FREESTYLE DANCE ACADEMY - Key Persons

Andrew Byun grew up in the greater Philadelphia area, graduating in 2010 from New Hope-Solebury High School. A recent graduate from the School of Visual Arts (SVA), with a degree in 3D animation, Andrew's interests are as varied as his dance moves. Andrew's love of bboying began with his family. Him, along with his older brother Eric, started teaching themselves to bboy in their basement. Without any YouTube videos or tutorials on breaking at the time, all they had was a "How to Breakdance" VHS, an Expressions Crew 2002 DVD, and their imaginations to learn from during their journey. Admittedly, Andrew was shy during his childhood, and was always looking for little ways to stand out of the crowd and be different. Bboying was one of those outlets. Watch Mr. Andrew in Rhythmic Damage (he is the 2nd bboy, in the black shirt) Some of his biggest influences were Expressions Crew, Beat Whakz, & his friends and family. Andrew recalls Ryan (Napalm from Beat Whakz) telling him, "Not to make it obvious when you make a mistake, but to play it off and keep going." Because of those helpful words, his dance style consists of a lot of mistakes and crashes that flow from one mistake to the next, creating a fluid style. He hopes to use experiences like this to explain to his students that a dancer can learn & use mistakes to help them improve their abilities. Andrew has competed in local jams & competitions, such as Rhythmic Damage. When he isn't dancing, you can still find him at events, such as Evolution or Silverback Open, to gain inspiration and learn from the best. Preparing and practicing for jams/performances are among his favorite memories as a bboy. A combination of hanging out with friends and crew mates, along with practicing moves, sets, and routines, is always a great time for him.

Ian Eagle Ashanti is an adrenaline juggernaut. He uses his experience, as both an entertainer and an athlete, to push his students to dance their "tookuses" off during each one of his "Ian-ized" classes here at Freestyle Dance Academy in Chalfont, PA. Ian Eagle Ashanti was born on January 12, 1977 (six months before Star Wars…yes, important it is) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At age 11, Ian joined his church choir and his love of singing and performing grew from there. He would go on to develop a deep passion for the arts, gathering training in ways both formally and informally. Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Earth Wind and Fire, Prince, and Steven Tyler were his biggest influences. During his senior year in high school in 1995, Ian was accepted into The Teddy Pendergrass All Star Community Choir, and got to perform alongside Patti LaBelle, Gerald LeVert, Chubby Checker, and Teddy Pendergrass. The real tale begins in 1989, when Ian attended a school dance, only to realize…HE COULDN'T DANCE! Here is where the story began… Everyday after school, Ian came home, ran upstairs, and turned on BET. Michael Jackson, MC Hammer, Heavy D, Bobby Brown, and Salt-N-Pepa became his dance instructors. When Ian went to the next school dance, he wasn't THE best dancer, but he was ONE of the best dancers. This should be great news for all of Ian's potential students. IT'S FUN, AND ANYONE CAN DO IT! After graduating high school, Ian was accepted to Belmont University, in Nashville, Tennessee, to study vocal performance. After attending for one year, he decided to return to Philadelphia, and enrolled in acting classes at The Wilma Theater while he continued to sing. As a triple threat performer, Ian has worked in theaters and bands throughout Philadelphia, along with entertaining the masses at private events as a Master of Ceremonies for Pulse Entertainment. In 2009, Ian decided to focus on his OWN music and formed an original funk band called The Pink Elefant Show, in which he is the lead singer. The band is currently finishing its debut album and is set to release it's first video before the end of the year. Ian was also an on-air personality for Philadelphia's local show Dancin' on Air. Aside from performing, Ian has also had an extensive athletic career. Growing up, Ian played various sports including: baseball, football, lacrosse, wrestling and martial arts. Ian wrestled all throughout high school, and was even offered a few scholarships. In 2011, Ian took up swimming at the local YMCA, and quickly taught himself all four strokes. In only four months, he conditioned himself to swim freestyle for two miles. Ian also teaches swimming at the local YMCA. He uses his athletic background and knowledge to help each person get the best possible workout.

Jasmine Newsome is a Dance Anthropologist, Choreographer and Instructor from North Carolina. She received her degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she studied under great choreographers and directors including Dr. Jan Van Dyke, Elizabeth BJ Sullivan and Gerri Houlihan. While in North Carolina, Jasmine instructed, mentored and tutored students from ages 18 months to adult in the art of dance. She had the privilege of working extensively with groups of teenagers on finding a motivation for life, and an outlet, through dance. Jasmine also trained and choreographed for several competition squads and professional dance teams in the area before relocating to Philadelphia.

