MEET OUR TEAM
Olivia Bourne
Founder & Creative Director | Teacher
As a former professional dancer, Olivia has always dreamed of ways to create more opportunities for dancers living in Michigan and for them to have a community space. It was from her travels to LA and NYC where she fell in love with the energy at the dance industry’s leading drop-in studios that she decided it was time to create her own drop-in dance studio in her home state. Olivia grew up dancing and competing at the regional and national levels in both her dance studio’s company and high school Varsity Dance Team. Attending many dance conventions she won multiple scholarships including a summer intensive to train at Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles, junior/teen titles for her solos and assisted choreographers at Tremaine Dance Conventions. After graduating high school, she went on to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, was featured on CMT’s reality television series, Making the Team and was also a member of the team’s selective “Show Group”, where she performed with artists such as Keith Urban and Tim McGraw. She has consulted and worked closely with the Cleveland Cavaliers Dance Team, and is in her sixth season working as a judge for regional dance competitions in Michigan. Her ‘why’ is so that no dancer has to go as long as she did with out dancing, and her mission is to create an uplifting and inspiring space where dancers can find themselves and their place, right here in Detroit.
Sarah & Katie Daniel
Jazz | Broadway Jazz
Katie and Sarah grew up in Metro Detroit and started dancing at the age of two. They quickly realized that they wanted to pursue performing as a career at age eight. When they were ten years old, they booked their first dance job in the kids cast of a holiday show in Orlando, Florida. Throughout their teen years they focused heavily on their dance training with the goal of moving to New York City at the age of eighteen. After one audition season with The Rockettes they booked their dream job of performing on “The Great Stage” as Radio City Rockettes, and that goal became a reality! They wish to pursue all that the entertainment field has to offer in the upcoming years.
Nicola Resto
Ballet | Pilates
Niki began her ballet training at the Rome Opera Ballet School in Italy completing her performing arts education at the London Studio Center, England. After performing extensively in ballet, contemporary and musicals she relocated to the U.S. to pursue a degree in Communication & Theatre Arts from Eastern Michigan University. Following graduation, she was offered a position as ballet professor at Wayne State University. She then taught at the Interlochen Arts Academy for a decade, coaching, choreographing and developing research on dance education. Pre-pandemic she worked in Boston at Walnut Hill School for the Arts as their Director of Artistic Studies. Niki guest taught at ABT, Paul Taylor, MPulse and the Royal Danish Ballet. Her classes are very beginner friendly, focusing on musicality, correct placement, core connection and flexibility. She is also certified in Pilates and the Gyrotonic Expansion System, writes extensively for education magazines and is an avid theatre goer in Detroit and beyond.
Jay Jay Dixonbey
Jazz | Contemporary | Lyrical
Jay Jay was born in Detroit MI, where has studied multiple styles of dance including, but not limited to: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary since the age of 9. Jay Jay is very passionate about the art form of dance and believes that dance is an experience. After he graduated from high school, Jay Jay took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles to further his dance career. Since the big move, he has had the pleasure of working with world esteemed choreographers such as Ray Leeper, Mandy Moore, Luther Brown, Mia Micheals, Mark Meismer, Nick Lazzarini, Teddy Forance, and Travis Wall just to name a few. Jay Jay had the opportunity to tour with Derek Hough on his latest solo tour, “Derek Hough Live”, but is most known for his recent work on So You Think Can Dance Season 15 and the So You Think You Can Dance Live Tour 2018! Out of all of his tours, Jay Jay is most proud of being a member of Travis Wall’s Shaping Sound. In addition to touring, he has appeared on TV Shows such as Ellen DeGeneres (Season 16), the 89th Oscar Academy Awards, and in Beyonce’s music video “Spirit”. Staying true to his love of education, he is the Artistic Director of his family’s dance studio in Michigan, Power Dance Company! Jay Jay is so excited to share his love of dance with all of you!
