National Dance Day 2024

African Dance led by Ericka Squire

Join us for an exhilarating Afro Modern Dance Community Class, where tradition meets contemporary movement in a vibrant, inclusive environment. The class blends the rich, rhythmic foundations of Umfundalai with codified modern dance techniques, creating a high-energy experience that combines grounded movement, intricate footwork, and powerful expression.

Ericka Squire is a dynamic choreographer and dance artist shaping the cultural landscape of Palm Beach County through her creative body, Ericka Squire//The Dance Company. Her work, enriched by global explorations, professional artistry in dance companies, and cultural mapping, delves deep into the bodily intellect and personal narratives of her performers, capturing and expressing the nuanced stories of the body. As the Founder and CEO of Natural Movers Foundation Inc., a nonprofit committed to nurturing and supporting the local arts community, Ericka fosters artistic growth, supports professional artistry, and enhances community engagement. Currently, she serves as an adjunct professor of dance at Palm Beach Atlantic University and as a guest resident dance artist at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. 

Theater Dance led by Ashley Bachner

This workshop will focus on musical theater choreography with an emphasis on style!

Ashley Bachner‘s professional career has spanned over 20 years during which time she has appeared on Broadway as a featured performer in FOSSE, working with such luminaries as Gwen Verdon, Anne Reinking, Ben Vereen, Chet Walker and Bebe Neuwirth. She was a featured dancer for LYRICS AND LYRACISITS and SONGS OF JEROME KERN at the Tish Center, and CELEBRATIONS OF TAP where she worked side by side with Tarik Winston. Regional credits include: TOMMY , SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS , JAZZ ON JAZZ at Jacob’s Pillow and SINGING IN THE RAIN. Television credits are highlighted by THE CHAPPELL SHOW, LAW AND ORDER, THE TONIGHT SHOW and GOOD DAY LA. 

Everybody Dance led by Kori Epps

Let’s move! In this class all levels and all ages are celebrated. No technique necessary. Music and group instructions will inspire connections between body and soul, creativity and community. 

Kori Epps holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Wisconsin and Bachelors of Arts in Dance, and Communication from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She performed as a dancer in the Demetrius Klein Dance Company – Palm Beach County’s first modern dance company – for over fifteen years, also serving as Associate Artistic Director and Marketing Maven. Her technical foundations are ballet, modern dance, and dance improvisation. She specializes in creative dance, along with dance integration – using movement and dance to teach academic concepts. Kori has taught in Palm Beach County since 2010, believing that everyone can dance. She is currently on the board of the Natural Movers Foundation. 

Hip Hop led by Larry Albright

This workshop will consist of a Hip Hop party vibe.  We will introduce and learn some of the newest and older party dances to have fun with at your next event.  Bring your sneakers and be ready to get down! 

Larry Albright Graduated with a BA concentrated in Hip Hop culture from Rutgers University and has been teaching, dancing, training and performing for 20+ years.  He has had the pleasure of choreographing for artists such as Sean Kingston “Fire Burning,” JRand “Ride,” & Black Dada “Imma Zoe”. He has also been featured as an opening act for such artis. Though he loves to perform, his passion lies in teaching. His teaching experience is quite extensive, having taught all over the country and abroad. He teaches all levels from elementary to collegiate and professionals and has conducted master classes for many conventions including Dance Educators of America, Dance 4 Life (Bahamas), Pick the Stars International (CAN), and UDX Hip Hop Convention. His latest projects include being one of the choreographers for the crowd immersive & energetic productions of “MOTO” PALM BEACH NIGHTS” “KOORAZY” & “CASE FILES” presented by Loud Live Productions. Currently, Mr Larry teaches dance for the school district of Palm Beach County, The Greene School and Palm Beach Atlantic University. Most recently, Mr. Larry can be seen performing in and Choreographing the opening of the Palm Beach Film Festival’s SSOF as well as music videos for recording artists GAWVI and Blanca. 

Horton Technique led by Samantha Cyprian

This workshop will teach participants the basic fundamentals of the Lester Horton modern dance technique. The class will consist of studies to stretch and strengthen different areas of the body. These beginning level studies will include flat backs, primitive squats, lateral stretches, release swings, leg swings, deep lunges, and T positions. Simple combinations will also be taught to culminate movement taught in class. introduce musicality, dynamics, and a culmination of movement and to the beginning dancer’s vocabulary. 

