EPIK Dance Company - DEA Educational Foundation

Luis “Weezy” Egurrola
Sarah “Saza” Dimmick
Founder/Co-Artistic Director
Founder/Co-Artistic Director
Saza received her BFA in dance education from Arizona State University and is currently
pursuing her MFA in Dance at ASU. She teaches on the dance faculty of Arizona State
University, and has also taught at Mesa Community College, Glendale Community
College, Dobson High School and Willow Canyon High School. She has served as School
Administrator of Experience Arts School, Manager of Creative Arts at City of Grace
Church, and Marketing Director of Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy. Currently, she
represents the Be Kind People Project, a non-profit organization that serves teachers
and students nationwide, as Spokesperson and the
Artistic Director of the “Be Kind Crew.”
Saza loves to choreograph and has been a guest
artist/choreographer for University of South
Carolina’s dance department. She also created
pieces for many NBA and WNBA teams, such
as the Seattle Supersonics, the Golden State
Warriors, the Portland Trailblazers, the Phoenix
Suns, the Seattle Storm, and the Phoenix Mercury.
Other projects include the Miss Teen Arizona
Pageant, an episode for MTV’s “My Super Sweet
16,” and live performances for R&B artist Renee.
She currently choreographs floor routines for the
Desert Devils national gymnastics team.
Saza’s performance credits also include works
by David Dorfman, Cliff Keuter, Yvonne Rainer,
FLUX Dance Project, ODC Theater (SF), the NBA
Allstar Games, and NBA Celebrity Games. She
also toured as a dancer and co-choreographer for
the drum and dance group, Street Jam, and was
a member and co-choreographer for the WNBA’s
Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad for seven years.
One of Saza’s passions is teaching. Along with
residencies at Arizona schools through the Arizona
Commission on the Arts, Free Arts AZ, ArtSpace
and Ear Candy, she has taught and presented
curriculum throughout the U.S., including
the Dance and the Child International (DACI)
conference and the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) national conference.
Saza has been awarded the Artsbridge America Scholarship, the National Dance
Education Organization (NDEO) Student Scholarship, and the Arizona State University
Intercollegiate Athletics Board’s Award for Most Inspirational Faculty Member. She has
been featured in Dance Teacher, Dance Spirit and Dance magazines.
In 2007, Saza and Luis “Weezy” Egurrola formed EPIK Dance Company. By bringing
together classically trained and street dancers, they helped shape Arizona’s premier
street-fusion dance company. Within their first year, they were winning battles and
performing for large audiences, including MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew Tour. Soon
after, they decided to turn their focus to creating full theatre works, and
went on to produce, “Common Ground,” which has been showcased at
the Herberger Center for the Performing Arts, Tempe Center for the Arts,
as well as stages all over Arizona. EPIK has become a key player in the
community, offering performances and residencies for schools, community
and charitable organizations.
Weezy has been dancing since the age of 16. His passion has always been dance and
being in the entertainment field. Luis is a Phoenix native, born and raised. Luis has
been creating a name for the Phoenix dance scene
for the past 15 years.
Weezy has been a member of the Phoenix
Mercury Hip Hop Squad for the past 8 years, and
has been the Coach for the past 6. He also has
become part of the Phoenix Suns Organization as
the coach of the Solar Squad (High Energy Hip
Hop Dance Team). He has also choreographed
for other teams in the NBA like the Golden State
Warriors, Seattle Super Sonics, and the Portland
Trailblazers. Weezy was involved in performing
and choreographing the 2009 NBA All-Star Week
which was held here in Phoenix, AZ. Not only is
Weezy the in-arena host for the Phoenix Mercury
but he started partaking in being the voice of the
Phoenix Suns in-arena host for the 2011-2012
season.
Weezy has choreographed for many events here in
the valley, as well as out of state. He has worked
with up and coming artists like Jade Johnson,
Sya, Queen Yonasada, Renee, and Lashy through
touring, live performances, and music videos.
Weezy choreographed the opening for the Miss
Indian Pageant 2006, held at Chandler Center for
the Arts. Weezy is currently a judge on the touring
Celebrity Dance Competition.
Weezy is no stranger to charity work. He has
worked with charities like the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix Mission, One Voice
Community Center, MS Foundation and the Frank Foundation, One n Ten, to name a
few. He has also participated in Phoenix Pride Festival, performing with music artist as
well as female impersonators.
Weezy is being brought in as a guest choreographer to numerous local high schools
throughout the valley. He has also instructed at Gotta Dance, All about Dance, Rhythm
and Motion Dance Center, Dance Network, and is now instructing at Paula Carr Dance
Academy, Dance Studio 111, The Dance Project, Abby Bella Dance Studio, and Gold’s
Gym. He is also the dance choreographer for the Cesar Chavez High School Champions
Cheer Squad.
Luis “WEEZY” Egurrola has always felt that dance is his life. He also says that “No
matter what you do or how you do it, as long as you have true passion you will succeed.”
