Born out of a love for pure movement, East by North Dance Theatre was formed under the idea that simple or compounding thought can be expressed through vivid movement. Founded and directed by Sarah Nachbauer and Jon Eden, East by North represents the unrestricted and improvisational spirit that they feel symbolizes a new wave of modern theatrical dance.

For more than a decade, Jon and Sarah have toured and performed as soloists all around the world. They have performed in over 15 different countries, across 4 continents and in some of the world’s most prestigious theaters. Jon and Sarah have also acted as creative assistants with multiple companies on numerous world premieres as well as artistically contributing to corporate events and projects for MOMIX, Catapult Entertainment, Moving On, Katharine Helen Fisher Dance Company, Kohler, Mercedes-Benz, Wynn Casinos, Pirelli, Cannon, Cialis, Target, Columbus Day Parade NYC, Girl Scouts of America, Mayflower, Marriott, MAC Cosmetics, Bose, Lancôme, and Aveda just to name a few. Jon and Sarah also appeared on Season 8 of America’s Got Talent with the shadow company Catapult Entertainment, making it al the way to the finals. They have appeared in music videos for the artists MGMT and ARK, as well on TV shows for HBO, Showtime, CBS, STARZ and the History Channel. Together they have taught at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, Terpsichore Dance Center, and have conducted master classes throughout the United States. They are Creative Consultants for acclaimed photographer Robert Whitman as well as with Cardinal Theatricals under the direction of Andrew Rasmussen.

Their on stage work has been reviewed as “A highly intimate display of body control”, “Elegant”, Mystical”, and “The perfect blend of fluid movement and stillness.” The company is based in New York City. Eastbynorthdance.org @eastbynorthdance East by North Dance Theatre

John Manzari is an Ovation Award and Helen Hayes Award nominated dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and teacher.

Stage credits include the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, Bessie Award winning production Ayodele Casel: Chasing Magic, 42ND Street, Maurice Hines: Tappin’ Thru Life, The Wiz is 40: A Celebration in Dance and Music, and Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies.

Television credits include Law & Order SVU, the PBS specials Black Broadway and The Kennedy Center at 50, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Good Morning America, The View, Michael Feinstein at the Rainbow Room, The Jerry Lewis Telethon and So You Think You Can Dance.

Concerts include NYPopsUp, Spoleto Festival,, Fall for Dance, Fall for Dance North (Canada), Amelia Island Dance Festival, and Gold Coast Dance Festival. John can be seen in the documentary about his mentor Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back, the award winning short film Slip, and Leonard Soloway’s Broadway.

John partners with the Luther S. Allison trio at venues such as Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Birdland Jazz Club, Little Island NYC, and many others.

Carlos was born and was raised in Jacksonville, Florida. When Carlos first started hisdance training, he trained equally in many styles of dance. Becoming a versatile dancer was a fun challenge and passionate goal to him. It later on became essential in order to create and sustain a career in dance. Prior to dancing, Carlos has a martial arts background in Taekwondo and is a second-degree black belt! It was in Jacksonville where Carlos trained in ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, acrobatics, breakdance, dance teaching methods, choreography methods and various world ethnic dances at Lavilla School of the Arts, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and Jacksonville University College of Fine Arts. Carlos’ first professional dance performance was at the age of 15 for “Jacksonville Symphony’s: First Coast Nutcracker.” There he performed in front of thousands as the “Lead Russian”, a position previously held and handed to him by one of his first male dance teachers. During his curricular studies, Carlos sought out many opportunities for training and performing in Jacksonville. He trained in and performed contemporary, lyrical, jazz-funk, and African dance with companies by Kavin Grant: Ka'mia and A Rhythm Nation. Carlos also trained and performed with his hip-hop dance crew, Systematic. With Systematic Dance Crew, Carlos achieved his first national television debut, and together they won BET’s “106th & Park’s” dance competition twice!

Later on, Carlos danced with Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys Of Dance and performed in their hit show "Rock The Ballet." With Bad Boys he has toured over 8 countries in Europe, along with Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the U.S for 3 years! After his tour finished, Carlos became a top 20 finalist on the Fox TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 10!

