choreography. She is from Brunswick, Ohio, and has traveled to Paris and Rome with the SRU Department of Dance. She has presented at the CHESS Conference at Gannon University, twice in the SRU Research Symposium for D-Man in The Waters and Through Common Ground We Found Fate a rep directed by former professor Nola Nolen. She has attended American Dance Festival in Durham, North Carolina in 2017, and FORGE Summer Dance Intensive at SRU. In 2018 she performed at American College Dance Association at West Chester University and attended the Gibney Dance Experience in NYC. She has been in multiple student and faculty works in Faculty, Fall, Winter and Senior Synthesis Dance Concerts at SRU and in her senior year she put on her own independent concert discussing the research theme of story -telling in dance. As a choreographer, she has had her own work performed in concerts as well. Her other interests are creating dance films and has experience in editing and archival research. She is a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, has interned in the Technical Theatre department at Dance Place in Washington DC. She has attended the Orange Grove Summer Dance Intensive in 2019, 20, 22 and 2023. She is currently performing and choreographing with the Cleveland Dance Project.

Style: Contemporary/Modern
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Genesis - Grimes
Rehearsals: Sunday 10-11:30am
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Clean and sleek clothing, shorts, leggings, leotards, long sleeves ($0-15)

Tori McKinney started dancing at the age of 2 in Parma Hts, Ohio at Charlotte Braun Dance Studio and continued her training there up until college. During high school Tori was also a member of the Magnificat High School Dance team where she then served as an assistant coach from 2017-2022. Tori received her BA in Dance from Slippery Rock University in 2015 and continues to train as a Cleveland Dance Project Company member (apprentice in 2019, company member since 2021) Since graduating from SRU, Tori has taught and choreographed for many local studios (competition and recreation), schools and teams. Her choreography has been featured in multiple of Cleveland Dance Project's bi-annual showcases as well as CDP Company's collaborative showcases. She is also a certified Safety and Legality Official for the US All Star Federation of club dance and cheer teams as well as a fitness instructor for Cleveland Dance Project, Ryze & Grind Fitness, and Be Fitness. Alongside dance and fitness, she is an elementary school cheer coach at Old Trail School. Tori also discovered aerial dance after college and has earned 2 medals at the Pole Sport Organization Central Pole Championships in 2018 and 2019. Tori is a Teaching Artist with Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio, a social development program in local school districts that uses ballroom dance as the tool to promote teamwork and safe interaction between individuals in the 5th and 8th grade.

Style: Jazz
Level: Adv
Music: Welcome to the Black Parade - My Chemical Romance
Rehearsals: Sunday 10-11:30am
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): TBD (hoping to use CDP budget)

Meredith Dunlap started dancing when she was 3 and hasn't stopped since. She is trained in heels, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and modern. When she went to college at ONU, she continued her passion on the Northern Stars Dance Team for the 2011 season. Meredith has also performed in various on-stage theater productions on the ONU stage including the Holiday Spectacular and choreography showcases. After graduating she began dancing professionally as a Canton Charge Girl for two seasons. This gave her the opportunity to dance in front of crowds for over 20 games a season while learning skills at photo shoots and having fun engaging with fans. Outside of dance, she is working at Amplemarket as a Customer Success Manager and you can find her working out at BFT, walking her dog, or traveling with her husband.

Style: Street Jazz
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Control - Emmitt
Rehearsals: Sundays 2:30-4pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Elements of black with neon accents. Black cargo pants, top will have layers and mesh. Sneakers ($0-30)

Hannah McCallister grew up as a competitive dancer, competing in a variety of styles where she has received scholarship awards and many top overalls for groups, duo/trios, and solos, including regional and national titles. She is now dancing professionally for CDP Company. She was also a choreographer for CDP Company’s show Convergence, along side Lauren Ferster. Hannah holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from The University of Akron. During her time there she was involved in UADC and Choreographers Workshop performances, choreographed and performed in Terpsichore Dance Club shows and produced the senior showcase, Fall Finale in 2023 where her choreography was featured. Hannah is the artistic director of the competition team for Revival Dance Complex. She choreographs between 10-20 dances a season and has received many choreography awards for her competition routines. She has also choreographed nationally recognized competition pieces placing in the top 3. This year, two of her competition pieces were selected to perform on the Playhouse Square stage for their student showcase.

