Phoenix Dance Competition

The faculty is here.

Full Name: Menina Fortunato

Bio

Founder of The Business of Dance and director of The Hollywood Summer Tour, Menina has over 30 years of experience in the dance and entertainment industry. Her credits include *America’s Got Talent, The X Factor, Dance Moms, Star Trek: Enterprise, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, MADtv,* and the *Latin American Music Awards*.

She has performed with artists including Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Paula Abdul, Carrie Underwood, Maluma, Luke Bryan, Earth, Wind & Fire, MC Hammer, Rain, and Luis Miguel. As a producer, choreographer, educator, and mentor, Menina continues to inspire and guide the next generation of dancers.

The Faculty is here.

Full Name: Jeff Dimitriou

Jeff Dimitriou is widely recognized as Canada’s artistic architect and the definitive designer of the total spectacle. An internationally award-winning creative director, filmmaker, and powerhouse choreographer, he has shaped some of the biggest moments in modern pop culture, television, and global theater. His staggering on-screen choreography credits include Schitt’s Creek, over 20 seasons of the legendary Degrassi franchise, the global dance hit series The Next Step, Netflix’s Bet., The Kids in the Hall, Warehouse 13, UnReal, and fan-favorites like Odd Squad and Blue’s Clues & You!, alongside blockbusters like The Twilight Saga films, Mirror Mirror, Sucker Punch, Carrie, and Rosie.

Dimitriou has brought his signature movement to the stage for legendary music superstars like Jennifer Lopez, Jon Secada, and Tegan & Sara. A massive force in musical theater, he has choreographed major productions worldwide, including Mamma Mia!, The Phantom of the Opera, Newsies, Cabaret, Cinderella, The Rocky Horror Show, and the world-touring mega-hit Return to Grace. From directing stadium crowds for the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremonies, the Pan American Games, and the NHL Classic to coaching Olympic Bronze Medalists Piper Gilles & Paul Poirier and World Ballroom Champions, his visionary direction is unmatched.

He is the recipient of the prestigious Visionary Award, presented by Cineplex at the CEA Awards, as well as honors from the World Choreography Awards and Dance Magazine Awards. His critically acclaimed film Stigma has captured over eight international film festival awards. Having traveled the globe conducting master classes, workshops, and conventions, Dimitriou brings an unmatched wealth of industry knowledge, motivating and elevating the next generation of artists and athletes worldwide.

The faculty is here.

Full Name: Kevin Scheitzbach

Bio

Kevin Scheitzbach is a professional dancer, choreographer and instructor born and raised in Brampton, Ontario, Canada and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. He specializes in Hip Hop and Jazz Funk but is trained in various street and technical styles.

Credits include Taylor Swift, Ice Spice, Florence + the Machine, The 98th Acandemy Awards with Kpop Demon Hunters, Paula Abdul, Coachella with 88Rising, Tauren Wells, Reve, Priyanka, Austin Mahone, Avril Lavigne, A Very Jonas Christmas, Disney’s Spin, Sneakerella, Disney’s Zombies 2, The Next Step.

In 2019, Kevin competed at the World IDO Hip Hop Championships in Germany and got the bronze medal in small groups and placed 9th overall in Hip Hop Duos with his brother, Michael Trey.

Kevin has adjudicated, taught and assisted at various competitions and conventions. He currently teaches regularly at Movement Lifestyle and Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles.

Kevin has danced on both the international and national level and is very passionate on sharing and teaching the knowledge he has gained through his many experiences.

The faculty is here.

Full Name: Tara-Jean Popowich

Bio
Tara-Jean Popowich is most known for winning “So you think you can dance”-Canada Season 2. Since the show she has been based out of NYC, LA, London, and India. During her time in NYC she was “Carly Rae Jepsen’s” Choreographer and dancer seen on “Jimmy Fallon” and “Live with Kelly”. Tara-Jean is also seen in Pharrells music video “Happy”, “Turn it up” and “Excel” American tour, “Groove Street productions” Canadian tour, choreographer for “So you think you can dance” Ukraine and special guest performer, choreographed and performed for Ballet Africa, IDS instructor in Madrid Spain, yearly performer with “SYTYCD” USA All-stars in China, is 1 of 6 featured dancers in a feature film based in Scotland, with choreographer Stacey Tookey. Recently TJ was living in India and made top 6 as the celebrity on “Dancing with the stars”-season 7. TJ was named one of the “hottest top 12 convention teachers” in the U.S in “dance magazine”. Tara-Jean is seen in Calvin klein’s, “Dance in my calvin’s” campaign. Also seen in Shanias “swinging with my eyes closed” video. She is an official judge for “world of dance” in Poland. As well as an official ambassador for “MOVE IT” the biggest dance event in the UK. 28,000 dancers from around the world. Where she will be teaching, performing, autograph sessions, and photo sessions. Recently Tara-Jean directed and choreographed for the famous hand to hand acrobat’s “Charolette an Nicolas” from France’s got talent. Receiving bronze at the biggest circus event in Monaco. Dancer for the famous brand “Brietling” seen dancing in this year’s New York fashion week. Star dancer and choreographer for the famous “Mary Kay” productions.

