The Rock Center for Dance

Galina Dorodnova, Geissendoerfer, originally from Moscow, Russia arrived in fall 1996 in New York as part of the contemporary art show “Nellie Show”. She absorbed New York’s dance world, studied Modern, Jazz, and other contemporary techniques. In New York, she was first introduced to the Pilates’ technique, Yoga and Floor-Barre by Zena Rommett. In 1999 Galina was awarded a full scholarship and full-time membership with the New Dance Group, a Broadway-based modern and classical dance company. She also danced with the Tina Croll Company, Eric Dunlap’s Forward Theatre, and participated in the NY Fringe Festival among others. In 2000 she went back to Moscow for 2 ½ years to teach at her Alma mater the Jazz O.K. School of modern techniques and Jazz. She specialized in teaching kids and young adults, which Jazz O.K. is world-renowned for. She also started teaching Pilates, studied to become a certified Personal trainer through the Swedish school Sports Lab at the Moscow Sports University. In 2009 She moved to Las Vegas. Here Galina was successfully working for different pilates studios. Since 2010 she has been a Pilates instructor for Cirque du Soleil. working for Ka, Mystere, Zumanity.

A Chicago native, studied first with Larry Long of the Ruth Page Foundation, then accepted a scholarship to Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York City and subsequently joined the DTH company. He became a principal dancer in 1983 and ended a 27 year company career as Premier Danseur in 2004.

Known for his versatility, Mr. Williams’ repertoire encompasses ballet, jazz, African and contemporary idioms. His leading roles include Balanchine’s “Allegro Brilliante”, “Agon”, “The Four Temperaments” and “Who Cares”; Jerome Robbins’ “Fancy Free”; Glen Tetley’s “Voluntaries” and “Dialogues”; Iago in Jose Limon’s “Moors Pavane”; Baron Samedi in Geoffrey Holders “Banda”. Albrecht in “Giselle”, Siegfried in “Swan Lake”, “Le Corsaire” Pas de Deux, Dwight Rhodens’ “Ave Maria”(original cast) and “Twist”.

As a principal guest artist, Mr. Williams has performed with London’s Royal Ballet at Covent Garden, the International Ballet Festival in Cuba, partnered Cynthia Gregory in the “Gala of Stars” in Bilbao, Spain and starred in many international galas. He has worked with Complexions, Dances Patrelle and Fugate/Bahiri Ballet NY, creating critically acclaimed, original roles with them as well.

Mr. Williams made his film debut in “The Cotton Club” and starred in the Emmy nominated “A Streetcar Named Desire” which was broadcast over the PBS series Dance In America, as well as the Peabody Award winning “Firebird”, which was broadcast over PBS in the Kennedy Center Tonight Series. He was also featured in the Motown 30th Anniversary Special as well as numerous other television appearances and commercials.

In 1998 Mr. Williams made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award winning musical “Ragtime”. In 2000 he was principal guest artist in the New York City Ballet/Dance Theatre of Harlem collaboration for their Diamond Project dancing the principal roles in Robert Garland and Robert LaFosse’s “Tributary” and Balanchine’s “Agon”. He was featured in the national tour of “The Phantom of the Opera” and most recently with “Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular” at the Venetian Resort and Casino.

Mr. Williams’ teaching credits include; Company teacher for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Cedar Lake Ensemble, Celine Dion: A New Day, Nevada Ballet Theater and Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater. School instructor for Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey, Ballet Academy East(NYC) and The Dance Center@ Keith Kleven Institute(Las Vegas). Guest Teacher for Marymount College and Florida State University among others. He was also personal trainer for Keanu Reeves for the film, “Devil’s Advocate”.

Eric received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education from University of the Arts; double emphasizing in Modern Dance & Choreography. Immediately after completion of his undergraduate program, he was invited to join the world renowned Koresh Dance Company under the direction of Artistic Director/Choreographer/Founder Ronen Koresh. Here he received opportunities to work with and perform works by pioneers in the dance community including: Donald Byrd(Spectrum Dance Theatre, Color Purple Musical), Robert Battle (Battleworks, Alvin Aliey American Dance Theatre) and Ohad Naharin (Batshava Dance Company) to name a few.

