ABOUT US
Ignite Dance Live is a boutique competition with exclusive convention classes led by an expert panel of industry professionals. We were first seen on Lifetime’s Dance Moms with icon JoJo Siwa.
Ignite creates a supportive, inspiring, and positive environment. The teachers for the convention are also the judges for the competition. The Ignite team (Igniters) has experience on every level--from performing and choreographing on Broadway, national television, for pop artists, and so much more. This team is currently working on new creative projects and they are taking time out for your students. The Igniters are here to help dancers grow into strong, unique, and diverse performers. These young artists will learn about branding, connecting, auditioning, and how to get booked. Ignite offers top-level training and competition. We give special scholarships for many different programs, a talkback with our panel, meetings with agents, and direct casting opportunities from our events. We are Ignite and we are here to have a blast. Find Your Fire.
DAY 1
Convention Classes and Start to Competition
Doors open/Session 1 sign in at 8:30 a.m.
Session 1 (minis and juniors) - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Session 2 (teens and seniors)* - 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Competition begins at 4:00 p.m.
*Session 2 sign in at 11:30 a.m
DAY 2
Competition Continues and Q&A
Doors open at 8:00 a.m.
Competition continues at 8:30 a.m.
Q&A and photo-op with panel (for audience and dancers) - 12:00 p.m.
Competition continues after Q&A (approx. 1:00 pm)
*Subject to change
The weekend will be filled with competition. Solos, duets, trios, small groups, large groups, lines and productions. We are excited to have our innovative panel give "Live" feedback to all performers. We will have award celebrations, overall tops and our exclusive Ignite honors, scholarships and private lessons will be given for these special awards.
Ignite is open to performers of all ages, backgrounds, styles, and experience. We welcome dancers, singers, and actors to compete. All photos and videos are included in the registration fee for the competition.
*Schedule subject to change.
Our classes will always be in a variety of styles including, but not limited to, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, musical theater, heels, dance fitness, and more.
Our Igniters have done it all and now it is time for them to bring their know-how to our Ignite stage. Some of our credentials include performing in over 50 Broadway musicals, winning Tony and Emmy awards for choreography and performances, winners and runner-ups of So You Think You Can Dance and World of Dance, working with pop stars and groups such as Fifth Harmony, and the list goes on. We are honored to have them.
Ignite will offer a media class that focuses on preparation for a successful career as a versatile dancer for the stage and screen. Our lineup of cutting edge choreographers and professionals will share valuable information on what it takes to work in the industry. This includes how to dance on set, what the differences are between competitions/conventions and professional settings, things students can work on to feel more comfortable in front of a camera (whether that be for an interview, a dance audition, or improv), lessons on what to wear to auditions, how to find your inner artist, and how to network within the industry. We strive to instill more confidence in young performers by setting them up for success.
People who attend Ignite Dance Live will not only learn from working performers and choreographers, but from talent agents based in the two biggest cities for entertainment in America: New York City and Los Angeles. Our panel and teachers include Tony and Emmy award-winning professionals who have strong connections to agents and casting directors in these cities. Our goal is to give all who come to Ignite an advantage when entering the industry. Our team can do just that. Join us.
Our Nationals are tribute to YOU, the studio owners and to all of your hard work. This is one last time to perform. You have one more shot to win a championship title from our expert panel. Throughout the duration of the season, they have flown directly from their contracts on major TV shows and Broadway Shows to be an Igniter. You can be the overall Ignite Champions. Come into our world and end your competition/convention season with a bang. It's time to take home your new title "Ignite Dance Live National Champions." Nationals are open to all. Find Your Fire.
- We do not require qualifying at Ignite Dance Live Regionals to participate in Ignite Dance Live Nationals.
AWARDS
In addition to awarding medals, Ignite celebrates these competitors with special honors, scholarships, private coaching, and mentorship programs with members of our expert panel. When you take all of the classes, as well as compete, you are in the running to be selected as an Ignite Dynamite.
Entries are limited due to the structure of the competition.
Awards are based on 300 points scoring system. Each judge has 100 points to work with per act.
Ignite Awards:
Blast Off Medal - 240-254.9
Rocket Medal - 255-269.9
Electricity Medal - 270-284.9
Explosive Medal - 285-297.9
Eruption Medal - 298-300
CATEGORIES
We offer entries in the following categories: solos, duets, trios, small groups, large groups, lines, and productions.
LEVELS
There are three levels of competition: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
IGNITE DANCE "LIVE" 2022/2023 TOUR
Ignite Regionals and National Schedule
*Dates are subject to change
Houston
April 29-30 2023
Stafford Civic Center
MEET THE IGNITE FACULTY
Rachelle Rak
Rachelle Rak
Rachelle Rak is known for her work in the musical “Fosse” and the documentary “Every Little Step: The Making of a Chorus Line.” She was a guest choreographer on Lifetime’s “Dance Moms.” She was a celebrity judge on “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition.”
