Meet Our April Instructors

Both instructors from Showcase Series 5, Jackie & Cierra, are teaching on April 7!

At AVA Dance Company, all of our weekly drop-in classes are taught by current and former professional NBA & NFL dancers or dance educators!

Click through to learn more about this month's instructors:

April 1, Pom with Jules

Julianna Rink is a classically trained dancer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She grew up training at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Lincoln Park Performing Arts High School, and graduated from Point Park University with a concentration in Jazz. She also trained at the Joffrey Ballet Chicago, Ballet Met, and Houston Met summer intensives, and has performed in works by Kate Skarpetowski, Mark Burrell, and Rocker Verastique, and many more. Julianna has also worked with Evolve Entertainment performing at places such as Heinz Field and Blake Shelton’s VIP concert event. She is now dancing professionally in the NFL as a 6th season vet and Captain of the Washington Commanders’ Command Force.

April 1, Jazz with Monica

Monica is a Boston native who grew up training & competitively dancing in jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballet, and contemporary. She was Co-Captain & Co-choreographer of the Bison Girls Dance Team at Bucknell University for two years. Currently, Monica is a third year NFL Dancer for the Washington Commanders’ Command Force. Full time, she works as a senior financial analyst in the Aerospace and Defense industry. She is thrilled about getting back into choreographing & teaching and excited about meeting & dancing with dancers in the DMV.

April 6, Pom with Louis

Louis began studying dance at the age of eight at the Dance Theatre of New Jersey. He graduated with a degree in Nuclear Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he was a member of the dance team for three years and captain for two. Louis has worked with over 1,000 high school and college dancers across the country with the National Dance Alliance as a coach, choreographer, and mentor. He has judged regional and national competitions, received national awards for choreography, and taught virtual dance classes full-time during the COVID pandemic. Most recently, Louis was named a rookie for the NFL’s Washington Commanders’ Command Force entertainment team! Louis is excited to bring over 15 years of dance experience in pom, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, ballet, and acro to the AVA Dance Community. Time to go full out fever!

April 7, Jazz with Jackie

Jackie is currently a 4th year professional NFL Cheerleader for the Washington Commanders and co-captain. Prior to going pro, Jackie attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she was a member of the Gold Rush Dance Team for four years and named Captain her senior year. Jackie has over 20+ years dance experience in various genres including jazz, hip-hop, ballet, contemporary, and pom. Fun Fact: at the end of her Rookie Season with the Washington Commanders, Jackie was named Rookie of the Year by her teammates! She brings a lot of power behind her dancing, so get ready to pump up the energy and have some fun!

April 7, Contemporary with Cierra

Cierra has been dancing for over 20 years and is trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, pom, and modern. Throughout her collegiate career, Cierra was a member of the Rutgers University Dance Team and competed on the jazz and pom teams at UDA College Nationals. In 2014, Cierra won the title of Miss New Jersey, in which she shared her dance talent with audiences all over the East Coast and was awarded the preliminary talent award three out of the four years she competed for the title. This led her to fulfill her dream of performing on the Miss America stage. She danced professionally in the NBA for the Washington Wizards for two seasons.  When she isn't dancing, Cierra leads storytelling workshops through Unlock Your Story and has completed her dissertation for her Ph.D. in education. You can visit her website at cierrakalerjones.com.

April 8, Pom with Lindsey

Lindsey is a 3X member of the NFL’s Command Force dance team and was named the team’s 2023-2024 Rookie of the Year! She graduated from Elon University, where she was a captain of the national championship-winning D1 Dance Team. Lindsey is a DMV native who grew up training and competing in various styles across the country. She’s excited to be sharing her passion for dance with this community!

April 8, Contemporary 101 with Audrey

Audrey spent 1 season as a Wizards Dancer (2023-2024) and started off her dance journey in DC by taking AVA classes!  She has trained at the professional level in countless dance styles from Dallas to Duke University to DC, but she specializes in hard-hitting contemporary, dynamic jazz, and empowering heels choreography. Audrey teaches a high-energy class that is designed to empower every kind of dancer to take on new choreography with confidence and push the boundaries of their movement quality and style.

