Staff
Liz Perez
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Liz, who’s involvement in the arts spans over 3 decades, has studied with industry greats, such as, Dave Russel, Sheila Barker, Frank Hatchet and Germaine Salsberg. Lizzie was an Assistant Director/ Head Judge for Dancers Inc Competitions travelling throughout the country adjudicating young dancers for 17 years. As a singer, Lizzie released a 12 inch single Titled, Not Gonna Be the One on Renegade Records. She also currently enjoys performing with various Wedding and Cover Bands. In Theatre, some of her favorite roles have been Miss. Hannigan in Annie and Anita in West Side Story. She has been awarded numerous choreography awards over the past twenty years. She has also choreographed several pre-professional musicals throughout NJ and enjoys teaching Master Classes throughout the country. Several of her students have gone on to perform on Broadway, at Radio City, on Disney Cruiselines, in LA and can be seen on Glee. Lizzie is certified by both DMA and DEA, and in addition, works for the Passaic Public School System.
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Serena Ryan Cruz
Serena has been dancing since the age of 2 and a half and is a well rounded dancer who studied Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro and Tap. She grew up Competing, has earned Top Overall Awards and holds many National Titles. Currently, Serena travels as a Backstage Manager for Dancer's Inc and also represents EMPIRE as an Ambassador of Dance with Dancer's Inc. Her bubbly personality coupled with her passion and knowledge of Dance makes her an outstanding educator and mentor to our Recreational and Company students.
Serena has been dancing since the age of 2 and a half and is a well rounded dancer who studied Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro and Tap. She grew up Competing, has earned Top Overall Awards and holds many National Titles. Currently, Serena travels as a Backstage Manager for Dancer's Inc and also represents EMPIRE as an Ambassador of Dance with Dancer's Inc. Her bubbly personality coupled with her passion and knowledge of Dance makes her an outstanding educator and mentor to our Recreational and Company students.
Raynor Rubel
Raynor’s introduction to the arts led him to study at esteemed institutions like the New Jersey Ballet and STEPS on Broadway. He has performed in Regional Theatres across the Country including the Goodspeed Opera House and Asolo Repertory Theatre. You might also recognize him from the HBO Max’s ‘The Gilded Age’ or his role as Resident Dr Dean in Nurses Station.
Raynor’s creativity isn’t limited to performing – he is also the Author of ‘Till Your Feet Bleed’. This tale delves into a younger dancer battling bullies while staying true to his dream. His commitment to the Arts led him to establish Carousel of Progress Academy (COPA), a refuge for special needs children. Raynor is dedicated to nurturing his students self-expression and giving wings to their dreams!
We are thrilled to have him join the EMPIRE Faculty this Season!
Raynor’s introduction to the arts led him to study at esteemed institutions like the New Jersey Ballet and STEPS on Broadway. He has performed in Regional Theatres across the Country including the Goodspeed Opera House and Asolo Repertory Theatre. You might also recognize him from the HBO Max’s ‘The Gilded Age’ or his role as Resident Dr Dean in Nurses Station.
Raynor’s creativity isn’t limited to performing – he is also the Author of ‘Till Your Feet Bleed’. This tale delves into a younger dancer battling bullies while staying true to his dream. His commitment to the Arts led him to establish Carousel of Progress Academy (COPA), a refuge for special needs children. Raynor is dedicated to nurturing his students self-expression and giving wings to their dreams!
We are thrilled to have him join the EMPIRE Faculty this Season!
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Janiya McWilliams
This is Janiya’s 6th Season teaching at EPA. She started dancing at 3 years old and technically trained in Ballet, Tap & Jazz for 15 years. Janiya is an Award Winning Competitive Dancer with many accolades at both the Regional and National Competition Level. Janiya enjoyed the opportunity to travel and dance Internationally in London and perform at Disneyland Paris. Janiya is very excited to continue to share her knowledge and love for Dance at EPA. |
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Kyle Wilder
Kyle Wilder is a performer, choreographer, and instructor originally from Victory Gardens, New Jersey. He began his formal dance training at age 8 - studying tap, hip hop, jazz, ballet, and lyrical. At age 12, Kyle auditioned for and joined the New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble's Young Talented Tappers and has since become a Principal Dancer, Soloist, and Co-Dance Captain for the ensemble's professional adult company under the direction of Ms. Deborah Mitchell. Additionally, Kyle has had the privilege of working with master tap artists Savion Glover, Jason Samuels Smith, Maurice Chestnut, Jason Janas, and Karen Callaway-Williams among others. As a featured artist and soloist, Kyle has performed at prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center, The Apollo Theater, New York City Center, The Joyce, New World Stages, 54 Below, NJPAC, The New Jersey State Theater, and many more. He has also received critics’ mentions in publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Star Ledger. In addition to performing, Kyle teaches and choreographs for numerous students and studios in the tri-state area. |
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Estefano Gil
Estefano Gil was Born in Caracas, Venezuela where he began his training at Ballet-Arte School. In 2005, he joined Ballet Teresa Carreño performing demi-soloist and soloist roles. In 2007, he joined Caracas Contemporary Ballet under the artistic direction of María Eugenia Barrios. In 2008, he traveled to Colombia where became a member in Colombian ballet company INCOLBALLET directed by Gloria Castro, performing as a soloist. He has been part of international ballet festivals in Cali, Colombia and his native Venezuela. He has performed with these companies in Belgium, Holland, Russia, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, among others. Since 2012, he has performed as a guest artist in Staten Island Ballet, New England Ballet, and FJK Dance company. His repertoire includes: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Our Waltzes, among others. |
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DaJuan Harris
DaJuan is a native of Paterson, NJ and is currently based in NYC. They graduated from The Joffrey Ballet School, where they served as a trainee in the Jazz and Contemporary program under the direction of Michael Blake. They have a wide range of training and it's influenced their career in more ways than one. DaJuan has worked with companies such as Humans Collective directed by Lauren Cox, Breton Follies directed by Breton Tyner-Bryan, The Leslie Lohman Museum of Art, and starred in the Off-Broadway musical "Fate Still Rest." DaJuan has also performed at such places as The Apollo Theater, U.S. Tennis Open, The Peter Norton Symphony Space, and The Jacob Javits Center. They've danced for artists such as Madonna, Todrick Hall, Jonte’ Moaning, Ariand and The Rose, and Spike Lee just to name a few, on top of their various live shows. DaJuan has appeared on TV shows such as Rhythm and Flow starring Cardi B, Fat Joe, etc., and most recently Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. DaJuan is excited to join the EPA family, and is looking forward to brining their love of dance to the next generation. |