Style: Lyrical
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Somebody to you - Rachael Lampa, Andrew Ripp
Rehearsals: Sundays 2:30-4pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): white or light blue flowy dress(CDP budget)

Bethany Schulz began her training at the age of three, dancing and competing in North Royalton, Ohio. She went on to further her education at the University of Akron, receiving her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance in 2010. While training at Akron, she worked with guest artists such as Doug Varone and Dancers, Paul Taylor 2, David Parsons- Parsons Dance Company; Nora Chipaumire-Urban Bush Women, Arturo Fernandez- LINES Ballet, and Amy Miller of Groundworks Dance. After graduating, Bethany went on to perform in parades at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida dancing in the Disney’s Electrical Light Parade, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade, and Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade. She returned to Ohio to dance with modern based dance company MorrisonDance for 4 years. Then life moved her to Louisville, Kentucky where she performed with the Moving Collective, started her family and began a seven year dance hiatus. Three more moves brought her back to Cleveland where she began rekindling her love of dance, performing with the Cleveland Dance Project in Fall of 2023 to present day.

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Vega - Ed Sheeren
Rehearsals: Sundays 4-5:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Cohesive but not uniform within the color palette of dusk/night - blues, dark purples, grey utilizing dancers closets

Bryan Chambers is a Muti-facited performer, director and producer born and raised in Cleveland Ohio. He began his professional careerat age 16, performing in various shows for many artist in Ohio as well as other States. Working with artist such as Patti La Belle and Crystal Waters. Bryan was also chosen as the first male dancer to ever dance for the Cleveland Cavaliers Dance team. Bryan then Moved to Atlanta, GA working with many different producers from Sony Music and various record labels in Atlanta as a recording artist. Bryan also joined the Atlanta Hawks dance team as a dancer/ choreographer and vocalist, he was asked to perform the National Anthem before one of the Teams home games. Bryan was also commissioned to work with Bad Boy Recording artists B5. Bryan then went on to work for Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines as a Dancer/ Dance Captain & Show Director. Bryan then Moved to Los Angeles Booking Commercials for Sharp Electronics and the television show "Magics Biggest Secrets Revealed". While in LA he was hired as actor for the Music Video for Chrisette Michele also working in the Aladdin Show in Anaheim, CA at Disneyland. Bryan then traveled to Athens, Greece as a Dancer for EuroVision sensations Anna Vissi and Helena Papparizou performing on the television shows X Factor and Greek Idol. He performed for both concerts and touring as well as Anna Vissi's Misic Video "Fabulous". Bryan then Moved to Las Vegas performing as a dancer in Show In The Sky at The Rio & Vegas! The Show! then The Donny & Marie Show and tour booking events as dancer/ assistant choreographer for different companies Always Entertaining/ Destinations by Design and E Plus Productions feat. stars, Britney Spears/ Gordon Ramsey/ Jennifer Lopez/ Tyson Beckford/ Rita Moreno/ Wayne Newton/Tony Bennett as well as Being selected as Lead Dance Captain/Director/Choreographer/MC and Vocalist for The Chippendales International Tour.

Style: Commercial/Industry Jazz Funk
Level: All
Music: Where Have You Been - Rihanna
Rehearsals: Sundays 4-5:30
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Edgy Individual style in all white similar to Janet Jackson's All For You Tour outfits ($40 at most)

Tess Hosler is a lifelong lover of movement and music with over a decade of experience choreographing for adults and young adults of all backgrounds. With a foundation in ballet (Balanchine), jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, and acro, she enjoys creating accessible, fun, and expressive routines that meet dancers where they are. While she has choreographed over 100 musicals around the state of Ohio, this is the first time she is choreographing for dancers in this setting and is excited for the opportunity! Tess spent five years as a public school music teacher before transitioning into higher education, where she now works full time. Choreography has always been a creative outlet and a way to stay connected to performance and community. She loves helping people feel confident, capable, and joyful through dance. Tess lives in Lakewood with her husband Drew and their very energetic corgi, Sebastian.