Rachelle has appeared on dozens of talk shows like David Letterman, Jay Leno, Home and Family, Brodway.com original series “I love Rak n Roll” and NY1. Rachelle, who is nicknamed “Sas”, created original roles in multiple Broadway Shows: Catch Me If You Can, Fosse, Oklahoma!, The Look of Love, Thou Shalt Not, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Cats. National Tours: Flashdance, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Starlight Express, and Sunset Blvd. Regional Credits: Chicago, A Chorus Line, Sweet Charity, The Jack Cole Project, Joseph. Rachelle was trained by her mother Rosalene Kenneth in Pittsburgh. As well as performing, , she has continued to teach throughout the world. Universities: Carnegie Mellon,, Belmont, Point Park, Rider. Choreography Credits: Lifetime “Dance Moms” Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines. Off Broadway: Sessions, An Evening at the Carlyle, The NY Fringe Festival: Vote, Staging for Cheyenne Jackson at Carnegie Hall. Rachelle co-wrote and produced her CD “Sas” with Martyn Team Axe, available on iTunes. She’s excited to be one of the creators of Ignite Dance “Live”. Let’s get ready for the “Action.”
Julius Rubio
JULIUS ANTHONY RUBIO
"A Dominican native, Julius was raised and trained in Miami where he attended the New World School of Arts and Dance Attack Studios. After living and working professionally between Los Angeles, Shanghai and Las Vegas for several years, Julius now resides and works in New York City.
Some of his credits include Steven Spielbergs new 2021 remake ‘West Side Story’ playing the new featured Shark role “Quique”, ‘King’ FROZEN (Broadway), worling relationships with world renowned choreographers and directors like Kenny Ortega (Newsies, High School Musical), Marguerite Derricks (Marvelous Ms. Maisel, Wonderland), Sonya Tayeh (Moulin Rouge BWAY, SYTYCD), Sergio Trujillo (On Your Feet, Jersey Boys) and Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Broadway Bares, Kinky Boots, On Your Feet) and Associate Choreographer to Mia Michaels (SYTYCD, Finding Neverland, Radio City Rockettes) to name a few. Along with choreographing and teaching some of his other credits include: Broadway: 'On Your Feet!' , 'Finding Neverland', 'Wonderland', Twyla Tharp's COME FLY AWAY (Natl tour), Radio City Rockettes, Beyonce, Kylie Minogue, Natasha Bedingfield, Amber Riley, Capitol 4th with Megan Hilty, Academy Awards, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Tony's, Speedo, Mtv, Eli Stone with Katie Holmes and more."
Charlie Sutton
Charlie Sutton
Charlie Sutton is dancer and choreographer with more than a decade of Broadway experience. He has originated and danced in 10 Broadway shows, and has worked with Tony award-winning directors and choreographers. He has currently been selected as the 2019 resident for the Jerome Robbins Springboard Project.Choreography Credits: Evita (ACT), NOEL (VenueWorks Tour), Wringer (City Center Stage II), Gregorian (Soho Rep), *Newsies (Theater By The Sea), *Saturday Night Fever (Theater By The Sea), Young Charles Dickens (Mint Theater), Away Towards Home (EnsembleStudioTheater), Sherlock Holmes (development) and the Co-Artistic Director for Working Artists Theatre Project. Associate Choreographer Credits: Diana (La Jolla Playhouse), The Who’s Tommy (Kennedy Center), Clueless (Off-Broadway), Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, Beatsville (Asolo), A Sign Of the Times.
Broadway Credits: American in Paris, Kinky Boots (Astaire Award Nom), How to Succeed in Business, Lysistrata Jones, Catch Me If You Can, Woman On the Verge of a nervous Breakdown, The Addams Family, Crybaby, La Cage aux Follies, Wicked.
Angie Schworer
Angie Schworer
Broadway: “The Prom” (Angie) Something Rotten”, The Producers" (Ulla), "Big Fish ", "Catch Me If You Can", "Young Frankenstein", "Annie Get Your Gun", "Chicago ", "Sunset Boulevard", "Crazy For You”, and "The Will Rogers Follies". Met Opera: "The Merry Widow "
Regional: “Disaster the musical “(Jackie) “Mamma Mia” (Tanya) , “Always a Bridesmaid “(Monette) “ Sweet charity"(Nikki ) ,"Chicago "(Roxie),"damn Yankees",(Lola),"the full Monty ",(Vicki), "minskys"(Ginger), "crazy for you "(Irene) ,"the will Rogers follies",(Z's Fav).TV: The Rosie O’Donnell Show, Dana Carvey Show, "Law and Order: CI ,"Queer Eye", "As The World Turns", "Kennedy Center Honors ", and "Smash". Film: "The Producers". BFA from Northern Kentucky University.
Derek Piquette
Derek Piquette
Dancer, Director, Choreographer and Teacher Derek Piquette began dancing at the young age of 10 in his hometown of Chicopee, MA. From there his dance career accelerated quickly. By the age of 16, he received full scholarships for several ballet intensives and won several National Titles. Derek then moved to Miami to follow his dreams of becoming a professional dancer, training over 50 hours a week and teaching at Stars Dance Company.
As a performer, he was a principal dancer in the Bridge To Artists productions of Carmen and The Maid. He has also performed in the Paul Mitchell Fashion Show, City Moguls Charity Event, Revlon Hair Show and MOVE the World Charity Event.
