season 14 choreographers

This page was most recently updated on 8/18/24 - note London’s rehearsal time change

All rehearsals will be held at CDP Studios - 5505 Valley Belt Rd, 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 August to hone your technique before auditions!)

• Print and complete the preference form and bring it with you to auditions. It will be available August 15

• Register for auditions at www.clevelanddanceproject.com/s14auditions to save your spot!

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

Bruno Palheta is natural from Brazil, where he graduated from Centro de Dança Rio holding a Performing Arts Associate’s Degree and his versatile training spans ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, and musical theater. Bruno has achieved recognition in various ballet competitions, including the Youth American Grand Prix and Valentina Kozlova International Competition and he is also an alumni of the Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Ballet Program. Bruno has graced stages with different ballet companies such as The Washington Ballet, Orlando Ballet, and current artist with Cleveland Ballet. Throughout his career, Bruno has excelled in numerous principal and soloist roles, performing works by acclaimed international choreographers like George Balanchine, John Cranko, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Ilya Jivoy, Jennifer Archibald, and Margo Sappington.

Style: Contemporary Ballet
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Do Mangue a Manga - Barbatuques
Rehearsals: Sunday 10-11:30am
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Nude Leotard with long white or colorful skirt ($35)

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 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. Since graduating from SRU, Tori has taught and choreographed for many local studios, schools and teams. She is also a certified Legality Official for the US All Star Federation of club dance and cheer teams as well as a fitness instructor for Cleveland Dance Project and Be Fitness. Tori also discovered aerial dance after college and has earned 2 medals at the Pole Sport Organization Central Pole Championships in 2018 and 2019. By day, Tori is a Teaching Artist with Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio where she has been teaching for 9 years, and also teaches various fitness and dance classes in the Greater Cleveland area.

Style: Jazz
Level: Int/Adv
Music: I've Had the Time of My Life - Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Rehearsals: Sundays, 10-11:30am
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): skirt or dress using the CDP budget

Sarah Palocko found her love for dance growing up on company at Dance Dimensions by Jen Naso. After competing for 12 years, Sarah continued her dance education at The Ohio State University, training under Daniel Roberts, Eddie Taketa, and Susan Van Pelt Petry before ultimately pursuing her degree in social work and minor in dance. While in Columbus, Sarah performed and taught for several years with New Vision Dance Company. After traveling abroad and completing her Master of Social Work at NYU, Sarah returned home to the Cleveland area last year and is looking forward to continuing her CDP journey alongside so many welcoming and passionate dancers.

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: I Would Die 4 U - Holly Humberstone
Rehearsals: Sundays 2:30-4
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Red short satin slip dresses (CDP Budget)

Meredith Dunlap started dancing when she was 3 and hasn't stopped dancing 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 BrightEdge as a Customer Success Manager and you can find her at OrangeTheory.

Style: Street Jazz
Level: Int/Adv
Music: The Auction - Nikita, The Wicked
Rehearsals: Sundays 2:30-4pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Head to toe in a two-piece that looks like water color or color blocks to symbolize abstract art + sneakers ($20)