Ronuelle Teodoro
Hip-Hop
Founder and Creator of UnderGods, Ronuelle continues to devote his time diving deep into the Art of Dance, studying and training under many different styles and fundamentals that is Hip-Hop culture. His passion for dance, love for connection, and dedication to a higher purpose fuels his desire to grow as an artist. He’s acquired his level of knowledge, skill, and cognizance through years of commitment and sacrifice; granting him opportunities to work with some of the most influential people within the community. He continues to work on his abilities as he steadily aims to further understand the complexities and beauty ‘movement’ emanates, and hopes to accomplish total mastery of his own work. He believes that dance — as they say, is “poetry in motion”. It’s music made visible; it’s paintings coming to real life. Its expression of the deepest part of ourselves. Its conversation, a release, a safe haven; its vulnerability and strength into one. It’s both weapon and shield. Charming yet deceiving; resilient yet free flowing. It’s experiencing life through movement, and riches of the most abstract degree. He hopes to continue pursuing his role as a dancer/instructor as he journeys across this world, serving those that wish to immerse themselves into this beautiful art form we call DANCE. Some music artists he has worked with include: Big Sean, Calvin Harris Tritonal, Travis Garland and Tinashe. He has also worked with dancers/choreographers including; Ian Eastwood, Jed Florano (Kinjaz), Glenn Packard, Cedric Botelho, Jawkeen Howard (Cirque Du Soleil), JoJo Diggs and Di Moon Zhang (IamMe Crew/ABDC).
Tyler Piro
Hip-Hop
Tyler is an experienced Hip Hop dancer with a competition record spanning the contiguous United States and has performed around the world in his professional career. Specializing in a multitude of Hip Hop and Funk styles, he believes it is important for dancers to learn proper Hip Hop foundation and terminology so they can develop the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to get the most out of their personal dance journey. Tyler has been with the Detroit Pistons Entertainment for over six years working with guest artists, performing, choreographing, and studio directing. His dance journey has led him to perform in multiple countries including; South Africa, The Philippines, Congo, Uruguay, and Mexico. He will continue his career touring with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines where he will be a resident performer. Whether a new hobby, career, or lifestyle Tyler believes that dance is a powerful artistic method of expression that can empower those who pursue it.
Devon Geter
Hip-Hop | Grooves
Devon began dancing at the age of 15, his skills range from Breaking, Popping, Locking, Animation, Voguing and Waacking. His dance journey started on his high school dance team where he developed his leadership skills by serving as the Captain from 10th-12th grade. After graduating he began dancing with a group called, Quest to Make a Change (QTMC) whose goals were to inspire the community and youth by performing in local middle schools and high schools. He has been a performer/choreographer for the Detroit Pistons Entertainment group for over 8 years and has worked with artists such as, T-PAIN, FLO RIDA, B.O.B, JANA KRAMER, SEAN KINGSTON, NAUGHTY BY NATURE, YOUNG MC, MONTELL JORDAN, R. CITY, SILENTO, RUN DMC, CEE LO GREEN, JAY’ SEAN, TAIO CRUZ, B.B.D, RAY JAY and more. He has also toured with Magic Men Live as a performer and choreographer for the show. Devon has recently moved back to MI continuing his career with the Pistons Entertainment team, regularly performing at events around metro Detroit and is looking forward to teaching Hip Hop and Grooves classes at RELEASE for our local Detroit dance community. He is a true believer in never giving up on what makes you happy and staying true to what you believe in.
Bella Varon
Ballet | Contemporary
Bella is a Michigan native and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College. She has most recently been featured at the Detroit Dance City Festival as a guest company member with Artlab J. Bella began her dance training at the age of 2 at Juliart Dance Studio in Troy, Michigan. Her training includes ballet, pointe, contemporary, modern, lyrical, jazz, and tap. Additionally, during her training at Juliart, Bella spent 9 years dancing at the competitive level obtaining numerous awards and scholarships. During her classical studies at Marymount, under the direction of Katie Langan, Bella performed several new choreographic works and repertoire by artists Kyle Abraham, Adam Barruch, Michael Thomas, Breton Tyner-Bryan, John Heginbotham, and Nancy Lushington. Her additional summer training includes Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s professional intensive, American Ballet Theatre, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and SpringboardX. Currently, Bella resides in Detroit, Michigan, and is the assistant artistic director of Young Dancers Initiative and frequently guest-instructs across various programs.
