Performing Arts Educators
Founder & Executive Director-A Los Angeles native, Carmen “Michele” Chavez holds a B.A. in Performing Arts through the L.E.A.P. program at Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga, CA. During her formative years, she earned a full scholarship to the USC Performing Arts Annex, where she trained extensively in Bella Lewitzky and Lester Horton modern dance techniques. Under the mentorship of Ka-Ron Brown Lehman, Carmen spent ten years as a principal dancer with the Lehman Dance Company, solidifying her foundation in performance, artistry, and technical excellence.
For over 25 years, Carmen has taught in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the private sector, and musical theater company schools, sharing her expertise and passion for dance with students of all ages. Deeply committed to arts education and community engagement, she continues to give back to diverse communities, inspiring the next generation of dancers, artists, and performers.
Carmen developed a distinctive movement style that blends cultural richness, passion, and inner strength qualities that have made her a sought-after dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Her career spans stage, film, television, and music videos, performing with icons such as Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Janet Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah, Usher, Paula Abdul, and Debbie Allen. She has also collaborated with many of her friends and esteemed colleagues, including some of the industry’s most influential and award-winning choreographers and directors such as Adam Shankman, Tina Landon, Dave Scott, Fatima Robinson, Otis Sallid, Keith Young, Hi-Hat, and Eartha Robinson. Together, they helped shape the creative groundwork for productions such as So You Think You Can Dance, America’s Best Dance Crew, You Got Served, and Step Up, influencing a generation of movement in popular culture.
Richard “Swoop” Whitebear
Throughout his career he and has Choreographed music videos for the likes of Aaliyah’s “Try Again.” which received two MTV Music Video Awards (2001), Dr. Dre in which received a Music Video Producer’s Award (1997) when he introduced the world to the “Ghetto Tango” in the music video “Been There, Done That”. He received the Hip-Hop Choreographer of The Year (Male) at the Hip-Hop Awards (2000).
Will Smith (Wild Wild West), and Backstreet Boys (Larger Than Life). Other artists that he has done Choreography for include Whitney Houston, MC Hammer, Sisqo, Limp Bizkit, Enrique Iglesias, Mary J. Blige, Jessica Simpson, Master P, Mario Winans, Boys II Men, Mya, P.Diddy, Ne-Yo, Madonna, Snoop Dogg, and more.
Credits:
Stomp The Yard 2007, Snoop Dogg: Boss’n Up 2005, 13 Going On 30 2004, You Got Served 2004, Marcy X 2003, Hip Hop Get Down 2003, Tiana 2001, Save The Last Dance 2001, Jericho 2000, MC Hammer: Dr. Dre: Been There, Done That 1996, Here Comes The Hammer 1991.
Performances: Cece Peniston- Gay Pride performance- 2018, Backstreet Boys- China performance- 2016, Snoop Dogg- @Honda Stage iheart radio 2015, Snoop Dogg- @Levis Bush Grammy 2015, Michael Jackson feat. Usher- iheart Music Awards- Love Never Felt So Good- 2014, Michael Jackson- Billboard awards- Slave to the Rhythm- 2014, Michael Jackson feat. Justin Timberlake’s- Love Never Felt So Good- 2014, Seth Rogen’s- This Is the end – 2013, Madonna’s MDNA Tour- Give me all your Luvin & Celebration- 2012, Michael Jackson’s- This is it – 2009, JLO’s- performance/tour- MUZ tv Russia- 2008
Chris Payne Dupre’
Chris Payne Dupré is a producer, filmmaker, choreographer, entertainer, and internationally recognized dance educator with more than three decades of experience spanning television, film, Broadway, and live entertainment. A versatile creative force, Chris has choreographed for artists including Prince, Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys, and Jane’s Addiction, while choreographing television projects including Hulu’s How I Met Your Father, HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, and NBC’s America’s Got Talent, where he previously served as Supervising Choreographer. As a movement director, he has worked with acclaimed actors including Christina Applegate, Seth Green, and Anya Taylor-Joy.
As a performer, Chris has shared the stage and screen with the biggest names in the business, including Diana Ross, Janet Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Ricky Martin, Kylie Minogue, Yolanda Adams, and Shania Twain. His credits include the original Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway cast of AIDA, the Super Bowl, the Academy Awards, Euphoria, Newsies, Cinderella, and the critically acclaimed video game The Last of Us Part II. Beyond his professional credits, Chris is committed to developing artists and creating meaningful opportunities for performers through dance conventions, competitions, creative collaborations, and his signature movement workshops.
Audrya Kelly
AuDrya Kelly is a multi-talented singer, dancer, actress, and choreographer born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Her journey in entertainment began at just three years old with the film Coach Carter. She later expanded into musicals, stage plays, theatre competitions, and television appearances on networks such as Nickelodeon and Disney, showcasing her versatility across performance mediums.
