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Brittany Rea Cruz - Artistic Director
Brittany brings a diverse background to dance as a choreographer, in many types of dance including tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, ballet, and cheer. Brittany has trained with top choreographers from all over the globe such as Chris Judd, Jason Parsons, Joe Lanteri, and Mia Michaels from “So You Think You Can Dance“... For 11 years Brittany was a part of Pivot Dance Company with instructor Maria Kroll, devoting 9 hour weeks for ballet technique, contemporary, and Broadway routines. Brittany has been a part of numerous competitions, workshops, and shows including NYC Dance Alliance, Portland’s largest showcase “Blue Sky Concert,” and Spotlight Nationals where she received many Overall High Score Awards. Brittany hopes to share her passion and knowledge for dance with anyone and everyone. As she likes to say, “You can dance anywhere, even if only in your heart.” |
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Laura Anderson
Laura Anderson has studied ballet for 20 years and modern for the last 5 years. She has enjoyed teaching ballet for the past 7 years. Most of her schooling was at Mt. Hood Ballet Academy under the instruction of Debbie Pierce. This is where Laura began teaching ballet to young students. When Mt. Hood Ballet became Mt. Hood Dance Academy, Laura added lyrical and partnering to her studies under Haley Talbot and Brittany Rea. After her Senior year at Mt. Hood Dance Academy, Laura continued her dance education at Western Oregon University where she graduated with honors in June of 2013 with a B.S. in dance. While attending WOU, Laura taught and choreographed for Keizer Academy of Music and Arts and Inspirational Dance Company in Salem. She also performed in the dance concerts at WOU and in 2012 she choreographed a modern piece called, “Cohesion” for the Fall Concert. In the Spring of 2013 she choreographed a contemporary ballet piece called “Fading From Darkness: which she was recognized by the dance department for Most Outstanding Choreography. During her time at WOU, she was also a teachers assistant and substitute teacher for the advanced ballet and was awarded with an Outstanding Leadership in Dance. She also was one of eight students chosen to work with Paula Weber who is a choreographer, chair of the dance division, and professor at UMKC’s conservatory of Music and Dance. She spent a week learning Weber’s contemporary ballet piece “Blue” that then was performed at the American College Dance Festival at Southern Utah University and the Spring Dance Concert at WOU in 2013. Laura is excited to return to MHDA to instruct ballet and lyrical classes. |
Shellie Adams
Shellie Adams has been dancing for as long as she can remember but tap has always been her favorite! She has danced under many different teachers including Tara Marshall, Judy Marsh and DeeDee Rios and while she was in High School she often helped assist DeeDee with tap, jazz and musical theater classes. Shellie is entering her senior year at University of Portland where she studies elementary education and music. She absolutely loves kids and hopes that whatever grade she may end up teaching in the future that she can inspire them to use and embrace their creativity. Shellie is so excited to be teaching at Mt. Hood Dance this year and can't wait to get to know you all.
Shellie Adams has been dancing for as long as she can remember but tap has always been her favorite! She has danced under many different teachers including Tara Marshall, Judy Marsh and DeeDee Rios and while she was in High School she often helped assist DeeDee with tap, jazz and musical theater classes. Shellie is entering her senior year at University of Portland where she studies elementary education and music. She absolutely loves kids and hopes that whatever grade she may end up teaching in the future that she can inspire them to use and embrace their creativity. Shellie is so excited to be teaching at Mt. Hood Dance this year and can't wait to get to know you all.
Brandon Her
Brandon has been studying all
styles in hip hop and has been dancing for over 8 years. He is the leader of his dance crew called Konception. They have performed all over Portland and taught workshops in different studios. Brandon Specializes in hip hop
choreography, tutting, isolation, gliding, and animated
robotics. He is also a well rounded with freestyle dancing. Dancing is all about inspiration, love, peace, and supporting our community.
Brandon has been studying all
styles in hip hop and has been dancing for over 8 years. He is the leader of his dance crew called Konception. They have performed all over Portland and taught workshops in different studios. Brandon Specializes in hip hop
choreography, tutting, isolation, gliding, and animated
robotics. He is also a well rounded with freestyle dancing. Dancing is all about inspiration, love, peace, and supporting our community.
