PAUL BOOS - AMERICAN BALLET workshop

Paul Boos is a former New York City Ballet principal dancer. In recent years he has been traveling the world as a Balanchine Trust Repetiteur, some of the prestigious Ballet companies that have had the honor to work with Paul are: Bolshoi Ballet, Tokyo Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, National Ballet of Romania, Bulgarian National Ballet... Dance to Unite was honored to welcome legendary Paul Boos as a guest artist for a special Ballet workshop. Check out our gallery of special workshops page for pictures from Paul’s workshop with Dance to Unite.

To learn more about Paul Boos, visit: www.paulboos.com

VISHAVJIT SINGH - SIKH CULTURE/SUPERHERO WORKSHOP

Vishavjit Singh is our nation's first and only SIKH editorial cartoonist! Through Vishavjit’s life story students got to learn about the Sikh culture, looking different and the need for acceptance. He challenged everyone’s imagination with the concept that anyone can be a superhero! Check out our special workshops gallery page for pictures from his workshop with Dance to Unite.

To learn more about Vishavjit Singh, visit: www.sikhtoons.com

ATIF TOOR - ISLAMIC ART & ART OF HENNA WORKSHOPs

Atif Toor is an award-winning creative director and published author leading design, corporate branding, and publication programs for museums, cultural institutions and the non-profit sector. Atif is also an Advisory Board Member of Dance to Unite.
In his Islamic Art workshop he taught Dance to Unite students about the special attributes Islamic art, and some cool Bhangra dance moves. Atif taught a special Art of Henna workshop, Dance to Unite students learned about the history and the cultural significance of henna and got to practice some hands-on designs. Check out our special workshops gallery page for pictures from both workshops with Dance to Unite.

To learn more about Atif Toor, visit: www.atiftoor.com

NICOLE TOUNGE - BRITISH BALLET WORKSHOP

Nicole Tongue is a former ballerina at England's prestigious Birmingham Royal Ballet, for over the past 20 years Nicole's career has spanned a wide range of genre's including: Ballet, Opera, Theatre, Television, Film and Commercials both nationally and internationally. Nicole is also an Advisory Board Member of Dance to Unite. Students learned about discipline and commitment that ballet demands from a dancer. Nicole's personal story ( alongside her personal photographs and her pointe shoes from childhood ) inspired our students to learn ballet. Check out our special workshops gallery page for pictures from Nicole's workshop with Dance to Unite.

To learn more about Nicole, visit: www.nicoletongue.com

BHAVANI LEE - INDIAN DANCE KATHAK & YOGA MEDITATION WORKSHOPs

Bhavani Lee is a multidisciplinary creative performer, teacher and actor. Derived from her deep roots in classical Indian Kathak dance and life long Yoga practice, Bhavani's magical talent led her to dance as a principal in the world renowned Cirque Du Soleil as well as become the creator of dance discipline for women called Devi Moves. Dance to Unite welcomed Bhavani for a special traditional Indian dance workshop called Kathak, our all girls' class enjoyed learning the elegant and feminine moves of Kathak including the beautiful jewlry that goes along with it. We welcomed Bhavani back for a special Yoga and Meditation workshop, where our students ( boys and girls ) got to learn about the fascinating culture and philosophy of the Far East. Check out our special workshops gallery page for pictures from both workshops with Dance to Unite.

To learn more about Bhavani, visit: www.bhavanilee.com

YULA BE'ERI - COMPOSER, MUSICIAN, SINGER and PERFORMER

Yula Be'eri is an Israeli composer, musician, and performer. She has been performing music in New York City for the past twenty years. Yula is the founder of the music arts collective Yula & The Extended Family (YXFM), an ever-morphing poetic tribe based at The Hive NYC in Brooklyn. Dance to Unite welcomed the amazing and multi-talented Yula Be'eri for a special performance of her haunting original song 'Before The Great War' at our second annual DtU show! Our Jazz Lyrical dance class (teen/girls) performed a special choreography (taught throughout the year) that was tailored especially to her song. It was a beautiful gesture on her behalf to our Dance to Unite, the audience was mesmerized by her performance and by the Dance to Unite dancers, it was a moment that touched hearts and brought many to tears. Check out our students performances gallery page for pictures of her performance with Dance to Unite.