One of the most exciting experiences in his young career took place in 2015, when he competed on Season 12 of So You Think You Can Dance, finishing among the top 4 “Stage” dancers and performing for over 37 million viewers. He followed up his appearance on the show with the So You Think You Can Dance Live Tour, performing in 70 cities across USA and Canada.
In early 2017, Derek launched his newest project, Intrepid Dance Company, which had its first performance entitled “HER” that he directed and choreographed. Derek also performed the lead role in Cirque Du Soleil’s KOOZA as the “Trickster” traveling under Big Top in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Singapore and China. One of Derek’s most recent endeavors included competing as a finalist on NBC’s World Of Dance Season 3 featuring Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough and Neyo.
In 2019, Derek choreographed and was featured as a principle dancer in a new Netflix film “Work It” produced by Alicia Keys, as well as, worked as a principle dancer on another Netflix series directed by Kenny Ortega “Julie and the Phantoms”. Also in 2019, Derek directed and choreographed his second professional show “Tempus” which starred dancers Michael Dameski & Jaimie Goodwin. Alongside his partner Mitchell Jackson, they choreographed two solos on Briar Nolet for Jennifer Lopez’s “Its My Party” Tour.
As a teacher and choreographer, Derek has worked for various dance organizations including On the Floor, Hit the Floor, CLI Studios, Mather Dance Company Online, Acrobatic Arts, Step Up 2 Dance, Twilight Dance Convention and Top Ten Dance Challenge where he has judged, taught, and assisted top choreographers in the industry.
His career has taken him to destinations throughout the United States, Canada, England, Central America, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, China and Singapore where he has taught at over 200 competitive and professional dance studios/companies. Since 2014, Derek choreographed more than 450 award winning pieces, including pieces for stars on Dance Moms, Disney Channel’s Backstage, World of Dance, Netflix and So You Think You Can Dance.
Derek currently teaches and assists for On the Floor: The Ultimate Dance Experience, working with young dancers all over North America. He has also been a Co-Director as well as a choreographer and a principal dancer in On the Floor’s Gala for SickKids Hospital in Toronto for 6 years and has helped raise over $350,000 for the ChildLife Program.
Derek has achieved many professional and artistic goals and helped other dancers do the same. Derek is especially focused on working with young dancers around the world, hoping to instill in them his enthusiasm for dance and inspire them to become the best they can be. In 2019 Derek launched the Intrepid Dance Company’s Post Secondary Training Program, which is a 1-year intensive program to help dancers on the path to a successful dance/dance related career.
Jena VanElslander
Jena VanElslander
Jena VanElslander is a multifaceted artist and athlete originally from Ontario Canada, and currently residing in Brooklyn, NY with her partner Dominique and their French bulldog! Jena is a Performer, Creator/Choreographer and Stunt Woman, and currently performing in the 1st National Tour of Jagged Little Pill (Dir. Diane Paulus and Choreo. Sidi Larbi).
Favorite credits include: Tv/Film: ‘West World’, ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’, ‘Bollywood/Hollywood’, ‘I’m Not Gay’, Broadway: KING KONG (Ensemble/Puppeteer/Swing), and Productions of: A Chorus Line (Cassie), Rock of Ages - Las Vegas, Other World, and The Jack Cole Project (NY Times).
Jena studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy where she’s proudly been part of the Dance Faculty in NYC for over 10 years, and travels throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South America teaching Master Classes and holding the conservatory’s auditions. She also holds a BA in Psychology and Biology from Hunter College, also in NY.
In the height of the pandemic, Jena created a movement called the “TSQ Project” - performing artists taking over Times Square and bringing inspiration, joy, love, HOPE and live performance to New York City and the world! The Times Square Project was a home for hundreds of artists while theatre doors remained closed and helped bridge the gap between the shut down, and the curtains rising again. Jena strives to live by the words of Neale Donald Walsch, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
Caitlin Wheeler
Caitlin Wheeler
Markus Shields
MARKUS SHIELDS
Since the first time Markus Shields set foot into rehearsal he developed an instant passion for dance and choreography. Thus, just one year later, he began creating award-winning numbers for national and international competitions while continuing training in hip hop, jazz, ballet and tap.
Soon thereafter, Markus moved from the Midwest to Los Angeles and has since built working relationships with choreographers Wade Robson, Tricia Miranda, Frank Gatson, Parris Goebel, Charm La’Donna, and more. He has also become a regular teacher at Millennium Dance Complex, Debbie Reynold's Dance Studio, Edge PAC and other prominent studios in LA as well as becoming an international master instructor.
While represented by Bloc Talent Agency as a dancer/choreographer he has starred in ads for JW Marriott, Amtrak and choreographed a commercial for eBay. Shields has also performed alongside Kendrick Lamar, Will Smith, KeKe Palmer and more as well as embarked on World Tours with Mariah Carey, Chayanne & Jody Watley!
All in all, Markus has and always strived to be a great storyteller and creator. Whether choreographing for a studio or a world tour, creative directing for personal projects or recording artists, or any other facets of entertainment he always puts his heart inside of his work. “My goal is to inspire as I aspire thus creating a beautiful cycle of
giving and receiving, teaching and learning, growing and loving!”
