Derrick decided he wanted to pursue dance as a career at the age of 13. He began training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, and hip hop at Sherry’s Dance Center in Owings, Maryland, under the direction of Sherry Dennison. He began dancing competitively and won numerous awards, including first place at ADA Nationals. In addition he was awarded numerous scholarships including classes at the EDGE. Derrick traveled to Los Angeles, California and Las Vegas, Nevada to study his craft further. He continues to study under choreographers such as Michelle Combs Smith, Baakari Wilder, Roberta Stiehm, Lucetta Furr, and Tim Roberts, to name a few. Derrick is currently a company member of Capital Movement, Inc. and has begun to teach and choreograph for individuals and groups by request.
Karla Garcia was part of the top seven female dancers in season five of Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance." The 24-year-old was born in Oxon Hill, MD. From learning traditional Philippine folk dances, she went on to dance for the National Tour of WICKED, the Broadway run of HOT FEET, and the 2009 VH1 Divas Live show behind Jordin Sparks. She is also a member of the Boogie Bots Crew (from MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew", Season 2). She has a BFA in dance and a minor in Journalism from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She is former captain of International Filipino Association at NYU's hip hop team (which branched off to become "Epic Motion"). Other credits include performing in Carnival Choreographer's Ball NY and LA, and a series of Lucille Roberts Fitness commercials. Now residing in Brooklyn, New York, Karla is represented by Clear Talent Group.
Even
with her competitive cheerleading background of 13 years, Toccara has
loved hip-hop dance since her elementary school years - where she would
gather her friends and choreograph routines for school talent shows. She
credits Janet Jackson and Bobby Brown as her early inspirations. In college,
she performed with and choreographed for the Dancin’ Divas dance
team at the University of Maryland, College Park, from which she graduated
in 2005. Toccara was thrilled to audition for Capitol Movement three years
ago, and has continued to perform, train, and teach with the company ever
since. Fulfilling her love of giving back to the community and working
with local youth, she has worked as a summer instructor for various camps
for Capitol Movement, Inc. One of her most fulfilling experiences with
Capitol Movement included being a major part of a year-long elementary
school program in Northeast Washington, DC. This program prepared Kindergarten
through 5th graders for their very first hip hop dance performance, which
occurred during intermission of the 4th Annual Capitol Movement Project’s
“Free Day of Dance” at the historic Lincoln Theatre. She has
also worked as an instructor for the Washington Mystics Mayhem Dance Team.
Toccara has choreographed for and performed with local DC artists, including
independent artist Latecia. She spent three years as a Baltimore Ravens
dancer and is currently a member of the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders.
Christina has won awards, titles, and scholarships from New York City Dance Alliance, West Coast Dance Explosion, LA Dance Force, and many more. She was also the recipient of the NAACP ACTOS regional Gold Medal Award. Still at a young age, Christina has graced many stages with her presence at venues such as The Radio One Music Awards, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Spectacular, Expressions 25th Anniversary at the Hippodrome Theatre, The Capitol Movement Project, Congressional Black Caucus Gala, Alvin Ailey's summer intensive "Summer Sizzler" show, Peabody's Spring Dance Concert, Disney World's "Stars of Tomorrow," and many more. She has worked with astounding artists such as Tony Powell, Joey Dowling, Barry Hughson, Rodger Cunningham, Cornelius Carter, Adrain Bolton, Lehanius Wilkins, Tim Roberts, Jenny Hyde, Dan Karaty, and many more. She is currently a full-time student at the University of Maryland College Park on full scholarship as a Public Relations and Dance major. Christina has been a part of the Capitol Movement Project since 2006.
Stephanie Jojokian has been fortunate to participate in many, diverse performing events. She has performed at the Kennedy Center and in New York City as a member of the modern company, Tony Powell Music & Movement, as well as at Dance Place as a member of Carla & Company. Stephanie has choreographed and performed for Master P's 504 Boys “Whodi” Video, Crystal Waters “Just Say Hey” Video and danced with Darrin Henson in his “Darrin’s Dance Grooves 2” video. Stephanie traveled to Italy, Egypt, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Germany, Portugal, Greenland, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, The Netherlands, and Spain as a dancer, choreographer, and show producer with the NBA Washington Wizards Dancers, Jojo Entertainment, LLC, and now with the NFL's Washington Redskins Cheerleaders. With the Redskins she opened for Joan Jet in Italy and choreographed for the cheerleader’s encore performance with Grammy Award winning artist, Gretchen Wilson. Stephanie has taught master classes in Tokyo, Japan and Lublijana, Solvenija as well as here in Washington DC. Stephanie is now honored to be the choreographer for the Redskins Cheerleaders and National Champions, Redskins Jr. All Stars competition team. Before that she was the director/choreographer for the NBA's Washington Wizards NBA Dancers. She studied dance at UNC-Greensboro and Alvin Ailey in New York City.