To listen to Yula's music, visit: http://www.last.fm/music/Yula+and+the+eXtended+Family#close

DANIIL SIMKIN - BALLET WORKSHOP

Daniil Simkin was born in Russia to a ballet family. From the age of six he dancing alongside his father Dmitrij Simkin and his mother, Olga Aleksandrova.  He participated in ballet competitions and galas around the world and, at the same time, he finished his academic education. He expanded his horizons in ballet and joined the ballet company of the Vienna State Opera in 2006 as a demi-soloist and since then has danced many roles in the classical, neoclassical and contemporary repertoire of the company. Simkin then joined the American Ballet Theatre as a Soloist in October 2008 and was promoted to Principal Dancer in November 2012. Daniil showed our students the strength and passion that comes with being a principal dancer.

To learn more about Daniil, visit: http://www.daniilsimkin.com/work/

hollywood - commercial dance world workshop

Puerto Rico native raised in uptown NYC Jose Ramos, also known as "Hollywood" has been dancing since the age of five. As a child, he was inspired by artists such as Michael, Janet Jackson and Prince. Hollywood trained in Broadway Dance Center in many styles of dance. His passion for dance grew and he began to start teaching and subbing classes at Broadway Dance Center. He then moved on to teach at well renowned dance studios worldwide such as Millenium, Brickhouse and Imma Space. Hollywood has choreographed for amazing artists such as Hip-Hop star Lil Mama, Chris Brown, Ciara, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Diddy's Bad Boy family and  Jennifer Lopez. Hollywood joined our class to teach the student all about his perseverance in his dance career and showed our students how to bring out their inner swag.

To learn more about Hollywood, visit: https://hollywoodmovement.tv/

ALICIA GRAF MACK - Modern Dance workshop

Aliciia Graf Mack began her training as a dancer at Kinetics Dance Theatre and Ballet Royale Institute of Maryland. Further into her career, she became a leading dancer of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a principal dancer at Dance Theatre of Harlem and Complexions Contemporary Ballet and a guest performer with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet. She has also performed with many artists such as Beyoncé, John Legend, Andre 3000, and Alicia Keys. Alicia told us she “is fueled by the pursuit of passion that exposes beauty to the world. Today she works as the Director of the Dance Division at Julliard. She is also a co-founder of D(n)A Arts Collective. Check out our special workshops gallery page for a video of her workshop with Dance to Unite.

To learn more about Alicia, visit: https://www.juilliard.edu/dance/faculty/graf-mack-alicia

kxng yardii - caribbean and hip-hop workshop

Matthew Morris also known as Kxng Yardii, was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. Jamaica is full of culture however, he was faced with many challenges and the arts was a positive outlet in his life. Through school and the arts/theater program at his church, he was able to model, sing, dance, act and so much more. His family plays a huge role in his career. In a family filled with artists, he was constantly surrounded by music and dancing. Influenced by Elephant Man, Sean Paul, Missy Elliott, Ding Dong and Micheal Jackson, it’s no wonder why Yardii’s dance style is a cool fusion of Caribbean and Hip-Hop culture. He strives to be the ultimate entertainer. Dance to Unite had the opportunity to have Yardii bring a piece of Jamaica to the class and share experience as a dancer with our students.

To learn more about Kxng Yardii, visit: https://www.instagram.com/kxng.yardii/?hl=en

Armaan Gupta - Bhangra Workshop

Bhangra Theory is New York City’s only competitive, coed bhangra team. Led by Armaan Gupta, the team was formed to help bring top bhangra talent in the area together to create high energy performances. Majority of members have been leaders of their respective collegiate university teams and have all achieved various accolades in the competitive dance circuit. Our long term vision is to build a team that can be more than just a side hustle and to help bring the dance form to stages and theaters around the world!