Gianna Martello
Gianna Martello
Gianna Martello is a dancer, teacher and choreographer from Pittsburgh, PA. Her raw talent and intensive training under the direction of Abby Lee Miller and the faculty at the Abby Lee Dance Company earned her regional and national accolades growing up as a “competition kid. At 16, Gianna began choreographing routines alongside Ms. Miller as well as on her own which led her to discover her passion for teaching and choreography. She has been on faculty at the ALDC for over 15 years and currently on faculty at Broadway Dance Center and several major dance conventions. She also serves as a guest instructor and competition judge around the world.
Gianna was able to balance her academic and dance opportunities with great success. She graduated from Point Park University in 2011 with a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations. Her choreography can be seen in the movie, “Dance-Off,” Go90’s ‘Crashed’ series, Kid’s Choice Awards and Dance Class Live promos, Australia’s “ASTRA Awards” Abbys Ultimate Dance Competition, and music videos for Rachael Sage, Alexx Calise, Nia Sioux, Todrick Hall, and many more. You may know her from the fan favorite, Dance Moms! You can catch her choreography on all 8 seasons of the hit reality TV show!
Gianna’s true passion lies in teaching and making you feel confident when you step out on stage, or into the real world. She believes that you can learn so much more from a dance teacher than just the steps. Her teacher instilled life long lessons throughout her entire childhood and Gianna wishes to do the same.
Mark recently choreographed Casa Manana's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and is proud to have choreographed Dancin' Broadway!, a revue tour that re-lives and re-conceives Broadway's most iconic dance moments throughout the last several decades starring six of Broadway's most captivating dancers. He had the privilege to choreograph the Opening Number for the Trevor Project’s Annual NYC Gala featuring Shoshana Bean, Jeremy Jordan, and twelve of Broadway’s best male dancers. With every opportunity Mark has been honored to choreograph for an organization he supports himself, BC/EFA. Some of that work can be seen in the Opening Number of Broadway Bares: Happy Endings as well as in the state of Kansas for Broadway Bares: United Strips of America.
Mark is a Guest Musical Theater Teacher at Broadway Dance Center, STEPS, Broadway Theatre Connection, Broadway Dreams Foundation, and New York City Dance Alliance. He teaches Master Classes throughout the country.
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Ashley was featured in the “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” dance sequence in the hit film Isn’t it Romantic, the pilot for SMASH on NBC and appeared in movie theaters across the country in Company starring Neil Patrick Harris. She has appeared on the Tony awards 4 times, The Tonight Show Staring Jimmy Fallon, Last Week Tonight staring John Oliver and Good Morning America. For the last seven years Ashley has been a Reconstucteur for The Verdon/Fosse Legacy-helping to preserve and pass on the legendary Fosse style and vocabulary.
Justin Bohon
Justin Bohon
Justin Bohon performed in numerous Broadway shows and toured extensively before becoming a casting director at Binder Casting. Justin is also a vocal and acting coach for many accomplished Broadway performers in NYC. On Broadway, Justin played the role of Will Parker in Oklahoma! directed by Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Susan Stroman. For his performance he received the Fred Astaire and Theatre World Awards, as well as being nominated for an Outer Critic Circle and Drama Desk Award. Other Broadway credits include On The Town at City Center Encores, Book Of Mormon, 9 to 5, Les Miserables, All Shook Up, The Producers and Miss Saigon. Justin played Freddy Eynsford-Hill in Cameron Macintosh’s production of My Fair Lady, directed by Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Matthew Bourne. He received a Helen Hayes Nomination for his performance. He also toured as Franky Epps in the national tour of Parade, directed by Harold Prince and conducted by Jason Robert Brown as well as South Pacific, directed by Jerry Zaks. He was in the film The Good Shepard, directed by Robert DeNiro, has made numerous television appearances and has been in several national commercials. Justin’s extensive casting work includes, The Lion King Kids, on Broadway and the North American Tour, as well as White Christmas, directed and choreographed by Randy Skinner. At City Center Encores! Justin cast A Chorus Line (Artios Award Nomination), directed by Bob Avian and choreographed by Baayork Lee, Brigadoon, directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, Grand Hotel, directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes and Me and My Girl directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle. He has cast regionally for ACT of Connecticut, West Port Country Playhouse, North Shore Musical Theatre, Marriott Lincolnshire, Dallas Theater Center, Cleveland Playhouse and many others. Most recently Justin cast a musical in development based on a Dr. Suess book called “If I Ran The Circus”, written by Joe Dipietro with music by Nate Ruess (formerly of the band FUN) and directed by Darko Tresnjak. Justin also cast last season’s Radio City Rockettes for the New York City Christmas Spectacular. Justin is married to two time Grammy and Tony Award winner Stephen Oremus and they have a 3 year old daughter named Skylar. She is by far the best thing either of them have ever done!
Paul McGill
Paul McGill
Paul has directed and choreographed for theater, TV/film, concert dance, and circus around the world. His passion for coupling the human experience with graceful athleticism is apparent in his work.
Recently, he worked with Jeff Calhoun on their "all tap-dancing" hit production of the Music Man. His most critically acclaimed work is both the Off-Broadway and LA productions of The Legend of Georgia McBride, winning him an Astaire Award and an LA Ovation Award for his Choreography, as well as a Lucille Lortel Award Nomination. His other off-Broadway work includes the New Group's Steve, directed by Cynthia Nixon, and Redbull's School for Scandal.
