Meet Our May Instructors

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:

May 3, Street Jazz 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.

May 3, Contemporary 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.

May 4, Pom 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.

May 5, 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.

May 5, Contemporary 101 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.

May 6, Pro Style Heels 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!

May 6, Pro Style Hip Hop 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!

May 10, 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!

May 10, Hip Hop 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.

May 11, 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.

May 11, 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.

May 12, Hip Hop with Marcel

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.

May 12, Street Jazz with Kayo

Kayo’s passion for dance began at the age of two. She started competing at the age of six, and she sustained her competitive career for twelve consecutive years. Outside of the competition world, Kayo has performed on multiple stages such as the Apollo Theatre, in New York City, and the Kennedy Center, in Washington D.C. Kayo has trained in six genres of dance which include Russian Ballet, Cecchetti Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz and Lyrical. During her competitive years, numerous titles have been achieved, including the 2010 Miss Legacy award. In 2010, Kayo attended Marshall University, where she became a member of the Marshall University Dance Team. After holding the captain title for two years, she decided to extend her dance career after college. In 2014. Kayo was selected as a member of the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleading Team, where she entertained thousands of fans for four years. Today, Kayo shares her talents at local studios and continues to soar in her entrepreneurial journey.

May 13, 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.

May 13, 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.

May 17, Jazz 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.

May 17, 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.

May 18, Street Jazz 101 with Leah

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.

May 18, Pom with Melanie

Melanie Jerome was born and raised in Eldersburg, Maryland. She began dancing when she was three years old. Melanie attended Baltimore School for the Arts where she had intense ballet and modern training everyday. After graduating from BSA, she received a dance scholarship to George Mason University. There she earned her BFA in Dance, graduating with “Outstanding Achievement in the Major”. Melanie graduated in the “glorious” year of 2020 which she actually considers a blessing in disguise. She took the opportunity to spontaneously audition for the Tennessee Titans Cheerleading Team and was fortunate to join for the 2021-2022 season. Becoming an NFL Cheerleader has opened so many unexpected doors including choreographing for the DUKE Dancing Devils and is now the Assistant Coach for Mount St. Mary’s Dance Team. Melanie is so happy to be back in the DMV teaching, choreographing and of course smiling with so many dancers.

May 19, 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!

May 19, 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!

May 20, Pro Style Pom 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.

May 20, Pro Style 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!

May 26, Hip Hop Pom Fusion 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!

May 26, Birthday Street Jazz with Leah

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.

May 27, Pro Style Heels with Ayanna

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.

May 27, Pro Style Hip Hop with Keyante

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.

May 31, Jazz with Kyla

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 3X NFL dancer for the Washington Commanders Command Force. Prior to making the Command Force, she performed with AVA at FedEx Field!