Justin Guarini began singing at the age of four, and continued his music education throughout his high school days as he performed with various choirs, including the Philadelphia Arch-Diocese Choir. Justin then went on to study vocal performance, dance and theatrical arts, along with film and television acting, at The University of The Arts in Philadelphia. He starred on the premier season of American Idol, becoming the runner-up behind Kelly Clarkson. Since his appearance on Idol, Justin has used his versatility to gain experience performing in almost every avenue of the entertainment world. He has played major roles on Broadway, including ‘Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown‘ and Tony Award winning ‘American Idiot.' Justin has also appeared on stage in shows such as ‘Rent‘, ‘Ghosts of Darkland County‘ and ‘Chicago.' Justin is also a resident host for TV Guide Network as their American Idol co-host and correspondent. Aside from his various in-studio duties, Justin has also been one of TV Guide's red carpet hosts for special events including The Grammys, The Oscars, The Emmys and more. Disney also brought Justin in to record the pre-show video for the American Idol Experience located at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. Justin Guarini has toured nationally, and internationally, including with Idols Live! He has recorded two albums, and worked with music legends such as RCA Records and Clive Davis, Sheila E, Micky Dolenz and George Clinton. Justin has also appeared on the movie and television screen in productions such as From Justin to Kelly, Fast Girl, FOX's Run of the House, AMC's Film Fakers, Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place, and CMT's Gone Country. Along with the big screen, Justin has a multitude of web hosting credits and appears as a weekly video blogger for Fancast, Comcast's premiere online entertainment site. Guarini has also made a plethora of appearances as a guest or performer on programs such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Regis and Kelly, Rachael Ray, Chelsea Lately and the Teen Choice Awards. Justin has frequently been invited to appear as a special "Idol" correspondent on programs including Larry King Live, MSNBC News Live, Showbiz Tonight, Rita Cosby, and Fox News Live. Justin continues to perform around the country in shows, concerts and other productions, and is currently working on recording his third solo album. He is a passionate believer in music education, and has lobbied on behalf of The International Music Products Association, which seeks to stop the cutting of music education. Justin has spoken before the NAACP regarding the importance of music in schools and is currently involved with the ETM-LA (Education Through Music LA), which funds music programs in disadvantaged schools.

Katie is a former company member of Danse4Nia Repertory Ensemble and Alchemy Dance Company. She has performed professionally as a guest artist with Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective and Janis Brenner Dance Company. Over the years, Katie has also performed the roles of Dew Drop, Snow Queen, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in productions of the Nutcracker. Through workshops and intensives, Katie has trained with LevyDance, Tiffany Mills Company, David Dorfman Dance, Ellenore Scott, Dee Caspary, and Riolama Lorenzo. Katie continues to train in various styles of dance at Koresh Dance Studio in Philadelphia and Broadway Dance Center in New York City.

Kristen Chynoweth began her formal dance training at the age of eight, studying Ballet, Jazz and Tap. She continued her dance education on scholarship at the former Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet, where she studied the Balanchine technique. She also studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, where she studied the Vagonova technique. Mrs. Kristen was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Pennsylvania Governor's School of the Arts and has participated in numerous dance conferences and conventions. She performed professionally with Opus 1 Contemporary, ContempraDance, and has performed multiple times as a guest in the PA, NJ, NY area. Kristen has enjoyed the opportunity to study at Steps on Broadway, and continues to take class locally at Koresh Dance Studio in Philadelphia. Kristen has taught Ballet and Jazz technique for over 10 years, and believes that dance training not only provides students with the opportunity to learn a valuable art, but to also acquire a deeper understanding of our physical capabilities and stretch our mental and emotional capacities. Her former students have participated in American Ballet Theater, Rock School, School of American Ballet, Saratoga Ballet, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet summer programs. Many have also gone on to dance in college and professionally. Kristen proudly holds a BA in Sociology from Rosemont College and believes that dance is one of the most enjoyable ways to learn what it means to give 110%! Freestyle Dance Academy is lucky to have such a disciplined and talented ballerina, and is excited to have Mrs. Kristen as a pillar of the FDA ballet program.

Job Titles:

• Director

Job Titles:

• Director of Freestyle Dance Academy. Photo by Bicking Photography
• Studio Director

Tony Azzaro is a professional dancer, actor, host & choreographer based in the Philadelphia & NYC region. Some credits include: AMC, CBS, ABC, Comedy Central and more. Aside from his work as a performer, Tony is a sought after dance instructor, and is a regular guest professor at both Lehigh University & Muhlenberg College. He also can be found choreographing for competition teams along with teaching various workshops & conventions in the region. Tony sits on the board of non-profit dance company, Project Moshen (Philadelphia, PA), and is a member of UNESCO's International Dance Council. Tony looks to bring technique & knowledge to his dance classes, while helping young performers navigate the entertainment industry. Growing up in Houston, Texas, Tony began exploring dance after his experience in theatre led him to movement. He was also a member of the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas. Tony was inspired by the likes of Michael Jackson, Usher, Justin Timberlake and more, along with dancers such as the Electric Boogaloos, The Lockers, Rock Steady Crew and others. After moving to Bucks County at the start of high school, he began to seriously educate himself in hip-hop and dance. Tony is versed in multiple styles of hip-hop including popping, locking, breaking, krumping, tutting, and house. He also has experience with various other styles of dance. Tony is an active professional performer and teacher, and has also been an entertainer at Cutting Edge Entertainment in Huntingdon Valley for almost a decade as a dancer, DJ and Master of Ceremonies. Tony is extremely proud of his time performing with Outta Kontrol, a Temple University based hip-hop crew, before completing his degree in Production, Communications and Media. He has been the proud director of Freestyle Dance Academy for ten seasons. Tony also frequently teaches workshops on hip-hop technique & history in the tri-state region and beyond. Some of Tony's teaching credits include Lehigh University, Muhlenberg College, The Koresh School of Dance, and other schools & dance studios in the Philadelphia area. Mr. Tony also choreographs for many organizations & teams in the area, with his award-winning choreography being recognized at various dance competitions, etc.