On Broadway, he imparted the physicality of Hedwig and the Angry Inch to Tony Award winner John Cameron Mitchell, Darren Criss, Michael C. Hall, Taye Diggs, Lena Hall, and Euan Morton. Paul also trained Laverne Cox for her starring role in Rocky Horror Picture Show on FOX as well as Neil Patrick Harris for his Michael Jackson tribute on Lip Sync Battle.
Paul's passion for dance on film can be seen on the Disney Channel (ZOMBIES Cast Party), in the new film Diamond Soles, and in commercials for companies like Bunny Shapiro Jewelry and ALT coffee. His desire to continue to make dance films is evident, whether it be on a big budget sound stage or with his iPhone Gimble.
In circus, Paul choreographed the European and Australian premiers of Filament with Shortround Productions. The show is slated to appear at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He has also contributed work to the circus company Grounded Aerial.
His charity work has helped the Ali Forney Center, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the I'll Be There Project, New York's LGBT+ Center, and Covenant House.
Rosie Lani Fiedelman
Rosie Lani Fiedelman
Rosie Lani Fiedelman grew up in Breckenridge, CO. She is currently in The Lion King on Broadway living out her dreams in The Pridelands. She was in the original Off-Broadway and Broadway cast of In The Heights. Other theater credits include "Heat-Wave: The Jack Cole Project," choreographed and directed by Chet Walker, American Dance Machine for the 21st Century and "Ghost Dancer," playing Rosario. From 2003-20013, Rosie danced with Jennifer Muller/The Works where she originated several roles and was rehearsal director for Ms.Muller. She teaches Barre, Stretch and Dance at Equinox and The JCC. Film and Television credits include: Fosse/Verdon on FX and Raising Dion (Dance Double) on Netflix
Marty Thomas
Marty Thomas
Laurie Kanyok
Laurie Kanyok
Ms. Kanyok has performed on Broadway, television and film. She played the lead roles in Twyla Tharp's COME FLY AWAY and MOVIN OUT; other Broadway credits include FOSSE, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, and IN YOUR ARMS. She was the ballet casting consultant for Tony Award winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's
An AMERICAN IN PARIS, where she scouted elite ballet companies in North America, preparing dancers both theatrically and vocally while coaching them through Mr. Wheeldon's choreography.
Additionally, Laurie is a member of Tony Award winning choreographer Christopher Gattelli's creative team; where she provided additional choreography for Gattelli's IN YOUR ARMS and The Cher Show.
Ms. Kanyok has worked with casting company Telsey + Co, which inspired her subsequent shift to artistic management. She has joined forces with Lakey Wolff & CO as a talent manager fostering and mentoring the careers of dancers and choreographers. Ms. Kanyok's professional experience has allowed her to develop a diverse repertoire of unique relationships. An established and respected performer, producer, choreographer, director and mentor to many.
Teaching Credits
- PACE University
- Point Park University
- Pepperdine University
- Orange County School of the Arts
Luke Hawkins
Luke Hawkins
Tome' Cousin
Tomé Cousin
While maintaining a prolific performance career he has molded an International award winning reputation that includes collaborations on Broadway, theater, dance, music, film, photography, television and literature in the creation of over 90 original works. He is a protégé’ of Geoffrey Holder, George C. Wolfe, Bill T. Jones, and Susan Stroman.
BA: Dance History, and Choreography, Point Park University and MFA in New Media Art and Performance from Long Island University.
He has been on the faculty at The Alvin Ailey School, Ballet Tennessee, New York University, Steps NYC, Ballet Centrum (Germany), Point Park University, Kahurangi Dance Theater (New Zealand), Hungarian National Ballet Academy (Hungary), Jacques d’Amboise’s National Dance Institute, Luigi Jazz Center, and the International Children’s Theatre Festival in Ankara, Turkey Turkey. He serves as an Associate professor of Dance Carnegie Mellon University in the School of Drama.
Kylie Bronk
Christopher Galletti
2012 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Newsies. Broadway (choreographer): My Fair Lady (Tony nomination), SpongeBob SquarePants (Tony nomination), The King and I (Tony nomination), South Pacific (Tony, Outer Critics Circle noms.), Amazing Grace, Casa Valentina, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Sunday in the Park with George, Godspell, The Ritz, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, 13, High Fidelity. Off-Broadway: Dogfight (Lortel Award), Altar Boyz (Lortel Award, Callaway Award, Drama Desk nom.), Bat Boy: The Musical (Lortel Award), tick, tick...BOOM! As director/choreographer, Off-Broadway: Silence! The Musical, In Your Arms (The Old Globe), world premiere of Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (Goodspeed Opera House). Film: Coen Brothers’ Hail, Caesar!; Newsies; Isn’t It Romantic.
