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, 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 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. 

Ashlee Grossman was born and raised in Maple Grove, Minnesota. She began dancing at age 2 and started competing at age 7, training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. Ashlee grew up dancing at In The Spotlight MN, where her love for performing evolved into a passion for teaching. She has competed at top competitions and conventions such as Spotlight Dance Cup, KAR, Nuvo, JUMP, Showstopper, Encore, ect. performing at many nationals across the country and earning numerous awards and placements. Ashlee began teaching in 2021 during her senior year of high school and now teaches dancers ages 3–18 at several studios. She is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at Grand Canyon University. Ashlee is passionate about helping dancers grow, saying, “There’s nothing better than watching the spark in a young dancer’s eyes when they realize their potential.”

Gianni Howell is an award-winning dance educator, creative director, and marketing strategist whose career bridges professional performance, higher education, and arts leadership. As an Assistant Professor of Practice and Marketing Coordinator at the University of Arizona School of Dance, he has transformed the program’s digital presence through innovative branding, storytelling, and recruitment strategies while producing the nationally recognized Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase. His work has established the School of Dance as one of the fastest-growing collegiate arts brands in the country, helping shape the next generation of dance professionals both in and beyond the studio.

Before entering higher education, Howell spent seven years performing with and coaching artists for Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles LOVE and has contributed to major productions and events including the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, and The Today Show. Combining expertise in performance, filmmaking, creative direction, and digital strategy, he continues to redefine how arts organizations engage audiences while mentoring emerging artists for successful careers in the entertainment industry.

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.

Serafin Castro is a Cuban-born principal ballet dancer, choreographer, and instructor from Villa Clara, Cuba. He began ballet training at age eight and earned a scholarship to the Cuban National Ballet School, where he studied under legendary teachers, including Fernando Alonso, founder of the Cuban ballet technique. He graduated with honors in 2008 and won gold medals at the International Ballet Competition of Havana in 2007 and 2008.

Following graduation, Serafin joined the National Ballet of Cuba, where he rose to the rank of Principal Dancer in 2013. He later danced as a Principal Dancer with Ballet of Monterrey in Mexico before joining Ballet Arizona in 2018. Throughout his career, he has performed leading roles in many of the world's most celebrated classical and contemporary ballets and has collaborated with internationally renowned choreographers.

In addition to performing, Serafin is an accomplished choreographer and educator. He has performed across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, and continues to inspire dancers through both his artistry and teaching.

Accomplished ballroom dance instructor, choreographer, and performer with over 20 years of experience teaching students of all ages and levels. National champion and international finalist with a strong background in ballroom, Latin, swing, ballet, jazz, and musical theatre. Known for building technique, artistry, and confidence in students while creating inspiring performances on stage and in competition.

Hazel Goudy is a versatile dancer, choreographer, and educator from Cañon City, Colorado. She has trained with leading industry professionals across Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, and beyond, developing experience in styles ranging from hip hop to lyrical. Her award-winning choreography is recognized for its creativity, authenticity, and emotional impact.

Passionate about mentorship and dance education, Hazel strives to create an encouraging environment where dancers of all ages can build confidence, take creative risks, and discover their own artistic voice. She also serves as a Mini Muse mentor within the Los Angeles Muse community, where she helps inspire and guide the next generation of dancers.

Elle Herman grew up in San Diego, California, and began dancing at the age of five. She trained competitively at Evolution Dance Center in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, tap, and acro, attending numerous competitions and conventions throughout her dance career.

Beginning in middle school, Elle discovered her passion for teaching and spent several years assisting classes, private lessons, and summer camps for dancers ages 3–18. She was also a member of the La Costa Canyon High School Dance Team where she performed at sports events and showcases, as well as the Hollywood Connections Teen Company, where she assisted convention classes and worked backstage at competitions.

Elle is currently attending Arizona State University, pursuing a degree in Dietetics. She is excited to share her love of dance with the next generation by creating a positive, encouraging environment where every dancer can build confidence, have fun, and grow.

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.

Abigail Rhodes grew up dancing in Scottsdale, training competitively across all styles since age seven. While proficient in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop, her true passion lies in tap—a craft that has taken her far beyond the studio. On the national convention circuit, she has competed at NYCDA, Radix and Jump. Internationally, Abigail has performed across France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria with Tap’d Out. She also represented Team USA at the IDO Tap World Championships where five of her routines placed in the top ten worldwide. As a member of the SoleTalk Tap Company, her performance highlights include dancing at a Los Angeles Lakers game, opening for the Syncopated Ladies, and appearing in a feature film. She is also an accomplished jazz pianist studying at the Phoenix Conservatory of Music. As a teacher, Abigail is excited to inspire young dancers and help them build strong technique, rhythm and confidence.

Aleksandr Ostanin is a native of Ukraine. He has been dancing since the age of 10. He is a 4x World Tap Dancing Champion and was the winner of the 1st season of So You Think You Can Dance, Ukraine, in 2008. He has performed in shows all over the world, as well as teaching master classes and setting choreography. He is the founder and director of the Odessa Tap Festival. Aleks lives in Boston and travels to Arizona to work with our dancers. He has been a Tap’d Out and Team USA coach for 6 years.

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!

Filippo Marson, hailing from Italy, is a true Jack of all trades. With a professional background in hospitality, Filippo is a master of facilities management, construction, technology, and props. He is the backbone of the studio, and there’s no problem he can’t solve with his creativity and innovative nature. He keeps the music running, the studio stunning, and the dancers performing on the most incredible set pieces. We truly saved the best for last; Filippo is everyone’s favorite.