Guest Instructors

Christinagrady InstructorCHRISTINA GRADY was born and raised in a small suburb of St. Louis, MO.   Her love of entertaining started with her first dance class at age 2. From there she grew to develop a love for all the arts: singing, acting, dancing, and musical theatre.  Christina has toured the world dancing for artists like: Lady Gaga, P.Diddy, Mariah Carey, Nicky Minaj, Will.I.Am, Ne-yo, Enrique Iglesias, Space Cowboy, Keri Hilson, Cassie, Avril Lavigne, Jody Watley, many Disney/Nickelodeon stars & more. She can be seen in countless TV performances such as the Super Bowl 51 Half Time Show, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, MTV VMAs, Saturday Night Live, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, American Music Awards any may more! Christina also has a passion for teaching and to spread her knowledge of the entertainment industry and “What it Takes” to be a part of it and maintain success. She feels passionate about bringing back what it “really” means to dance, the benefits knowing the history of dance brings, and what “true” performing as an individual entails. Christina looks forward to spreading her knowledge of the entertainment industry to both the existing and upcoming generations!

 

Gianna Martello InstructorGIANNA MARTELLO Gianna Martello is a performer, teacher and choreographer from Pittsburgh, PA. Her raw talent and intensive training under the direction of Abby Lee Miller and the faculty at the ALDC earned her regional and national high score awards as well as numerous titles. At 16, Gianna began choreographing routines alongside Ms. Miller as well as on her own which led her to discover her passion for teaching and choreography.Gianna has been on faculty at the ALDC for 12 years and has been a guest instructor around the world and judge on competition circuits. Her award-winning routines have earned her regional and national titles, overalls and choreography awards. Balancing her academic and dance opportunities with great success, Gianna graduated from Point Park University in 2011 with a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations. Most recently you can see Gianna’s choreography in the movie, “Dance-Off,” Go90’s ‘Crashed’ series and music and dance videos for Alexx Calise, Meghan Trainor, Todrick Hall, Nia Frazier, Kendall Vertes, and MackZ. You can also catch her choreography every week on Lifetime’s hit reality series, "Dance Moms."

 

Mia Michaels InstructorMIA MICHAELS has turned dance into unique works of passion & beauty on both stage and screen. In 2015, Mia joined forces with a dream team for the hugely successful Broadway musical Finding Neverland. Mia choreographed the 68th Tony Awards featuring Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson. In 2016, Mia directed and choreographed the celebrated Summer Spectacular featuring the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. She also served as a guest artist & mentor for Broadway at the White House, hosted by Michelle Obama. Included in Mia’s diverse experience is the critically acclaimed New York based dance company, RAW; for which she was the founder, artistic director, & choreographer. On television, Mia has served as an ever-popular judge & contributing choreographer for Fox’s award winning TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” (SYTYCD). Not only has Mia won three Emmy awards for Outstanding Choreography for the television series SYTYCD, but she was also made huge contributions towards the show receiving the “Best Reality TV Show” award at the 2008 Reality TV Show Awards. She has numerous other TV and movie credits.  Mia has had the privilege to hold faculty positions at prestigious institutions of dance around the world including Alvin Ailey & the Joffrey Ballet. Mia continues to teach inspirational master classes worldwide known as Mia Michaels Live (MML) where dancers are taught to move from the inside out. Mia has a way of touching each human she encounters with passion, emotional expression, confidence, and self-love. Mia continues to use her influence, platform and her voice to be a champion of change in the areas of body image, self expression & acceptance, gun violence prevention and safety, women’s empowerment & equality that promise to have an impact and leave a legacy for future generations to come.

 

Brianrabenda InstructorBRIAN RABENDA formally was the Owner/Artistic Director of Award winning, and nationally recognized B-Discovered Dance Company in Chicago IL. After a decade of owning/developing his own company he has transitioned into a freelance teaching career.  At 15 years teaching experience, Brian continues to strive, share his knowledge, and personal experiences with his students-providing not only exceptional technique fundamentals but also to develop a strong work ethic. His choreography/training has won dancers countless awards, including top scores, and many national titles. His students have gone on to the countries top Universities and Conservatories such as USC, Juilliard Summer Program, Boston Conservatory, ChuThis, and University of Arizona. Along with training dancers Brian is a master adjudicator for top conventions and competitions around the country. Brian is known for pushing his students to their ultimate potential, allowing them to flourish in and out of the classroom. His movement comes from his heart, creating, and refining works of art to share with his audience.