Mark Myars
Mark Myers
Mark is the Associate Choreographer of this year’s *The Cher Show (*Broadway, Chicago) as well as the glorious Lincoln Center revival of My Fair Lady. This past spring he had a blast choreographing for Ethan Slater, Wesley Taylor, and Gavin Lee in the MCC Miscast Gala performance of “You Could Drive a Person Crazy”. Mark recently wrapped working alongside Christopher Gattelli on the new romantic comedy Isn't It Romantic? starring Rebel Wilson. Other Associate Choreographer credits include Annie (The Muny), SpongeBob Squarepants (Broadway), Assassins (New York City Encores), War Paint (Broadway, The Goodman Theater), Mamma Mia! (The Muny), If/Then (Broadway, National Tour), In Your Arms (The Old Globe, NYSF), Beaches (Drury Lane), Broadway for Hillary (NYC Benefit), and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Tuxedo, Get on the Floor and Dance!, Cabaret Cinema, and Acoustic Sessions. Mark was the original Dance Supervisor of the international smash hit Wicked and has remounted Wayne Cilento's Tony-nominated Choreography for over seven companies worldwide including London's West End, Australia, Japan, and Germany.
Mark recently choreographed Casa Manana's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and is proud to have choreographed Dancin' Broadway!, a revue tour that re-lives and re-conceives Broadway's most iconic dance moments throughout the last several decades starring six of Broadway's most captivating dancers. He had the privilege to choreograph the Opening Number for the Trevor Project’s Annual NYC Gala featuring Shoshana Bean, Jeremy Jordan, and twelve of Broadway’s best male dancers. With every opportunity Mark has been honored to choreograph for an organization he supports himself, BC/EFA. Some of that work can be seen in the Opening Number of Broadway Bares: Happy Endings as well as in the state of Kansas for Broadway Bares: United Strips of America.
Mark is a Guest Musical Theater Teacher at Broadway Dance Center, STEPS, Broadway Theatre Connection, Broadway Dreams Foundation, and New York City Dance Alliance. He teaches Master Classes throughout the country.
Charlie Williams
Charlie Williams
As a performer, Charlie has appeared in the original Broadway casts of MEMPHIS, How to Succeed in Business…, Miss Saigon, and The Cher Show. He has also danced in the feature films of Ted2, A Million Ways to Die In The West, And Dance Flick. On Television, Charlie has appeared multiple times on The Academy Awards, The Tony Awards, The Emmy Awards, The Kennedy Center Honors, NBC’s Peter Pan Live and The Sound of Music Live. Charlie worked as the Resident Movement Associate on Broadway’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch and most recently served as Associate Choreographer on Disney’s Frozen (currently running on Broadway).
Lenora Nemetz
Lenora Nemetz
One of a rare breed of performed in musical theatre today, Lenora has acted, sung, and danced her way across the continent for more than four decades.
Lenora first appeared on Broadway in the original Hal Prince production of Cabaret with Lotte Lenya. A protégé of Bob Fosse, Lenora was simultaneously the standby for Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera (her idols and mentors) and Liza Minnelli in the original Broadway production of Chicago. Lenora ultimately went on to replace Chita Rivera as Velma Kelly, garnering rave reviews. For her performance as Dolores Dante in the Stephen Schwartz's Broadway production of Stud Terkel's Working, Lenora won a Drama Desk nomination. At Broadway's Biltmore Theatre, she starred opposite the original Boy from Oz, Peter Allen in Up in One. Lenora was again reunited on stage with Chita Rivera while standing by for Liza in Broadway's The Rink. Audiences were delighted to find Lenora on the stage of the New York City Opera where she played Gladys in their revival of Pajama Game. Most recently Lenora regaled theatergoers as Miss Cratchitt and Miss Mazeppa the trumpet playing stripper in the acclaimed Tony award winning revival of Gypsy. As standby for Patti LuPone, Lenora entranced audiences when she took the stage as Madame (Mama) Rose. Her Broadway National tours include Bob Fosse's Sweet Charity, Bye Bye Birdie opposite Tommy Tune (another mentor), the Mendez/Marshall revival of Cabaret, and Some Like It Hot with Tony Curtis. Her television appearances include: Flora in Flora the Red Menace; Ellie Mae Chippley in Showboat; and Leonard Bernstein's 60th Birthday A Celebration at Wolftrap.
Lenora has been entertaining Pittsburghers from every theatrical corner of the city and is inspired by teaching and guiding the young talents of our future Broadway Stars.
Anthony Ciulla
ANTHONY CIULLA
AC was nominated for the TONY Award for Best Choreography, for the hit Musical Footloose.
Off-Broadway:
AC choreographed Lucky Guy (Callaway Award nomination), The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin starring TONY winner LaChanze (Lucille Lortel & Audelco award nominations), The Last Smoker In America and Ghetto Superstar starring TONY & EMMY winner Billy Porter.
Regionally: AC reimagined Chess at the Ford Amphitheater in L.A. starring Matthew Morrison,
Stephen Sondheim’s Being Alive, created and directed by Billy Porter. Barrio Babies starring TONY winner Sara Ramirez, The Little Mermaid (North Shore Theater), Big River (Sacramento Music Circus) and
Vices: A Love Story, a sophisticated exploration of relationships told through music and dance, garnered AC the 2010 Carbonell Award for ‘Best Choreography’.
AC co-created/choreographed Toni Braxton’s hit show ‘Revealed’ (Flamingo, Las Vegas) as well as the Grammy Award winning recording artist’s Libra Tour, and live NBA All-Star performance.