Katrina began dancing at a young age, which has allowed her to develop unique energy and an aesthetic style. She has been trained in ballet, jazz, laban movement, improvisation, funk, latin, Mexican, African, modern, and of course hip-hop. Katrina has danced for international and national choreographers such as Jawole Zo Wallar, Maru Montero, Terry Creach, Robin Harris Taylor, Don Redlich, Chuck Davis, Claire Porter, Tony Powell, Alcine Wiltz, Miriam Rosen, Peter Schmidt, Bonnie Slawson, Stephanie Jojokian and Donna Rose. Katrina is the choreographer and director for the WNBA Washington Mystics Mayhem Dance Team and the Washington Mystics Maniac Moms. She has choreographed for other venues and companies, including Urban Moves Entertainment, X-Faction, La Danza Dance Company, and the Jr. Washington Redskins All-Star Dance Team. She has also toured with the Armed Forces Entertainment for the US soldiers and with Grammy Award Winning R&B singer Monica. When Katrina is not choreographing or dancing, she is appearing in TV commercials, print, films, and theatre productions.
Nicole Klett has studied and performed dance for over 20 years, with a concentration in jazz, ballet, contemporary, and lyrical. Nicole has performed at the Kennedy Center for the 35th Anniversary Gala, at Wolftrap in the International Children’s Dance Festival, DC’s Annual Jazz and Tap Festival, and most recently with Capitol Movement, Inc. As a choreographer, Nicole combines many artistic elements to create unique shapes and stories through movement. Her work has appeared at Dance Place’s New Releases Choreographer’s Showcase, the Charlottesville Children’s Dance Festival, DC’s Annual Jazz and Tap Festival, and numerous regional events and competitions. Nicole currently teaches at Center Stage in Fairfax, VA and for Capitol Movement Studio in Washington, DC, with a focus on line, stretch, execution, and character.
Jeremy A. McShan is thrilled to be teaching at Capitol Movement. Originally from Atlanta, GA, Jeremy has an extensive background in dance; specializing in Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Greek-Style Stepping. He has taught at some of the top studios in Atlanta; Dance 101 and Studio Atlanta Dance, as well as having choreographed for many regional theatres and amusement parks. Some of his credits include: Looney Tunes Talent Show (choreographer - Six Flags over Georgia), Handel’s Messiah Soulful Celebration (choreographer - Galaxy Music Theatre), Indiana Pacers present the Ghoul Train (featured dancer – Entertainment Design Group), Damn Yankees (featured dancer – Aurora Theatre), Cabaret (Dance Captain – Atlanta Professional Theatre), dancer for national gospel recording artist Destiny Praise, and most recently he has traveled the seven seas performing in award-winning shows with Carnival Cruise Lines.
Brianne began dancing at the age of three at Lee's School of Dance in Butler, Pennsylvania, where she studied Cecchetti ballet, jazz, acrobatics, tap, pointe, and lyrical. At Penn State University, she performed with the Orchesis Dance Company and spent four years on the Lionettes Dance Team. Since moving to the DC area to pursue a career in systems engineering, dancing has continued to be a big part of her life. She spent three years with the Washington Wizards Dancers, and is in her second year as an assistant director for the re-named Wizard Girls. She has graced the stage of the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra, and is now proud to be a performing company member and instructor with Capitol Movement, Inc.