April 12, Jazz with Wendy

Wendy grew up in a small town in Upstate New York where she began her dance career at the Marya Kennett Dance Center. Her love for dance quickly grew as she expanded her training to a variety of styles including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern, lyrical, and hip hop. She often traveled to Broadway Dance Center in NYC for classes and workshops. She graduated from Penn State University where she earned a BS in Finance and was a member of Rêve Dance Company for four years, serving on their executive board. After graduation, Wendy moved to the DMV to work full-time as a federal consultant and continued her dance training with AVA Dance Company. Most recently, she has been named part of the inaugural Spirt Crew, the official dance team for the National Women’s Soccer League’s Washington Spirit. Wendy loves sharing her passion for dance with the amazing dancers in our community and is excited to be a part of the AVA team!

April 12, Hip Hop 101 with Jaydee

Jaydee is a dancer and choreographer from the DMV. He is a former NBA Dancer for the Washington Wizards and has performed as a member of multiple local dance groups. He has choreographed HipHop, Jazz, Modern, and ballet for collegiate dance companies, dance teams, and  pre-professional dance companies. His style is energetic, full out, and FUN! Jaydee is excited to partner with AVA to create a fun experience for our dance community.

April 13, Contemporary with Rachel

As a seasoned dance educator and choreographer, Rachel brings over 20 years of dance experience. With a strong foundation in competitive dance, she specializes in jazz technique, tap, lyrical, and contemporary styles. Rachel has coached and choreographed for competitive teams, creating award-winning routines that showcase her dancers' strengths. Her passion lies in helping dancers push beyond their limits while maintaining their love for the art. With a blend of technical precision and expressive artistry, Rachel believes dance is a powerful outlet for the soul, meant to evoke deep emotions and connect us to our innermost selves.

April 13, 20 & 27, Technique Series with Olivia

Olivia Lou, a Jacksonville, Florida native received her early training from North Carolina School of the Arts. She graduated cum laude from Jacksonville University’s BFA dance program in 2011, where she had the opportunity to perform works by Jennifer Muller, David Parsons, Také Ueyama, Adrienne Clancy,and Christian Von Howard. She has toured nationally and internationally as a company member with Jennifer Muller/The Works of NewYork City, Surfscape Contemporary Dance Theatre of Florida, ClancyWorks Dance Company of D.C. , and Company Danzante of Virginia. She has been teaching & choreographing various styles and ages for 15 years including responsibilities as a Production Manager, Prop Manager, and an Assistant Director of the AD dance company. Olivia is currently based in Northern Virginia but travels nationally for masterclass & choreography opportunities!

April 14, Tap with Sydney

Sydney is an accomplished competitive dance choreographer and former Director of Apex Friendship Dance Program in Raleigh, NC. She holds a degree in Dance Education from Meredith College, where she was a member of two pre-professional dance companies, and served as co-manager for the Jazz and Tap company.

April 14, Jazz with Danielle

Danielle Tuomey holds a BFA in dance from Mercyhurst University. She is a 2X Wizards Dancer for the Washington Wizards NBA team. Other professional experiences include Toby’s Dinner Theatre; A Chorus Line, The MET; Head Over Heels, Other Voices Theatre; The Wizard of Oz, and performing in and choreographing various flash mobs for Carbone Entertainment, Inc. Additionally, she was a 2x captain of the Mercyhurst University Dance Team and is trained in jazz, ballet, pointe, lyrical, tap, modern, hip hop, & more!

April 15, Hip Hop with Taylor

Taylor Forbes has over twenty years of dance experience in the DMV area and currently teaches and dances professionally. Since the age of three Taylor has trained in the style of hip-hop, jazz, pom, modern, contemporary, majorette, heels and ballet. In addition to having both high school and collegiate level dance experience, Taylor also had the opportunity of dancing and cheering for The First Ladies of Football, and the Washington Wizards Dancers.

