- Sakinah
- Kym
- Julianne
- CiCi Kelly
- Maya Estephanos
- Quincy Lamar
- Stevo
- Chuck Maldonado
- Tyler Hanes
- Galen Hooks
- Brett Sturgis
- Danielle Polanko
- Sora Connor
- Lorenzo Henderson
- Donovan Helma
- Lisa Rosenthal
Choreographer/Artistic Director Sakinah LeStage is quickly rising in the entertainment business. She has choreographed for major recording artists including T-Pain (Jive), Jagged Edge (Sony/Columbia), Lyfe Jennings (Sony Urban), Tierra Mari (Roc A Fella/Def Jam) and has collaborated on choreography for artists like Ne-Yo (Def Jam), Cherish (Capitol), and Keri Hilson (Interscope), and Nickelodeon's hit series "Just Jordan" starring Lil JJ. Sakinah has been in the studio developing performance images and style for exciting new artists including Asia Cruise (Hitz Committee/Jive Records), Sophia Fresh (T-Pain's Nappy Boy Entertainment/Atlantic), and Felina (Polow Da Don's Zone 4). In front of the camera, Sakinah has been a resident dancer with multi-platinum artist Ne-Yo for tours, awards shows and videos, as well as having performed for a number of top artists including Nivea, Fergie, T-Pain, Cherish, Lloyd, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
A native of Atlanta, GA, Sakinah began her technical training in her hometown at Rhythm Dance Center in Marrietta, GA. She went on to train with world-renowned choreographer Mia Michaels and dance legend Debbie Allen in New York City. While studying musical theater, singing and drama at Dekalb School of the Arts, Sakinah also found a passion for hip-hop in the burgeoning Atlanta urban music scene. She continued her post secondary education at the University of South Florida, where she performed with as well as choreographed for the university dance team.
Sakinah recently co-founded ShoSkillz, a dance convention that brings the most influential dancers and choreographers to dance studios all over the Southeast (and beyond) for master classes as well as to offer young dancers much needed insight in to the professional world of commercial dance.
Kym Gatti is the co-creator of ShoSkillz. She comes to ShoSkillz with many years of business experience in the traditional business world. She and her husband have owned several very successful, award winning companies including Professional On Property Services, Inc., and POPS Earthly Products, Inc. Kym is a master at creating operational and client fulfillment systems thereby organizing corporate structures. Her methods of business practice have earned her companies’ awards in areas such as Outstanding Ethics in the Marketplace, Outstanding Customer Service with an A rating by Home Reports, an excellent A+ score assigned by the Better Business Bureau, Best Landscaping Service in Atlanta (2008- Atlanta Magazine), MALTA (local) awards for specific landscape projects, GGIA (state) Awards for specific landscape projects, PLANET (National) awards for specific landscape projects, featured on HGTV’s Ground Breakers over a dozen times as an expert and leader in the landscape industry, as well as having been featured in several books and dozens of magazines as an expert in both business and the production side of the landscape industry. As a kid, Kym grew up dancing as part of a group called “The Superstars” who were Nationally recognized as an award winning dance team. She spent most of her time outside of school at either rehearsals or dancing for fun with friends. Dance was always a large part of her life. Kym now has a family including two sons and a husband. Her oldest son Lorenzo caught the dance gene and is a dancer in “Edge”, the premier performing company at Rhythm Dance Center in Marietta, GA. Through the experiences that Kym and Lorenzo have had at some of the large scale conventions she identified the need for a smaller scale, less costly, in-house convention as a main stream option for studios and schools. Sakinah LeStage approached Kym with the concept and they became partners with a shared vision for ShoSkillz. Kym immediately began business development while Sakinah pulled on her resources in the entertainment industry to hire top-notch talent. Through their hard work, ShoSkillz was born!
Julianne Stevens is an innovative dance teacher and choreographer who has trained extensively with Mark Mesimer, Mia Michaels, Barry Youngblood, Brian Friedman, Kevin Maher, and others. She toured with R&B artist Nivea throughout the United States. She has performed in New York’s Bryant Park and in London for New York City Dance Alliance’s foundation Dancers Responding to Aids, and is currently a member of Company Dance Convention’s Hall of Fame.