Next, while living in NYC, Carlos performed with the Broadway cast of "Spider-man Turn Off The Dark" in their final Gypsy Of The Year performance. He also performed as the principal character in the off-Broadway show, "iLuminate, Artists of Light" with the company iLuminate (as seen on America's Got Talent). During this time he became an instructor at Broadway Dance Center and Steps On Broadway in NYC and still teaches there when in the area.

He is steadily traveling, choreographing, teaching masterclasses and conducting private lessons with many dance students. A proof of his passion as an instructor is that up to date, Carlos has now taught and choreographed at over 75 dance schools around the world! He has now created www.dancelookllc.com in order to benefit the dance community and is the director of a pre-professional dance company, the Dancelook Apprentice Program, a dance program designed to help young students gain knowledge and exposure towards a professional artistic career. carlosgarlanddance.com/facebook.com/carlosgarlanddance | Insta: @spidermancarlos

Adjunct Instructor at NYU, Accompanist for the Paul Taylor Dance Co. Doug Varone Dance Co. Tisch School of Dance and Marymount College. Commissioned by Susan Dodge to write music for The Amelia Island Dance Festival 2021, Commissioned to write music for Joffrey Ballet's Winter White Show.

Mal's written music has been performed by Modern Dancers as well as Mid East Dancers. He has toured Europe with Spiritual Folk/World Music band Epiphany Project in support of their CD "Epiphany Project Live in Germany".

Toured Finland and the U.S With World Music band Mad Juana WATCH. Played at the Montreal Jazz Festival with Mid East Jazz band Taksim.

Guest Teacher at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Teaching a Class on World Music and Rhythms Teaches drums/percussion privately.

Photo by AC DeMarco

Jon Lehrer Dance Company (JLDC) began in 2007 in Buffalo, NY and has already received critical acclaim nationally and internationally. Jon moved the company to his hometown of NYC in 2019, where they have become a vibrant addition to the city’s dance community. Under Jon Lehrer’s artistic direction, the company showcases his unique choreography and definitive style. His extensive background in both the modern and jazz dance idioms fosters choreography that is organic, athletic, artistic, and often humorous, reflecting life experience and the human condition.

JLDC’s expressive style is based on three main elements of movement - Circularity, 3-Dimensionality, and Momentum - which combine to create a form that is best described as “Organically Athletic”. With creativity, athleticism, and the ability to make new and innovative modern and jazz dance accessible to all audiences, the company has made quite a name for themselves in the dance world. Striking the elusive balance between art and entertainment, JLDC showcases a dynamic, fun, and distinctive style which fuses jazz and modern dance, creating a true spectacle onstage which can be enjoyed by dance experts and novices alike.

JLDC tours extensively, receiving critical acclaim worldwide. Dance Magazine praised “the company took the house not so much by storm as by quantum physics,” and Galerie Ortenau in Offenburg, Germany declared, “Dynamic, Powerful, Elegant – brings an absolute passion for the dance.” JLDC has toured to Europe every two years since 2014. For their most recent tour in 2022, JLDC created a full evening to the music of Leonard Bernstein, called “Bernstein Celebration”. JLDC was honored and privileged to be one of only a handful of dance companies worldwide given the rights to use Bernstein’s music. From 2012-2016, JLDC toured to Russia, sponsored by the US State Department in order to, as they said, “bring the best in American modern dance to the people of Russia.” These cultural diplomacy tours brought the company to Vladivostok, Anadyr, Perm, Yekaterinburg, Chukotka, and Berezniki.

Jon Lehrer Dance Company is dedicated to maintaining the impact of dance through performance, education, outreach, community involvement, and collaboration. The professional dancers of JLDC work collaboratively towards a common creative goal, while maintaining and developing their own artistic voice. JLDC operates with integrity at all levels, respecting and honoring ideas from constituent groups including dancers, directors, and the public.