At 25 years old, she is an alumna of the prestigious Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA), where she trained extensively in multiple styles, refining her artistry and performance skills. Throughout her career, AuDrya has completed four world tours, captivating audiences alongside global superstars such as The Jonas Brothers, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, and the “Weeknd” across North America and Europe.
Her dynamic performances have also been featured on major award show stages, including the Billboard Music Awards and the BET Awards.
Currently, AuDrya serves as both choreographer and dancer for the animated series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, bringing her creative vision and movement expertise to the beloved show.
She has also choreographed for legendary icons Chaka Khan and Diana Ross, further solidifying her reputation as a visionary creative. Her work extends into music videos, where she has collaborated with renowned artists including Mariah Carey, Karol G, Meghan Trainor, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Teyana Taylor.
With a deep dedication to her craft and a vibrant presence both onstage and behind the scenes, AuDrya Kelly continues to elevate the worlds of dance, music, and storytelling.
Chris “Brilliant” Smith
has been dancing, performing and choreographing since the tender age of 15. Having been born and raised in Los Angeles, Chris quickly became recognized for his ambition and drive. He has performed with prestigious companies like Invertigo Dance Theatre, Jazzantiqua, Bristol Contemporary and KPA Fusion. In 2011, he performed “Memoria” with the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Because of his fiery work ethic and talent, he created many opportunities for himself in the industry beyond dance. He starred as ELEW the pianist with Ninjazz, Entertainment, Lazarus in Revival Film, Producer Alki David in Billie Holiday Hologram attraction for the Apollo Theatre in Harlem and also premiered in Hollywood, Teflon Brothers featured role with Universal Music Group Finland, Ray in When Jazz Had the Blues Musical with CEK Productions.
His experience has given him the opportunity to work with many talented and skilled professionals such as Troy Powell (Ailey || Artistic Director), Frit and Frat, Ken Morris (Lula Washington Dance Theatre) and Carlos Jones. Chris smith has been recognized for his outstanding performances and was awarded an NAACP award for “Best Ensemble” and an Ovation award for “Best Production”.
April Thomas 
is a creative force whose work blends artistry, leadership, and heart. With over 20 years of experience in dance, arts education, and administration, she uses the performing arts as a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and transformation. As Director of the Arts for ISANA Academies in Los Angeles, she leads dynamic, culturally responsive programs across multiple campuses, inspiring hundreds of students to discover their voice and creative confidence.
April’s performance career has taken her around the world, including work with the renowned Lula Washington Dance Theatre and alongside iconic artists such as Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, and Usher. She continues to shape the next generation of artists as a guest choreographer for Wendy Raquel Robinson’s Amazing Grace Conservatory, Creative Director/Choreographer for recording artist Alfred Jackson, and dance instructor on staff at AGC.
Grounded in her Christian faith, April leads with love, purpose, and service. A proud mother of two and joyfully engaged, she is committed to pouring light, legacy, and excellence into every space she enters, living by the scripture: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Mori Edwards
“Ms. Mori” as she is affectionately known, is an accomplished professional dancer, award-winning choreographer, well respected movement consultant and coach. She is considered a celebrated local dance teacher, in the Los Angeles arts, education, and entertainment communities for over 30 years. She is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University and a recognized California State Arts Scholar.
Ms. Mori has created and performed impactful works for theater companies, conservatories, schools, and community organizations, as well as for television and film. Her choreography has reached audiences nationally and internationally, with featured works in Panama, Brazil, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and throughout the United States. Blending innovative movement with classical technique and lived experience, Ms. Mori uses the stage as a canvas, painting dynamic, moving portraits of life through dance.
Tahia Rollins
Tahia Rollins is a Los Angeles native who began her dance journey at the age of nine through an after-school program at the Lula Washington Dance Theatre. She continued her training there throughout her youth, graduating high school with a strong technical foundation shaped under the legendary Lula Washington. Her years of training with the Lula Washington Dance Theatre provided opportunities to perform throughout California as a member of the Children's Jazz Dance Ensemble (CJDE), where she developed both her artistry and passion for dance.
After pursuing a successful professional career in education, Tahia remained deeply connected to dance, continuing to teach and inspire students of all ages. She later returned to the Lula Washington Dance Theatre as a faculty member, where she has been sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation of dancers ever since.
With more than 30 years of teaching experience, Tahia has worked in a variety of educational and community settings. Her experience includes leading children's and senior dance ministries at Faithful Central Bible Church, teaching in elementary and high schools, and serving students in both traditional and charter school environments. She currently teaches dance at a charter school and continues to serve on the faculty of the Lula Washington Dance Theatre.
Tahia's extensive background in both dance and education allows her to connect with students of diverse ages, abilities, and learning styles. She is passionate about using dance as a tool for artistic expression, personal growth, and lifelong learning, creating supportive environments where every student can build confidence, discipline, and a love for the performing arts.