top of page
Search

Meet Our August Instructors

Updated: Jul 31


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


In August we are excited to welcome 2X Washington Wizards' Dancer Doug as our our newest instructor! Additionally, we're thrilled to have Jessie back for a drop-in class as she's visiting the East Coast from California! Jessie spent 5 seasons dancing for the Washington Commanders' Command Force and was honored as the team's Pro Bowl Cheerleader in 2025.


Our Summer Pro Dance Workshops continue on August 23 with a Hip Hop Pro Dance Workshop with Christie Horan, Head Coach of the NFL's Command Force dance team!


The 2-week long version of AVA 101 also returns this August! Learn more about this beginner friendly series here.


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


August 2 & 9, Heels 101 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.

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.

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.

Kyla has been dancing for 17 years. She grew up dancing on a competition team and has trained in a variety of styles including jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, and pom. Kyla has performed as one of the group headlining acts at World of Dance Philadelphia and performed with the headlining acts in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. She has also assisted choreographers in various cities. Kyla is a 4X NFL dancer for the Washington Commanders Command Force. Prior to making the Command Force, she performed with AVA at FedEx Field!

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.

Lindsey is a 4X 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!

Meredith Foley is a Southern California native trained in jazz, contemporary, jazz funk, hip hop, tap, ballet, lyrical, and pom. She began dancing at the age of 2 and started competing at age 5. Meredith trained at the Orange County School of the Arts in the Commercial Dance Conservatory for six years before continuing her dance career as a four-year member of the Villanova Dance Team. She is currently in her second season as an NFL cheerleader for the Washington Commanders.


Throughout her career, Meredith has performed on some of the nation's biggest stages, including Madison Square Garden and Disney's D23 Expo, and has appeared in special performances featuring artists such as Natasha Bedingfield and Matthew Morrison. Her passion for dance, performance, and community continues to drive her both on and off the field.

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.

Doug Green is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator from Maryland. After spending his high school years dancing competitively, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance and Choreography from Towson University.


Since graduating, Doug has taught dancers of all ages in both studio and public school settings throughout Maryland. As a choreographer, his work has received multiple choreography, overall high score , and Best in Show awards at regional dance competitions as well as an Industry Dance Award for Outstanding Performance in 2023!


In 2025, Doug  joined the Washington Wizards Entertainment Team as a professional NBA dancer and is entering his second season with the team. He has also had the honor of dancing for the Washington Mystics and artists such as the C+C Music Factory. 


Doug specializes in commercial hip hop and street jazz and is passionate about helping dancers build strong technique, confidence, performance quality, and a genuine love for dance.

Megan is a 4x NBA Wizards Dancer and 1x Wiz Kids and Mystics Mayhem assistant coach. During her final season with the Wizards Dancer, she held the title of Captain! 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.

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!

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.

B. Marcel Smith’s interest in the arts began after performing in Missoula Children’s Theatre’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk in Bern, Switzerland. After moving back to the U.S., Marcel was cast as a Principal Dancer in Debbie Allen’s Alex in Wonderland at the Kennedy Center. After graduating from Penn State University with a B.A, in Theatre, he continued to pursue musical theatre being involved in a revival of Rent the Musical in the tri-state area. In 2018, Marcel made history as the 1st male dancer and captain of the 1st coed NBA dance team, the Washington Wizards Dancers; spending 5 seasons with them. Marcel has been an educator for over a decade and currently serves as a Performing Arts teacher and A/V Technician at Georgetown Day School in Washington D.C.

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.

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.

Avonie Bell is a 2x NFL dancer with the Washington Commanders’ Command Force Dance Team. Prior to her NFL career, she performed alongside artists including Doechii, Jennie of BLACKPINK, Lil’ Kim, DaBaby, and more. She is so excited to share knowledge and experience back with her DMV community!

Joey is a professional dancer from Bristow, Virginia and a 3X NFL dancer for the Washington Commanders’ Command Force! 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. Joey’s diverse background in dance has allowed him to gain knowledge and experiences that he is excited to share!