Other recording artists include live shows for Eden’s Crush featuring Nicole Scherzinger, the acclaimed vocal band Duwende, Live performances and videos for Freedom Williams of (C&C Music Factory), and FX’s POSE star Billy Porter.
Ciulla choreographed Signed, Sealed, Delivered- A Musical Celebration of Stevie Wonder starring Chaka Khan (Venetian, Las Vegas), created and directed by Billy Porter.
AC created/directed/choreographed Nights on Broadway II & III (Caesars, Atlantic City) featuring many of Broadway’s stars - Orfeh, Andy Karl and Felicia Finley.
Multiple film, television, and commercial credits include winning the 2003 Emmy Award for ‘Outstanding Choreography of a Television Special’ for his innovative work for ‘Stars on Ice.’
AC has appeared as a guest choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance (UA) for three seasons. His contemporary work was selected as the favorite duets of the season.
He made a special appearance on Lifetime’s Dance Moms and most recently, choreographed a music video for new recording artist Vaeda Black.
As a performer, AC made his Broadway debut in Starlight Express at age 19, was an eight time winner and semi-finalist on Star Search, and toured as a featured soloist with the world renowned Jazz Dance Company Waves. He toured the US with the dance sensation C&C Music Factory, danced on the MTV Video Music Awards and had the honor of dancing along side Michael Jackson.
Karine Plantadit
Karine Plantadit
Karine Plantadit, a French native is an accomplished TONY Award Nominee dancer, choreographer, director, and yoga instructor. Plantadit was trained in both classical and contemporary institutions such as the Rosella Hightower Dance Center and The Ailey School. Graduating into The Ailey Company she was promoted to soloist and eventually ventured into Broadway, film and television to become an original cast member of productions such as The Lion King, Saturday Night Fever, After Midnight, Sex And The City, So You Think You Can Dance, Smash, Frida, Chicago, Across the Universe and Mozart In The Jungle.
Plantadit is actively immersed in the dance realm as a permanent judge and teacher at Youth America Grand Prix, a certified yoga instructor (graduate of
the Coach University) and is also a Fred and Adele Astaire Award Winner for Outstanding Female Dancer. Karine mentors artists through Artists Boot Camp Intensive, master classes and seminars.
IGNITE SPECIAL GUESTS
Jerry Mitchell
Jerry Mitchell
Broadway and West End debuts as the director of Legally Blonde (Olivier Award for Best Musical, Tony nomination and Drama Desk nomination for choreography, Drama Desk nomination for direction.) Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics’ Circle Awards for choreographing the 2005 revival of La Cage aux Folles, as well as a Tony nomination as choreographer of The Full Monty, Hairspray, Never Gonna Dance and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Twenty years ago while dancing on Broadway in The Will Rogers Follies, Jerry conceived and created Broadway Bares, a comedy burlesque show performed annually for the charity, Broadway Cares. Now, Jerry serves as Executive Producer for Broadway Bares, with a book, website (broadwaybares.com) and satellite productions of Broadway Bares in Las Vegas, Fire Island and London (West End Bares). The fundraising efforts have brought more than $10 million to Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. Jerry also proudly serves on the board of BC/EFA. Jerry conceived, directed and choreographed Peepshow at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, now entering its 4th year. Currently, Jerry is directing and choreographing the forthcoming Broadway production of The Honeymooners, a new musical based on the iconic Jackie Gleason television series. Jerry’s newly formed company, Jerry Mitchell Productions, in association with Ambassador Theater Group, is currently developing 3 new musicals for London and Broadway.
Christopher Gattelli
Christopher Galletti
2012 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Newsies. Broadway (choreographer): My Fair Lady (Tony nomination), SpongeBob SquarePants (Tony nomination), The King and I (Tony nomination), South Pacific (Tony, Outer Critics Circle noms.), Amazing Grace, Casa Valentina, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Sunday in the Park with George, Godspell, The Ritz, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, 13, High Fidelity. Off-Broadway: Dogfight (Lortel Award), Altar Boyz (Lortel Award, Callaway Award, Drama Desk nom.), Bat Boy: The Musical (Lortel Award), tick, tick...BOOM! As director/choreographer, Off-Broadway: Silence! The Musical, In Your Arms (The Old Globe), world premiere of Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (Goodspeed Opera House). Film: Coen Brothers’ Hail, Caesar!; Newsies; Isn’t It Romantic.
Josh Bergasse
Josh Bergasse
Joshua Bergasse is a New York-based choreographer as well as a master teacher. He has been a guest artist at New York University, Marymount Manhattan College, Indiana University, James Madison University, Shenandoah University, Kean University, Creighton University and the University of California Satellite Program.
For film/television, Joshua won the Emmy Award for his choreography on NBC’s musical drama SMASH. He also choreographed multiple segments on So You Think You Can Danceand PBS's Sinatra: A Voice for a Century.
On Broadway, Josh choreographed the revival of On The Town, which opened to rave reviews. He received an Astaire Award and was nominated for TONY, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Awards. Also on Broadway, Josh choreographed the revival of Gigi, and most recently choreographed the Broadway debut of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Off-Broadway credits include Sweet Charity staring Sutton Foster; Cagney (Drama Desk, Astaire, Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for choreography); Bomb-Itty of Errors;Captain Louie. Josh's other credits as a choreographer include West Side Story at the Stratford Festival; Little Me, and It's A Bird... It's A Plane... It's Superman! at City Center Encores!; Pirates of Penzance at Barrington Stage Co; Guys and Dolls, and The Sound of Music at Carnegie Hall.