Liane Fortino spent the majority of her childhood and teen years dancing at a highly competitive studio in the Youngstown (OH) area. She competed regionally and nationally in many styles including tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and ballet. She also spent time taking classes in dance conventions such as NYCDA, WCDE, and more, learning from renown choreographers including Ray Leeper, Dee Caspary, etc. A highlight in Liane's tap training came from working with Mark Goodman (currently with Velocity). Upon graduation, Liane attended Youngstown State University where she continued her dance career taking classes specifically in jazz, tap, and modern dance. She was also a member of the dance team/majorette line who danced and performed on game days as well as the performance company "dance ensemble" where she had the opportunity to continue stage performance and choreography. She received her degree in education and moved to Las Vegas to pursue her career as a first grade teacher. While her amount of training slowed down, she did find time to take classes for fun and perused learning styles in the ballroom genre, which she thoroughly enjoyed. While in Las Vegas she also received her master's degree in leadership/administration, got married, and had a baby girl. At that time, her husband and her found it best to move back to Ohio to raise their family. They then moved to the Cleveland area, where Liane decided ultimately to hang up her school teaching career and raise her daughter. During that time, an opportunity came for her to restart her dance career as a dance educator with North Royalton Dance Academy, where she has been teaching and choreographing competitive routines for almost 10 years. While she teaches many styles of dance, tap is where her heart thrives. Early on in her dance teaching career with NRDA, she was given the chance to take over and rebuild the tap program from top to bottom. She currently has many recreational and competitive tap students and is extremely proud of the work she has done with her students. Her tap routines are known for being thematic, entertaining, and enjoyable for all audiences. She strives to create pieces that are engaging and get people excited to watch as well as perform. Her group routines as well as soloists and duets have won the highest adjudications (some within 5 points of a perfect score), as well as judge's choices, most entertaining, best choreography, icon awards, and callbacks to reperform for best in show. Aside from NRDA, Liane also is an instructor with Ana Lobe Ballet Academy where she provides training in jazz and conditioning to her ballet students. Liane continues to work on her craft by continuing online training sessions with renown tap dance educators, Karida Griffith and Hillary-Marie, as well as taking online classes whenever she gets the chance. She also has been an active member of the Cleveland Dance Project since season one. She has had the opportunity to train with many amazing local educators and choreographers and has performed in several of their pieces in seasons 1-3, 5, and 8. Liane was also given the chance to co-choreograph a musical theater/tap piece to "Stuff Like That There" for season 3, as well as a tap piece to "Somebody I Used to Know" for season 5. Liane also has taught a summer session, subbed classes, and taught a master class for CDP over the last couple of years. She is excited about future opportunities to continue growing as a dancer and a choreographer in the Cleveland dance community, and hopeful to be a part of season 12.

Style: Tap (with a contemporary flare)
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Hope - NF
Rehearsals: Sundays 4-5:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Some sort of tape on the mouth, tape, velcro pieces, or a piece of fabric around the arms, etc that can be removed later. ($15-30)

Lauren Ferster obtained a BFA in dance from The University of Akron. She has been teaching for 8 years and has a passion for choreography. She is currently a Company Dancer with Cleveland Dance Project Company, while also teaching at A Time to Dance in North Canton, Ohio. She teaches a variety of styles and abilities and works as a co-teacher for The A Time to Dance Junior Company. Lauren choreographed three Middle School Musicals, produced many choreographic works in her Undergrad for University shows, performed with The University of Akron Dance Company, and is seen in advertisements for The University of Akron Dance Program as well as a commercial for the University. She also performed with Verbs Contemporary Ballet Company in their 2021 Nutcracker and performed at the 2022 Cleveland Brown’s Halloween Half-Time performance.

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Find Your People - Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
Rehearsals: Sundays 4-5:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Neutral colors (dancers’ closets)

Madeline Kallay began her dance studies at a small studio in Painesville, OH, at the age of 3 and continued her training at The Cleveland Ballet, completing her senior year as a trainee with the company in its inaugural year. In her youth, she has participated in summer intensives with the American Ballet Theatre, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and more. At the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music, Madeline performed a range of roles from the evil stepmother in Cinderella to a corps member in La Bayadere and the female soloist in Jose Limon’s Choreographic Offering. Madeline was selected to choreographed pieces Seeking Clarity (2020) and How To Be A Human Being (2019). Her involvement with the dance outreach organization Movement Exchange during her college years enlightened her to dance as a vessel for meaningful change within and without. Movement Exchange gave her the opportunities to teach workshops for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cincinnati and teach at the Boys and Girls Club. Her teaching experience over the years includes the School Of Cleveland Ballet, Prestige Dance, Mutual Arts Centers, and Dance To EvOLvE. Madeline holds a BA in Communications and a BFA in Ballet from the University of Cincinnati, complemented by further training through dance and leadership workshops. Madeline’s dedication to her craft, compassionate teaching approach, and extensive experience make her a standout leader in the dance community, committed to utilizing dance as a means of liberation through self-exploration.