A graduate of Cuba’s prestigious National School of Art Instructors, OSCAR ROUSSEAUX was recognized early in his career as one of Cuba’s leading cultural promoters, a talented teacher, and a gifted performer. After dancing for five years with Compañía Folklórica Cubana JJ , one of Cuba’s premiere folklore troupes, Rousseaux left Cuba in 1997. Since then, he has traveled across the Americas and to various European countries, perfecting his art, mastering the traditional batá drum, and developing a subtle awareness of the folkloric roots common to all Latin American and Caribbean countries. After arriving in Washington D.C. in September 2003, Rousseaux rapidly incorporated himself into the local arts scene, drawing attention not only for his energetic and invigorating classes but also for his colorful, engaging choreographies and his charismatic performances. He has received kudos for his work as Director and Choreographer of ALAFIA Dance & Drum, the folkloric ensemble that Rousseaux leads through a broad repertoire of Cuban folklore and Latino dance. The company, which grew out of Rousseaux’s earlier and widely applauded efforts with the Latin American Folk Institute’s AshéMoyubba ensemble, has been praised as much for its singing and live percussion as for its dancing. Rousseaux and the ALAFIA ensemble have performed at venues around the DC region, including the Smithsonian, Dance Place, Dance Africa, Artscape (Baltimore), Dance DC, as well as at embassies and consulates, various educational institutions, Latino and African cultural events, and a series of neighborhood and folkloric festivals. In 2007, the Maryland State Art’s Council recognized Rousseaux’s achievement in dance and choreography with an individual artist award. As a Master Instructor, Rousseaux has provided workshops and residencies at both the grammar, high-school, and collegiate level and participated in the Washington Performing Arts Society’s teaching-artist program as well as the after-school program at Baltimore’s Port Discovery. Rousseaux gives regular classes in batá drumming, Afro-Cuban and Afro-Haitian dance, traditional Cuban rhythms such as the Rumba Cycle, and all popular forms of Latin dance, including salsa, Rueda de Casino , merengue, chachacha, bolero and many more.
Jae Scott was born to a military family in California, and was raised all over the world. He developed a passion for dance after entering a talent show in fourth grade. Much to his surprise, he won first place for a dance that he had choreographed to a Michael Jackson hit. The response from the audience was remarkable, and from that day forward Jae dedicated much of his time to entering talent shows, taking dance classes, and performing whenever possible. Although moving from state to state every few years could have held him back, Jae never wasted any time finding dance classes and auditions in his new surroundings, putting his heart and soul into every dance step. Today Jae lives in the DC area, which is home to some of his favorite dance companies including Capitol Movement, Inc. and Culture Shock. He has auditioned for many top-notch choreographers including Laura Edwards, Luam, and Andre Fuentes. Jae has a diverse dance background and a strong interest in hip-hop. Recently he has entered freestyle competitions for companies including Monsters of Hip Hop. Jae is currently a choreographer and 2nd year company member of Capitol Movement, Inc.
LaTonya Swann has been a member of Capitol Movement, Inc. since its inception in late 2005. She started off as a 13 year old professional member, then continued on to become an intern. Currently she is a teaching assistant to CMI Kidz, a choreographer and hip-hop instructor for CMI Studio, an instructor for CMI’s youth outreach program, and a marketing assistant. She took a few ballet classes as a child, but didn’t start training to be a dancer until she was 12. With hardly any team experience, she became a member of the Jr. Redskins All Star Dance Team. This opened many doors for her including the opportunity to perform in four National Championships. LaTonya has also performed with the Washington Mystics Mayhem, Future Shock, and at some very elite events including the Radio One 25th anniversary in 2006. These various opportunities have allowed her to perform at many different venues throughout the United States including San Diego, California (at the Annual Culture Shock Showcase), the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Kennedy Center, Fed Ex Field, the Verizon Center, and the First Mariner Arena. LaTonya is currently scheduled to go on a Promo Tour with local recording artist Joey Salinas in October of 2009. Additionally, she instructs a Club Dancing Class at the K Street Lounge in Downtown DC, and is featured in many of the print ads for Capitol Movement LaTonya’s choreographed works include a piece in the recent 2009 DC Dance Festival, Jr. Redskins All Star Dance camps, a performance by the Dr. Henry Wise High School Repertory Dance Ensemble at the National High School Dance Festival in 2009, and the Prince Georges County Secondary Dance Showcase in 2008 and 2009. She regularly teaches and choreographs at Dr. Henry Wise, the high school from which she recently graduated. She is now pursuing her Bachelors in Dance and Psychology at the University of Maryland on a full scholarship.
Luis is from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and is in his seventh season with The Washington Ballet. A soloist and later principal with Ballet Arizona, he danced with the company for six seasons after performing as a soloist with Ballet Theatre of Annapolis in Maryland. During this time, Mr. Torres performed in both classical and contemporary ballets. In addition, roles have been created for him by a number of choreographers including Moses Pendleton, Ib Anderson, Dwight Rhoden and Alonzo King. Mr. Torres began his training in his native country of Puerto Rico under the direction of Elizabeth Calero before transferring on scholarship to Point Park College in Pittsburgh, PA. Mr. Torres completed his bachelor degree of interdisciplinary studies in dance and psychology at Arizona State University.
