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MEET THE TEAM
Meet our talented team of instructors at Excite Dance Company. Focused on teaching exceptional technique and creating unforgettable experiences, our team is committed to our dancers’ satisfaction and success. See our instructors’ below and check them all out! All of our instructors are professionally trained teachers with an extensive background in dance, cheer, and/or college degrees in Dance Education.
MRS. JAI
Jai Eastland is the proud of owner and Artistic Director of Excite Dance Company. Jai has been in the dance industry for over 30 years dancing for Disney, performing, entertaining and choreographing for various productions and training dancers into their professional careers. She is thrilled to be offering such a special opportunity to share her passion for the arts and movement with dancers right in the comfort of their schools. So many dancers do not have the opportunity to train at a studio due to time, money, convenience, etc so having the same quality instructors brought to your students school is the goal of Excite Dance and we are so thrilled your student is a part of it.
MISS MAEVE
Hello, I am Maeve Karsjens! I am originally from Des Moines, Iowa but moved to Las Vegas about 3 years ago! I have worked with many different choreographers including: Casey Johansen who danced with Lady Gaga. I also trained with finalists from So You Think You Can Dance like Fikshun and Jacque LeWarne! Dance has been my passion for as along as I can remember! I am a licensed substitute teacher with Clark County School District so I can teach anywhere in the Las Vegas metro area!
I was a competitive dancer for over 10 years and now love to share my passion with others through teaching. My favorite style of dance is hip hop but I love all the amazing different styles! I love working with all ages of children but I feel as though the younger ones are the most important. They are the next generation of dance and it is amazing to see them grow and learn.
A fun fact about me is that I know how to weld! I have experience in many trades like welding, carpentry and architecture.
I can’t wait to work with all of the amazing students we have in our school district!
MISS MENG
Miss Meng has been a competitive dancer since she was 2 years old. She spent her time dancing at Center Stage Dance Academy and practiced lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, jazz and more.
She has been working towards a bachelor’s degree in education and is excited to bring her dance skills back into the classroom!
MISS RUBY
My name is Ruby Messina. I am Mediterranean and Caribbean. My stage name is "MzRuby". I am a Dancer, Choreographer & talent; commercial ᴅᴀɴᴄᴇʀ, ᴍᴏᴅᴇʟ, actress, commercial, concert & film. I am also a competitive, commercial dance & fine arts dance coach/ instructor for both stage training as well as recreational. I have choreographed for artists, dancers, and learners ages 2 1/2 years to 78 years of age. I started in the industry as a child and have practiced to train as a professional all my life. Currently a graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Production & Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; my plan is to get my Masters degree in Choreography & integrated media. I am credentialed in performance / choreography in the Art of Dance which includes choreography, performance, ensemble. In addition to Entertainment Management practice, with a minor in Dance in Culture Diversity from: California State University, Fullerton & Irvine Valley College. Furthermore, I have commercial dance certifications as pre/professional from American Musical & Dramatic Academy performing arts college, Los Angeles and as a PFX/FXT trainer for World Of Dance Company. I have commercial performance & ensemble experience through my growth throughout high school as well as college and competitive dance experience through my growth as a “soloist” or dance companies with training or influences from Steps of Gold (Paso De Oro) Dance, Millennium Dance Complex, Studio One, Afterhour Dance Studio, American Ballet Theater, Boogiezone, Downtown Dance & Movement and CSUF Salsa. In commercial dance my emphasis are Hip-hop, Contemporary, and Afro/Latin Jazz dance. While in ensemble my emphasis is in Modern dance although I have training in ballet classical & Jazz dance. Some of my training comes from influences such as Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Horton, Merce Cunningham, Erick Hawkins, and Jose Limon. I consider my self a contemporist or “contempist” not by the many dance styles or genres I can adapt to but because I celebrate change as much as I celebrate my influences.