Style: Contemporary
Level: All
Music: Dear Prudence - The Beatles
Rehearsals: Sundays 5:30-7pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Sundresses & jumpsuits, denim (Dancers’ closets)

A native of the greater Buffalo, NY area, Cait Wallenhorst grew up studying ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, and Afro-Caribbean styles at her local studio throughout middle and high school. 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, performed in multiple pieces adjudicated at the American College Dance Festival Association (ACDFA), and danced/choreographed for the student-led dance group Orchesis. Cait currently works with grades PreK through 8th grade as a dance teaching artist with Rainey Institute, a nonprofit supporting arts education for youth. She has also been an active member of the Cleveland Dance Project since 2019 as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. In addition, Cait has experience as a director and film editor for dance, as she turned her most recent CDP piece, “After the Storm”, into a concept video shot at Cleveland Botanical Gardens. Aside from dance, Cait holds a masters degree in School Psychology and has 10 years of experience working within the field. She is a mom to three young kids with whom she loves to bust a move!

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Empire Now -Hozier
Rehearsals: Sundays 7-8:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Sheer burnt orange water-colored dresses. Very dark eye makeup and wild hair ($30)

Trinity Stevens began their formal dance training with Ballet Theatre Ashtabula, under the direction of Shelagh Dubsky and Clover Robinson, performing annually in the Nutcracker and spring dance concerts. At the same time, Stevens was a student ambassador for Ballet in City, where they performed choreography by Zippora Karz for the 5th Year Anniversary Performance of the Ashley Bouder Project. After highschool, Stevens went on to receive their Associate of Arts from Kent State University while dancing for MadJax Dance. Continuing their academic pursuits, Stevens graduated Summa Cum Laude with their Bachelor of Arts from Cleveland State University. At CSU, they completed the coursework for the Dance in Community major, Theatre Studies minor, and Arts Management certificate, while also writing for two university publications and participating in the CSU Dance Company. As part of the CSU Dance Co., Stevens performed works by Antonio Brown and Alice Blumenfeld, and served as a rehearsal assistant to Chrissy Martin. Outside of CSU, Stevens performed as a guest artist for New Vision Dance and spent a summer dancing for Seiche Dance Collective in Erie, PA- where they now serve as a board member. A study on adapted dance forms in the spring of 2022 for their senior capstone, led Stevens to the Dancing Wheels Company. Here, they went on to intern and join as a dancer for the 2022-23 season, and made a guest appearance for a performance at the beginning of the 2023-24 season. With Dancing Wheels, Stevens performed works by Brian Murphy, Morgan Walker, Catherine Meredith, Mark Tomasic, and Laura Smyth. Stevens additionally served as a teaching artist, leading outreach classes for adults with disabilities and individuals with Dementia. After their time with Dancing Wheels, Stevens spent a few months in Massachusetts dancing in Lowell House Opera’s premiere of, "The Unknowable: An Operatic Ballet," at Sanders Theater. Presently, Stevens is working towards creating an adaptive dance outreach program through the Ashtabula Arts Center, where they currently work, in conjunction with the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center.

Style: Contemporary Ballet
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Blue Ballerina - Shoshana Michel
Rehearsals: Mondays 5-6:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): A solid color jumpsuit ($15-30)

Leslie Bastulli is a Cleveland native currently working at the J.M. Smucker Company as a commodity trader. She started her dance journey at 3 years old at multiple studios around the city of Cleveland, competing and training in various styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and contemporary. During high school, she was part of her school dance team and competed in state competitions for jazz and Pom. By her senior year, she moved into the role of captain and choreographer. While she took some time off from competing and performing in college, she continued to train on campus during classes offered throughout the year. She moved back to Cleveland after graduating with her bachelors in Industrial Engineering and Business Management and has been part of Cleveland Dance Project ever since. Since joining CDP, her main focuses have been jazz and contemporary but still holds love for all styles.