Kilowatt Dance Theater is a jazz dance company based in New York City. Since its inception in 2014, they have created works that specialize in the early roots of jazz dance such as swing, lindy hop, shag, charleston, and blues. These early styles of jazz are uniquely woven in with more contemporary dance techniques of today. The blend of movement along with the powerfully expressive themes they generate, creates a truly original experience for the audience. The electric energy and intensity of the dancers has been described in Broadway World as "masterful partnering with 'aw shucks' ease". Over the past few years, Kilowatt Dance Theater has performed for such notable programs as Jacob's Pillow's Inside Out Series, Battery Dance Festival, Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night's Swing, and The NY Jazz Choreography Project.

Rhythm Theory Tap Ensemble is a Florida-based professional tap ensemble. The choreography we perform is created the same way a composer would write a symphony, emphasizing different parts for each instrument working together to create one composition. The methods we use to compose, rehearse and perform come from concepts and processes in Music Theory, which gave us the idea for the name Rhythm Theory. We have performed at several choreography and dance showcases all over Florida, including the Dunedin Tap Festival and Fusion Fest in Orlando, FL. We also have many dance films and choreography videos on multiple viewing platforms that have reached audiences all over the world.

James L. Boyd III, an artist mastering choreography, pedagogy, performance, directorial and executive accomplishments, born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He continues to entertain the world with knowledge of multiple dance methods and professional styles of dance. James Boyd, is a Douglas Anderson School of the Arts graduate and received his B.F.A from SUNY Purchase College in dance and choreography. While attending school, Mr. Boyd performed works by dance giants such as, Merce Cunningham, Bill T. Jones, George Balanchine, and Paul Taylor. Since graduation he’s shared the stage and performed with Elton John, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, and Bruce Springsteen. Which led to performing around the world, as a principle artist in the technical dance company Bad Boys of Dance and Bad Boys of Ballet, which established privileges to share moments onstage with iconic dance artists, Misty Copeland, Joseph Gatti, Isaac Hernandez, Eric Underwood and Rasta Thomas. Mr. Boyd made guest appearances with Bad Boys of Dance on the hit dance show, “So You Think You Can Dance” and two television appearances as a semi-finalist on the competitive show, “America’s Got Talent.”

James Boyd obtained his M.F.A degree, in choreography, from Jacksonville University and has an intermediary perspective on the dance industry and share’s objective and subjective reason in dance to all people. Mr. Boyd is a former adjunct professor of dance for Jacksonville University and Alabama State University while currently a full-time faculty member, Lecturer of dance, for the Troy University Department of Theatre and Dance. As a leading choreographer and educator, James is honored to be resident choreographer for the professional ballet company, United Ballet Theatre led by international star and Artistic Director, Joseph Gatti. Mr. Boyd recently created a main stage contemporary ballet on United Ballet Theatre called, Quintessence, then a classical work titled, Carousel, which premiered at the Doctor Phillips Center in Orlando, Florida as an opening celebration for a new theatre, Steinmetz Hall. Next, James is choreographing an unique solo work premiering in Italy with United Ballet Theatre’s ‘Athlete of Art,’ Dominique Guerra. Then an original work choreographed and set on San Francisco Ballet’s, Katherine Barkman.

Regarding research, James Boyd is a Certified Movement Assessment Professional (CMAP) and curiously explores our Universe and Cosmos with a choreographic perspective and identifies complex movement by making connections of opposite energies: entities and methods found in Science and Dance. Mr. Boyd is known for his intermediary approach in the dance industry and sought after by movement experts curious about artistic approaches and amplification. James is an expert handling objective and subjective insight on qualitative movement and injury prevention and this approach is supported by leading scientists and anatomical specialists, to name one, such as: Dr. Lesley Parrish, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT. Together they’ve created a leading injury prevention and movement awareness program called, Dance