Kendall Duda
Jazz | Contemporary
Kendall has been dancing since she was four years old. Trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, acro, gymnastics, hip hop and tap she grew up competitively dancing in the Metro Detroit area. Kendall received her Bachelor’s in Communication from Oakland University and danced for the Detroit Pistons for four consecutive years, while teaching for the Pistons Performing Arts Center. This experience allowed her to work with many artists such as SEAN KINGSTON, KID ROCK, RAY J and many others. Kendall also received tickets to the SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE call backs in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. In 2018, she landed her dream job dancing for Cirque Du Soleil’s Beatles LOVE show in Las Vegas. You can find Kendall on the schedule teaching Jazz and Contemporary!
Cassie Chronis
Pilates | Ballet Barre | Lyrical | Contemporary
Cassie graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor in Fine Performing Arts degree in dance. Her studies include: Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Improvisation, Regeneration, Pom-Pon, Jazz, Pointe, Hip Hop, Tap, African, Kinesiology + Movement Analysis. Cassie has been teaching and choreographing in the studio/competition setting since 2012, works as a freelance dancer in Detroit, is Stott Pilates certified and has been a Pilates and Barre instructor at Equinox Bloomfield Hills since 2018, as well as a Pilates trainer at East Street Pilates, Rochester. Cassie likes to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle in both body and mind and strives to pass on her knowledge and experiences to help others achieve an improved way of life through movement.
Hugh Aparente
Hip-Hop
Hugh Aparente was born in the Philippines and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He has worked with choreographers like Ian Eastwood, Kyle Hanagami, Keone and Mari Madrid, Nappytabs, Kiel Tutin, Squared Division, and Kinjaz. He has also worked with artists such as JLO, Billie Eillish, *NSYNC, Jolin Tsai, Pretty Much, Fortnite, JBALVIN and Olivia Rodrigo. He has performed on numerous Live and TV shows such as Coachella, AMA's, RDMA's, Ugly Beauty World Tour, Fortnite Live Concert. Hugh hopes that one day he can use his passion and gift for dance to help make a change not only in the world, but in people's hearts.
Lillie Hamilton
Technique
Lillie grew up in the Kalamazoo, MI area and trained at Center Stage Dance Studio from ages 3-17. She graduated cum laude from Oakland University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance in 2018, where she received the Outstanding Dance Performance MaTilDa award. Lillie performed professionally in the main stage production of “Luminosity” at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio during the summer of 2017. During her time at University, Lillie had the privilege of studying dance abroad in Berlin, Germany at the Tanzfabrik and the Freie Universität in May 2018. She has had the opportunity to work with many professional companies and choreographers at their summer intensives including DIAVOLO LA, Thodos Dance Chicago, and Strictly Seattle. Lillie is now in her fourth season with Eisenhower Dance Detroit. She is so excited to be a part of the RELEASE team, and share her love for dance!
Alexa & Paulina Donnelly
Contemporary | Technique
Alexa & Paulina have trained in all genres of dance since the age of 5. They both received their Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance in 2020. While at OU, they were members of the Repertory Company, and also performed and choreographed for the Oakland Dance Theatre. Their self choeographed duet “Tvilling” and group piece, “intervolve” was selected to be presented at (ACDA) American College Dance Association. They also had the opportunity to study abroad in Berlin, Germany at Tanzfabrik, Tanz Tangente and at the Friei Universität in 2018. Paulina and Alexa are currently professional company members with Take Root Dance under artistic director Ali Woerner. They have trained at numerous intensives with professional dance companies, such as DIAVOLO LA, LA Contemporary Dance, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, and many more. They continue to participate in local workshops and classes on a regular basis. The twins have been training at RELEASE since it opened and each have taken over 400 classes in all styles. They were also members and choreographers of the RELEASE performance team for the 2021 showcase. They look forward to this new adventure of teaching and inspiring other members of the RELEASE community.