Style: Jazz Funk
Level: Intermediate
Music: When I Grow Up - Pussycat Dolls; BO$$ - Fifth Harmony, Lose my Breath - Destiny's Child, Spice up your Life - Spice Girls
Rehearsals: Sundays 5:30-7pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Pink Parachute Pants and a black long sleeve crop top or shirt ($20)

Maegen Gallagher started dancing at a young age in Tulsa, OK before moving to Omaha, NE and continued her dance career for the next 17 years. Maegen grew up dancing at a local studio and trained in ballet, tap, jazz, pom, hip hop, and lyrical. At 15 years old, Maegen began leading dance classes and choreographing for her studio and did so for seven years. She continued teaching and choreographing as a three-year member of her high school dance team. Maegen's true love for dance team emerged during her college career at The University of Nebraska Omaha where she was a member of the dance team for five seasons. Maegen attended grad school at Midland University where she was the assistant dance coach of the Midland Dance Program from 2015-2019 and won a national title with the program in 2017. Maegen has lived in Ohio since May of 2019 with her husband, Tyler (an Akron-area native), and their seven-year old son, Reese. Shortly after moving to Ohio with her family, Maegen became the Head Dance Coach for The University of Akron Dance Team where she coached from Fall of 2019 to Spring of 2023. Maegen continues to dance with CDP, choreograph for local universities and high schools, and judge dance competitions for organizations like NAIA College Dance and OASSA State Dance.

Style: Half hip Hop & half Tap
Level: Intermediate
Music: Sing Sing Sing, In The Mood by OH-1
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:30-8:00
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): all black with white shoes and conductor's jackets with coat tails ($20-30)

Nele Neckebroeck has been dancing since she was 8 years old, starting in her small dance studio in Belgium to several seasons at Cleveland Dance Project. In Belgium, she started training in jazz funk, but quickly discovered modern/contemporary dance and fell in love. She also trained in styles such as hiphop/street dance and ballet. After taking a break in college, she was pulled back into her love for dance with a season of modern with Anneleen Nickmans in Belgium, and then took a huge leap and moved to the US at the end of 2022. As if it was fate, she discovered CDP only 4 days before the auditions for Season 11, and has danced every season since in a variety of styles including jazz, heels, contemporary/modern and hiphop. She got the opportunity to choreograph a hiphop fusion piece for Season 15, loved the process of choreographing and working with so many amazing dancers at CDP, which inspired her to work on a piece in the style she loves most, contemporary/modern. Nele is so excited to bring this piece to life with you guys!

Style: Contemporary/Modern
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Ordinary - Alex Warren
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black leotard or form fitting top (preferrably high neck) (dancers closet), with a loose, flowy pant ($5)

A native of the greater Buffalo, NY area, Cait Wallenhorst grew up studying ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, and African-Caribbean dance styles at her local studio throughout her childhood. She attended college at State University of New York at Geneseo, where she obtained a minor in dance, was a selected member of the Geneseo Dance Ensemble, and performed in multiple pieces adjudicated at the American College Dance Festival Association (ACDFA). Since moving to Cleveland, Cait has been an active member of the Cleveland Dance Project since 2019 as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She recently had the honor of choreographing and performing for the Cleveland Botanical Gardens 2024 FROST exhibit, and was also selected to choreograph a piece for CDP Company’s Convergence showcase at Near West Theatre in June 2025. Cait currently works as a dance teaching artist at Rainey Institute, fostering a love of dance and movement in children from PreK through 8th grade. She is also a mom to three young kids with whom she loves to bust a move!

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Can’t Catch Me Now - Olivia Rodrigo; Yellow Flicker Beat - Lorde; the Hanging Tree - Jennifer Lawrence
Rehearsals: Mondays 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): greens & browns (up to $15)

Regan Murphy has been dancing since the age of 3 in upstate New York training in Irish Step dance as well as ballet, tap, and jazz. She competed at the local, regional, and collegiate level with Irish Dance and was the president of the Northeastern Irish Dance Club during her undergrad years. As part of the Irish Dance Club she taught beginner classes and choreographed 6 pieces for showcases and competitions for dancers of all levels. Regan's experience with all types of dance helps her 'translate' Irish dance movements to dancers of all backgrounds. Regan has also passed the first 6 CLRG Grade exams to start her certification as a Irish dance teacher. She recently moved to the Cleveland area and is so excited to be able to share her love for Irish Dance!