Movement Analysis. All research supported by Faulkner University, Troy University, and technology company, ETRAK Technologies. James Boyd, as a producer and director, produced his first dance concert for Northeast Florida in 2012 titled, “Rasta Thomas’ Rock the Ballet.” Since then, Mr. Boyd crafted, created and collaborated with Troy University to direct and produce three dance concerts titled, Vibe, Illusions and Momentum. Mr. Boyd artistically directed fifty-five artists minimum per concert along with industry leading choreographers such as, Gregory Dolbashian (DASH Ensemble), Brynt Beitman, Lloyd Culbreath (Fosse Fellow), James Kinney (Fosse Fellow), Take Ueyama (Take Dance Company), Kelsey Metz (Conservatory of Dance), Chalvar Monteiro (Alvin Ailey), Jamal White (Body Traffic), Dance Look LLC (Media Company), Michael McBride (Alvin Ailey), and Katie Breland (Artist). Mr. Boyd will be the new Assistant Artistic Director for the DAP Festival, annually, during summer months located in, Pietrasanta, Italy.

Furthermore, James is a national and international faculty member for inspiring dance entities such as, Manhattan Dance Project, on faculty for Dance Educators of America, annual faculty member for Ballet Fest as Dance Fest Productions and a board member for the Alabama Dance Council. A high-ticket remote setter and closer for the networking company, Vashti Talent and Services, a Remote Closer trained by Closers iO, a creative executive for the media production company, Dance Look LLC., and an established Keynote Speaker as a Certified Movement Assessment Professional (CMAP)

Dominique Guerra

Dominique began her training in 2010 under the direction of Carlos Agudelo and Lona Gomez at Ballet Spartanburg. There, she trained in many styles of dance including ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, hip-hop, tap, lyrical and ballroom.

At the young age of 14 she was asked to join the professional company, allowing her to expand her repertoire in numerous ballets, performing a variety of soloist roles and contemporary works. She also received training from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pacific Northwest Ballet, where she attended several of the summer intensives, greatly deepening her love for both dance and teaching. In the fall of 2020, she joined United Ballet Theatre’s company as a trainee under the direction of Joseph Gatti and has climbed the ranks each season. This summer she traveled to Italy to attend the DAP Festival where she was one of three to be chosen in the creation and premiere work by PeiJu Chien-Pott and Chien-Ming Chang, performed in the final gala performance. She also received several scholarships throughout the two weeks of attending the festival.

With an ever-expanding national and global audience, Atlanta Dance Connection is a professional dance company made up of ten ethnically-diverse artists who perform for a wide range of demographics. The company currently presents two public performances in the city of Atlanta and tours nationally and internationally, presenting a mixed repertoire of dance, drama, and live instrumental and vocal music. The current repertoire includes the ballets of Allyne D. Gartrell, Baba Chuck Davis, Richard A. Freeman Jr., Ray Mercer, Christopher Huggins, and Kevin Jackson, to name just a few.

Under the direction of Mr. Gartrell, Atlanta Dance Connection made its debut in 2010. Addressing the need for an artistic outlet for young artists, the company's mission was to present quality art, entertainment, and education in the field of concert dance. In 2004, Allyne was recognized for his contribution to at-risk youth in the Midwest by Senator Russ Feingold and was awarded the 2004 AKA Trailblazer Award for outstanding community service.

Under Allyne's leadership, Atlanta Dance Connection has taken its place as one of the leading professional dance companies in the South. In 2011 the company received the Outstanding Community Partner Award for Dance Education and the 2011 Phoenix Award, presented by Mayor Kasim Reed of Atlanta. In celebration of five years of artistic excellence, May 22, 2015, was proclaimed Atlanta Dance Connection Day by the Atlanta City Council.

Established in 1978 by Michael and Laurie Byrd, The Florida Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating forty years of dance in the Jacksonville community. Its mission is to enrich and inspire the cultural landscape of the community through the education and art of classical ballet. Numerous initiatives are utilized to advance the organization’s mission, as well as, support the promotion of dance.

The Florida Ballet’s Conservatory and Training programs provide dance education to students ages 3 through adult, beginner through pre-professional. Community outreach programs, such as after-school enrichment opportunities, in-school performances and demonstrations, serve individuals of all ages and abilities. Additionally, the organization presents over 40 classical and contemporary performances annually bringing the magic of dance to thousands in the Jacksonville area and beyond.