Nina Pollzzie
Contemporary
Nina Pollzzie is a recent graduate at Point Park University, receiving her BFA in Dance concentrating in Modern. During her time at Point Park, she has had the pleasure of working and performing works from choreographers Martha Nichols, Bob Fosse, Maud Arnold and Rennie Harris. Nina also had the opportunity to attend the Hubbard Street intensive where she performed works from Alysia Johnson, Adam McGaw, Ashley Green, James Gregg and Kameron Saunders. In the Fall of her 2022 semester at Point Park, Nina received the Tomayko Choreography Award for Outstanding Choreography. Nina works as an Instructor and one of the main choreographers for Haja Dance Company where she also spent her life as a dancer under the direction of her Selena Williams-Molter. Nina has a passion for creating and teaching proper technique to her students.
Lorna Roy
Jazz | Grooves
Lorna Roy grew up competing locally and nationally for both her studios and high school dance team where she served as Captain and helped lead the team to earn national ranks. Following graduation, she performed with the Detroit Pistons Dancers for four seasons- training with notable choreographers, being placed in a leadership role with the team, and earning the privilege to travel internationally to represent the NBA and Detroit Pistons Organization. She has had the opportunity to judge entertainment auditions focused on performance, jazz, hip-hop, pom, and lyrical dance styles. Lorna choreographs for entertainment groups including collegiate teams, competitive companies, musical artists, and professional dance teams. Lorna believes strongly in being a student first, and encourages appreciating dance foremost as an art, an expression, and a home for all.
Myron Bledsoe “Doc Disco”
Locking
Myron Bledsoe aka "Doc Disco" is a former stage performer and choreographer. Experienced in several urban street dance styles with a focus on Detroit's own variation of "locking". He has been locking since 1976. Dancing with groups such as the International Poppers, The Hollywood Swingers, The Marquis Dancers, The Bachelor's, Don Magic and the Soulful Strutters, to name a few. Myron is looking forward to passing on his knowledge to the younger generation and inspire them to continue Locking.
Della Hamby
Heels | Hip-hop
Detroit’s own, Della has over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She has worked for artists such as; Beyonce, Chris Brown, Drake, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Snoop Dogg, Tyga, Da Baby, Lil Wayne, Big Sean, The Migos, Dr. Dre, Future, Ty Dolla Sign, Saweetie, Trey Songz, Nick Cannon, Mariah Carey, Neyo, Rick Ross, Jason Derulo, Rae Sremmurd, Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, Teddy Riley, 2CHAINZ & More. She recently embarked on her own entrepreneurial endeavor and created, “Damn Della Connections” a talent agency based in Detroit, MI where she plans to help local artists kick start their careers in the dance industry!
Mariya Calhoun
Jazz Funk
Mariya, a Detroit native, is a company member and teacher at the INstitute of Dancers, a current dance major at Western Michigan University, and an assistant to Emmy nominated choreographer, Glenn Douglas Packard. She was a dancer in the 2019 Latin Billboard Music Awards and has danced for artists such as Becky G, Bad Bunny, Luis Fonsi, CNCO, Anitta, Tritonal, and many more. She has choreographed for and featured in many projects and music videos such as Jonas Brothers “Cool”, Brooke Hogan’s “Touch My Body” and was the leading actress in Justin Reynolds “Volverte A Ver” shot in Puerto Vallarta. You can find her on the schedule teaching JAZZ FUNK. She aims to help build smart dancers who are ready for any challenge thrown at them!
Gabriel Torres
Hip-Hop
Gabriel Torres was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico and is trained in hip hop, popping, house and locking. He has been dancing professionally for 14 years, seven of those years have been dancing at Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque Du Soleil in Las Vegas. Gabriel was signed with Go2 Talent Agency in 2017 and has danced with multiple artists such as Logic, Don Omar and Daddy Yankee. He has performed at the “Life is Beautiful” festival in Las Vegas, has danced on the Ellen DeGeneres show, David Letterman, Latin Grammys and many more. Gabriel’s mission is to help dancers understand that as artists, our bodies become another instrument in the music. He encourages his students to dance to more than just the counts, by learning to approach the music differently than we are used to.