Style: Irish Step Dance (soft shoe)
Level: All
Music: On the Floor - Jennifer Lopez, Fire Burning - Sean Kingston, Evacuate the Dancefloor - Cascada
Rehearsals: Mondays 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): skater skirt with a neutral colored top and black shoes (ballet flats, jazz shoes, or even socks can work instead of traditional soft shoes) (CDP budget)

Heather Sakai serves as the Marketing Director for Cleveland Dance Project, as well as for Cleveland Dance Project Company. Heather has been a part of CDP since its inception, contributing as a dancer, choreographer, and instructor. Heather began her dance journey at the age of three, spending her early years training under Jeanne Ann Corrigan and later receiving the bulk of her education under Arlene Cassara, dancing competitively with the Rocky River Studio of Dance. She continued her studies at Baldwin-Wallace College before earning dual master’s degrees in Social Work (with a focus on Adult Mental Health) and Contemporary Dance from Case Western Reserve University. While at Case, Heather specialized in Graham technique and was selected to attend a summer workshop at the Martha Graham Studio in New York City. Heather began her dance journey at the age of three, spending her early years training under Jeanne Ann Corrigan and later receiving the bulk of her education under Arlene Cassara, dancing competitively with the Rocky River Studio of Dance. She continued her studies at Baldwin-Wallace College before earning dual master’s degrees in Social Work (with a focus on Adult Mental Health) and Contemporary Dance from Case Western Reserve University. While at Case, Heather specialized in Graham technique and was selected to attend a summer workshop at the Martha Graham Studio in New York City. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Heather has taught ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, musical theater, and gymnastics to students of all ages both nationally and internationally. She has also choreographed extensively for children and adults. Heather is also a certified SEATED RHYTHM™ instructor with Active for Life Fitness, a program dedicated to promoting healthy, active lifestyles for seniors and individuals with developmental disabilities. Heather also serves as an adjudicator for the Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards. Outside of her dance endeavors, Heather works as a Social Media Engagement Coordinator for Bright Beginnings. When she’s not dancing or working, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and her dog, Kuppy.

Christina Ramirez, BA, BS, MA-SLP Christina is a photographer and writer from Chicago, IL who has lived and worked in Cleveland, OH for the majority of the last twenty-five years. After thirteen years of working in educational and medical settings as a paraprofessional and speech-language pathologist, she returned to photography and poetry while navigating burnout and disability in a post-COVID world. Her photography was largely a personal endeavor prior to the rage project. She hopes it can now be of service to all AFAB people who are working to acknowledge, feel, process, and/or utilize their anger.

Style: Contemporary/Modern/Ballet fusion
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Experience - Ludovico Einaudi, Daniel Hope, I Virtuosi Italiani; Labour - Paris Paloma
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): garbage bag pants on discount dance or these ($30ish), black leo of any kind (closets or borrow), and black sheer long sleeve (budget), ballet shoes

Originally from Belpre, Ohio, Macie Westrick grew up immersed in the competitive dance world, training in jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and tap at Gel’s Dance Centre in Parkersburg, West Virginia. She continued her dance journey at Ohio University as a member of the OU Dance Team, performing at campus athletic events and competing nationally at both the Universal Dance Association Nationals and Dance Team Union’s College Classic. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Macie remained at Ohio University to complete her MBA. During that time, she joined Ohio University Vibrations, a student-led dance organization, where she continued to train in hip hop, jazz, pom, and lyrical, and served as a guest choreographer. Macie currently works in software sales at Parasoft Corporation and resides in Vermilion, Ohio. She stays active in the dance community by choreographing for high school dance teams and became part of the CDP family during Season 14, choreographer for Season 15, and apprentice for CDP Company in 2025. Instagram: @ maciewestrick

Zoë Helms has been dancing since childhood and graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelors of Science in Dance Education. She received her Resident Education License in Dance from The Ohio State University. Zoë taught at Toledo School for the Arts from 2021-2023 where she was the director of the Hip Hop dance program and also taught intro to dance. She worked for Toledo Public Schools from 2015-2021 teaching dance to public school students and choreographing for their show choirs. She has directed two sold-out dance showcases for Toledo School for the Arts and choreographed two national championship winning dances for Nye Dance Productions. Zoë moved to Cleveland in 2024 and auditioned as a CDP dancer for season 14 and a CDP choreographer for season 15. Instagram: @zoe_alexandra11

Style: Jazz Funk
Level: All
Music: Chappell Roan mash up: Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl, Femininomenon, The Giver, HOT TO GO!, and Pink Ponk Club
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Choose your own adventure - Pink, Glitter/Rhinestones, Denim, Fringe (dancer closets)

Grayce Shuker is a Cleveland native and has been dancing since the age of 3. She was a competition dancer for 11 years and has trained in various styles. She continued dancing in college, choreographing 3 pieces for the Marist College Dance Ensemble and expanding into more musical theatre and stage acting work as well. This will be her fourth season dancing with CDP and her first time choreographing with CDP, and she is so excited!

