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Tia Johnson, Co-Director
Nickname: tt Year: Not in school at the moment Sign on: fall 13 Style: Ballet/hip hop, contemporary is my strong suit. Something No One Knows About Me: Not all of people know but my wrist is out of socket. Bio: I've been dancing since I was 3. I did all the basic classes, ballet, tap, and jazz. I started taking pointe until my freshman year in high school. I joined future shock my senior year. |
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Alyssa Zinar, Co-Director
Major: Communication Year: Junior Sign On: Fall '14 Style: Hip-Hop, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, and Contemporary Something No One Knows About Me: I always eat off the kids menus Bio: I was born and raised in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. I began dancing at the age of 3 at Touch of Class Dance Studio and continued dancing there for 15 years. I am trained in almost every style of dance, but my favorite style is Tap. For 5 years I was a member of the Philadelphia 76er’s basketball team’s junior and pre-professional dance teams. When I came to college I was looking for a dance team to get involved with and Dynamic was a perfect fit, I am so grateful to be part of such an amazing team and family. |
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Jordan Grigsby, VP of Production
Nickname: Jordana Major: Dance Education Year: Senior Sign on: Spring '15 Style: Street Jazz Something No One Knows About Me: I have had stitches in my tongue Bio: I am from Silver Spring, Maryland. At 8 years old I started being trained in jazz until my studio was shut down once I was 10. I kept dancing throughout middle school and then became a cheerleader at Northwood high school. Since cheerleading wasn't enough to satisfy my eagerness to dance, I took classes offered at my high school, participated as a dancer in every musical and joined the dance company. I even go back and choreograph for their shows now aside from my job in an elementary school. I went to Trinity University until I realized there was no dance and couldn't live that way. I transferred to UMD and learned about Dynamic & knew I had to join. I signed on Spring 2015 and couldn't be happier to be a part of the best dance family I've ever had. |
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Lauren Roche, VP of Communication
Nickname: Loro Year: Sophomore Sign on: fall '15 Style: contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and hip hop Something No One Knows About Me: I met Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett Bio: I’m from Howard County, MD. I’ve been dancing ever since I can remember. I started out in toddler dance/gymnastics classes, then took lessons in ballet and jazz at 2 different studios in my area. In high school, I was a part of my school’s dance company and dance team. My senior year in dance company, I choreographed my senior dance piece to “Uptown Funk,” based on Jasmine Meakin’s choreography on youtube (who I love!). I was on my dance team’s officer squad my junior and senior years, where I helped select music and costumes for our routines, choreograph and teach the dances, and captain certain dances at competitions. We won a state championship title my junior year and 2 state championship titles my senior year. Our team was (and still is) so close, and I knew I wanted to continue dancing and be a part of something like that in college. I heard about several different dance teams at UMD and auditioned for a few. When I discovered what Dynamic was, I fell in love with it. Everyone on the team is so good and I was mesmerized watching them dance. I am so lucky to be a part of such a fun group of people who love to dance just like I do! |
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Bria Goode, VP of Finance
Nickname: Bri Bri Major: Animal Science Year: Sophomore Sign on: Fall 2015 Style: Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Hip Hop Something No One Knows About Me: For a long time I wanted to be a theater major and a triple threat when I grew up (singer, dancer, and actress). Bio: I was born in Washington DC and grew up in Camp Springs, Maryland as an only child. I have always had a love for dance, but did not dance all of my life. I began dancing ballet at 3 years old but stopped after I transferred to a new school in the second grade. After taking a break for a few years, I began taking jazz and tap classes. In high school, I joined the cheerleading team instead of the dance team, but still took classes such as jazz, lyrical, and african dance. It was during this time that I new I couldn't live without dance. When I came to UMD, I knew I wanted to get involved, but I just didn't know what to join. When I saw Dynamic perform at the step show on campus, I knew I had to try out. I didn't expect to make the team but I am beyond grateful and happy to be apart of such a loving, diverse, and talented family. I cannot wait to grow as a dancer, build long lasting relationships, and create rememberable experiences on this team. |
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Eddie Jeffries
