Master Classes
The goal of the PYDF Master Classes is to expose students to genres of dance from across the world. This will further enhance their knowledge and appreciation of dance culture. PYDF hires Philadelphia based teachers, building a relationship with the younger generation of dancers. All of the teachers are connected with a Professional Company and /or University exposing the young dancers to the professional world of Philadelphia Dance. This, in turn, creates support on a professional level and builds a younger generation of audience members for the dance community.
2019 Guest Teachers
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Scholarship Class- Marie Brown
Marie Brown, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, moved to Philadelphia in 2005 after graduating from Radford University with a BFA in Dance. While in Philadelphia, she had the honor to work with a variety of companies and independent artists such as Scrap Performance Group, Group Motion Dance Company, MacArthur Dance Project, StoneDepotDance Lab, Chisena Danza, Beau Hancock, Jodi Obeid, and Olive Prince Dance. She has recently returned to Philadelphia after graduating with an MFA in Dance Performance from The University of Iowa and is most recently working with Chisena Danza and Megan Bridge. She is currently an adjunct professor at Temple University and has taught at Bryn Mawr College, Montgomery County Community College, and Philadelphia Dance Theater. She is Pilates Certified and teaches at various places in Center City Philadelphia.
Afro Cuban Dance- Leilani Chirino
Leilani Chirino started dancing at the age of three at the Conservatorio de las Artes de Conchita Espinosa, a Cuban arts academy founded in Havana, Cuba. She later became principal dancer for the company of Ada Linares, specializing in flamenco, ballet, and modern dance. In college, she studied Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Cuban modern dance. While training in the classical dances at school, she was raised in Afro-Cuban religions at home, exposing her to the music and dances from an early age. Professionally, her goal has been to promote Afro-Cuban culture, dance, and music. Since moving to Philadelphia, she has performed at the Koresh Artist Showcase, the Koresh Come Together Dance Festival, the Painted Bride, World Café Live, Fringe Arts, the Museum of Art, and the Barnes Foundation. She has also taught and performed Cuban social dances at dance congresses in San Francisco, New York, and Atlanta. She is currently an instructor of Afro-Cuban dance at Urban Movement Arts in Philadelphia.
Patricia "Peaches" Jones
Patricia “Peaches” Jones is a movement artist specializing in dances and rhythms of the African Diaspora. She has been honored to study diasporic movement, rhythm, and culture for over 20 years with amazing artists and teachers from Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Cuba, Brazil, and the United States. Peaches currently performs with Kulu Mele, Philadelphia’s premier African dance ensemble and FlyGround, a movement performance company founded by Lela Aisha Jones. In addition to performing, Peaches works as a teaching artist cultivating classes and workshops for youth and adults. She has worked with many organizations including Bryn Mawr College, Musicopia, Community Education Center, and Pennsylvania Ballet.
Yoga- Alex Holmes
Alexandra Holmes is Philippine-born and Philadelphia-based. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Yoga Therapy at Maryland University of Integrative Health. Alex obtained her B.F.A. in Dance & Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2002, and became E-YRT 200 certified in 2006. Her experience in dance and varied studies in yoga and anatomy make her approach innovative, dynamic and healing. Her classes are some of the most sought out in the Philadelphia area.A grateful student of Shiva Rea, Marni Sclaroff, and Kofi Busia among others, Alex has been training teachers, offering privates, workshops, sequencing immersions and international retreats since 2007. She teaches public classes at Three Queens Yoga and Maha Yoga.
In 2005, Alex had a brief but involved encounter with cancer. She tries to remember how to enjoy life, and teaches yoga from a place inside her that hopes to inspire others to remember the same, and connect to more of the “good stuff” in life. When she’s not teaching, Alex loves the company of her beloved family and friends, being at the beach, traveling, reading, and eating chocolate.
In 2005, Alex had a brief but involved encounter with cancer. She tries to remember how to enjoy life, and teaches yoga from a place inside her that hopes to inspire others to remember the same, and connect to more of the “good stuff” in life. When she’s not teaching, Alex loves the company of her beloved family and friends, being at the beach, traveling, reading, and eating chocolate.