Leslie Bastulli is a Cleveland native who grew up dancing at various studios in the area. Starting from the age of 3 she trained in all styles, competing for her studio and for her high school dance team. After taking 5 years off, she joined CDP to get back to dancing. Outside of dance she works for The J. M. Smucker Company as a commodity trader.

Style: Jazz
Level: Adv
Music: Abracadabra - Lady Gaga
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Asymmetrical, unique vibe - possibly a one piece that’s deep purple or red (CDP budget)

Devan Amber Hayes is a Cleveland-based dancer, educator, and choreographer originally from Twinsburg, Ohio. A Kent State University graduate, she has performed with the Cleveland Cavaliers and served as co-captain for the Canton Charge Dance Team. Her choreography spans studio recitals, high school musicals, faculty concerts, and university showcases. Certified in Pure Barre and a former studio owner, she has taught and guest choreographed across Northeast Ohio. She joined Rainey Institute as an outreach teaching artist before becoming Dance Program Manager in 2022. A recipient of scholarships from Garth Fagan Dance Company and José Limón Dance Company, she values all dance styles and is currently focused on creating work for adult and advanced performers, blending her passion for movement, mentorship, and multimedia art.

Style: 1/2 Heels & 1/2 Jazz
Level: All
Music: Escapist (Clean) - DUCKWRTH
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black biketards or leotards with possible white button ups; dark lipstick and eyes/ cheeks ($30 max)

Kristen Tellaisha started dancing at the age of 5 and was trained at Lisa Wilhelm Academy of Dance. Kristen was a four year member and captain of her high school dance team and was also a four year member and captain of her college dance team at the University of Dayton. For 8 years, Kristen was the dance coach and advisor for the Lakewood High School Rangerette auxiliary dance team for the school’s marching band. Kristen has been a member of Cleveland Dance Project since season 2, and has choreographed for CDP in Seasons 8, 11 and 15. She is excited to choreograph again and thanks the CDP directing staff for the opportunity!

Caroline Brennan began dancing at age 3 in Needham, MA. She trained in ballet, jazz and pointe throughout her childhood and went on to earn a minor in dance from Allegheny College. At Allegheny she was a dancer and choreographer for two dance groups on campus. After college, she has worked as a dance and fitness instructor. Caroline has been a member of CDP since Season 2 and choreographed in season 15.

Style: Lyrical Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: In The Kitchen - Renee Rapp
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 6-7:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Various pajama sets and short nightgowns in a pink-ish and light neutrals color scheme. (CDP budget)

Caiti Basler, AFAA-CGFI, DMA, STOTT PILATES, is a certified dance and fitness instructor and certified adjudicator from the NE Ohio area, with over 13 years of teaching experience in the classroom. She has been dancing for over 30 years in many styles, but her first love will always be tap dance. She’s received her level 1 Certification from Dance Masters of America TTS, is a member of Dance Masters of Ohio, is Level 1 & 2 certified by Itaponline, and is certified and accredited by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. She’s also a certified STOTT PILATES instructor. She serves as Lead Master Trainer and Director of Education for Zumbini, an early childhood music and movement curriculum for ages 0-6 created by Zumba and BabyFirst TV. She travels the country for speaking engagements and conducting trainings, providing professional development for early childhood educators. Career highlights include TV credits on TLC and DCTV, traveling to China to launch Zumbini in Asia, presenting at Zumba’s Instructor Convention, being a featured presenter for Parents Magazine and teaching at dance conventions and conferences across the United States. Most recently Caiti has been teaching on the convention circuit. Additionally, she has been dancing in NYC, taking class from Al Blackstone, Sonya Tayeh, Katie Drablos, Jillian Meyers, Galen Hooks and more. As a national competition adjudicator, she prides herself on creating an encouraging atmosphere where students feel safe to explore and grow their craft. With a heavy focus on musicality and artistry, she believes that dance and movement are gifts that everyone should enjoy!! Most recently Caiti has been teaching on the convention circuit. Additionally, she has been dancing in NYC, taking class from Al Blackstone, Sonya Tayeh, Katie Drablos, Jillian Meyers, Galen Hooks and more. As a national competition adjudicator, she prides herself on creating an encouraging atmosphere where students feel safe to explore and grow their craft. With a heavy focus on musicality and artistry, she believes that dance and movement are gifts that everyone should enjoy!!

