Our Team
SVPLLC Business Owner-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.
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.
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.
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’
is an accomplished choreographer, dancer, educator, on camera talent, singer and filmmaker from Los Angeles. He has choreographed for such iconic artists as Prince, Katy Perry, Jason Derulo and Backstreet Boys. As a performer, Chris made his Broadway musical debut in the Tony and Grammy Award winning original cast of AIDA. As a dance educator, he is a teacher’s teacher, well-versed in disciplines including jazz, ballet, hip hop and salsa. From dance conventions to workshops, Chris’ 30+ years of teaching experience spans the globe.
Audrya Kelly Clayton
TRAINING
Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Dave Scott’s Hip-Hop Intensive, Debbie Allen’s Summer Intensive, Jason Samuel Smith’s Tap Festival, Wildabeast/Buildabeast
Experience, C&J Entertainment - Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Dunham, Hip-Hop, Tap, Flamenco, African, Latin Fusion and Musical Theatre
Modern - Ms. Debbie Allen, Karen McDonald, Eartha Robinson
Tap - Jason Samuel Smith, Chloe Arnold, Arthur Duncan, Cathie Nicholas
Hip-Hop - Charmladonna, Dave Scott, Chantel Heath, Wildabeast Adams, Phlex, Brooklyn Jai, Othan
Jazz - Terry Beeman
Vocal Training- Angel Hart
SPECIAL SKILLS - Flamenco, Choreographing, Acting, Singing, Modeling, Cheerleading, Jump Rope, Double Dutch, Rock Climbing, Roller Skating, Running, Trampoline, Swimming, Writing, Film, Editing.
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.