Style: Jazz
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Intro (Love and Glamour) and Glam - Christina Aguilera
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black, high neck, sleeveless bodysuit with black leggings. Red elbow length gloves. Possible headband or hair piece. ($15)

Elizabeth Adams didn’t always dance, but as soon as she started, she knew she loved it. It wasn’t until midway through high school that she finally gave dance a go and joined her school’s cheer and dance team. She fell head over heels for performing and went on to choreograph pieces that won local competitions and brought smiles to many faces. In college, she broadened her dance horizons and competed on a nationally competitive Bollywood Fusion dance team, Case Kismat. On this team, she learned about and got to perform different classical Indian and folk styles, as well as hip hop, jazz, and contemporary. What she gained the most from her time with Case Kismat was a love of sharing a story with an audience. A few years after graduating, Elizabeth joined CDP in season 9. She has danced in the showcase every season since and choreographed for seasons 10 and 11. She spends many evenings at the CDP studio taking classes for fun and to improve her technique. Elizabeth believes her biggest dance asset is connecting with an audience and performing BIG. Outside of dance, Elizabeth is completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in anesthesia. She likes to use her same ability to connect with an audience to connect with her patients and make them feel safe before they go to sleep for their surgery.

Alyssa Hubal’s dance journey began in a small town near Scranton, Pennsylvania, where she took her first steps onto the dance floor at the age of seven. At a local dance studio, she immersed herself in a variety of styles including ballet, lyrical, tap, jazz, Celtic hard & soft shoe, and occasionally, hip hop. Throughout her college years at Loyola University Maryland, Alyssa's passion for dance continued to thrive. She became an integral member of the Dance Company for two years, showcasing her skills in intermediate and advanced levels across various styles. Alyssa also delved into choreography, crafting ballet and tap routines for intermediate dancers over three seasons and is eager to expand her choreography styles. In high school, Alyssa also began Cheerleading, where she served as Captain and choreographed halftime and sideline performances. This enthusiasm carried over to her university years, where she cheered at the D1 level, engaging in performances ranging from sideline cheers to halftime and timeout Pom-based routines. Encouraged by a fellow dancer, she joined our CDP dance community last fall, reigniting her passion for dance. Outside of CDP, Alyssa is finishing her PhD in Pathology/Immunology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Alyssa finds joy in reading, skiing, and striving to be the best cat mom she can be.

Style: Jazz Funk & Pom
Level: Intermediate
Music: Lose Control - Meduza, Becky Hill & Good Boys
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black biker shorts from the dancer's own closet and a deep green long-sleeved, crop top. ($15)

Arielle Strosser is originally from Lancaster, PA. She choreographed for multiple dance teams in the area from the age of 16. She taught dance at the Lititz Academy of Dance, and was a part of their Cojomotion Dance Company. This company gave her the opportunity to perform at many local and charitable events. After majoring in Dance at Radford University in Virginia, Arielle moved to Ohio to attend Cleveland State University with a major in psychology and a minor in dance. Arielle works closely with Cleveland Dance Project and has choreographed 10 of the 13 seasons she's danced with them. She enjoys freelancing heels classes around the greater Cleveland area and hopes to bring a new sense of sass and femininity to the dancers she works with!

Style: Heels
Level: Intermediate
Music: She Wolf - Shakira
Rehearsals: Mondays 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): grey body suits & skirts ($15-30)

Rachelle Kucharski started dancing when she was 13. Immediately dance became her passion and after just 6 years of dancing she was offered a teaching position at her studio Dance By Gloria. Rachelle continued teaching and dancing at DBG while attending Baldwin-Wallace University where she earned her degree in Dance and Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing and Psychology. She later continued her education to receive her MBA in HR and received her SHRM-CP Certification. Rachelle was previously the coordinator/instructor for the Middleburg Heights Recreation Center dance program, a member of the Urban Dance Association through BW, dance educator for the North Royalton Saturday Enrichment Program, and was proud to be an original member of Dance by Gloria's first Tap Performing Group. After college Rachelle continued her growth as a teacher at DGB which later become Interpretations Dance Academy for 26 seasons. Rachelle has worked with dancers age 3-60+ in the styles of ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, acro and contemporary. She currently works full time in HR as a Sr. HR Generalist and holds the following certifications Module One, Module Two, Aerial and Back Handspring, and Acro Dance Pre School through Acrobatic Arts, Module One through Alixa Flexibility, Functional Range Assessment and Functional Range Conditioning through Functional Range Systems. Rachelle has been dancing with CDP since the beginning and has choreographed for multiple seasons previously. She is looking forward to spending more time at CDP and exploring new opportunities to share her background to help others.

