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Convention Staff

BARRY KYLE is originally from Martinsville VA. Barry specializes in the fields of tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. His 52 years of dancing has taken him all over the world producing choreography for groups in the , Canada, Italy, Mexico, Russia and Germany. He has judged and taught master classes for almost every major dance competition in America and abroad. Barry has been seen performing on HBO, Showtime, and Showtime at the Apollo in New York City, and also for promotional video's in Atlantic City and , working with such stars as , the late Marvin Gaye, , the late , Paula Abdul, and Julian Lennon just to name a few. Barry has consistently won choreography awards at major dance competitions every year for the last 35 years. Barry was chosen to star as a cartoon character named Syncopate in a television show; he also played the role of legendary tapper Bill Bo jangles Robinson in a 3-D animated movie. Barry was featured on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew, Season 1, during the 25th Anniversary of Michael Jackson's Thriller Album episode. Barry Barry’s other professional choreography credits include an industrial for Image Technologies Corp. starring Trez Gregory, former singer with Brooks & Dunn. The NFL’s St. Louis Rams cheerleaders, music videos for several up and coming artists, BPAC hip Kyle hop crew at “Move To Groove Ball”, an offshoot of the Carnival held in , CA, and Industrials for Motivated “Pro”formance Conference. For the last 10 years Barry has choreographed the opening number for several national competition organizations. In May 2016, Barry was a recognized choreographer for the Dance To Breathe Choreographer’s Ball, a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Barry is playing an instrumental role in Rise The Dance Convention and Creation Dance Championships future. He is excited to educate young dancers and provide his experience with them.

Chris Wendorff began his dance training at the age of 9. Throughout his younger years, he was a competitive dancer and attended many competitions and conventions throughout the United States. While competing, he was awarded numerous awards and scholarships. Chris continued his dance training while attending the prestigious Point Park University and received a BFA in Dance. While at Point Park, he continued learning and training in styles such as , commercial jazz, , modern and contemporary techniques.

Chris has worked for Walt Disney World as a parade and stage performer. He has also been seen working as a professional dancer on cruise ships, most notably, would be Regent Seven Seas and Carnival Cruise Line. Chris has taught many master classes and conventions throughout the United States and in the United Kingdom. He is currently a Chris sought after dancer, guest teacher, choreographer and adjudicator and recently choreographed a contemporary jazz piece for Zenon Dance Company’s pre-professional Wendorff program. Chris plans on continuing to expand his knowledge and experiences of the dance world by pursing a MFA in Dance in the year 2020. He is very excited to continue to be a part of the dance universe and cannot wait to see where this journey will take him next!

Convention Staff

Bianca danced from the age of two at Jessica Morgan School of Dance which is now Prestige Dance then spent her final year of high school at J’adore Dance Studio. From a Gymnast to also doing competitive cheering she never gave up her love for dance. She danced competitively at the age of ten until she graduated from high school. She was accepted into Fordham University but decided to attend Point Park University instead. There she graduated with a BFA in Dance with a concentration in Jazz and a minor in Broadcasting from Point Park University. Bianca has been cast in works choreographed by , Dwight Rhoden, Renny Harris and Brian Enos from the Hubbard Street dance company, Kiesha Lalama, Kiki Lucas, Ron Tassone and many others. She also received a scholarship to Alvin Ailey’s Summer Intensive at Fordham University. Bianca already started following her dreams when she participated in the hit show So You Think You Can Dance for season 11 her senior year of college and after graduation she joined Bianca Disney Cruise Lines, for a nine month contract to be apart of their new show “Frozen” on the Disney Wonder. Brandon Currently, she has been performing in Pittsburgh with contemporary company MuRRdance, working with The Hill Dance Academy with Propel Schools and, being Assistant Choreographer for Seton Hill University along with teaching and choreographing at various studios. Bianca is also living some of her dreams as she was welcomed to the Groove faculty to be a Judge/Master class teacher & also working under Man In Motion Agency as well. She is excited to be with Rise The Dance Convention and Creation Dance Championships as she gets to inspire young dancers and share her experience.

Originally from Dallas, TX Michael began his professional career in 1988. He has performed and choreographed professionally for Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet Company / AKLDC, Texas Ballet Theater, Contemporary Ballet Dallas, Company Mayes, Ballet Dallas, Dallas Metropolitan Ballet, Collin County Ballet Theatre, BCSA School of the Arts, Texas Youth Ballet Conservatory and Ballet Metrocrest. He has trained under the direction of Alonzo King, Ben Stevenson, Soili Arvola & Leo Ahonen, Thom Clower, Norma Shields, Ben Houke, Joyce Seaborne Bader and Kirt Hathaway. His credits include principal spots in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Snow Queen, Giselle, La Bayadere, Dracula and many others. Michael received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Journalism at the University of North Texas. He has made acting appearances in feature films such as Dakota, Born on the 4th of July. He has also choreographed and danced for television and commercial work. Michael also travels Michael nationally teaching, choreographing and judging for several top competition circuits. His artistic ability has resulted in award winning performances and professional productions Mayes nationally. Michael also own’s and directs Company Mayes. Company Mayes is a professional contemporary fusion performing company founded at Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet Company/AKLDC in San Francisco, California and is currently housed at Park Cities Dance/Dallas Conservatory in Dallas, Texas. The company offers a trendsetting contemporary foundation fused together with modern, jazz and lyrical elements. Mr. Mayes' unique, clean, interpretive contemporary fusion style, combined with a strong technical ballet background quickly attracts ‘cutting edge’ dancers.