Founded in 2012 and located in Jacksonville, Florida, Jacksonville Dance Theatre is a contemporary modern dance company dedicated to creating and promoting excellence in the field of professional dance on local, national, and international stages. JDT is committed to creative innovation and exchange through choreographic projects, concert dance performance, movement intervention outreach, and dance education. Led by Artistic Director, Rebecca R. Levy, and Executive Director, Katie McCaughan, the company has produced 11 robust local home seasons and toured and/or appeared in festivals internationally and throughout the country. JDT sees the power of the human body as a canvas for art, education, storytelling, performance, entertainment, and wellness. With a diverse group of company members, JDT is constantly broadening its style to form new cohesive performances that reach a wide range of populations. For more information, visit: www.jacksonvilledancetheatre.org.

Marco Tacandong is a dancer, choreographer, and educator from Jacksonville, Florida who is trained in modern, contemporary and hip hop styles. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Jacksonville University where he studied various styles from the faculty and guest artists. He has participated in dance intensives and programs such as Archcore40 by Jennifer Archibald, The Artful Balance of Business and Dance by Sorah Yang, and Jacksonville Dance Theatre’s Shape/Shift Intensive. Marco was a part of a hip hop dance crew in Jacksonville called WreckLess, and Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Dance Repertory Company, danceWORKS. Being a member of danceWORKS for two years provided him with a diverse set of influences in his art and leadership skills. Throughout his career in dance, he has created, performed and produced numerous works that were presented on shows, events, and video projects. He also taught hip hop and contemporary at several dance studios in Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra with the intention to provide deliberate instruction while cultivating a fun and safe space to move and create.

John and Julia come from backgrounds spanning multiple movement diciplines. Elements of acrobatics, martial arts, yoga, and improvisation inspire this duo's style and technique. They use their creative backgrounds to form visually compelling pieces often inspired by nature, humanity, and interconnectedness. After marrying, performing together for several years, and obtaining various certifications in movement study, the duo founded Acro Fit in January 2023. At their location in the Historic Springfield neighborhood of Jacksonville, they teach weekly partner fitness classes and offer mobile personal training. They also teach workshops both locally and abroad, with a focus on partner acrobatics and performance elements. Their mission is to spread the joy and freedom that their movement studies have brought into their own lives, and encourage their students to move creatively in a way that supports longevity of their practice.

Noise Complaint presents a unique performance show that combines choreographed tap dance with improv acting and elaborate costuming to bring the audience into a rhythmic storytelling experience. We put together full-length concerts of tap dances that are all woven together through storytelling by famed and infamous characters from all corners of pop culture. Each show we perform is a unique and exciting experience the audience will not soon forget!

Three Hearts Dance, originally founded in 2013, works to create storytelling experiences with optimism, artistry, and love. Our artistry is based on life experience- the steps of our journey that have shaped who we have become. Through our collective artistry, we hope to inspire audiences to move beyond where they have been and aim toward a bold life of freedom.

Three Hearts Dance is a contemporary dance company located in Northeast Florida. Creating dance films & producing live performance events on a per project basis allows THD to feature dancers from all ages, walks of life & experience levels. Upon entering their 9th season of producing, Three Hearts Dance is more passionate than ever to ensure that every experience they create is one that is unique for every Featured Artist, dancer, collaborator, & audience member.

Based in Jacksonville, Florida - BeatFeet is a group of men and women with a love and passion for tap. Some have danced professionally, some took up dancing for the first time as an adult, and some after a hiatus, while others have performed with the popular 'Sassy Tappers' that were based in Neptune Beach for over 15 years. We are a zany mixed-bag of talent and exuberance for the art.

Our Creative Director, Peg Paschal, with some 30 years of professional musical theatre experience, has also been teaching and choreographing tap - all along the way.

Some of her favorite theatrical choreographic credits include Dames At Sea, Singing In The Rain, Nunsense, Once Upon A Mattress, Gypsy and Guys And Dolls.