As a competitor, Julianne earned numerous national titles, including National Miss Starpower, Rising Star National champion, and Dance Spirit Magazine Rising Star award. Julianne is as brilliant as she is talented, having graduated high school with a 4.3 GPA with honors and is recognized in the national collegiate scholars program for her GPA in college. Julianne attends college full time at Kennesaw State University studying communications.
In her “spare time” she teaches and choreographs for a number of Atlanta studios, soloists, and pageants, as well as working as Business Manager and Teacher for Shoskillz events. Julianne has extensive experience with costuming/styling, makeup artistry and stage production.
Alongside her top notch dance training she has had many years of experience in the business side of dance. She has helped organize, market for, and implement dance camps, master classes, themed parties and video shoots.
A native of Atlanta, renowned choreographer CiCi Kelley has accomplished a lot so far on her road to success. She began her professional career in high school, and is still going strong. By 21, she had already graced the stage of “Showtime at the Apollo” in New York City, and “Good Morning Philadelphia” with her own choreography. After attending the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, she returned to Atlanta, where she began to flourish even more with her creative style of choreography. Within one year, CiCi had several opportunities and experiences working with some of the most prominent hip hop artists of today.
Her choreography has been seen on the WB’s, “Pepsi Smash” in Los Angeles and “106 and Park” with Atlanta’s own “Ying Yang Twins”. She also graced the stage with “Lil Jon & the Eastside Boys”, “Petey Pablo”, and the “Ying Yang Twins” again at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA’s) in Miami, FL. Also on her list of accomplishments, she has had the opportunity to go on tour with a pioneer of the hip hop culture, and a legendary group of hip hop,“LL Cool J” and a “Tribe Called Quest”. Other experiences that allowed her to exhibit her creativity in choreography were with “Music Soul Child”, and “Usher”, in the “Bad Girl” video on the “Truth” tour, as well as Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne commercials.
In case you have not seen this amazingly blessed choreographer and dancer, you can still catch her in Beyonce’s “Get Me Bodied” music video, and on MTV on MADE as she makes an ordinary girl into a fierce hip hop dancer.
Hailing from Atlanta, GA Maya Estephanos spent her youth training at some of the world’s most respected programs including New York's Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Broadway Dance Center and subsequently graduated from North Springs High School, the very same school that produced other amazing triple-threats such as Usher and Raven- Symone.Immediately following graduation, Maya began her career on a high note: Working with Oscar-winning choreographer Fatima Robinson and Grammy nominated Director Chris Robinson.
Since then, Maya has continued to build her list of credits to include Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Lopez, Akon, Ciara, P. Diddy, Sony hit picture "Stomp The Yard", Lloyd, LL Cool J, Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussy Cat Dolls, Hype Williams and McDonalds just to name a few. Mya has also been an integral part in artist development for major labels including Jive, Capitol, Universal, Def Jam, and So So Def.
Currently, Maya is staying busy developing many film, television, and published works while continuing to teach and perform the universal language of dance all over the world.
Quincy Lamar is known as an innovator of choreography with a style all his own. He is truly Atlanta’s best kept secret. Quincy, originally from Texas, moved to Atlanta in 1999 and danced with Culture Shock Atlanta for three years. To pursue his dreams further Quincy moved to Los Angeles in 2001 and trained with noted choreographers such as Marty Kudelka, Chuck Maldonado, Jamal and Rosero, Fatima Robinson, Mikey Minden, Andre Fuentes, Brian Friedman, Wade Robson and Roger Lee.
When Quincy wasn’t intensely training himself, he was powerfully training others who shared the same passion for dancing at the Debbi Reynolds Studio. He knew Atlanta was his home and came back here to continue his career. He has preformed and worked with popular artists such as Macy Gray, KeKe Wyatt, Ludicrous, Jermaine Dupri, Trinity 5:7, Monica, The Dream, Asia Cruise, and The Pussycat Dolls.