Style: Jazz Funk Fusion
Level: All
Music: Not Gonna Die - Skillet; Ready Let’s Go - Darkminds
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): We will be in half black and half white sweats & hoodie ($50)

Delaney Jones began dancing at age 3 at her home studio, Sam Smith School of Dance in Buffalo, New York. Here she trained in contemporary, jazz, tap, ballet, and hiphop; and later choreographed and taught. She attended Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio where she studied psychology and childhood studies and minored in modern dance, while participating in Case Kismat Fusion competitive dance team as a dancer and choreographer. She received a masters degree in Community Practice for Social Change from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. Delaney began dancing with Cleveland Dance Project in 2020, and choreographed for seasons 9 and 10. @delaneyleee

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Movement-Hozier
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): solid color fitted top($0-15) + watercolor long skirts (CDP Closet)

Anelise Hutson grew up in St. Louis, MO and attended dance lessons at DeNoyer Dance Studio under the direction of Sharon McGuire. Her sister acted as a role model and led her to try out the competition team, where she fell in love with the art, excitement, and challenges of competitive dancing. Once in high school, Anelise joined the dance team and became captain her senior year. This gave her the opportunity to choreograph a routine for the team to perform at football games, marking her first experience in choreography. In college at the University of Alabama, Anelise joined the Riptide Hip Hop Dance Crew to continue her passion. While on the team, she choreographed a handful of times for performances around campus and for charity events. Now in Cleveland for grad school, Anelise has been a part of CDP for 2 years now and this will be the first time putting a routine of her own on the stage!

Style: Hip Hop/Jazz Funk
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Missy Elliott mix: Work It, We Run This, borderline, Lose Control, Get Ur Freak On
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Fishnets, spandex shorts, and a zip up hoodie ($15)

Caiti Basler is so excited to be returning as a CDP Choreographer for Season 14!! Caiti, AFAA, DMA, STOTT IMP, is a certified competitive national dance adjudicator and a dance and fitness instructor from the NE Ohio area with over 14 years of teaching experience in the classroom. She has been dancing for over 30 years in many styles. She was fortunate to serve as assistant director of NE Tap Collaborative and had the pleasure of taking class and becoming friends with some of the industry’s top talent. Caiti believes strongly in continuing education and has most recently taken class with Galen Hooks, Sheila Barker, April Cook, Jill Kenney, Rashaan James II and more. She’s currently studying with Hillary-Marie in her iTap Teacher Certification program. 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. 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: Adv
Music: Telephone - Lady Gaga
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 6-7:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): ripped jeans, big black blazers and sunglasses. Tap boards that we will be making ($50)

Hailey Gelzheiser is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in northeastern Ohio. She earned her B.A. in Dance Management from Youngstown State University, where she received an extensive education in technique, composition, and pedagogy. She is a licensed K-12 dance teacher, a member of the National Dance Educator Organization, and has obtained certifications through Dance Masters of America, Inc. Hailey has worked with many organizations and programs over the years, teaching dance to students from 1.5 to 65 years old, including students with multiple disabilities, autism, and emotional disabilities. She is a passionate educator who cares deeply about having a hand in shaping the next generation of dancers into well-rounded, successful individuals. In her free time you can find her reading with her cat, Beansprout, curled up in her lap or doing a craft that she is going to forget even existed in 2 weeks.