Keyante is a former 4x NBA Dancer for the Washington Wizards, Wiz Kids & Mystics Mayhem Coach, Teacher & Choreographer. He also spent 1 season with the Portland Trail Blazers Dancers. He has choreographed a dance scene for the television show “Chad” on the TBS Network, a dance scene for the television show “Shrill” on the Hulu network and helped coordinate a rage scene for the movie “Metal Lords” on the Netflix network. He is the former Director, Founder and President of the Dance Theatre Company Black Cultured Performing Arts, which ran from 2017-2021 in both Columbus, OH & Portland, OR. He has been actively acting and dancing, as well as choreographing, writing and directing productions for the past 13 years.

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!

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!

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!

Christie Horan is a dance coach and choreographer based in Washington, DC. She specializes in hip hop, jazz, and pom—what she calls the Pro-Dance Style. Christie recently completed her third year as Head Coach and fourth overall season coaching the NFL Washington Commanders’ Command Force.


Before coaching, Christie spent six seasons as an NBA Dancer for the Washington Wizards (2014–2020), serving as a Captain and Co-Captain for three years. Prior to dancing professionally, Christie graduated from the University of Kentucky, where she earned a business degree and danced on the Kentucky Dance Team for four years, competing at UDA College Nationals from 2011–2014 and leading the team as Captain her senior year.


Beyond coaching, Christie is a fitness entrepreneur, community builder, and marketing coordinator for a DC-based nonprofit. Her mission is to inspire women to feel strong, confident, and empowered every day through movement.

Jessie is a graduate of both the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and Point Park University, where she received a BFA in dance performance. She has danced professionally in the NFL for 5 seasons with the Washington Commanders’ Command Force, was named a captain for the 2023 & 2024 seasons and was the team’s 2025 Pro Bowl Cheerleader!

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 7th season vet and Captain of the Washington Commanders’ Command Force.

Leah has been dancing and sharing her passion for dance with others for over 30 years. Leah was born and raised in Long Island, NY where her dance career started. In college she led her college dance company and choreographed routines that won leading scores in competitions. After college, Leah danced professionally for the Washington Wizards for three seasons, serving as co-captain of the team during her third season.  During her time dancing professionally for the NBA, she won Rookie of the Year, was chosen to represent her team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the NBA 3x Events; Atlanta, Georgia for the annual All P-R-O Dance Convention; as well as New York City for the 2015 NBA All Star Events. Leah has always loved sharing her passion of dance with her community and is grateful to continue to provide so many dance opportunities to our dancers here in the DMV through AVA Dance Company.

Jackie spent 4 seasons as a professional NFL Cheerleader for the Washington Commanders, with her final season holding the title as 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!

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.

Brittany is a professional dancer with over 17 years of training in the areas of hip hop, jazz, pom, and heels. She’s been featured in live shows, music videos, and concerts. Credits: NBA’s Washington Wizards Dancers (5x NBA dancer, 2019 co-captain), Raheem DeVaughn, Wale, Jason Cerda, and Old Dominion University's Dynasty Dance Team (4x College dancer, 2011 captain). Brittany currently choreographs for dance studios, high school/university dance teams, privates, and events throughout the DMV. She also teaches virtually to anyone looking to take their make-up skills to a PRO level. When Brittany’s not dancing she’s working in the field of technology as a Program Manager.

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.

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 fourth 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.

Ayanna is a former 4x NBA dancer for the Washington Wizards. She began her dance career as a competitive dancer before attending Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC. Ayanna attended Marshall University where she was on their dance team for 3 years. She has over 20 years of dance experience in multiple styles such as hip hop, jazz, tap, ballet and contemporary.

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.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


Comments

Commenting on this post isn't available anymore. Contact the site owner for more info.
Purple AVA Dance Company logo, a dance studio in the Washington DC area

Thanks for subscribing!

  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Youtube
  • Facebook

© 2016 AVA Dance Company LLC

bottom of page