As a director/choreographer, Josh co-directed and choreographed the Bombshell on Broadway concert at the Minskoff theatre. He directed and choreographed Hazel, a new musical at the Drury Lane Theatre and West Side Story at North Carolina Theater.
Joey Pizzi
Joey Pizzi
Joey Pizzi was most recently on location in London shooting the upcoming feature film Into the Woods, directed by Rob Marshall. He had previously worked on Mr Marshall's films: Nine, Annie, and Chicago, in which he also appeared as Bernie in Cell Block Tango and was honored with an American Choreography Award for Best Choreography.
Some of Joey's other movie-musical credits include: Burlesque (Astaire Award nomination, Dance Tracks Magazine Award), Dreamgirls (Choreography in Media Honor), Hairspray(Choreography in Media Honor), Rock of Ages, and Lucky Stiff.
In the spring of 2013, Joey choreographed the critically acclaimed Broadway play The Nancestarring Nathan Lane which will be broadcast on PBS's Great Performances this fall. Prior to that, on stage, he worked on eleven other Broadway shows (as well as numerous Off-Broadway and Encores productions) as Performer, Dance Captain, Associate Choreographer and/or Choreographer.
On television, Joey has worked on several network series, awards shows, concerts and commercials, and he also recently choreographed Cheyenne Jackson's music video Don't Wanna Know. This summer Joey will be choreographing a new show being performed in Las Vegas which will feature an original score by Jason Robert Brown.
Lucille DiCampli
LDC Artist Representation Casting
Joey Pizzi
Joey Pizzi was most recently on location in London shooting the upcoming feature film Into the Woods, directed by Rob Marshall. He had previously worked on Mr Marshall's films: Nine, Annie, and Chicago, in which he also appeared as Bernie in Cell Block Tango and was honored with an American Choreography Award for Best Choreography.
Some of Joey's other movie-musical credits include: Burlesque (Astaire Award nomination, Dance Tracks Magazine Award), Dreamgirls (Choreography in Media Honor), Hairspray(Choreography in Media Honor), Rock of Ages, and Lucky Stiff.
In the spring of 2013, Joey choreographed the critically acclaimed Broadway play The Nancestarring Nathan Lane which will be broadcast on PBS's Great Performances this fall. Prior to that, on stage, he worked on eleven other Broadway shows (as well as numerous Off-Broadway and Encores productions) as Performer, Dance Captain, Associate Choreographer and/or Choreographer.
On television, Joey has worked on several network series, awards shows, concerts and commercials, and he also recently choreographed Cheyenne Jackson's music video Don't Wanna Know. This summer Joey will be choreographing a new show being performed in Las Vegas which will feature an original score by Jason Robert Brown.
IGNITE WILL BE AT ALL STARBOUND NATIONALS
Come show your support for Rachelle Rak & Sandra Coyte and help them kick off this monumental program! Your dancers will thank-you for the experience!!!
*Dates are subject to change
ORLANDO
AT STARBOUND NATIONALS JUNE 18TH, 2023
SAN ANTONIO
AT STARBOUND NATIONALS JULY 4TH, 2023
ATLANTIC CITY
AT STARBOUND NATIONALS JULY 9TH & 10TH, 2023
FOXWOODS
At Starbound Nationals JuLY 16th, 2023
LAKE TAHOE
At Starbound Nationals JuLY 22ND, 2023
Who Should Attend
Studio Owners
Dancers of all ages
Dancers of all styles
Dance Professionals
Dance Educators
University Dance students
Dance Parents
Dance Lovers
Musical Theatre Performers
Why Attend
- Access to the dance community and educators
- Opportunity for direct casting from top casting agencies
- Scholarships and mentor programs
- Network and collaborate with industry professionals
- Connect with the choreographers working in commercial dance, broadway musicals and more
- Meet some of your idols and learn from the best in a healthy, positive environment
Our Pricing
PRICES FOR THE IGNITE COMPETITION AND CONVENTION ARE listed on DCG - CLICK SIGN UP TO LEARN MORE
Partners/Sponsors
Starbound
LEADERSHIP
Sandy Coyte AND Rachelle Rak
Ignite is lead by talented professionals who first joined forces almost a decade ago, with the purpose of helping dancers reach their full potential. Together Sandy and Rachelle share decades of professional experience on stage and off. This is a dream for Ignite to have a purposeful, educational comp/con that will help provide these young performers the answers they need. Our team will share their knowledge of our industry and everyday life from creator to performer. This connection will be something that will transform the future of their dance education, career opportunities and attainable goals in show business.
IGNITE DYNAMITES
Ignite Dynamites are performers who show grit, fire, willingness, and the desire to grow in a learning environment and on the stage. They must take criticism well and apply it to their performances, as well as show a positive attitude and be excited about learning. They have the opportunity to assist the choreographers in our convention classes. Join our Ignite family!
Winners! 2022/2023 Season
Contact Us
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