Style: Modern
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Aquarium-Nosaj Thing
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 7:30-9pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Oversized tee shirts ($15) & black joggers (dancers’ closets)

Sarah Belmont began dancing at 5 years old at Studio 82 in North Royalton, Ohio. She has trained in various styles of dance including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, pointe, contemporary, and modern. During her years at the studio Sarah was on the Dynamic Dance Force competition team, Jazz Energy Dancer performing team, as well as an Assistant Teacher for the younger classes. She was also on Strongsville High School’s Dance Team all 4 years of high school. She has choreographed pieces for herself and some dancers at her church that were performed during services and events. She has also been a guest teacher for high school dance camps as well as a substitute dance teacher. After high school Sarah attended the University of Akron where she received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering in May 2020. She now works at Synthomer Inc. as an EHS Specialist and in her spare time enjoys reading and hanging out with her husband and dog. Sarah joined CDP in Season 7 as a dancer and has choreographed 2 jazz pieces for their semi annual showcases.

Style: Broadway Jazz
Level: Int/Adv
Music: The Greatest Show - The Greatest Showman cast
Rehearsals: Thursdays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Red jacket, black leggings, black jazz shoes ($30-40)

Samantha Fox is from Canton, OH and began dancing at 2.5 years old. Samantha has a BFA in Dance from The University of Akron as well as nearly a decade of professional experience. 4.5 of those years were spent as a company member for The Dancing Wheels Company here in Cleveland. Samantha has trained and performed under other artists and companies such as The PGK Project, Amy Marshall Dance Company, David Rousseve, and Doug Varone & Dancers. Samantha also spent 5 months living in Israel working directly with Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company. Most recently, Samantha completed her 8th semi-seasonal showcase with the Cleveland Dance Project. She is currently in the rehearsal process of a new collaborative work with Morgan Walker Choreography. Samantha loves the local dance community in the greater Cleveland area and the opportunity to keep dance as such a prevalent part of her life.

Style: Contemporary
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Burn-Tom Walker
Rehearsals: Thursdays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black fishnet biker shorts with briefs attached and oversized tee shirts in earth tones. Dancers closets, the CDP costume budget, and or $5-$20.

Lianne Giambattista grew up studying ballet and modern in the Cleveland area. She attended The University of Akron on a dance scholarship and graduated with honors for her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. While at UA, Lianne had the privilege to attend American Ballet Theatre's Collegiate Summer Program. During the school year she performed works by Steven McMahon, Bobby Wesner, Paul Taylor, Maryanne Black, Robin Pritchard, and Cydney Spohn. After graduation, Lianne accepted a position with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II and used the time hone her Horton technique and perform contemporary and modern pieces. The last 7 years of Lianne's professional career were spent at The Dancing Wheels Company performing at memorable showcases such as China Luminous Festival, Spring to Dance Festival, American Dance Guild Awards, and Past, Present, and Future of Integrated Dance. Notable choreographers, Lianne had the honor of working under, are Donald McKayle, Diane McIntyre, Catherine Meredith, Michael Uthoff, Mark Tomasic, and David Dorfman. In addition to performing, Lianne initiated adaptive dance programs and a pre-professional performing company at Solon Center for the Arts.

Style: Contemporary Ballet
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Sprinkled (Edited) - GetCosy
Rehearsals: Thursday 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black satin pajamas: camisole top, black shorts, black bob wig, and flesh colored ballet shoes. ($25-30)

Cassandra Foust grew up in Butler, PA dancing at a local studio from the age of 2 to 18. She studied various styles including tap, jazz, ballet, gymnastics, pointe and modern. Growing up, she participated in local PA and OH dance competitions and was certified in R.A.D (Royal Academy of Dance) up to grade 6 in ballet and character. From there, she attended Slippery Rock University and received a minor in dance to continue her education. She participated in fall and spring dance concerts and studied several styles at the collegiate level including jazz, modern and ballet course work. During highschool and college she had opportunities at local studios in Pennsylvania to teach her love of dance to students from ages 2 to 16 years old. This led her to be able to choreograph for yearly recitals and competitions in the area. She moved to Cleveland in July 2021 and has been involved with CDP as a dancer and choreographer for 4 seasons! Currently Cassandra teaches at CDP studio and Dance Studio M as well in Solon, OH.