Quincy has danced in blockbuster films known by people in all segments of the population such as “The Notebook”, and more recently the big dance hit “Stomp The Yard”. His choreography credits include the Dirty Awards (Hip Hop Awards). His exuberant personality and experienced knowledge of the entertainment industry makes him an asset to any project he is involved in.
Quincy is also a dedicated teacher of dance. He travels with conventions as a Guest Teacher wtih Dancers Rock and with Shoskillz to teach master classes as well as teaches at “Gotta Dance” in Atlanta – the premier studio for Professional Dancers in the region.
Stephen Jones aka “Stevo” was trained by his father, a highly respected ballet dancer and pioneer of the arts for 16 years. During the later years of his training Stevo started developing skills in hip-hop by learning from b-boys in his home town. In the year 2004 he moved to Atlanta to pursue a dance career. With only a few years under his belt he has already traveled the world performing in concerts and events as a dancer. In addition to having filmed music videos with some of today’s hottest acts, Stevo has performed on some of the biggest shows and nationally televised stations in the world such as BET, MTV, VH1, ABC, and FOX on shows such as So You Think You can Dance, Regis & Kelly, Wild N Out, Jimmy Kimmel, and many more. His dance/choreography credits include but aren’t limited to Ginuwine, Ashlee Simpson, Cherish, Lloyd, Letoya Luckett, Jacob Latimore, Sammie, Coca-Cola, Ga Lottery among others.
Stevo took the role of executive director at the leading professional dance studio of the Southeast (Gotta Dance), and created his own music and entertainment production company. The Christian translation for Stephen is Crowned One. He walks, talks and carries the spirit of a king and confidently knows that he will succeed by simply stating, “it is written”.
Started his dance career in Atlanta and then moved to Los Angeles where he has worked with such artist as Chris Brown, P. Diddy, Omarion, Fergie, Lil Kim, Nicole (Pussycat Dolls), Left Eye, Jennifer Lopez, Jmoss, Blaque, Tamia, Sisqo, Usher, Mya, Kyle Massey, Taylor Dane, Pink, Anastacia, Xscape, Latoya London, Missy Elliott, Raven Symone, Kelly Price, Roselyn Sanchez (Rush Hour 2), Ashanti, MC Lyte, Rakim, and Ludacris. Chuck has also appeared in several commercials and movies from Sears, Hanes, Ipod, AT&T, Crystler, Nike, You Got Served, Garfield, Collateral, Honey, From Justin To Kelly, Shark Tale, Bewitched, Dream Girls, Underdog Video, and Blades Of Glory.
Aside from all that he has also had a hand in Choreographing a new Nickelodeon Show “Just Jordan”, Assistant Choreographer for Kanye West at the 2005 Grammy’s, dancing at the Latin Grammy’s, BET Awards, Hip Hop Honors, Vibe Awards, Soul Train, Choreographing Lil’ Romeo’s Nickelodeon performance, Co-Choreographing Kylie Minogue 2004 Promo Tour and Associate Choreographer of “Stomp The Yard”.
Tyler Hanes is an accomplished actor/singer/dancer from Atlanta, Georgia, who got his start in professional musical theater at the age of 17 when he was cast by Ann Reinking in the first national tour of the Tony Award Winning musical FOSSE.After attending Carnegie Mellon University , Tyler performed in several Broadway shows including OKLAHOMA!, URBAN COWBOY, THE BOY FROM OZ with Hugh Jackman, THE FROGS with Nathan Lane, SWEET CHARITY with Christina Applegate, HAIRSPRAY, and as Larry in the Original Revival Company on A CHORUS LINE.
Off-Broadway, Tyler starred opposite Tony Award Winner Victoria Clark as her ill-fated son, Johnny Boyle, in Marc Blitzstein and Joseph Stein’s JUNO.
In Chicago, Tyler starred as Ren McCormick in FOOTLOOSE, a role that garnered him a nomination for the prestigious Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actor in a Musical, and recently starred as Chad in ALL SHOOK UP.