In our featured soft-shoe 'You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me' - dancers include...Maria Andreoli, Euboea Brown, Thomas Fletcher, Mary Ann Graham, Minnie Ogburn, Kevin Rymes, Rebecca Rymes, Judy Spillert, Helina Tassi, Scarlet Tompkins, Junilyn Ventura and Raquel Weygan.

a season. Choreography by Alex Marques

a reason. Choreography by Ashley Aquilo

Danced by Alex Marques, Ashley Aquilo, Grey Ruff, Katie Garrepy & Ava Martus

This performance is dedicated to Sami, for fighting cancer with all her might and for trusting God with her entire heart. Please take some time to consider the families that cancer leaves in its path. If you feel moved, please support your local cancer charities that do amazing work helping the real people in these very real situations. Hug each other, too.

Kendall MacMillan is a dancer, choreographer, and filmmaker. She grew up in Jacksonville, Florida where she trained at The Florida Ballet under Linda Reifsnyder Jenkins and Roberto Forleo where she also started her choreographic exploration. Kendall is a student at the University of Utah for Ballet and Film & Media Arts where she is investigating the conceptualization of the combination of dance and film. Kendall has had the chance to dance with/for the Jacksonville Symphony, the University of Utah Symphony, dancers from The Florida Ballet, dancers from the University of Utah, Jennifer Archibald, Pablo Piantino, Meg Paul, Susan Dodge, Sayoko Kanode, and more. These experiences have shaped the way Kendall strives to move, create, and encompass her art through movement and film.

Sarava Dawson is a dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor who created Elemental Movement. Through Elemental Movement, Sarava collaborates with dance instructors and dancers who enjoy sharing their love of dance. Elemental Movement encompasses expressive, impactful movement and artistry to inspire others through inspirational and meaningful dance.

“When Tomorrow Starts Without Me” focuses on the emotions associated with death. The feelings of loss range from regret and hurt to eventually finding solace in the memories of our loved ones.

Carly Cravotta was born and raised in the beautiful coastal town of Ormond Beach, Florida. Being surrounded by stunning beaches and a vibrant community, Carly developed a deep appreciation for the arts and culture from an early age.

After completing high school, Carly was eager to pursue higher education and enrolled at the University of North Florida (UNF) where they earned a Bachelor's degree in Education.Following the completion of their degree, Carly embarked on an adventure to South Korea, where they spent two enriching years teaching English.

In 2020, Carly discovered a newfound passion for flow arts – a unique form of artistic expression that combines dance, prop manipulation, and mesmerizing movements. Recognizing the profound impact this art form had on their life, Carly dedicated themselves to mastering various flow arts skills, including fire performing.

Our mission at Malémbe Dance Company is to provide quality Latin dance instruction to the local Jacksonville community. Our main goal is to build technically strong, knowledgeable, open-minded, team-oriented and passionate dancers.

Performing Artists, Leilani Leo and Meghan Gapusan will be launching their dance fusion project, Hula Belly, exclusively at Amelia Island Dance Festival 2024.

Leilani Leo grew up as a child performer in Jacksonville with her mother’s group Kona Revue. Dancing all over Northeast Florida in traditional styles of Polynesian dancing like hula, Māori and Tahitian. Having the freedom to garner newer styles and modern approaches to her current work, she takes liberties and pushes boundaries with her joint efforts on choreography with her longtime friend, Meghan.

Having grown up with a background in Martial Arts and finding her passion for Tribal Bellydance in adulthood, Meghan Gapusan brings extraordinary grace and technique to their version of dance fusion. Her ability to create intricacies of her style fused with her more recent exploration into hula, allow for a visual representation that should not be missed.

There’s no doubt you’ll find yourself wanting to keep on dancing with these two talented performers. Experience their first time together on stage with their invented dance style, merged costuming and playful performances.