April 15, Heels with Lexx

With a mastery of advanced heels dancing techniques and a passion for blending hip hop, jazz, and sultry sounds, Lexxrated brings a mesmerizing experience to the floor. Known for infusing each performance with energy, elegance, and a touch of sensuality, Lexxrated brings a unique vibe that captivates audiences and leaves them craving more. She has cheered professionally for the Washington Wizards and also served as the coach for the Howard University Bisonettes Dance Ensemble. Prepare to be enchanted by the dynamic and unforgettable performances of this talented advanced heels dancer.

April 19, Contemporary with Gab

Gab is a professional dancer, born and raised in Queens, NY, but currently resides in the DMV area where she received her BA in Dance from JMU in 2019. Currently, Gab coaches competition teams, is an instructor at other local studios, and teaches at numerous workshops & intensives. She most recently performed as a background dancer at MGM’s Legendary Nights for renowned Vietnamese artists and finished her season as a modern/contemporary dancer with DanceArtTheater. She also co-founded Project Gabson in 2023 alongside her husband, Anson, with the goal of bringing together various dance styles to create unique, thought-provoking pieces. She is trained in contemporary, jazz, various hip hop styles, street jazz, modern, ballet, and improvisation. As an instructor, her mission is to engage students with rewarding dance experiences, highlighting the importance of developing their own identity through movement.

April 19, Street Jazz with Audrey

Audrey spent 1 season as a Wizards Dancer (2023-2024) and started off her dance journey in DC by taking AVA classes!  She has trained at the professional level in countless dance styles from Dallas to Duke University to DC, but she specializes in hard-hitting contemporary, dynamic jazz, and empowering heels choreography. Audrey teaches a high-energy class that is designed to empower every kind of dancer to take on new choreography with confidence and push the boundaries of their movement quality and style.

April 20, Musical Theater with Jeremy

Jeremy A. McShan is the creator/choreographer of J.A.M. the Revue, DC’s popular Top 40’s Music Concert and Dance Show. He also serves on the faculty at BalletNova Center for Dance as well at The Madeira School. He has a wide range of dance training and specializes in Jazz, Theatre and Hip Hop. He has choreographed for several theatres, amusement parks, professional sports dance teams, to name a few.

April 21, Hip Hop with Marrissa

Marrissa is classically trained in ballet and contemporary from the age of 6 at the Dance Etc. School of the Arts. Growing up, she continued her training in the Alvin Ailey summer intensives and performed with Jeoffrey Ballet in the Nutcracker. After highschool, Marrissa was a part of the James Madison University Dukettes Dance team, winning two NDA National Championships. Upon graduation, she began her professional dance career as a First Lady of Football on the then Washington Redskins and is now a captain on the NFL’s Command Force who completed her 6th season.

April 21, Street Jazz with Joey

Joey is a professional dancer from Bristow, Virginia where he started dancing at the age of 14. He graduated from James Madison University in 2017, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in dance. After graduation, Joey landed his first professional job, completing seven contracts as a dancer with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Since then, he has joined the NFL Entertainment Team, Command Force! Joey’s diverse background in dance has allowed him to gain knowledge and experiences that he is excited to share!

April 22, Street Jazz with Nadeen

Nadeen Rollins is the Director of the Washington Spirit’s Entertainment Team, The Spirit Crew! She graduated from The University of Virginia in 2021 where she was a member of The Virginia Dance Team for four years and a captain for one. She is also a former 4X NBA Dancer and an assistant coach for NBA senior dance team, The Wizdom!

April 22, Hip Hop with Nicole

Nicole is a veteran NBA Dancer, former AFL dancer, dance cardio fitness instructor and current Assistant Coach for the Washington Wizards’ Dancers. She has been dancing and performing since the age of 3, and choreographing for over 7 years. Nicole is hard-hitting and energetic but will still give you sassy and sexy vibes! Oh, and bring your crowns because you will finish her class feeling like the royal kings and queens you are. Let’s werk!

April 26, Pom 101 with Sarah

Sarah is a proud DMV native who grew up immersed in the world of All-Star Cheerleading. Her passion for dance and cheer reignited when she moved to Baltimore, where she performed for several professional teams, including the Chesapeake Bayhawks (Major League Lacrosse), Baltimore Blast (Major Arena Soccer League), and Baltimore Brigade (Arena Football League). Sarah’s dedication and love for the sport ultimately led her to achieve her dream of becoming a Baltimore Ravens Cheerleader. Beyond the sidelines, Sarah is the founder of Maryland Mindfulness and Mental Performance Counseling, where she supports clients as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She’s also a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher. Sarah’s dance style is all about high-energy precision—served with a side of sass and a whole lot of smiles!