Nickname: E&J, Elmo Sign on: Spring 14' Style: Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, and Hip Hop Something No One Knows About Me: I'm very shy. Bio: Born and raised in Rockville,MD, I always had a strong interest in different types of art. I took my first dance class at Montgomery College as a vocal performance major. After discovering a new passion for the art of dance, I switched my major to a dance and education major because of the feeling i got as I danced on stage and I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. While at Montgomery College I trained in ballet, modern, and jazz. I also joined a company called Dissonance Dance Theatre, where I trained for 2 years, which is a contemporary ballet company. I later started training in hip hop in 2013 taking class in the DMV area. I also joined Fierce Collabo and train briefly with U.F.N. I am very happy to be apart of the dynamic family and looking forward to see my growth and strengths in my hip hop training. |
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Reyna Fox
Major: Dance and Elementary Special Education Year: Junior Sign on: Spring '15 Style: Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop Something No One Knows About Me: I loved studying Spanish in high school and I am obsessed with Spanish/Latin culture. I hope to travel to as many Spanish speaking countries as possible! Bio: I was born and raised in Penn Valley, PA, which is a suburb outside of Philadelphia. I always had a natural love for dance and officially began my dancing training at the age of 3 at DanceXpress Dance Studio. I trained in ballet and jazz since I was 3 and trained in modern during high school. During my junior year of high school I began training more seriously in ballet and attended The Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet in addition to my training at DanceXpress. Growing up I also attended Israeli dance lessons twice a week from the age of 5 until the age of 12. All of my of my hip hop training prior to joining Dynamic was from workshops at The Pulse On Tour dance convention and master classes with Matt Steffanina and Dana Alexa from youtube. Currently I am a Creative and Performing Arts Scholar in the dance major and I am so thankful to be a member of the wonderful dance community at The University of Maryland. Dynamic was the only team I auditioned for and I am so proud to be part of such a talented and embracing dance family. Every member has inspired me in a different way and I can't wait to continue my growth as a dancer with Dynamic! |
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Ira Hill
Major: Dance Year: Senior Sign on: Spring ‘15 Style: Modern and Hip Hop Something No One Knows About Me: I have been skating since I was two years old (Gotta start young!). Bio: I was born in Fairfax, Virginia, but later moved to Maryland where I’ve been relocating throughout Prince George’s County ever since. I actually didn’t start dancing until about a year and half ago. None of my schools (and I’ve been to many) offered anything arts-related other than art. So at the moment, I’m still growing and finding myself as a dancer and a performer. I was really excited when I found out about teams like DyNaMiC and after one class, I knew I had to join this team and I’m so glad I did. I don’t know how I’d live without my DyNaMiC Fam! |
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Shaina Patel
Major: Mechanical Engineering and Dance Year: Sophomore Sign on: Fall 2016 Style: Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz Something no one knows about me: I am obsessed with photography Bio: I grew in Milford, New Hampshire and moved to Pennsylvania during sophomore year of high school. I have been dancing since the age of 4 at Kathy Blake Dance Studio and Nardi Dance Studio. I began my training in jazz and ballet for about 2 years and took my first hip hop class at the age of 6. At the age of 10 I began training heavily in contemporary and modern and multiple different Bollywood styles. Dance has been a major part of my life and I am so grateful to be able to pursue a further education in it at the University of Maryland. After seeing Dynamic perform during my freshmen year, I knew I wanted to be a part of such a powerful team. I was so excited to find out I made the team and I can't wait to see how I grow as a dancer throughout my time on the team. |
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Omasan Ekah
Major: biology Year: Sophomore Sign on: fall 2015 Style: hip hop, musical theater Something no one knows about me:I eat, sleep, breath Scandal and am obsessed with Kerry Washington. Bio: I'm from Montgomery County Maryland and I went to Northwest High School. I was apart of the musical theater program all four years as cast or student director. From there I have participated in a lot of opportunities like modeling and acting in films. My dance experience started when I was really young but my mom didn't approve of the provocative apparel so I stuck to dance clubs and school sponsored groups. I also love other types of performing like singing, acting, modeling and want to experience the whole audition scene in LA or NYC before it's too late. I didn't think I had the skills to make dynamic but I'm very grateful that everyone is very accepting and encouraging! |
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Sammy Marcus