To learn more about Bhangra Theory, visit: https://www.instagram.com/bhangratheory/?hl=en

wendell bullen - soca and dancehall workshop

Grenadian native Wendell Bullen, also known as “SpiceGod” started training in Dance as soon as he moved to New York City. He has trained in styles like hip hop (breaking, popping, locking, waving), ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, street jazz, salsa, African and dancehall in facilities such as Steps on Broadway, The Door with Anthony Rodriguez and Broadway Dance Center. Wendell is an amazing choreographer but also teaches classes in dancehall, hip hop and breaking. He is apart of the Danca Family which is an agency that specializes in Dancehall, Soca and Afro. Dance to Unite had the pleasure of having Wendell as a guest artist to share his culture with our students and teach them a new style of dance. Aside from dance, Wendell also makes music. Through his growth as an artist, he  hopes to inspire dancers in Grenada who strive to make a living off of their passion. ​

To learn more about Wendell Bullen, visit: https://www.wendellbullen.com/

Peridance - Contemporary Dance workshop

The Peridance Contemporary Dance Company was founded in 1983 by renowned choreographer, Igal Perry. The repertory company believes in sustainable social and community engagement. They engage by creating access to dance for all through workshops, free classes, and outdoor performances.

Dance to Unite also had a special performance from the Peridance Contemporary Dance Company at the 2018 Annual Benefit. 

To learn more about Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, visit: https://www.peridance.com/

bianca dijkhoffz - caribbean fusion dance workshop

Bianca Dijkhoffz was born and raised on the beautiful island of Sint Maarten and started dancing from the age of 5 in genres such as jazz, ballet and theater. She moved to NYC at the age of 18 to pursue her dream as a professional dancer. Bianca has choreographed for competitions and shows in Sint Marteen, for different artists during Carnival season, international festivals, and for many Dancehall artists. She can also be spotted in music videos from Sean Paul and Chris Brown, and has performed with various artists like Afro B to Hood Celebrityy and more. Coming from such a small island, she would have never thought her dreams could become a reality. Bianca wants to inspire others to pursue their dreams.  Dance to Unite was happy to have Bianca come in as a guest artist to share her experience and goals with the class as well as take us to the islands through her Caribbean Fusion dance class.

To learn more about Bianca Dijkhoffz, visit: https://www.youtube.com/user/Bianca6Music

caleb teicher - tap dance workshop

Caleb Teicher is a NYC-based dancer and choreographer specializing in musically-driven dance traditions and interdisciplinary collaboration.Teicher began their career as a founding member of Michelle Dorrance’s critically acclaimed tap dance company, Dorrance Dance, while also freelancing in contemporary dance (The Chase Brock Experience, The Bang Group), Lindy Hop (Syncopated City Dance Company), and musical theater (West Side Story International Tour and London). As a solo performer and collaborator, Teicher is known for choreographic collaborations with diverse musical talents: world-champion beatboxer Chris Celiz, composer/pianist Conrad Tao; the National Symphony Orchestra, and indie rock legends Ben Folds and Regina Spektor. Check out our special workshops gallery page for a video coverage from ABC7 of his workshop with Dance to Unite.

To learn more about Caleb Teicher, visit: https://www.calebteicher.net/

Sofia McClarnon - dance workshop

Sofia is an alumna of Marymount Manhattan College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and a Concentration in Classical Ballet. She is a certified Pure Barre Teacher in NYC and has been performing, teaching, and studying dance on a professional level for many years. In college, she studied with and performed pieces by a multitude of well known choreographers including Katie Langan, Adam Barruch, Chase Brock, Trebien Pollard, and Fredrick Earl Mosley. Sofia is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Dancer Movement Corp: reimagining dance for people with disabilities. Sofia currently teaches around the NYC area bringing the joy of dance to both children and adults.

To learn more about Sofia Blasco, visit: https://www.thedancermovement.com/

Marcus Paul James - Broadway workshop

Marcus Paul James has been seen as Otis Williams in Broadwayʼs “Ainʼt Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations” ,“Motown The Musical”, Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony Award-winning “In the Heights” and Jonathan Larson's Tony award-winning “RENT”. Also, his TV/Film credits include “Collateral Beauty”, “RENT: Filmed Live”, “The Wiz Live!”, Oscar-nominated and Grammy-winning “The Greatest Showman”, “tick, tick...BOOM!” on Netflix, “Dear Evan Hansen”, “In the Heights”, and Apple TVʼs film “Spirited”. As a recording artist his albums are available on Spotify, iTunes, and all streaming platforms.

To learn more about Marcus, visit: https://www.marcuspauljames.com