Convention Staff

Excel is definitely not your typical choreographer. His steps and unique style constantly keep heads turning. Dancing since the age of 14 Excel has experienced the industry in lots of different ways. After graduating High School, Excel and 3 other friends started the group Kwietstorm (pronounced Quietstorm) and bought their style from Queens, NY to the world. He has performed with artists including Robin S, the Princess of Hip Hop and R & B, Ashanti, appeared in videos with , Zhane, and Vicious, Quad City Dj’s, PMD of multi-platinum rap group EPMD, Commercials from MCI and Boss apparel clothing, Touring on the Nike Play tour and Budweiser Superfest tour with Heavy D, recently performing in the opening act choreographed by TwiTch and Mandy Moore at Capeizo’s 125th Gala and has appeared in the Taye Diggs film “Brown Sugar” as a breakdancer. He has had reoccurring appearances on Russell Simmons’s “Def Comedy Jam” for 4 years straight. He choreographed the European tour for KGM/Breaking Excel Records recording artist Carla, Queen Latifah’s Getoworks Records artist F.A.T.E and videos such as “She like” by FUBU recording artist 54th platoon, Put your drinks down by Garner Ruff Ryder recording artist Drag-on, and Justine Simmons’s My Funny Valentine, featuring Rev. Run Of RUN-DMC. Excel has recently started online Hip Hop classes that students from far and wide can take advantage of learning form him via the worldwide web. He also has his own line of Hip Hop inspired clothing so students have some thing cool and comfortable to wear during class. He continues to devote his time to touring nationally and internationally teaching master classes independently and with some of the top conventions and judging competitions. He has taught master classes alongside in Dallas, TX and Laurie Ann Gibson in NY. Excel’s award-winning choreography has won first place honors in numerous competitions around the United States. He also choreographs his own company and conducts weekly classes around the NY/Tri-State Area. Talia's love for dance started at a very young age. At two years old she began training at Miss Carma's Dance in Florida. She then brought her talents to Ken & Jean Dance Studio in Pittsburgh where she trained until she graduated high school. Talia completed six levels of Cecchetti Ballet training and joined the Cecchetti Company of America at age twelve. During her time at Ken & Jean she competed at Dance Masters of America proudly winning two grande national championships. Talia also received a scholarship to Point Park University to attend during her senior year of high school. Although a tough decision on where to continue her education after high school the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles presented a scholarship opportunity she couldn’t refuse. Talia majored in Dance Theater at AMDA training under active members of the arts community such as Tricia Miranda, Donyelle Jones, Alexis Carra, Marina Benedict, Tracy Silver, and Nicole Berger. While training in a vast variety of styles she expanded into acting and vocal Talia lessons. After college she remained in Los Angeles to work for MSA Dance Agency. Since returning to Pittsburgh, Talia has taught and choreographed at a multitude of dance Tumolo studios around the area receiving choreoghy awards for her work. She is excited to be sharing her passion for dance and inspiring future generations of dancers.

Convention Staff

Julia is a well-versed, esteemed dance professional and choreographer. At the early age of only 16, Julia launched her professional career. One year later she was signed with the BLOC talent agency in NYC. She was cast in many music videos, industrials, performed with B.J.Crosby, the Dupres, Celebrity Tournament, Ballet of the Arts, danced alongside hip hop artists including P. Diddy and Lil Kim. She also toured as a hip hop dancer along side Nick Cannon. She can be seen in choreography reels & training videos for Broadway Dance Center in NYC for Jazz Icon Frank Hatchet and Debbie Wilson. Julia has also worked with Mosser casting, landing modeling roles for Cricket Mobile and appearing in movies such as Adventureland. Julia was hired to choreograph and perform in the annual Pittsburgh Steelers fashion show, she also choreographed a theatrical stage production premiering close to N.Y.C. Julia is also a well-respected Judge in the competition world of dance, and currently judges for multiple competition organizations. In addition, she has Julia taught Master Workshop Classes and choreographed National Opening Galas for renowned competitions. Julia has her certification in Dance Educators of America & has Saltsman been teaching dance for over 15 years. Julia has been on the teaching staff at Point Park University where she taught Jazz, Technique, and Hip-Hop classes, she has also guest taught and choreographed around the country for many studios. Most recently, Julia joined the teaching staff at Westinghouse Arts H.S, where she is teaching Stretch/Strength, Improv, Jazz/Technique, Contemporary, and Hip-hop classes. Up next Julia is looking forward to joining Rise The Dance Convention as a contemporary teacher.

Julia’s unique style and choreography concepts have enabled her students to win many special entertainment, choreography, and performance awards as well as regional and national overall victories. While having a full bio of accomplishments herself, her proudest achievements include the thousands of dollars in talent scholarships that her students have received over the years, her students’ professional performance accomplishments, and being able to instill the love of dance to all those whom she teaches.

Brittany Pent is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is a performer, teacher, and choreographer. Brittany is a graduate of Point Park University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Dance. As a national title holder for Dance Educators of America, both Teen and Senior, as well as Teen Miss Dance of Pennsylvania, and 1st Runner Up- Teen Miss Dance of America, Brittany is no stranger to the dance competition world! Brittany has traveled world wide teaching master dance classes and choreographing throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Brittany’s career set sail aboard the Disney Wonder with Disney Cruise Line. As a main- stage singer/dancer, Brittany opened the rst stage production of “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular!” Alongside her performance career, Brittany has enjoyed stepping onto the other side of the table as a judge ~ giving back to the dance community that she has Brittany always loved and grew up admiring. Pent