Major: Business Year: Freshman Sign on: Fall 2015 Style: Hip-Hop Something No One Knows About Me: I recently learned how to DJ and mix music. Bio: I am from Newton, Massachusetts right outside of Boston. Dancing has been a very significant part of my life ever since I was 2. I started taking hip-hop classes in third grade and danced with my studio until my sophomore year of high school. I was a part of my school's hip-hop team all throughout high school and we claimed three state championship titles! Dancing is one of my main forms of self-expression, a way for me to de-stress, and has acted as a language to communicate with strangers. As soon as I knew I was going to UMD, I googled: "hip-hop teams at umd," and I found Dynamic. I knew from the minute I started watching the team's videos on YouTube that I wanted to be a part of this community. Now that I'm here, I am honored to be a part of this family. |
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Sydney Abella
Nickname: Squid Year: Sophomore Sign on: Fall 2015 Style: Sharp or sassy hip hop Something no one knows about me: I used to have bright red hair Bio: I grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland my entire life. When I was 5, I took ballet and tap but I stopped taking classes around age 8. I didn't become interested in dance again until the end of middle school where I was a member of a dance team for a big musical production. Sophomore year I joined the poms team where I eventually became co-captain my Junior year and captain my senior year. I was so excited to find out I made the team, and I can't wait to grow as a dancer with Dynamic! |
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Dominique Touya
Major: Women's studies Nickname: Nee Nee, Nique Nique Year: Junior Sign on: Fall 2016 Style: Liturgical Something No One Knows About Me: I used to compete in spelling bees and finally won one in Delaware in the 6th grade. The movie Akeelah and the Bee was basically about me. Bio: I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. My family is full of singers but I was one of the dancers. I started doing liturgical (praise) dance with a group my cousins and I formed at age 7. We danced at family functions and other events at different churches. At age 10 I joined the church I currently attend, Mount Pleasant Church & Ministries in Baltimore and have been a member of the dance ministry ever since. I came to college and wasn't really looking to join a dance team until I saw Dynamic perform at the All Niter and I thought they were so dope. After I saw them perform, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and audition for the team and I made it! I'm so excited and I can't wait to get to know the members of the team and grow as a dancer! |
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Jaydee Moultrie
Nickname: Jay, Papa Jay Year: Masters Degree Recipient 2015 Sign on: Fall 2016 Style: Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Ballet, HipHop, Musical Theater Something No One Knows About Me: I am destined to be in a Boy Band! Bio: I began dancing as a child in performing arts camp. Later, Joined the dance team and dance company in high school. I went on to the Baltimore County Honors Dance Ensemble and moved up the ranks to Soloist status for Mid Atlantic Youth Ballet. I moved on to undergrad and became The Founder/ 1st President of the "Fsu Epitome Dance team" and joined the" FSU Dance Company". Next, in graduate school, I joined the" WVU Student Dance Association" and "WVU Hiphop dance team", finishing out my time as an original member of the "FIVE" dance crew. Post grad, I became a member of the DMV Dance Community by joining Major Definition. After seeing Dynamic perform and meeting multiple members of the team, I knew that this dance family would be the perfect fit for me. |
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Antoine Jones
Nickname: Twan Major: graphic design Sign on: fall 2015 Style: hip hop Something no one knows about me: I still love cartoons and will re-watch every 90s show and cartoon I grew up on. Bio: I can't really say where exactly I was raised just because I have moved around a lot in my life and was raised all over but I know all my life I've lived in Maryland. I started dancing my junior year of high school taking an interest into Bollywood style dance. Then during the beginning of senior year I saw Dynamic perform for the first time and it changed my life and my interest in hip hop became stronger and stronger. Over the years I took hip hop classes and went to every show Dynamic ever had constantly trying to improve my dancing experience, now I'm on the team and am having the time of my life. |
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Brianne Nguyen
Major: Engineering Year: Freshman Sign on: Spring 2016 Style: Lyrical and hip hop Something No One Knows About Me: I am in love with dinosaurs and dragons. Bio: I grew up in Germantown, Maryland, a diverse city in Montgomery County. I have loved music my entire life, and since I was a kid, I tried to find as many opportunities to perform as possible. In middle school, I participated in the Madison Chinese Dance Academy as well as a dance team in a musical production. In high school, I moved on to become the singer and guitarist in a rock band called Redemption. I also joined my school’s poms team, where I grew as a dancer and became a co-captain my senior year. When I came to college, I desperately wanted to find a way to continue dancing, which is why I auditioned for Dynamic. I was overjoyed when I realized I made the team, and I am so excited to dance again. |