Chloe Snyder is a dedicated ballet dancer with a profound passion for the art form. She began her training at the age of 2 in Orlando, FL, studying ballet and various dance disciplines including contemporary, jazz, tap, character, and ballroom. Her love of dance prompted her to progress her training where she joined ballet conservatory programs including Aretuza's Ballerina Project, Marshall Ellis: Elite Training Program, and the Ballet Conservatory at Skyra. Throughout her years of training, she competed in an array of dance competitions including YAGP, UBC, Miami IBC, World Ballet Competition, and ADC where she won awards including top 10, top 5, gold, and platinum awards. She joined United Ballet Theatre at the age of 17 as a trainee, performing alongside the professional company in productions including The Ukrainian Ballet Benefit, The Nutcracker, Juke Box Ballets, Cinderella, Symphonic Dances, etc. She more recently trained alongside the trainees at the Florida Ballet and attended their summer intensive. She currently is a student at Jacksonville University where she was awarded a merit scholarship to the Dance program and is pursuing a BA degree in Dance and Communications. Chloe is also a 500-hour certified Pilates Instructor and enjoys incorporating elements of dance into her classes.

Amelia Island Opera (AIO), an artist-led company, was founded in 2021 by opera singers Victoria Isernia, Robyn Marie Lamp, and John Tibbetts II. When these three talented vocalists found themselves grounded as the COVID-19 pandemic froze everyone in place, they made their way to Amelia Island, Florida, where they found an arts-friendly community hungry to welcome more classical vocal music to Northeast Florida. Early performances were greeted with great enthusiasm and AIO is now headed into its third season, producing nine different programs with over 20 opportunities for our community to experience world-class vocal music. AIO's board is committed to expanding this region's support for vocal music, strengthening community partnerships, and increasing the number of performances on Amelia Island and beyond. For more information, visit our website at ameliaislandopera.org.

Ballroom On Amelia came to life in 2016 after the owner, Michelle Murdock-Martin, followed her childhood dream. Focusing primarily on social dance skills, lessons are taught on Amelia Island, at Wildlight and in Camden County, GA. In addition, Ballroom On Amelia performs in various local productions and provides entertainment to many themed events both private and public. Ballroom On Amelia is proud to return to the Amelia Island Dance Festival where we are able to share our passion for dance with both seasoned and novice dancers.

Island Aerial Danceworks offers an outstanding Aerial Arts Program to adults and children located on beautiful Amelia Island. A native to Amelia Island, Marah Lovequist-Cooper, began her aerial journey a decade ago and has participated and performed in numerous live events and productions locally. As the proud owner of Island Aerial Danceworks, Marah is honored to return for the Amelia Island Dance Festival expressing her talent in the sling and silks.

In 2022, under the visionary leadership of Tayren Way, Infamous Dance, emerged as a vibrant community dance team destined to reshape the Hip Hop landscape. Tayren started this non-profit organization to provide a space where kids could embrace and celebrate themselves and ignite innovation through dance and foster growth within the arts community. Since its inception more than 25 girls have signed up to be part of this movement now known as the Infamous Divas. Beyond their mesmerizing performances, The Infamous Divas strives to uplift other dance organizations, students and adults.

“I inspire my dancers to excel beyond what they can see. To be able to conquer every milestone presented to them. I teach and show them that with unwaveringly support, hard work, dedication and a positive attitude, you are able to achieve ANYTHING you work hard for and That is what makes a Diva”

The LaVilla School of the Arts prepares students to meet the high quality academic and pre-professional arts curricula at the high school level; to nurture knowledgeable life-long supporters of the arts; and to provide in-school and out-of-school opportunities that enhance creativity, aesthetic and critical thinking skills, self-discipline, leadership, teamwork, and an appreciation for cultural diversity.

Established in 1954, BEAN SCHOOL OF DANCE has been an award winning studio in Fernandina Beach for over 65 years!

Founded by Joan Bean and now co-directed by grand daughters, Kristin & Keeli Bean. She instilled in us that our purpose is to “teach more than just dance." Proper technique and training are extremely important to us, but we also focus on building confident, well rounded, ladies and gentlemen as well as strong performers.

At BSD we offer a diverse range of classes for aspiring and advanced dancers of all ages.

