Meet our Guest Artists for 2011/2012

SHANNA CIPRESSI
From Toronto

Since the age of five Shanna' s feet have been moving leading her into all aspects of dance.  For the past 12 years hip hop has been the main focus of Shanna's dream.  The dream to dance professionally has brought Shanna into contact with some of the industries finest.  She has had the pleasure of working alongside Luther Brown, Fatima Robinson, Nick Bass, Misha Gabriel, Laurie-Anne Gibson and Marguerite Derricks, just to name a few.  So far in her twenty-five years, Shanna's experiences as a dancer have introduced her to the movie industry; dancing in such movies as ' Shall We Dance ', ' Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen ', ' My Big Fat Greek Wedding ', and as a principle dancer in ' Honey '.  She has danced in a number of music videos, award shows, industrial shows and commercials.  Innovation and creativity are amongst Shanna's strengths as a choreographer. She has choreographed everything from studio dance groups to live shows and commercials.  Recently Shanna has joined with the newest dance company in Toronto, ‘ NEXT TIP ‘.

MELISSA RIDGWAY
From Chicago

Missy Ridgway is the owner/director of Perseverance Dance Company in Chicago.

BARBARA CHONIN
From Toronto - RAD Ballet

Barbara has been the senior ballet teacher at the Joanne Chapman School of Dance in Brampton, Ontario since September 2002. Prior to that Barbara was the director of her own Ballet School in Johannesburg, South Africa for over 25 years. She has had extensive experience in the field of classical ballet as an adjudicator at dance competitions, sitting on Scholarship Boards for the Royal Academy of Dance, as an examiner for the National Society of Dance Teachers Southern Africa, and as a guest teacher at seminars. Barbara also teaches part time in the Teacher Training Program at Canada’s National Ballet School and is a Tutor and Supervisor for the Royal Academy of Dance’s Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies as well as a registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance. She has in depth experience in preparing students for Royal Academy of Dance Examinations from Primary to Solo Seal. Barbara has won many choreographic awards and many of her students are dancing in professional companies around the world or teaching. As well, she has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Post Graduate Degree in Pre-School Education. Barbara’s passion for dance and her understanding heart hopes to inspire her students to excel at their best level, while gaining self confidence and appreciation for the art of dance.

JASON LUKS
From New York City

Jason Luks graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts wtih a BFA in Dance. While there, he had the privilege of dancing in works by world-renowned choreographers Trisha Brown and Mark Morris. Jason Luks is currently a member of Tap Stars, touring through Europe with its inaugural stage in Hamburg, Germany. Jason was in the most recent Broadway cast of Irving Berlin's White Christmas under the creative direction of Walter Bobbie and choreographer Randy Skinner. In 2003, Jason was named the Adult World Tap Champion at the International Dance Organization World Tap Dance Championships held in Riesa, Germany. Jason's credits include Law & Order, CBS's The Early Show, Saturday Night Live, and the MTV Video Music Awards. He recently performed in Spare Some Change: NYC Artists for Barack Obama and earlier this year at the Kennedy Center celebrating the late Senator Ted Kennedy's 77th birthday attended by President Obama. Reaching across the aisle, he performed in the 55th Presidential Inauguration celebration (for President George Bush) along with Hilary Duff in America's Future Rocks Today. In 2006, Jason performed in the original production of Common Grounds in the New York Musical Theater Festival and was featured in the televised New York audition of So You Think You Can Dance where he was sent off to Vegas. With Tapaholics, Jason has performed at the Supper Club in New York City, the DRA Solstice in Times Square, and on The Tony Danza Show. He was named Young Choreographer of the Year by American Dance Awards in 2005. Jason continues to choreograph and teach at studios and conventions, including Hall Of Fame Dance Challenge, SHOCK Dance Intensive, Adrenaline and Slide). Jason is the co-founder of Performing Hearts, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping brighten the days for children with serious illnesses and disabilities by exposing them to the art of dance as both participants and observers. Performing Hearts was formally recognized by the NJ State General Assembly and Senate in a joint legislative action and by the Office of the Governor for its community service contributions. Performing Hearts has sponsored events for several large organizations dedicated to similar causes, including The Children's Aid Society and The Valerie Fund. Jason conitnues to support Performing Hears and similar organizations as a choreographer and gust performer.

LIZ IMPERIO
From Los Angeles

Life should be lived in excellence!

Liz Imperio has established herself as a major director and choreographer in the entertainment industry, including the staging and choreography for Jennifer Lopez's "Live From Puerto Rico" concert; director/choreographer of Gloria Estefan's last 3 world concert tours; and two world tours for Madonna - "Re-invention Tour" and "Confessions" Tour.

A proud Cuban-American, Liz was born and raised in Hollywood, California. Her work caught the eye of famed choreogreographer Kenny Ortega at the tender age of 15. Liz Became Kenny's Associate Choreographer for 6 years before breaking out on her own. Her credits make her one of the most sought after choreographers in the business, including: "The Latin Grammys (last 3 years); American Music Awards; "United We Stand" with Michael Jackson and *NSYNC" (assoc. dir.); ABC's 50th Anniversary Celebration; Disney Channel's "Gotta Kick It Up"; James L. Brook's feature film "Spanglish", CBS TV series "Dirty Dancing" and commercials for Jack In The Box, and many others.

Liz Imperio currently owns a production company with partner in crime Chad Carlberg. Imperio Productions wide range of services have provided service to such clients as:

• Ken Ehrlich Prods.
• Cossette Prods.
• The Disney Channel
• VH-1
• Premio Lo Nuestro
• Univision Network
• Kenny Ortega Co.
• Don Mischer Prods.
• Disson Skating
• Sony Pictures
• Madonna
• Jennifer Lopez
• Gloria Estefan
• Aventura
• Marco Anonio Solis
• Mirage Hotel
• Dragone (and many others).

Liz Imperio has trained such young stars as Hilary Duff, America Ferrera, Renee Olstead, Camille Guaty, Myra, and Valeria. Her most touching assignment was working closely with Gloria Estefan after her major accident years ago and not only assisted with the physical therapy to help her walk again, but later choreographed Gloria's comeback concert tour. Liz Imperio's directing, teaching and choreography works have been commissioned all over the United States and Europe. Having worked with such dance companies and dance conventions as: Gus Giordano Jazz Dance in Chicago; The Houston Metropolitan Dance Theatre; K-Broadway from Japan; West Coast Dance Explosion; Tremaine Dance Convention; Company Dance; Break the Floor Productions; as well as numerous European companies from Italy to England. Liz Imperio is very proud to be a partner and founder of her own Los Angeles-based production company Imperio Productions.

JOHNNY MCMILLAN
From Chicago

Johnny began his training at Studio Dance Arts in Sault Ste. Marie, ON at age 12. He then graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy receiving the young artists’ award in dance. He has attended summer programs at the San Francisco Conservatory, Bartholin International Ballet Seminar and Hubbard Street. He has worked with Gleich Dances under the direction of Julia Gleich and was awarded 1st place at the 2010 American Ballet Competition in both the classical and contemporary divisions. He has performed roles in ballets such as Arthur Saint-Léon’s Coppelia, August Bournonville's La Sylphide and Frederick Ashton's Les Patineurs; as well as works by Randy Duncan, Patrick Corbin, Kim Robards and Hannah Baumgarten. Johnny joined HS2 as an apprentice in September 2010 and became a HS2 company member in September 2011. He just recently finished performing in Harold and the Purple Crayon: A Dance Adventure at the Harris Theater in Chicago.