Contemporary Technique- KC Chun
KC Chun holds a MFA in contemporary dance and composition from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a B.A. in Latin American studies from Trinity College. Prior to joining NPL in 2015, Chun served as the company manager for the Pasión y Arte Flamenco Company, during which time they produced the first Philadelphia Flamenco Festival. Chun co-directed the Drink to This! summer arts program for emerging artists in Hartford, and is currently working as an Artist Collaborator with Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities exploring the arts as an extension of advocacy with and for people with disabilities. Chun has taught contemporary dance technique, composition, and the Alexander Technique on the faculties of the Pig Iron School for Advanced Performance Training, Drexel University, Temple University, and Bryn Mawr College, and has been commissioned eight times to create new work for students at Drexel University, West Chester University, and Trinity College.
She is the artistic director of the project-based company freshblood, whose choreography has been presented at the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts in collaboration with Pasión y Arte Flamenco Company, in addition to NeXus/University of Colorado at Boulder, Aspen Dance Connection, Packing House Center for the Arts, Dairy Center for the Arts, Cool New York Dance Festival, DUMBO Dance Festival, Brooklyn Arts Exchange, the Merce Cunningham Studio, Norristown DanceFest, and the Philadelphia FringeFestival. Her professional performing credits include the choreography of as Susan Rethorst, kim olson/sweet edge, Maedée Duprès, Sara Hook, Cynthia Oliver, Judy Dworin Performance Ensemble, Guillermo Ortega Tanus, and Jessica Warchal-King.
She is the artistic director of the project-based company freshblood, whose choreography has been presented at the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts in collaboration with Pasión y Arte Flamenco Company, in addition to NeXus/University of Colorado at Boulder, Aspen Dance Connection, Packing House Center for the Arts, Dairy Center for the Arts, Cool New York Dance Festival, DUMBO Dance Festival, Brooklyn Arts Exchange, the Merce Cunningham Studio, Norristown DanceFest, and the Philadelphia FringeFestival. Her professional performing credits include the choreography of as Susan Rethorst, kim olson/sweet edge, Maedée Duprès, Sara Hook, Cynthia Oliver, Judy Dworin Performance Ensemble, Guillermo Ortega Tanus, and Jessica Warchal-King.
Contemporary Technique- Beau Hancock
Beau Hancock is an independent performer and choreographer based in Philadelphia. He earned an MFA from Temple University, where he was a University Fellow and Rose Vernick Choreographic Achievement Award recipient. He also
holds a BA in Dance and American Studies from the University of Kansas, and was a founding member of the Bowery Dancers, a Lawrence, Kansas-based movement collective. In 2009, he won the Cleveland Art Prize/Kathryn Karipides Scholarship, a national prize for summer dance study. As a performer, Beau has had the pleasure to work with Ben Munisteri, Douglas Dunn, Ellen Cornfield, Merian Soto, Nichole Canuso, Bronwen MacArthur, Kun-Yang Lin, subcircle, and Megan Bridge <fidget>. As a choreographer, he frequently collaborates with Eleanor Goudie-Averill as the
company stone depot, most recently presenting at Movement Research in NYC. His own work has been shown at the Flea Theater, the Painted Bride Arts Center, Christ Church Neighborhood House as a part of the Point of Departure Series, and the International Dance Day Festival in Byblos, Lebanon. His honors include a nEW Festival Artist Residency, a Dance USA/Philadelphia Polish Exchange Residency, the Ellen Forman Memorial Award from Drexel University, and a Greater Philadelphia Dance and Theater “Rocky” Award. He has taught at Rowan University, Temple University, Franklin & Marshall College, Muhlenberg College. He is an Assistant Professor of Dance at Stockton University.
holds a BA in Dance and American Studies from the University of Kansas, and was a founding member of the Bowery Dancers, a Lawrence, Kansas-based movement collective. In 2009, he won the Cleveland Art Prize/Kathryn Karipides Scholarship, a national prize for summer dance study. As a performer, Beau has had the pleasure to work with Ben Munisteri, Douglas Dunn, Ellen Cornfield, Merian Soto, Nichole Canuso, Bronwen MacArthur, Kun-Yang Lin, subcircle, and Megan Bridge <fidget>. As a choreographer, he frequently collaborates with Eleanor Goudie-Averill as the
company stone depot, most recently presenting at Movement Research in NYC. His own work has been shown at the Flea Theater, the Painted Bride Arts Center, Christ Church Neighborhood House as a part of the Point of Departure Series, and the International Dance Day Festival in Byblos, Lebanon. His honors include a nEW Festival Artist Residency, a Dance USA/Philadelphia Polish Exchange Residency, the Ellen Forman Memorial Award from Drexel University, and a Greater Philadelphia Dance and Theater “Rocky” Award. He has taught at Rowan University, Temple University, Franklin & Marshall College, Muhlenberg College. He is an Assistant Professor of Dance at Stockton University.