"Based out of Jacksonville, Florida, the Dancelook Apprentice Program (DAP) is an innovative performing arts program created by Carlos & Marisa Garland that instructs dedicated dance students (ages 11 - 19) who aspire to become professional artists. Several times throughout the year, this selected group of young dancers from around the U.S. get together to participate in this program for unique and challenging opportunities, experiences, and education that will enhance their technique, artistry, and professionalism. In this program, the apprentices become more inspired to pursue their talents, become more self-intuitive, gain confidence, elevate their dance & artistic skill level, and learn vital information in preparation for the professional industry. You’ll notice DAP’s acclaimed creative projects through Dancelook’s highly artistic and entertaining video productions featuring the Apprentices. To learn more about DAP, visit Dancelookllc.com."

A Chance to Dance is more than just a dance studio, we are a family of dancers who focus on growth and excellence on and off the stage. ACTD was founded in 2006 on the belief that every child deserves a chance to find their talent, motivation, and confidence in an environment that fosters growth, excellence, love, and artistry. From our little dancers of two through our graduating seniors, we focus on providing a well-rounded dance education and a staff fully committed to the ever changing art of dance. We feel that dance changes everything and we believe every child deserves a chance to dance.

Choreographer: Lexy Lee is a dancer, choreographer, and educator from Yulee, Florida who has many years of experience as a competitive dancer in all styles. She enjoys teaching a variety of styles and directing the hip hop and contemporary programs at her home studio A Chance to Dance. She has worked as a Hiphop, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Tap, and Lyrical educator for multiple performance arts centers. Her dedication and work ethic has earned her multiple titles & scholarships as well as having the opportunity to work as a convention assistant with GuiDANCE Experience, Camp Pulse, and LA Dance Magic! Over the past year she has worked closely with Julie Kay Stallcup in creating her newest program Team Julie Kay, where she is a team leader. Lexy was also invited to be apart of Tracie Stanfeild’s Construction Company for two seasons. You can find her latest work on Instagram @_flexylexy and reach her for choreography inquires at lexy.happy.jw@gmail.com. Lexy is thrilled to once again be apart of the Amelia Island Dance Festival!

A comprehensive dance school in Nassau County where you can learn seven dance styles at elite levels, have fun with your friends, perform and even train for Douglas Anderson School of the Arts or the Florida Ballet, then RAD is the dance school for you. Alexandra Carroll founded RAD as Kinderstudios in 2005. There are two locations on Amelia Island and Wildlight that host hundreds of students ages 2-100 each week learning classical ballet, modern dance, hip hop, tap, jazz and theater. We also have four dance companies performing around town.

Allison Williams, young aspiring performer, is thrilled to be a part of the prestigious Amelia Island Dance Festival and scholarship winner of 2024. Her journey in the performing arts began at the tender age of 3, when she first started showcasing her talents on the family's coffee table. Since then, her passion for the stage has only grown stronger. Currently a junior at the renowned Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Allison is dedicated to honing her skills in the world of Musical Theatre. For the past 5 years, she has been enchanting audiences across Amelia Island and the greater Jacksonville area with her captivating performances. Additionally, she has been taking dance classes for 3 years, further expanding her artistic repertoire. Allison's dream is to continue her pursuit of theatre performance and direction in the future.

Hannah Weller is an accomplished dancer with over 7 years of serious training and performance experience. She has been dancing since a young age, and has trained extensively at the renowned Royal Amelia Dance Academy for the majority of her dance journey.

For the past 3 years, Weller has been a member of the prestigious Fusion Dance Company, where she has gained invaluable real-world dance experience. As she enters her senior year, Weller sees this submission as an opportunity to authentically showcase her skills and artistry as a dancer.

Oceanway School of Dance and Performing Arts, located in Jacksonville, FL, offers a comprehensive array of classes tailored to students aged 3 and older. Our curriculum includes ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, modern, tap, hip-hop, acrobatics, drama, singing, and piano. Committed to nurturing a profound love for dance, arts, and education, Oceanway School of Dance and Performing Arts strives to provide professional training, solid technique, confidence-building, and a deepened appreciation for dance and the arts. Our students thrive in a supportive and engaging learning environment designed to foster growth in these disciplines. The school is staffed with a team of dedicated instructors holding academic qualifications who are passionate about their craft. Each year culminates in a grand dance recital and musical theatre production.