Emma Degala Harris
Ballet
Emma hails from Yountville, California where she began her early ballet training with the Napa Valley Ballet. She went on to train at City Ballet School in San Francisco and then at Ellison Ballet Professional Training Program in New York City, there she met her coach and mentor Erin Forrest. Emma trained further with Ms. Forrest in Washington DC at the Kirov Academy of Ballet and later became the first graduate of The Forrest Academy of Ballet NY. During her time at Kirov she competed in the YAGP Atlanta regionals where she took home silver medals in the senior women’s classical and contemporary categories respectively. Emma started her professional career at the age of 19 dancing with the Dutch National Ballet Junior Company in Amsterdam. Emma was a part of the creation of new works and originated roles in: Ernst Meisner’s “Revelry”, Juanjo Arqués’ “Fingers in the Air”, and Ernst Mesiner and Marco Gerris’s “Grimm”. She performed and toured in the Junior Company’s own program “In the Future” featuring the works of August Bournonville, Juanjo Arqués and Hans van Manen. “Grimm” the original Hip-hop Ballet also toured across The Netherlands. She danced with the main company in their productions of Sir Peter Wright’s “The Sleeping Beauty” and Alexei Ratmansky’s “Don Quixote”. In 2018, Emma joined Ballet Manila as a company artist. She danced many soloist roles with the company, such as Prelude in “Chopiniana”, Stepsister in “Cinderella”, the Witch in “Snow White”, Maleficent in “The Sleeping Beauty”, and Flora in “La Traviata”. She has performed all around Metro Manila and and toured in many provinces. Emma is currently a freelance artist and teacher. In 2020, she founded her ballet school “Ballet with Emma” and has been sharing her love of dance with others ever since.
Martha Bryan
Modern | Contemporary | Ballet
Originally from Detroit, Martha Bryan earned her degree from the Ailey/Fordham BFA program in New York City. She has had the honor of working professionally with Francine E. Ott/The Walk, nathantrice/nRituals, Golden Hour Dance, and Ronald K. Brown and Arcell Cabuag. Martha has performed in both commercial and concert dance platforms, some of which include The Recognizing Women Project, Revelations Cast of 50 at New York City Center, and the Ripples of Hope Gala, honoring former president, Mr. Barack Obama. She has trained at American Ballet Theatre, The Gelsey Kirkland Academy, Paul Taylor American Modern Dance, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Complexions, and Broadway Dance Center, under the guidance of Ana Marie Forsythe, Graciela Kozak, Renee Robinson, Tracy Inman, Jennifer Archibald, Nathan Trice, and Gina Ellis. In addition to performing, Martha has had the privilege of beginning her formal teaching career at The Ailey School. She holds a certification in the Lester Horton Technique, as well as American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum. She has taught and choreographed for public schools, conservatories and colleges, professional programs and workshops, and has adjudicated various choreography competitions and awards. An advocate for proper body alignment and technique, she promotes individual and artistic expression, freedom, exploration, and choice. Martha continues to freelance in both NYC and the Detroit area. Her latest work, “Black Power, By Any Means”; performed by The Sisterhood was selected and featured in the 2021 Detroit Dance Race. Most recently, she has earned her 200-hr Registered Yoga Teacher certification and is continuing to enjoy performing, choreographing, and teaching locally in Detroit.
Derrick Finley
Jazz Funk
Derrick is a lifelong lover of all things Dance! He discovered his passion at an early age by watching his favorite artists on MTV and emulating their moves. In the summer of 2020, Derrick founded his very own dance crew, “Thee Plastic Dollz” who perform at local events! Derrick is currently touring with Detroit DJ/Recording Artist, Wreckno. They have spent the the year filming music videos, and performing at music festivals such as; Electric Forest, Lollapalooza, Red Rocks, and Grizmas. Derrick is so happy to be apart of the RELEASE family and share his passion for dance with all.