DREAM DANCE STUDIO - Key Persons
Brandon's dance journey commenced in 2009, evolving from a passion into a purpose. Immersing himself in the art by reenacting iconic performances of legends like Michael Jackson and James Brown, he honed his skills with precision. Brandon pursued formal education at the "International Association of Professions and Career Colleges," earning certification as a Dance Studio Owner and Instructor. Founder of the B-eazy Dance Academy, he started by offering classes to youth in Westchester County, gradually expanding through word of mouth across the Tristate Area. Under his visionary leadership, the academy underwent significant growth, prompting a renaming to Dream Dance Studio in 2021. Brandon's commitment to community and excellence garnered him the honor of "Dream Dance Studio Day" in the Village of Elmsford, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Hailing from Colombia, Cesar embarked on his lifelong dance journey as a child, evolving into a globally trained professional. His extensive training has taken him across continents, including South America, Russia, Europe, and the USA. Ortiz commenced his illustrious career as a principal dancer for Ballet de Cali Company, showcasing his artistry in iconic roles like Don Quixote and The Nutcracker, as well as notable works like Barrio Ballet and Coppelia. His impressive repertoire extends to collaborations with renowned companies such as the Ohio Dance Theater, Black Door Ensemble, Ganesville Ballet Theater, Sacramento Ballet, Saratoga Springs Ballet, Westchester Ballet Company, and the Joffrey Ballet NYC before transitioning into his teaching career.
Christopher Paula emerges as a seasoned hip-hop sensation, boasting an impressive six years of professional experience. Renowned for his dynamic performances and precise execution, Christopher navigates the dance floor with finesse and flair. Having served as a Dance Instructor/Assistant at the Gateway Program in Yonkers, NY, and later as a Choreographer at Yonkers Public Schools, Christopher has left an indelible mark on the local dance scene. His passion for sharing his expertise and creative vision has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his impactful role as a Dance Instructor/Choreographer at The College of Westchester in White Plains, NY.
Born and raised in White Plains, NY, Justin Sanchez discovered his love for hip-hop dance at the age of 13. Under the mentorship of our Studio Director, he honed his skills and passion for the art form. Now, as our Studio Manager, Justin brings a wealth of experience and dedication to every aspect of our studio. His journey from student to staff member embodies our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth within our community. Justin's infectious energy and unwavering dedication make him an invaluable asset to our team.
Job Titles:
- Ballet & Acrobatics Instructor
Kayla Gibbs enriches our faculty with her extensive dance background and vibrant energy. Currently pursuing a BA with a Dance Minor at Emerson College, Kayla brings over a decade of experience in competitive dance to our studio.
Her journey in dance began at a young age, dedicating countless hours each week to perfecting her technique and honing her artistry. As a member of Emerson Urban Dance Theater, Kayla serves as an Event Coordinator on the Board, where she not only performs with the Contemporary, Hip-Hop, and Tap Companies but also shares her expertise as an open class teacher and choreographer.
With a passion for dance that extends beyond the studio, Kayla is committed to fostering a supportive and inspiring environment for dancers of all levels. Her dedication to the art form and her dynamic teaching style make her a valuable addition to our faculty. We are thrilled to have Kayla on board, where she continues to inspire and elevate our dance community.
Lorena Aquino, our dynamic Zumba Instructor, brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our dance fitness classes. With years of dedicated practice and teaching, she holds a Zumba certification that attests to her expertise in delivering high-energy and engaging sessions. Lorena's commitment to promoting health and wellness through dance is evident in her vibrant teaching style, creating an inclusive and motivating environment for participants of all levels. Her passion for Zumba and dance fitness is a driving force in inspiring others to embrace the joy of movement and achieve their fitness goals.
With a remarkable 15-year tenure in group fitness spanning the USA, Mexico, and Spain, Mar Salazar is a seasoned Zumba instructor at Dream Dance Studio. Her profound passion for dance precedes her extensive teaching career, rooted in studies at the Official Classical Dance Conservatory and the Official Conservatory of Ballet. From instructing Zumba classes in Alabama to Spain, Salazar's journey culminates in her current role, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep love for dance to the vibrant atmosphere of Dream Dance Studio.
Job Titles:
- Dance Coordinator & Instructor
Margaret's dance journey began at Mary Lourdes Academy of Dance in New Hartford, NY, where she started before her third birthday and later joined the competition team in 4th grade. Proficient in ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, modern, pointe, lyrical, and tap, Margaret's diverse skills have been honed through extensive study and competition. With a recent Dance Major degree from Manhattanville College, where she served as the dance captain for both school dance teams, Margaret continues to enrich her expertise at Peridance Center, Broadway Dance Center, and Gibney Dance. A dedicated instructor, she imparts her knowledge through intensives and master classes, showcasing her commitment to both learning and teaching in the dynamic world of dance.
Princess Carnes is a dedicated dance educator with over two decades of experience working with children and young adults. She has had the privilege of teaching a wide range of dance styles, including African Dance, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, and Hip-Hop to students aged 3 to 21. Her commitment to dance education goes beyond the studio, as she has played key roles in organizing and managing annual recitals, performances, and field trips. Princess also brings valuable childcare experience from her time at the Administration for Children Services, where she provided support and assistance during emergencies.
Tamarah Hyman, our esteemed Hip-hop Instructor at Dream Dance Studio, is a graduate of Long Island University, Greenvale, NY, with a proven track record in the world of dance. Her achievements include performances at ACDA Spring 2018, participation in dance concerts, and noteworthy choreography contributions. Tamarah served as an Assistant to the Dance Director, showcasing her administrative and leadership prowess. As a Dance Company Member with a competitive background, she has performed extensively in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, achieving Platinum and Gold finishes. Tamarah's commitment to education is evident in her role as an Assistant Teacher for primary Hip Hop classes, demonstrating her ability to impart knowledge and resolve conflicts with youth while consistently delivering high-quality choreography.