Choreographically, Mr. Bean has been given the opportunity to create work for several companies as well as hold faculty positions in various national and international dance programs including University of the Arts and Dance Bermuda; American Ballet Theatre’s only international dance program. In 2011 he founded Jaricco.Dance: A Contemporary Dance Company (currently based in Bermuda) that focuses on providing opportunities for local and international dance artists to network and collaborate while presenting work of artistic excellence found on the international stage.

With an interest in finding a common reality or “commonality” in which the dance artists and audiences can relate, Eric Bean Jr. uses his choreography to explore the constant evolution of his artistic curiosity.

 

Johanna Sapakie’s passion for dance and love for choreography have always played an important role in her life. Her diligent work ethic and dedication to the craft have gotten her far in the ever-expanding worlds of dance and entertainment. While coming from a strong ballet background, Johanna is an athletic dancer schooled in a variety of forms including jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, tap, modern, partnering, point work and aerial acrobatics. She was trained from a very young age and has worked with such master teachers as Joe Tremaine, Debbie Allen, Liz Imperio, Marguerite Derricks, Wade Robson and Savion Glover.

More recently, on the performance side of her career, Johanna has been involved in many projects on stage and on camera including the newest Cirque Du Soleil shows in Las Vegas “Michael Jackson ONE” with Jamie King and “Viva ELVIS” with Vincent Paterson, the Arabesque Festival at the Kennedy Center, “One Love...” with Franco Dragone, “Songs of Soul and Inspiration” with, among others, Debbie Allen, Queen Latifah and Chaka Khan, MEIFF with Otis Salid, The Mexican Billboard Awards with Liz Imperio, The MTV Movie Awards, Slime Time Live, Radio Disney Live, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, New Year’s Eve Live at Mandalay Bay, the first animated ring tone for “Boom di Boom di”, the lead female pole acrobat in Kevin Stea's music video “Domino”, Jazz Dance World Congress 2001-2004 & 2007, “The Professional Dancers’ Society Benefit” with Dick Van Dyke, “Steps in Time” for Disneyland, the grand opening of “The Highlands” with Alex Magno, “The Closing“ and “Bound” with Terry Beeman, the Hysterica Dance Company with Bubba Carr, “NY’s Performance Outlet” with Dee Caspary, Gucci, Redken, Volvo and Tarbell Realty industrials, a Rhino Records Commercial, photography for the Dance Resource Center and much more. Johanna has been a member of Liz Imperio’s Instincts Live Media Dance Company which has toured throughout the U.S. and Europe and Mark Meismer‘s Evolution Dance Company.

With her choreography, Ms. Sapakie has worked on So You Think You Can Dance, “Miley Cyrus: Live in Concert 2009”, “The Gioi Tinh Yeu” with ASIA Music Group, “Michael Jackson: A Tribute to the King of Pop” and “Michael Jackson at B.B. King’s Club”, Jean Ann Ryan cruise lines, “Viva Los Dodgers” at Dodgers Stadium, the Upper Manhattan Lounge, “Jazz Dance L.A.”, promotional showcases for EMI recording artist Oryon, and choreography for professional dance companies, studios and schools around the world and much more.

Also, Johanna has been an associate choreographer for Madonna: The Confessions Tour and Madonna: The Reinvention Tour, “Q'Viva: The Chosen” with Jamie King for Fox and Univision, “Latin on Ice” for NBC, “Your Mama Don't Dance” for Lifetime Television, Filippa Giordano: The Prima Donna Tour, Premio Lo Nuestro, the Latin Grammy Awards, the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the feature film “Dus”, industrials, burlesque shows, animated ringtones, showcases and performances for recording artists Jennifer Lopez, Olga Tañon, Aventura, Jenni Rivera, Los Tigres Del Norte, Nonny and Alexandra Monir and routines for the Los Angeles Clippers, to name a few.

Along with performing and choreographing, Johanna takes much pride in her teaching. While always trying to expand her horizons, she teaches all forms of dance including jazz, lyrical, ballet, hip-hop and tap. She has taught at studios all around the world for children and adults of all levels and abilities. Johanna also enjoyed teaching as part of the LADF and Hollywood Vibe convention faculties. She is currently sharing her knowledge and love for dance at Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood and The Rock Center for Dance in Las Vegas, as well as many other places.