April 26, Street Jazz with Megan

Megan is a 4x NBA Wizards Dancer and 1x Wiz Kids and Mystics Mayhem assistant coach. In Seattle, she was an NFL dancer for the Seattle Seahawks and a 4-year member / 3-year captain of the University of Washington Dance Team. She spent three years as a USA dance instructor, traveling and teaching dance teams up and down the West Coast.

April 27, Hip Hop with Ashleigh

As a former 5-time NBA dancer for the Washington Wizards and SoulCycle instructor, Ashleigh loves the way dance blends together athleticism, rhythm and the joy of motion! Her goal is to  challenge you to unlock a deeper version of yourself, while spreading positive energies and having fun in the process. Ashleigh’s music tends to lean towards high-energy, so you know every class will be a party!

When you take class with Ashleigh, expect nothing less than an energetic, hard-hitting combination that will move you past your comfort zone and leave you feeling victorious! Her class is MUCH more than eight counts and choreography, to her, it is about spirituality! She will push you to find strength in vulnerability, encourage you to tap into a deeper threshold of power and help you pull the fighter out from within. Ashleigh's love for dance started over 20 years ago and she hopes that her love radiates through her choreography and teaching style. Come join us in her upcoming class, as we celebrate our love for dance and the fabulous souls of the AVA community!

April 28, Tap with Rachel

As a seasoned dance educator and choreographer, Rachel brings over 20 years of dance experience. With a strong foundation in competitive dance, she specializes in jazz technique, tap, lyrical, and contemporary styles. Rachel has coached and choreographed for competitive teams, creating award-winning routines that showcase her dancers' strengths. Her passion lies in helping dancers push beyond their limits while maintaining their love for the art. With a blend of technical precision and expressive artistry, Rachel believes dance is a powerful outlet for the soul, meant to evoke deep emotions and connect us to our innermost selves.

April 28, Street Jazz with Julia

Julia is a 4x NBA Wizards Dancer with, including 2 seasons as fitness lead for the team. Off the court, she’s choreographed winning routines for high school pom squads and competitive dance teams, bringing her bold style to dancers of all levels. Her classes are a powerful blend of strength, sass, and sexy confidence, with a heavy dose of fun. Julia is all about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and free to move unapologetically. Her classes are high energy, feel good, and FULL OUT. Expect to sweat, slay, and leave smiling.

April 29, Jazz with Jordan

Jordan Frauenheim is a Virginia native, she grew up dancing competitively with a local studio. She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Dance and Choreography. While at VCU, she was also on her college dance team the VCU Gold Rush dancers. Where she held leadership roles including being a captain her senior year. After graduating in May of 2018, Jordan began her life-long dream of becoming a professional dancer. That dream came true in 2019 when she became a member of the then Washington Redskins’ First Ladies! Since then, Jordan spent 5 seasons dancing for the now Washington Commanders and was named a captain for both the 2022 and 2023 seasons!

April 29, Heels 101 with Marquise

With 15 years of dance experience and 11 years of transformative teaching experience, Marquise brings unparalleled expertise to every studio and stage. A proud graduate of Kennesaw State University's prestigious dance program-Georgia's largest and most acclaimed collegiate dance institution, Marquise holds a Minor in Dance with specialized training in dance pedagogy.

Versatility defines Marquise's approach, with comprehensive training spanning classical and contemporary ballet, heels, jazz, modern, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop, Afro dance, and Gaga technique, and more. Having collaborated with world-renowned choreographers, Marquise brings global perspectives and innovative methods to each class.

For the past seven years, Marquise has become a leader of the DMV dance community, nurturing technical excellence while empowering dancers to discover their authentic artistic voices. Beyond teaching steps, Marquise creates 1 of 1 experiences that build confidence, discipline, and creative expression-guiding each student toward their fullest potential.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​