Style: Tap
Level: Advanced
Music: BILKUEY - Mpho.wav
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 6-7:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): all black and then abstract neon paint on our skin (washable so that it’s easy to transition into next piece) ($30 max)

Sara Perry Kunchik received her BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography from Kent State. She has trained and performed across the country and overseas in Italy. She has danced with several small companies in Dayton, Ohio and St. Louis, Missouri. Most recently, she appeared in Cleveland Dance Works with Ajayi Dance in a theatrical piece entitled Gibberish-ish. She is a chiropractor and business owner who treats many dancers and finds the body fascinating. And her favorite current role is a mom to her 2-year-old daughter, Emily, who is teaching her how to find the joy in every moment and movement in life.

Style: Theater Jazz
Level: All
Music: Razzle Dazzle - Richard Gere (Chicago The Musical)
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 7:30-9pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Sequin dress with large oversized stained t shirt over it to start ($10 max)

DiBa Bennett studied at the Canton Ballet for 14 years and then completed a dual degree at the Ohio State University with a BFA in Modern Dance and a BA in Psychology. In OSU’s dance program, Jessica trained with professors who were principal dancers of Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, and Mark Morris. She has also danced and choreographed professionally in New York City, Los Angeles, and Columbus, OH with dance companies like Lori Belilove, Anna and the Annadroids, the Backspace Performance Ensemble, Amy Campbell's Crooked Mouth Dance Company, as well as the Kloons production company, Fugitive Kind Live Theater and musicians including Yula Beeri, Basement Batman, Fashion Week, and several drag artists like Thorgy Thor and Acid Betty. Her recent exciting ventures have been collaborating with world-renowned choreographer, Stephen Petronio for DANCE Cleveland's mentorship program and performing, developing work for Krooked Collective, and performing with and choreographing on Studio West dancers for the Electric Forest Music Festival.

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Over My Head - the Alabama Shakes
Rehearsals: Thursdays 5-6:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Outfits with cut outs ($10)

Meg Manfut is originally from Syracuse, NY, and moved to Cleveland in 2021. She has studied dance in various styles including jazz, tap, ballet, and hip hop since age 3. Meg attended college at SUNY Oneonta where she minored in dance and was a dancer and choreographer for the school’s dance company, Terspichorean Dance Company. She was also a dancer for the kickline team. After college, Meg was a professional dancer for the Syracuse Silver Knights MASL soccer team. She continued dancing professionally for several teams within the NLL, MLL, and NPSL throughout New York and Florida. Additionally, Meg performed in two showcases for Syracuse Contemporary Dance Company in the styles of hip hop and jazz. Meg also has experience teaching and choreographing in various styles for recitals and performances. Outside of dance, Meg currently works as an Analyst with AML Rightsource and is a mom to a super cute toddler!

Style: Country Jazz
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Here For The Party - Gretchen Wilson; 1 2 Many - Luke Combs; Fake ID - Big & Rich ft. Gretchen Wilson; Country Girl (Shake it for Me) - Luke Bryan; Broadway Girls - Morgan Wallen
Rehearsals: Thursdays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Short jean shorts, black tank top, and cowboy/ western style boots. (dancers closets)

Rashawn Kadeem is a Cleveland-based dancer, choreographer, and performing artist whose work centers around modern and contemporary jazz movement. A product of Cleveland’s rich performing arts scene, Rashawn started training as a dancer at Cleveland School of Arts and CMSD All-City Arts Dance Program. His stage credits span institutions such as Karamu House, Great Lakes Theater Festival, and Cleveland Playhouse. He has also performed professionally with Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Daniel Ezralow Dance Company, Universal Studios, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Known for his emotionally charged presence and work within the LGBTQ+ community, Rashawn is a recipient of the “Who’s Who in Cleveland” Young Achievers Award. His work is deeply inspired by cultural storytelling, identity, and the transformative power of movement. Whether on stage or in the studio, Rashawn is committed to using dance as a tool for healing, expression, and community empowerment.