Other theatrical favorites include Robert Martin in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE; Cliff Bradshaw in CABARET; Link Larkin in HAIRSPRAY; Jackie in THE STUDIO; Stephen Sondheim’s Putting it Together. Tyler received the OUTTAKES Dallas Best Leading Actor Award at the OUTTAKES Dallas Film Festival for his work in the independent film IN THE BLOOD. His other Film/TV credits include PHOEBE IN WONDERLAND, ROSE, ONE LIFE TO LIVE, THE TONY AWARDS, THE ELLEN DEGENERAS SHOW, THE VIEW, GOOD MORNING AMERICA, THE MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE, and THE TODAY SHOW.
He can be heard on the Broadway cast recordings of THE BOY FROM OZ, THE FROGS, SWEET CHARITY, and A CHORUS LINE.
www.tylerhanes.com
Galen is an LA native who has danced with Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, Prince, Fergie, Will.i.am, Ne-Yo, Rhianna, Ciara, Keri Hilson, Christina Milian, Amerie, John Legend, Eve, Black Eyed Peas, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell, and many more! Select film & TV credits include "Austin Powers 3", "Bratz", "A Time for Dancing", "17 Again", Cold Case, Glee, Greek, Mad TV, All My Children, So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, Fashion Rocks and Movies Rock.
She also models for Nike's dancewear line; you may have seen her ad in Vogue magazine! Galen has choreographed for Hilary Duff, the Jonas Brothers, Fergie, Neyo, Ciara, John Legend, The Pussycat Dolls, Keri Hilson, The Dream, Brutha, Esmee Denters, Alyson Stoner, Joi Starr, Blondie, Victoria's Secret model Alina Puscau, ABC's "Greek", Lifetime's "Your Mama Don't Dance", was assistant choreographer for the Disney Channel Original Movie "Camp Rock", associate choreographer for Fashion Rocks '08 and the 2008 MTV Movie Awards opening with Mike Myers and Chris Brown, and is currently the Associate Co-choreographer with Shane Sparks for the Broadway revival of "Dreamgirls".
Brett has had a very diverse career as a triple threat performing as a dancer, singer, and actor in every setting. He has appeared on stage in Jesus Christ Superstar, Sweet Charity (w/ Molly Ringwald), Aida (Holland), FireDance (Manila,Phillipines) and in Judgment Day among many others. He has done filmwork in Spiderman 2 and The Dave Chapelle Show as well as music videos for The European Sound Mix(kylie Minogue,Craig David) and Excuse Me Miss (Jay Z &Pharrell) .
He has appeared in numerous industrials and commercials.
Bio Coming Soon!
Bio Coming Soon!
Lorenzo Henderson, a native of St. Louis, has been dancing since the age of ten. Inspired by MC Hammer and Michael Jackson, he has toured with Chris Brown, B2K and Ciara. He is incredibly versatile, having performed in ballets such as the Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty and being well-known for his amazing tap skills.
Lorenzo’s goal is to continue his success as a performer in the entertainment industry. Above all, he values hard work, positivity and aims to give back to the dance community.
Since the age of three, Donovan Helma has been dancing under the direction of his mother’s dance studio in Denver, CO.
Before the age of 17, Donovan had studied with many tap legends including Savion Glover, Robert Reed, and Henry Le Tang, just to name a few.He currently continues his education in New York City. When he is not taking class or performing, Donovan teaches for numerous studios and national conventions all across the United States.
Some recent works include General Motors and Charles Schwab industrials along with a Monday Night Football halftime show with the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. He has recently performed for Montreal’s Danse Encore International Festival in a production by Tap’d Out. In 2004 and 2006 Donovan toured and performed with the national cast of Tap Dogs.
Donovan looks forward to continuing his performing career and inspiring students nationwide.
Lisa has worked commercially as a dancer for many of the industries current greats. She has danced on tours for Ne-Yo, Missy Elliot, Marques Houston, Kevyn Little, and Beenie Man. Lisa has appeared on Music Videos for Ciara “Like a Boy”, Beyonce’s Get me Bodied and Suga Mama, Mya’s Lock You Down, Pharell ft. Gwen Stephani and on Cher’s The Music is No Good Without You. Lisa has been on Television performing at on TRL, the BET Awards, Jimmy Kimmel, 106 & Park, and in an Ipod commercial.