MISS MAIA
Maia has been dancing since she was 3. She danced competitively for 11 years and trained in many styles including: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Hip-Hop, Lyrical and Contemporary. Maia began to assist classes at the age of 14 and has taken part in various competitions throughout the United States during her many years of competitive dance. During her time as a competitive dancer she earned many overall scores as both a soloist and a group dancer. Maia studied Musical Theatre and Dance at LVA and American Heritage Academy. Maia is so grateful that she has the opportunity to share her love and passion for dance with others and she can’t wait to teach. She is currently studying psychology at CSN and will be transferring to Pace University in New York City next fall.
MISS ABI
Hello, I am Abi! I was born & raised in Las Vegas and attend Shadow Ridge High School. I have been cheering & dancing since I was 7 years old. My favorite thing about cheer & dance is the friends you make and how you can be yourself. I am super "excited" to join Excite Dance Company this year and I look forward to sharing my passion for cheer & dance to the students.
MS. LISA
Miss Lisa has been dancing her whole life, starting at her mother’s dance studio in Northern California. After graduating high school she moved to Las Vegas and started her career as a professional dancer. She has performed as a showgirl in numerous shows at several casinos on the Las Vegas strip including Jubilee at The Horseshoe, Showgirls at The Rio and Tropical Passions at the Sahara. While dancing in various shows she also earned her degree from UNLV. After graduating she decided to start teaching dance full time running the recreational dance program for the city of north Las Vegas as well as teaching at all of the Las Vegas YMCAs. She now teaches at several studios around the valley but her main focus is bringing dance to schools through her job as a lead instructor for excite.
MR. KEBREN
GREETINGS EVERYONE! My name is Kebren Campbell aka “KEEB”! I am an entertainer coming out of Atlanta, Georgia. I dance, act, model , make music and draw. So you could say I can do a little bit of EVERYTHING!
My Main Goal is to inspire and teach the youth that they can follow their dreams no matter what!
I have worked with all types of talented people from local to big Artist and Actors. No matter how much a person may seem like they have more opportunity than you we are all the same at the end of the day! I will set anyone I encounter up for greatness to have them in a confident mindset to go out in this world prepared and equipped to chase their dreams
MISS RYLIE
Rylie Eenhuis is a 17 year old contemporary dancer based in Las Vegas. Presently Rylie dances competitively at the Dance Zone in Henderson NV. Recent performances include the lead role in her companies ballet of Peter Pan. In addition to contemporary, Rylie studies modern dance and ballet at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts in Las Vegas where she is a dance major. She also studies tap, jazz and hip hop with her company. Rylie is a current member of the ACE program for Adrenaline and Revive, an internship assisting convention classes, and working side by side with artists such as Jenn Freeman, Matt Luck, Caroline Lewis Jones and many more!
Rylie’s passion for dance will continue as her dream is to study dance and choreography in college.
MISS JESS
My name is Jessica Bowen. I am 23 years old and I am originally from Nebraska where I fell in love with all things dance and choreography at a young age at my local dance studio. My training growing up included Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and my favorite, Hip Hop. By my early teens I was teaching and choreographing for my own classes at my home studio and have loved teaching ever since! I love the team work, discipline, mental and physical strength dance can help all ages develop all while also being fun and bringing joy.
Since I was 17 I have traveled and trained at many studios, with many great and professional choreographers from the areas of Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, and now here in Vegas I am auditioning, performing, and training as much as I can and I am loving every minute of it!
My favorite styles of dance to teach currently are Hip Hop, Lyrical, Acrobatics, and Jazz Funk.
A fun fact about me is i have a white and brown cat named Toby :)
MR. SHAKUR
Shakur Alvin Graham, also known creatively as "SWLLY" is a 28-year-old artist, director and entrepreneur in Las Vegas. Since age 5, he has been involved with creative performing arts and productions of all shapes and sizes. With dance, theatre, photography, videography, design and many more, Mr. Shakur has built his experiences and opportunities with like-minded people in the Las Vegas community. From opening shows and productions in Las Vegas to teaching private classes and curriculum, SWLLY has taught over 2000 students of all ages. He has a media company called SOARTM hoping to go internationally with his events and brands to help bring creative resources to communities who need the right guidance. A new community industry. We are SO excited to have SWLLY a part of EXCITE Dance!