Style: Modern contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Jocelyn Pook - Dionysus | Steed Lord - Procognition (Machine mix)
Rehearsals: Thursdays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Skin tone nude & Black Garments ($10)

Valeria Kozak grew up dancing at dance Dimensions by Jen Naso where she competed and trained in multiple different styles. The year after high school graduation she danced with cdp company as an apprentice. She then went on to get her BFA in dance from The Ohio State university where she focused on dance composition, performance, and education. Through her time at osu she was able to perform and train in Denmark and Germany as well as partake in multiple performances at osu. She graduated with research distinction in dance as she completed her thesis project that focused on uncovering a teaching identity through different composition methodology. Her work was presented in spring 2025 that was titled “Twice as Many Flowers”. (You can find on insta @valeriajkozak) She worked as a part of A.I.M (activists in motion) which is a collective of osu dance students that worked to create dance accessibility to Columbus youth and community engagement. Shortly after graduation she had the opportunity to teach repertory for Ohio States dance department high school summer intensive! Now she is in the process of getting certified to teach Pilates and will be teaching dance in the Cleveland area!

Style: Contemporary
Level: Adv
Music: Hammer-Lorde
Rehearsals: Thursdays 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): flowy blues and whites - dresses, linens, shorts, blouses (Dancers closets)

Christian Spates is a self-taught hip hop dancer. He started his dance journey with other self-taught hip hop dancers. They would have battles, freestyle cyphers in front of crowds, and create short performances for audiences. Christian first danced for CDP in season 6 and went on to dance in seasons 7 and 8, then was selected as a choreographer for the first time in season 9. Christian choregraphed for CDP in seasons 10 - 14 afterwards. Christian was selected to be a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team for the 2024-2025 season.

Style: Hip Hop
Levels: Int/Adv
Music: HUMBLE. - Kendrick Lamar; HUMBLE. - SKRILLEX REMIX; DNA., -Kendrick Lamar
Rehearsals: Friday 6-7:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Red short sleeve hooded shirt. Black bottoms, and black shoes.($10-20)

Kristen Greff grew up in the Cleveland area and began dancing at the age of 7. She studied ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and contemporary at Elite Dance Academy in Brunswick, OH where she was a member of the Elite Dance Company. While attending Kent State University she was a member of the KSU Dance Team where she fell in love with the excitement of performing on the field and court. After college, Kristen was a member of the Cleveland Gladiators Dance Team before relocating to Phoenix, AZ where she was a performer for the Phoenix Suns and a 4-year member and team captain of the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders. She has been a part of 8 CDP showcases and is excited to choreograph for season 16!

Style: Pom
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Scream - Usher
Rehearsals: Saturdays 10:30a-12pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Track pants, sports bra, white sneakers ($15-20)

Jenni Ashby has been dancing since the age of two and has had a passion for dance ever since. Jenni started dancing at Noreen Londregan school of Dance and then moved to Dance Studio M under the direction of Michelle Sileo in Solon, Ohio. Jenni is trained in Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, hip hop, jazz funk, street heels, and acro. She also earned her Cicchetti Certification with the help of Katie Lyons. Jenni was also an assistant teacher at Dance Studio M in 2024. Jenni was honored to be chosen as a Faculty Assistant for ID Dance Nationals and got to perform in the Opening Number in 2024 in Sandusky, Ohio. She also got the opportunity to assist the faculty at LUX Dance Convention in March of 2024. After graduating from Lawrence Upper School in 2024, she took her talents to CLI Conservatory in Southampton, Massachusetts, where she graduated the 10 month program in June of 2025. While at the Conservatory, she studied with Teddy Forance, Martha Nichols, and many more professional artists. Jenni was in several creative films and performances during her time at CLI. She is currently training at Elevatẽd Dance Headquarters in Independence, Ohio. Jenni resides in Bainbridge, Ohio with two younger sisters, loving parents, and their dog Tommy. In her spare time, Jenni loves to, hangout with family and friends, go shopping, and be outside. Jenni is honored to be apart of Cleveland Dance Project!

Style: Jazz
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Been Thinking - Tyla
Rehearsals: Saturdays 3-4:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): pastels or lighter colors like light pink and/or lighter orange (dancers closets)