Most recently, Johanna has found a new love in the world of aerial acrobatics including tissu, lyra, straps, hammock, pole and cube. She has already performed all over North and South America and the Middle East and is excited to add these new media to her credits. She can be seen as a featured acrobatic performer twice nightly in “Michael Jackson ONE” by Cirque Du Soleil at Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas.

With over 45 years of experience as a tap and jazz performer, Ken Bell is a passionate educator in the art of tap dance. For more than 25 years, Ken has taught tap classes and workshops around the world with a commitment to motivate his students through encouragement and a positive dance environment.

Some of Ken's notable stage performances include the Warner Bros. 50th Anniversary Celebration as the lead tap dancer, Cotton Club Review, China National Summer Showcase and the 41st Academy Awards.

He made numerous television and film appearances during his acting career with parts in General Hospital, Peyton Place, Don't Blame You and Together Brothers. Ken appeared in commercials for Pepsi, Bell Telephone, Sears and Polaroid - just to name a few. Ken shares the knowledge he learned from some of the biggest names in tap dance including Gregory Hines, Willy Covan, Eddie Brown, Paul Kennedy, and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Originally from San Diego, CA, Moses began intense gymnastics training in Tucson, Arizona under the direction of Yoichi Tomita in 1982.

In 1984 Moses accepted an athletic scholarship to Arizona State University. He was an integral part of the success of the 1986 NCAA National Team Championship. Later that year Moses won the silver medal in the Floor Exercise in the 1986 USA National Gymnastics Championships. Plagued with shoulder injuries throughout his career Moses retired from competitive gymnastics in 1992.

Upon retirement, Moses began performing in the entertainment industry in Family Entertainment shows at amusement parks such as Sea World of San Diego, Legoland, MGM Grand Theaters Amusement Park, Harrah's, and also performed in specialty acts for the Ice Capades.

Moses moved to Las Vegas in 1997 and began working in the Golf Industry while teaching tumbling and gymnastics for local dance schools and gymnastics gyms.

Moses now serves as an AKC (American Kettlebell Club) Coach and WKC (World Kettlebell Club) Fitness Instructor.

Moses is married to Quinn Callahan.

Quinn Callahan is the director and founder of The Rock Center for Dance. She is privileged to have enjoyed dance as a career for over 25 years. Ms. Callahan danced through a variety of work including concert/contemporary dance company, commercial dance companies, corporate and commercial productions, cruise line productions, musical theatre/broadway shows, theme park productions, live stage, film and video. Quinn is a founding member of the renowned River North Chicago Dance Company. A long time member of Actors’ Equity Association, Ms. Callahan has performed featured dance roles in many musicals including My One and Only, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat, George M, Singin’ In the Rain, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, 42nd Street, Crazy for You, Camelot... Originally from Chicago, Ms. Callahan came to Las Vegas in 1999 as the lead dancer and dance captain for Lasting Impressions. She has since danced and choreographed shows in Chicago, Atlantic City, and Las Vegas.

As an educator, Ms. Callahan has had the opportunity to teach hundreds of dancers for over 20 years. Quinn has been teaching in the Las Vegas dance community for 8 years. She has earned respect along with a reputation for excellence. Ms. Callahan wrote a syllabus and teaching program for the largest dance conservatory in Nevada. She, along with her husband, created a conditioning program as a supplement to a dancer’s training, designed to give the dancer optimum strength and flexibility. Ms. Callahan has received the “Choreography Award” from several National Competitions. She received 2 awards for “choreographic excellence” from Starpower Dance, of which 6 were given out of 900 entries. Her choreography has been described as “rhythmic, breathtaking, fun and fresh”. Quinn’s students and choreography have received numerous title and overall high point awards. As an educator, Quinn is dedicated to teaching the importance of training, giving the dancer more freedom to explore the pure joy of dance. Ms. Callahan was an honorary judge for Dance Masters of America.