Style: Tap
Level: All
Music: Fly Me To The Moon - Michael Buble
Rehearsals: Thursdays 8-9:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): black pants/ black crop tops/ pin strip jackets and fedoras ($0-15)

London Fulton is a talented professional choreographer, dancer, performance artist, innovator, teacher and educator who was born and raised in Cleveland, OH. When he found his love for dance, he was only 12 years old. He then took his craft to a local Cleveland studio as a competitive dancer called Rock City Dance Studio. His competition career accolades as a dancer consist of winning Top Five overall in competitions such as Showstoppers, Starbound, KAR, and Pulse On Tour. He has trained under the industry's best teachers in Ohio, Oklahoma, and California, and Georgia’s in the art of Contemporary, Jazz, hip-hop, ballet, Performance, Lyrical, Modern and tap. After London received his certification in Hollywood, California at The International Dance Academy in 2016, he came back home to Ohio to continue his love for dancing and teaching. London was recently a company apprentice with Cleveland Dance Project for Season 7 and was a former NBA dancer for The Cleveland Cavaliers Powerhouse Dance Team.

Style: Hip Hop
Level: Beg/Int
Music: Come Around - Collie Buddz
Rehearsals: Fridays 6:30-8pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black, yellow, red, and green tops with beige bottoms (dancers closets)

Heather Sakai, Cleveland Dance Project’s Marketing Director, has been involved with CDP since its inception as dancer, choreographer, and more recently, instructor. She also serves on Cleveland Dance Project Company's 501c3 Board as Marketing Chair. Heather started dancing at the age of three, her first few years under the direction of Jeanne Ann Corrigan and the majority of her dance education under the guidance of Arlene Cassara, dancing competitively for the Rocky River Studio of Dance. Heather then studied under Janiece Kelly-Kiteley at Baldwin-Wallace College, where she was a part of the B-W Dance Collective. Heather moved on to Case Western Reserve University, where she received dual Master's Degrees in Social Work and Contemporary/Modern Dance. At Case, Heather studied Graham technique under Gary Galbraith and Karen Potter; here, she was also selected to participate in a summer workshop at the Martha Graham Studio in NYC. Heather also had the opportunity to choreograph several pieces for Case's MaDaCol concerts. Heather has experience teaching ballet, tap, modern, musical theatre, and gymnastics to both children and adults both nationally and internationally. When she is not dancing, she can be found working as a Social Media Engagement Coordinator at Bright Beginnings.

Style: Musical Theater
Levels: All
Music: Since U Been Gone - Juliet's Version
Rehearsals: Saturday 9:30-11am
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Black leggings, black mesh fingerless gloves ($2.50), black grippy socks ($2), Romeo Who? t-shirts ($15)

Michael Zingale is local to Cleveland and has been a supporter of CDP since season one. He started his dance training 30 years ago taking a tap class. That begun his passion for dance leading to other styles including musical theater, jazz, and ballet. Studying under Arlene Cassara, Michael has performed in numerous recitals, theater, and dance competitions. With all that under his belt and his mind filled with ideas, he wanted to apply that as a choreographer to return to the stage.

Style: Tap
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Light Em Up by Fall Out Boy
Rehearsals: Saturdays 11am-12:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): red, yellow, or orange shirts, jeans, black tap shoes (dancers closets)

Christian Spates is a self taught Hip Hop dancer. Christian was inspired to teach himself when he met another Hip Hop dancer who was also self taught. They became friends, and formed a dance crew. They would have freestyle sessions, battle other dancers, and put on a show for crowds whether it be in a club or other public events. Christian first danced for CDP in season 6. It was his first time stepping into a studio, auditioning and rehearsing. Christian has danced for CDP from seasons 6 through 8, and has choreographed for CDP from seasons 9 through 13. Christian continues to learn from those around him in the community, which he takes that knowledge to help improve himself and those around him.

Style: Hip Hop
Level: Int/Adv
Music: Usher mix - Yeah!, Love In This Club, My Way, OMG
Rehearsals: Saturdays 1-2:30pm
Potential Costumes (& possible dancer investment): Open button down shirts. For guys, just the shirt and nothing underneath. The girls, sports bra underneath. Black joggers. White and black shoes. ($0-15)