The faculty is here.

Full name: Caleb Agno

Bio:
Caleb Agno is an artist and teacher born in California, raised in Lake Country, B.C,. Caleb moved to Vancouver at 17, with the intention of seeking out many opportunities to grow and train. Today, he is a proud alumni of Harbour Dance Centre’s Intensive Training program and The Source Dance Company. He has traveled to compete internationally in IDO competitions, and as a member of both TwoFourSeven Company and K.I & Co. Beyond that, he has done swing and background work in productions by Netflix and Lionsgate Television, worked as a choreographer and performer for Reine Des Fleurs dit Poeme, done skeleton crew and performance work with PRP Productions inc., and has put his own work on stage as an artist for Chris Bonus’ Sounds in a Dark Room and Kevin Mand’s 𝘔𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘴. Caleb strives to be true to his unique voice and outlook as an artist, and wishes to inspire others to do the same.

Davi Rodrigues, Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer of Lamondance, is a Brazilian-born Canadian citizen known for his high-energy, immersive dance approach. He studied Physical Education at the Universidade Católica de Brasília and danced with Aplauso Cia de Dança for 5 years under the artistic direction of Junior O’hara. Davi choreographed eight full-length shows for Cia Criatividança, his own company, which he directed for 13 years before moving to Vancouver, BC, earning numerous awards. He moved to Vancouver in 2008, joining Lamondance as a dancer and guest choreographer, and has been the Artistic Director for the past 14 years. Under his leadership, Lamondance Arts Society was incorporated, and the company became a leading training program and professional dance company for emerging dancers.

Davi’s recent works include “IELE,” “How It Ends,” “VIVA,” “Black Feather,” “Before Dawn,” “Behind the Veil,” “Soul Searching,” “Flesh and Blood” and the upcoming “Nothing Really Matters.” His choreography is performed by prominent Vancouver dance schools and has won awards in Canada and the U.S. He founded the Lamondance and Friends Gala, now in its 13th year, celebrating the local dance community.

Davi was a mentor, judge, and choreographer at prestigious dance festivals and was a faculty member at the International Dance Seminar in Brasília. He served on the artistic committee for Vancouver’s Royal City Youth Ballet. Known for his unique style and optimism, Davi supports and challenges artists, contributing to dance communities worldwide.

Jessa is a Canadian-born professional dancer, choreographer, and movement coach based in Los Angeles/Vancouver. With over a decade of experience across Canada and the United States, she has built a versatile career spanning stage, screen, and commercial work.

Throughout her journey, Jessa has toured globally for four years with Maluma and has performed alongside artists including Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, French Montana, and Jesse McCartney, among others.

Her on-camera credits include Britney Ever After (Lifetime), Freaky Friday (Disney), The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix), DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (The CW), Lucifer, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, and Riverdale (The CW)... As a commercial and print talent, she has worked with brands including Harry Winston, New Balance, Sport Chek, L’oreal, Mountain Dew, MAC Cosmetics, The Westin, and Revolve.

Jessa is passionate about education and artist development. Known for her positive, high-energy teaching style and strong command of both camera and live performance, she helps dancers and emerging artists refine and elevate their creative potential.

A faculty member at Timeless Studios and a sought-after educator across Canada, Jessa is focused on connecting with new talent and developing the next generation of performers. Respected by choreographers and creative teams, she is recognized for her talent, professionalism, and ability to bring creative visions to life with impact and heart.

From a very young age Liz knew she needed dance to be a part of her life.
Her career has allowed her to experience a wide scope of what the industry has to offer.
She started performing with Princess Cruises, travelled to Tokyo, Japan where she was part of the featured pas de
deux couple in “Encore!” at Tokyo Disney Sea, and also Egypt and Israel performing in a show tour for the Canadian military.

Liz was able to exercise all of her skills in dancing, acting and singing when the love of the stage drew her to the world of musical theatre. Throughout her career she got to play a wide variety of characters. In Theatre Calgary’s production of “Anne of Green Gables”, The Arts Club
production of “Spamalot”, and a dream come true performance in the North American Premiere / Toronto
Mirvish production of “Dirty Dancing” she performed as ensemble and 1st “Baby” understudy.

Liz can be seen on various episodes of the CW Network’s “Hellcats” as a featured dancer, and as Ashley Tisdale’s dance double. As Maggie Lawson’s dance
double in the musical episode of “Psych”, a featured dancer in ABC’s “Once Upon a Time”, Nickelodeon’s “Jinxed”, “The Layover”, NBC’s “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” and Paramount’s “Rise Of The Pink Ladies”.

Transitioning to the world of choreography, Liz began by assisting choreographers on So You Think You Can Dance Canada. She was also part of the creative team for ‘Reefer Madness”. Liz’s choreography can be seen on Super Channel’s “When Calls the Heart” and ABC’s “Once Upon a Time”, she was the personal dance coach for award winning actor Domhnall Gleeson for the feature film Crash Pad and most recently directed the opening and closing numbers for Air Canada Vacations national
corporate tour.

Liz loves to share her passion for what she does with pre- professional and professional dancers across North America via master classes, adjudicating and choreogrpahy.