Shawn Hughes has a professional background which includes both classical roles as well as contemporary work. A former soloist with the American Ballet Ensemble and the West Coast Ballet Theatre, he has performed world wide with credits in video, film, and television, as well as company work, nightclub, casino, and concert shows.

Well known for his inspirational classes, as a teacher he travels internationally. Works as a dance judge, show director, and lectures on the university circuit.

Shawn’s choreography encompasses a wide range of styles. His work combines contemporary movements of today with a classical sense of line, placement, and technique. Dancers have performed his work around the world and his award winning competition routines gain top honors.

Originally from San Diego, California Shawn now lives and works in Las Vegas, where he teaches dance and yoga for Cirque Du Soleil, the Elton John show, local competition teams, and is on faculty at the Rock Center For Dance.

Shana Brouwers is a Vegas native who has been dancing ballet since she was three. She attained high marks in the rigorous examinations under both the Royal Academy of Dance ballet syllabus and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing tap syllabus. Shana has also trained for years in jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theatre, which all came in handy for her role as a member of the Dance Team and Spirit Squad at the University of San Francisco. Shana has over 10 years of teaching experience and has been thrilled to teach the Saturday morning PreDance and ComboDance classes at the Rock since the studio opened in January 2008. Over the years, she has added additional classes in other levels as enrollment has grown, and substitutes teaches classes in a variety of disciplines and techniques. Her “other” job is as a full-time litigation attorney.

 

“Latin Dancing Queen”

Former principal soloist with the National Ballet of Peru and veteran of International Ballet Festivals. She began dancing salsa, rap and jazz under the direction of her uncle, Luis A. Rodriguez, at the age of 7 . Three years later she started with Ballet in the Municipal Ballet of Trujillo/ Peru ( 1992 - 1998) .

In 2007 she won a highly competitive scholarship to study Ballet and Musical Theater in Argentina, where she also won a GOLD MEDAL in an International Jazz Dance Competition. Sandra's South American roots bring a special Latin flare to her performing and teaching.

She is on faculty at the Rock Center for Dance, Las Vegas' professional dance studio. Where she teaches Ballet ,advanced stretch, fitness Barre .

Most recently she just got off a tour with well-known flamenco guitarist “Benise” .In Las Vegas Sandra is a featured dancer for the show “Illusions” at the Riviera .

With long-standing national recognition as a tap dance virtuoso, All-American gymnast, master dance teacher, and professional percussionist, Tony Coppola is in high demand as a performer, choreographer and master instructor.

His television choreographic credits include commercials for McDonalds, Aramis Cologne, and Autolite autoparts, as well as the Superstars of Gymnastics for USA TV network, John Tesh Live at Redrocks for PBS, The Mystery and Magic of Nadia Comaneci for ABC TV, and The World Gold Gymnastics Tour starring Nadia Comaneci, Bart Conner, Keri Strug and a cast of Olympic Gymnasts.

Featured for his solo tap dancing on various TV shows and in Las Vegas, Tony can also be seen in many dance magazines for his authoritative articles on jazz and tap and ads promoting Capezio's Coppola Tap Shoes, which were introduced in 1990.

Tony's modern dance background while training with Graham disciple, Jaime Rogers, and performing with the Rogers' Company, has helped him maintain a strong technical standard. He spent several years on faculty at Mesa State College, where he developed a dance major and was the program's artistic director. His musical theatre credits include; Chicago, Tommy, Return to Forbidden Planet, Kiss Me Kate, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, West Side Story, and performing the lead in George “M.”

Tony has choreographed several production numbers for the Hilton's “Work that Skirt” and Lake Tahoe's “Full Body Rock.” He has been guest choreographer for dance concerts at University of Northern Colorado and recently at Pomona College in California. He was also featured solo performer at Reno, Nevada's Art Town Celebration in “Reflections of a Life on Stage.” He choreographed a collaborative project with Chicago's Jay Franke, of the famed Hubbard Street Dance Company.

Tony Coppola is presently on faculty at UNLV in Las Vegas, where he teaches jazz, tap, dance appreciation, and provides both percussion support and covers modern class. His writing background for dance magazines has led him to his latest academic project; a workbook for dance appreciation class. Kendall Hunt Publications is collaborating with him on this project.