OUR FACULTY, YOUR MENTORS

  • Zachary Kelley

    Zachary Kelley (Director)

    Zachary W. Kelley, from Seattle, embraced tap at age 8, exploring Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Ballroom. Now in Scottsdale, AZ, he mentors stars from "So You Think You Can Dance," "World of Dance," and more. His modern take on tap has garnered international recognition, leading to performances and workshops across the U.S., Mexico, and Europe.

    As a 2019 World Champion with Team USA at the IDO World Tap Dance Championships, Zachary's work is celebrated both nationally and internationally. With a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Dance Education Minor from Grand Canyon University, he blends artistic passion with academic rigor, inspiring students with his innovative choreography and dedication to dance education.

  • Kira DiMartino (Lyrical/Jazz/Technique)

    Kira DiMartino, with 35 years in dance, is a renowned choreographer and teacher. Trained at prestigious institutes like Dance Connection Scottsdale and Ballet Arizona, she excelled early, winning student choreographer awards at 10. Her career highlights include The Phoenix Suns Dance Team, The Royal Caribbean Broadway Revue, and Super Bowl XXX performances, plus choreographing for top-tier studios nationwide. Beyond performing, Kira's passion lies in teaching. As a master teacher in Arizona, she's involved with leading dance conventions and competitions. Her greatest fulfillment comes from guiding students to reach their full potential in dance.

  • Ahna Bonnette (Contemporary/Jazz)

    Ahna Bonnette grew up in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona where she trained, taught and set competition solos at Dance Connection Scottsdale. At 18, she was accepted into SUNY Purchase to pursue a BFA in dance. After a year there she left to explore concert dance firsthand. In 2021, Ahna traveled with choreographer Peter Chu, répétiteur Roger Van der Poel and Jenni Gordon to aid in setting repertoire and host dance intensives at competition dance studios in Texas, Florida, and California. She then spent 5 weeks assisting Chu and Van der Poel in Germany as they set a work on Augsburg Ballet. Ahna recently spent two and a half years dancing professionally with GroundWorks DanceTheater as a company dancer, teaching artist, and social media assistant. In addition to performing, Bonnette over her career, has also developed a deep passion for choreographing on and teaching young artists along with recently becoming a competition judge for KAR and Rainbow. 

  • Curtis Walker (Acro)

    Curtis Walker, born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Arizona, developed a passion for movement early on through breakdancing, martial arts, and gymnastics. He began formal dance training at Royal Dance Works in 1988 and later competed on Star Search with the hip-hop team North Side Crew. With over 35 years of experience in cheer, gymnastics, and tumbling, Curtis has coached across 50+ schools and programs throughout the Southwest, always emphasizing personal growth and confidence in his students.

    In 2018, he founded 3C Tumbling, providing private and group lessons, and in 2024, he and his wife launched Empowering Your Purpose LLC, offering faith-based life coaching and motivational speaking. Curtis finds fulfillment in helping others realize their potential and credits his success to his faith in Jesus Christ, which has guided him in turning his passion into purpose.

  • Mckenzie Thomas (Ballet/Pointe)

    McKenzie was born and raised in Monument, Colorado. She began her training at the age of 3, where she studied in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, and hip hop. At the age of 15, McKenzie fell in love with classical ballet, and wanted to pursue it fully. She attended Master Ballet Academy Summer intensive in 2016, and then moved to Arizona to continue her training there, under the direction of Slawomir and Irena Wozniak.

    Upon graduating from Master Ballet Academy in 2018, she was offered a Studio Company position with Colorado Ballet. In 2021, McKenzie was awarded the bronze medal at the prestigious World Ballet Competition. McKenzie joined Orlando ballet as a company dancer in 2021, where she danced for 2 seasons.

  • Bianca Jean (Hip Hop)

    Bianca has an extensive background dancing, teaching and choreographing, specializing in hip hop and commercial styles. She has danced for Macklemore, NappyTabs and gone on world tour with two different artists. She has been teaching and choreographing competitive hip hop for 15 years, choreographed for Seattle Storm WNBA dance team, helped open an international dance studio, and partnered on many projects with the Seattle Art Museum and Pacific Northwest Ballet. She has curated showcases and community events, as well as founded Legacy Dance Foundation in 2020. Being new to Phoenix she is extremely excited to have a new dance family here and get to work!

  • Sammi Nussbaum (Hip Hop/Jazz/Combo)

    A second-generation Arizona native, Sammi has over 20 years of experience in the dance industry. She started competing at nine, teaching by 12, and training in various styles that continue to shape her craft today. After being cast in a dance film her senior year, Sammi’s professional career took off in Los Angeles! She performed featured roles in ballet, hip-hop, tap, and jazz performances across LA, with a strong presence in contemporary companies like Mash-up, Marrow, and The Difference Between. Now back in Arizona, she hopes to share her passion and experience with the community that first inspired her love for dance.

  • Sierra Dawn (Ballet)

    Bio coming soon.

  • Amanda Malek-Ahmadi (Adult Ballet/My Grownup & Me)

    Amanda started dancing at 5 and teaching at 17, with a BA in Elementary Education and a Dance minor from the University of Arizona. Certified by Dance Masters of America, she's skilled in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Tap. Her teaching experience spans from preschool to college, making her a versatile instructor.

    Her professional dance journey includes performing at corporate events, Busch Gardens, and with the WNDC: Wight Noise Dance Company. Amanda combines her dance passion with writing, evidenced by her award-winning book "10 Ballet Dancers," which is recognized as an effective dance training tool.

  • Sloan-Taylor Rabinor (Visiting Faculty: Jazz Funk)

    Sloan-Taylor Rabinor is a renowned dancer and emerging fitness expert from Phoenix, Arizona. She gained national recognition at 17 and went on to assist top choreographers before becoming a backup dancer for Lady Gaga, performing in four world tours, a Las Vegas residency, and multiple iconic music videos. Her career spans performances with stars like Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, and Nicki Minaj, with appearances on major TV shows and award ceremonies. Alongside dance, Sloan is a certified yoga and Pilates instructor and is now pursuing health coaching. As a faculty member of KAR and Streetz Dance Conventions, she continues to inspire dancers with her passion and expertise.

  • Angela Wicks (Visiting Faculty: Ballroom)

    Angela, an Arizona native, started dancing at six and quickly progressed, competing by ten and performing with Becky G at fifteen. She has a rich background in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Ballroom, with notable performances including at The Ace Awards. Her training under Erica Marr since twelve has significantly shaped her teaching approach.

    Graduating from Arizona State with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2022, Angela applies her knowledge to enhance her teaching, emphasizing body awareness and strength. Passionate about teaching since 16, she aims to inspire confidence, discipline, and passion in young dancers. Angela is dedicated to fostering the growth of her students, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to impact their dance journey.

  • Stephanie Smith Nguyen (Office Manager)

    Stephanie Smith Nguyen is an arts administrator, dancer, and dance anthropologist. She holds a Master of Art in Dance Knowledge, Practice and Heritage from Choreomundus (a consortium of universities in France, Hungary, Norway, and the UK). She has previously worked with dance studios, touring teams, schools, universities, and art exhibits around the world in just about every aspect of the creative process. Stephanie is passionate about the historical contexts and behind-the-scenes organizational work that go into creating the art and performances we enjoy today. She is thrilled to be assisting Tap'd Out Dance Studio as an Office Manager.

  • Ashlee Grossman (Combo/Jazz)

    Bio coming soon

  • Tori Esposito (Ballroom)

    Bio coming soon