MRS. KARA
Kara Willingham is originally from Dallas, Texas. She is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. Upon graduating high school Kara opted to move to Los Angeles and begin her professional career. She has taught and choreographed recreational and competitive dance for teens and adults at schools and private studios throughout the greater Los Angeles area for 20 years. During this time Kara performed with Unrestricted Element Dance Company, Ray Entertainment, and LA’s Metro theater company. She has performed in various film and stage productions including Good Day LA and, during a stint in Las Vegas, Nevada, the T Fox Musical Revue. Over the years, Kara has choreographed many award winning performances for kids/teens and is most proud of coaching Polytechnic High School’s Dance/Drill Team— to a 5 time 1st Place National winning team as well as a first place win entering the team into a Paramount Studios Talent Showcase for all of Southern California. She started her own dance company called LADC(Los Angeles Dance/Drill Co) in 2019 for competitive teens and college aged dancers. Her choreography was showcased in a music video for the band Eden Effect. She also performed and is now an alumni of Hollywood’s Improv Olympic. Other credits include print work for companies such as P&G, Nioxin, Wella, Paul Mitchell, and Inspire Magazine. Her passion for dance and acting has never ceased and Kara hopes to spread her love of the arts with every student she has the pleasure of training.
MISS ANNIKA
My name is Annika. I have been dancing for 13 years with professional training. When I was younger I danced with my brother in krump and from there as I got older that exposed me to hiphop, popping, and locking. From there around age 7 I fell in love with dance and explored more into different styles, like ballet, contemporary, jazz, modern dance, tap etc. I’ve trained in all of these styles for years and still do.
Fun Facts....I love children, I can rollerblade, I am very good at painting and drawing and my initials are ABC :)
MRS. CHRYSTINA
Chrystina has been dancing and studying dance for a very long time. Growing up in Northern California she has had the opportunity to learn to dance in the styles of ballet, hip hop, jazz, and many others. After going to college for dance at CSU Chico and Cabrillo College she has been a able to participate in many dance numbers both on the stage and in the public. Having been on dance team and than a cheerleader she has learned how to pump up crowds and make dances that are fun and preppy. Poms are one of her favorite styles to dance and teach in because the Pom poms allow for movement to be shown in a big way. When teaching she looks forward to creating a learning environment that is safe and fun.
MISS HANNAH
Hello, my name is Hannah Arch! I was born and raised in Las Vegas and was a competitive gymnast for 13 years. After my gymnastics career ended I found my passion for dance, where I trained in tap, contemporary, and pointe. I still dance and tumble, as well as train aerial silks and Lyra. I began teaching gymnastics and dance a few years back, and fell in love with it. I aim to create a safe and positive learning environment for any student. I enjoy being able to help our younger generation grow and find their own passion for dance!
MISS HANNAH DIANE
Hannah Diane is trained in Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz and Ballet. She has been in dance competitions since the age of three. She fell in love with Hip Hop while living in Kansas City--watching her older cousins win championships in Hip Hop. It has ignited a passion within her that is still fierce today. She has won several titles for Pom and Hip Hop at UDA Nationals. Hannah is on fire to share her passion for dance with her students! She is always implementing technique and timeless fun into her dance classes. In her spare time she is seeking her Master's in Biblical Studies and has a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Entrepreneurship. When Hannah is not working or dancing she loves to spend time with her two younger sisters.
MRS. SAMANTHA
Samantha now lives and works in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sam has been teaching dance in Orange County, California for the last twenty seven years. Taught by the likes of Cathleen Forcucci and Karame Adesko, she has studied ballet, jazz, lyrical, cheer, hip hop, and baton twirling. Under her program, House of Dance, she has taught thousands of children. She created, directed, and performed with a burlesque troupe for ten years. She has performed at the Viper Room, the Brown Derby and Key Club. Hernandez has also started an all inclusive fitness club called Babes. Most recently she has been creating artwork with her husband under their brand, LovervilleUSA.
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