House/Street Dance- Gary W. Jeeter II
Gary W. Jeter II began dancing in 1997 at Pebble Brook High School for the Performing Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, where he graduated in 1999. Gary attended the Ailey fellowship summer program and received a full director’s scholarship to the University of the Arts where he graduated in 2003 with a BFA in Dance. After graduation, he was asked to join Philadanco where he was a principal dancer from 2003 to 2007. Gary has also worked with Fernando Bujones & Eddie Shellman in addition to dancing with Eleone Dance Theater. Mr. Jeter danced with Complexions Contemporary Ballet from 2007 to 2014, and is now an artist in residence for the company. Gary has set works for The University of the Art, Eleone Dance Theatre, Philadelphia Dance Theatre, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Gary danced with BalletX from 2014 to 2018. Mr. Jeter is presented on faculty at The University of the Arts, Koresh Dance Center and other dance institutions throughout the Philadelphia area.
House/Street Dance- Aaron Mitchell
Born and raised here in Philadelphia, Aaron is a senior undergraduate student at Temple University currently working toward his B.F.A. in dance. A late bloomer, Aaron began his classical training at the age of 19 here at Boyer. During his time here he trained intensely in the Vaganova technique, Horton, Jazz, African, and the Umfundalai technique. he has worked in many companies including Eleone Connection, Grace 2, and Philadanco 2. He has had the privilege to work and learn from artists such as Kip Martin, Dara Meredith, Troy Powell, Kun-Yang Lin, and Dr Kariamu Welsh. At 21, Aaron developed a love for Hip Hop. He is currently apart of the Hip Hop community and competes regularly around the East Coast. He has worked and trained with the likes of legendary icons such as Kyle and Dinita Clark, Rennie Harris, Brian Green, and Kim Holmes to name a few. Aaron has been working with JUNK since this Summer and is excited to be apart of their 2018 Holiday Series.
Philadelphia Youth Dance Fest 2018 Master Class Highlights
Philadelphia Youth Dance Fest 2017 Master Class Highlights
Philadelphia Youth Dance Fest 2016 Master Class Highlights
Philadelphia Youth Dance Fest 2015 Master Class Highlights
2018 Guest Teachers
Scholarship Class-Marie Bown
Contemporary- Megan Mazarick & Tara Madsen-Robbins
African- Shaness Kemp & Jeannine Osayande
Pilates- Jennifer Morley
Indian- Anwesha Dutta
Contact Improvisation- Curt Haworth, Brandi & Vuthy Ou, Shannon Murphy
2017 Guest Teachers
Contemporary- Daniel Mayo
Caribbean- Adanna Jones & Sanchel Brown
Hip Hop- Clyde Evans Jr.
Dance Injury Prevention- Shannon Murphy
2016 Guest Teachers:
Contemporary- Shannon Murphy
Eclectifunk- Charles Tyson Jr.
Flamenco- Elba Hevia y Vaca
2015 Guest Teachers:
African Dance: Jeannine Osayande
Ballroom Dance: Kate Rast
Contemporary: Colby Damon
2014 Guest Teacher:
Contemporary- Chloe Felesina
Scholarship Class-Marie Bown
Contemporary- Megan Mazarick & Tara Madsen-Robbins
African- Shaness Kemp & Jeannine Osayande
Pilates- Jennifer Morley
Indian- Anwesha Dutta
Contact Improvisation- Curt Haworth, Brandi & Vuthy Ou, Shannon Murphy
2017 Guest Teachers
Contemporary- Daniel Mayo
Caribbean- Adanna Jones & Sanchel Brown
Hip Hop- Clyde Evans Jr.
Dance Injury Prevention- Shannon Murphy
2016 Guest Teachers:
Contemporary- Shannon Murphy
Eclectifunk- Charles Tyson Jr.
Flamenco- Elba Hevia y Vaca
2015 Guest Teachers:
African Dance: Jeannine Osayande
Ballroom Dance: Kate Rast
Contemporary: Colby Damon
2014 Guest Teacher:
Contemporary- Chloe Felesina