Lauren Tyler has been a part of the Washington metropolitan dance community for the past 20 years. Growing up, Lauren studied under Joni Reese, at the Wheaton Studio of Dance, where she was trained in ballet, modern, lyrical, tap, jazz, and hip hop. She was fortunate enough to perform at various events and venues around the country, as well as competing in national dance competitions. While in college, Lauren was a member of the University of Maryland Dance Team, and also performed in the 2nd annual Capitol Movement Project. Since her graduation in 2007, Lauren has enjoyed teaching and taking various dance classes in the area, as well as performing at various venues, as a member of X-Faction Dance Company.
Viktor has been dancing since before he can remember. His family would say he danced before he could walk. His performance credits include: Crossroads Dance Project, DC Youth Ensemble, and Arlington Youth Street Theatre under the direction of Carol Foster, X-Faction and the Life, Rhythm, Move Project. Viktor performed in the first and third annual CMP concerts and is now a resident choreographer with an astounding four pieces of work in this year's concert. He was also the coach of the Arlington All-stars, taught for Joy of Motion, Expressions Dance Theatre, the Washington Redskins Jr. All-stars, and the Jr. Wizards.
Ashley
grew up in the metropolitan DC area where she trained and competed as
a member of various studios over her first 18 years in the region. Her
training includes ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary jazz, lyrical, modern,
hip-hop, and tap. She participated in summer intensive trainings studying
under instructors Adam Parsons, Mandy Moore, Dee Caspary, Doug Caldwell,
Frank Hatchett, and Rhapsody James. Ashley has received a number of awards
in her dance career including winning a regional Miss Starpower title
and dance training scholarships from New York City Dance Alliance and
L.A. Dance Magic. In addition to being a CMI company member, Ashley is
currently a Washington Redskins Cheerleader, teaches at several dance
studios in the DC area, and choreographs for a number of studios and local
dance and cheer teams. She is a former member of X-Faction Dance Company,
which performed at annual events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival,
“Taste of DC”, WPGC’s “For Sister’s Only”,
WKYS’ “Lifestyle’s Expo”, appearing on BET, TV
One, FOX Channel 5. The company also worked with artists including Mya,
Pink, Monica, Prince, and Rachel Panay. Ashley is a summa cum laude graduate
from the University of Tennessee where she received her B.A. in Spanish
and political science, and was a member of the UDA National Champion Dance
Team from 2002-2006.
C. Russell, a native Californian has been dancing all his life. Relocating to the Washington DC/Metro area in 1998 enabled him to make the move towards dancing professionally. He has choreographed and performed with local artists Jo’Vann, Trenitii, and was a back up dancer for Ki’Mani on Wild Out Wednesdays on 106 and Park. C. Russell taught in local dance studios (Wheaton Studio of Dance) and teaches part-time at area gyms (Results the Gym and Bally Total Fitness). In 2007, C. Russell had the privilege of being Associate Artistic Director for Dissonance Dance Theatre’s premier season. Currently, C. Russell is performing with The Capitol Movement Project for the third year and is excited to be joining Culture Shock Washington, DC for its seventh season as a core dancer. He describes his performing over the last ten years as “opportunities that have inspired me to be a better man and grow tremendously as a confident dancer, performer, and choreographer. I know that when I’m dancing, I can let go. The stage is one of the places where I have no doubt about who I am.” C. Russell currently resides in Washington, DC.
Amber
is the Co-Vsionary of Capitol Movement, Inc. She earned the prestigious
Certificate of Dance from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New
York City where she performed with the student reperatory company. She
also earned and AA in Dance from Miami Dade College where she was a scholarship
student and earned a BS in Health Education from the University of Maryland.
Amber’s company work includes: Co-founder and Assistant Director
of the award-winning Urban Moves Dance Company, Artistic Director and
choreographer the Bally Total Fitness Dance/Fitness Team, founding member
of Culture Shock Washington DC, choreographer and dancer with the Adrenaline
Dance Company, dancer with Miami Dade's Orchesis Dance Company and dancer
with Jam Crew. She has also made several appearances with Grammy Award
winning artist Monica, local recording artist Treniti, and worked with
Robin S on the "Show Me Love" video. While living in New York
Amber appeared in a movie titled “Closing Notice,” featuring
legendary choreographer, Donald Byrd. In recent years, she filmed five
Yoga videos for Bally Total Fitness, two fitness videos for MJ Express,
and starred in her own kids hip-hop instructional video. She has worked
with international choreographers like Lee Martino and Andre Fuentes and
choreographed and directed youth dance teams for the NBA Washington Wizards
and WNBA Washington Mystics basketball teams.