Samantha Cyprian, founder of Soul Movement LLC, is a native of West Palm Beach, Fl. She began her dance training at The Academy of Ballet Florida under the Artistic Direction of Marie Hale. While at the Academy, she worked closely with Ballet Florida’s professional company where she was provided the opportunity to take classes and perform alongside them. Samantha attended dance programs at North Carolina School of the Arts and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She graduated from Dreyfoos School of the Arts. Samantha obtained her Lester Horton Pedagogy certification under the supervision of Ana Marie Forsythe, Chair of the Horton department at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She has taught the Horton technique at various schools and dance studios throughout Palm Beach County. Her passion for dance and community was manifested through her dance studio, Soul Movement, along with Soul Movement’s performance company, Soul Stage Dance Ensemble. 

Advanced Ballet: led by Steven Caras

Steven will conduct an advanced ballet class, emphasizing throughout, the critically important rhythm and musicality he garnered under the watchful eyes of some of the world’s greatest instructors including George Balanchine, Stanley Williams, David Howard, and Jerome Robbins (among others).   

Steven Caras was invited to join the New York City Ballet at the age of eighteen by its legendary founder, George Balanchine. Over the next fourteen years, Caras performed in numerous works by both Jerome Robbins and Balanchine, who, noting Steven’s added gift in photography, doubled up on his encouragement.  Today, Steven Caras is regarded as one of the most prolific photographers in dance history.  He is the subject of the Emmy Award-winning documentary, Steven Caras: See Them Dance, and remains active in his guest speaking, teaching, and photography work. His exhibition, CARASMATIC: Through the Lens of a Dancer, is currently on display at the Kravis Center. 

Country Fusion Line Dance led by Kristi J. Moynihan

Kristi will be teaching a few of the popular beginner line dances that are done at Renegades nightly. Guests of all ages are able to participate, no boots required! 

Kristi is the lead line dance instructor from Renegades in West Palm Beach.  She started line dancing when she was 13 and since then has branched out into all types of country dancing.  She has teaches lessons in line, country couples, and west coast swing, as well as competed in both couples and teams events.  She has been teaching for over 20 years at Renegades and across the country at various events.    

Jazz Funk led by Herman Payne

Come experience this power-packed, master class workshop and dance to dynamic new music found in today’s pop, dubstep and R&B sounds incorporating movements from various dance genres for a funky style that is both fun and expressive. From ballet, modern, hip-hop to lyrical, Jazz Funk incorporates movements from other dance genres and wraps it into a funky style that is both fun and expressive. Class begins with a series of warm-ups that will strengthen your core, develop flexibility and prepare you for later class combinations. Across-the-floor dance steps and a special combination in center will give you an opportunity to flash those jazz hands!

A BFA graduate of The Juilliard School, , Herman Payne has performed with the Aspen Ballet and has also appeared in The International tours of Fosse and West Side Story, 9 to 5 on Broadway, The New York City Center Encores’ production of The Wiz, House of Flowers, Pajama Game, Radio City Christmas Spectacular (2000 – 2012) and Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Special. In addition to Michael Jackson, Herman has worked with Mariah Carey, Usher, Mya, Destiny’s Child, Whitney Houston, Deborah Cox, Thalia, Tony Moran, Lisa Lisa, Kevin Aviance, Love INC and Camp LO. Payne has choreographed industrials and corporate events and has been a faculty member for numerous summer intensives, including Miami City Ballet, Springfield Ballet, Performance Edge and The Theatre Arts and Minds.  

Official National Dance Day Routine led by Dakayla Wilson

Learn the official National Dance Day routine from Dakayla Wilson, an 18-year-old artist, dancer, and choreographer originally from Tampa, Florida. She is signed with Clear Talent Group LA & NY and living in Los Angeles, California, pursuing dance professionally. Dakayla is a recent graduate of CLI Conservatory Y3, and she is the newest Runner Up of Season 18 of So You Think You Can Dance. This past year, Dakayla traveled with Streetz & Intrigue Dance Convention as an assistant, sharing her love for dance with dancers from all over the country.