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Kayline Anantua
Nickname: Kay Major: Family Science Year: Senior Sign on: Spring 16' Style: Urban Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop Something no one knows about me: I'm obsessed with Debbie swiss rolls. They make my heart smile :) Bio: I was born in raised in Long Island, New York for 10 years before I moved to Laurel, MD where I've been ever since. I began dancing at 5 years old and continued to dance throughout high school where I performed on Dance Company! I was also a doll on the Prima Dolls Dance Team for 2 years where we performed urban jazz and modern with a bit of sass and a whole lot of FIERCE! I took a break for a year, but dance has been such a huge part of my life, I wanted to come back and challenge myself to try a different style of dance, hip-hop. Dynamic welcomed me with open arms and now I get to SLAYY with not only my best friend, Jakaya, but new friends and a dance family! |
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Morgan Comer
Major: Criminal Justice (Russian minor) Year: Senior Sign on: Spring ‘16 Style: Hip-Hop, Modern, Jazz Something No One Knows About Me: Not saying I’m Spiderman or anything but have you ever seen us in a room together… Bio: I was born in Silver Spring, MD but grew up mostly in Prince George’s County. I started dancing when I was about 3 years old with a church group. With them I did jazz, modern, tap, African, and hip-hop but eventually gave up tap. I also cheered up until the end of high school. When I came to college I searched for a dance team that would fit my personality. I was on a different one for over a year but eventually found a home at Dynamic and I couldn’t be happier with my new dance family! I cannot wait to grow as a dancer and improve myself. |
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Jaliyl K Jones
Nickname: Jay Major: Dental Hygiene Year: Pending acceptance letter 🙈 Sign on: Spring 2016 Style: Hip-Hop Something about me no one knows: I broke BOTH my wrist from jumping out of a tree pretending to be Tarzan at the age of 10 Bio: Born and raised in Maryland, the first day I began walking was the first day I began dancing. I love all things performing arts wise stemming from Theater , Music & Modeling. I decided to start taking my craft seriously about a year ago and am excited for the road ahead of me with my new dance family! #Dynamic |
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Melissa Benjamin
Nickname: Mel Major: Animal Science Year: Senior Sign On: Spring ‘16 Style: Hip-Hop, Bollywood Something No One Knows About Me: I’m terrified of the ocean but obsessed with the idea of mermaids/sirens (THEY'RE EVIL) Bio: I’m a Haitian-American from PG County, Maryland. I’ve always loved music and dancing growing up, but didn’t officially join a team until high school. There I learned the ins & outs of Bollywood fusion style and liked it so much that I continued in college on UMD’s very own fusion team. During my freshman and sophomore years here, one of my best friends was on Dynamic and watching him practice and perform is what drove me to practice/work hard and tryout for the team. I didn’t make it the first time but this second go of it was definitely worth it! ;) Can’t wait to learn and grow with all my amazing teammates! |
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Brandi Bertie
Major: Dance and Biology Year: Sophomore Sign on: Spring ‘15 Style: Modern, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, West African Something No One Knows About Me: I performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Bio: I was born in Brooklyn, NY but I grew up in Long Island, NY. I started dancing at age three and have been trained professionally at: The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Mark Morris Dance Group and withy the Paul Taylor Dance Company. My techniques include: ballet, tap, modern, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, Horton, Limón, character, West African, pointe and jazz. I also took gymnastics and breakdancing for two years. In high school I was a member of the Performing Arts program for four years under the Dance Concentration. I was also the captain of the step team for two years. My West Indian background has propelled my dance career forward. Before coming to UMD I was in an all female hip-hop group called LUSH Varsity, and I was hoping to continue with my passion for dance. Being a dance major at UMD, I looked up to Dynamic and I have watched like all of their YouTube videos LOL. I am super excited to be joining the team and I can’t wait to grow as a family. |
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Erin Esterson
Nickname: ermich Year: Freshman Major: Criminology Sign on: Fall '16 Style: Hip hop, tap, jazz, contemporary, ballet, and modern Something No One Knows About Me: I don’t have a sense of smell Bio: Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. I’ve been dancing since I was two, starting with ballet and tap, and I began competing at the age of seven. After eleven seasons, it’s safe to say dance had a sustainable impact on me. I attended a performing arts high school for dance and am so excited to continue my passion now in college. I already love being a part of the DyNaMiC family! |