The Directors
Vincent Calleros
Melissa Britt
Melissa Britt has enjoyed studying movement her entire life.
After acquiring her BFA in Dance Performance from Arizona
State University in 2004, she then went on to dance with
Phoenix-based dance companies Nebellen, Conder Dance,
WNBA Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad, Suns dance team,
and Suns APS Solar Squad. She received her MFA in Dance
with an emphasis in Community Arts from Arizona State
University in the Spring of 2010. Currently holding a position
as Clinical Professor in ASU’s School of Dance, she is
responsible for developing the urban curriculum in addition to
teaching Creative Practices and Post Modern Contemporary
courses. Melissa has been a part of EPIK Dance Company
since 2007 but has known many members for years. EPIK
has been the biggest and most inspiring family of dancers
and friends. Over the years, EPIK has given Melissa
many opportunities to share her love for artistic creation,
community engagement and performance. She is grateful to
everyone involved with and in support of the EPIK family!
Angel Castro
Angel started his career in the arts at a young age when he
began to study acting and musical theater. It wasn’t until
his senior year in high school, at the age of 18, when he
started dancing. His training started at the South Mountain
High School dance magnet program. Upon graduating in
2008, he auditioned and was admitted to the ASU School
of Dance where in 2012, he graduated with honors and a
BFA in Dance. Angel has had the privilege to train with many
amazing teachers including Shouze Ma, Mary Fitzgerald,
Karen Schupp, Cynthia Roses-Thema, Jessica Mumford, and
Carley Conder. He is currently dancing professionally with
local companies which include EPIK Dance Company and
Scorpius Dance Theatre. Angel joined EPIK in 2010. He would
like to thank his family and friends for all of their support.
The Dancers
Vincent Calleros’ dancing career began at the age of 13. His
first classes began at Chandler Parks & Rec and continued
throughout high school. As a result of training with his strong
mentors, Debbie Ball and Margie Wolf, Vince was able to train
in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. During high school,
Vince was offered a position with EPIK Dance Company, and
was offered a scholarship to Classic Image Dance. Thanks
to this opportunity given by Devin Moss, and guidance from
all his teachers, he became a stronger dancer. During 201011 Vince moved to Los Angeles where he assisted various
choreographers while obtaining his Cosmetology License from
Toni&Guy Hairdressing Academy. After returning to Arizona,
Vince not only started dancing with EPIK again, but also
became a part of No Limitz and the Be Kind People Project.
Alix Clark
Alix Clark started taking dance seriously when she was 13
years old. Her passion in dance began when she was a
part of the Hendrix Dance Company, and later joined the
Dobson Dance Company in high school. Over those four
years, she won four ‘Best Choreographer’ awards and also
received two scholarships. During the summer of 2008,
she was asked to join EPIK Dance Company. Now, a junior
in college, she is studying to get her Bachelor’s degree in
Dance. She is currently dancing with EPIK, the Be Kind Crew
from the Be Kind People Project, and teaching at various
studios throughout the Valley, hoping one day her passion
and drive will take her to other places throughout the world.
Jenna Lyn Endicott
While growing up in Las Vegas, Jenna Endicott enjoyed
dancing competitively while working with Future Shock
Dance Troupe. At ASU, she earned a bachelors degree in
Interdisciplinary Studies focused in dance and business.
Jenna currently works for Celebrity Dance Competitions,
touring as a choreographer and instructor. At Experience Arts
School in Mesa, Jenna is the Dance and Aerial Company
Director. Recently, Jenna auditioned for So You Think You
Can Dance Season 9 and was put straight through to Las
Vegas. Jenna specializes in contemporary and jazz, but
has a passion for street styles. Jenna’s desire is to help
students recognize their God-given talents and gifts, and
hopes to inspire dancers to achieve their highest potential
while sharing the love of God throughout the community.
Nick Flores
Anthony James Kelly
Anthony James Kelly aka “AKELLZ” was a young man born
with two left feet, a quiet heart, a quick tongue, and a racing
mind. After he was observed speaking to imaginary friends by
a couple of his middle school teachers, they recommended he
take up acting which would make it justifiable for such strange
activity. If anyone asks, “It’s just ‘practice’ for the next show.”
Dancing was his #1 fear. Movement screams the heart’s
reality - there is no hiding. Acting helped him understand
others, while dance helped him understand himself. Now
he dances all the time in search for what holds value. He
was last seen teaching/performing/battling around the valley
and attending ASU for his BA in Theatre and BFA in Dance.
Nick Flores began dancing at the age of 13. Having been
trained in many different styles, he has had the opportunity
teach for over 10 years for numerous schools, studios,
clinics, and professional teams around the country.
Nick recently received a BIS degree from Arizona State
University. From there, he has danced for groups such
as, Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad, Electrolytes Dance
Crew, and Stilo Dance Company. Some of his choreography
credits include the Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad,
Arizona Rattlers, Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Theatre, and
Phoenix Suns Dance Team. His most recent achievement is
joining the Cirque Du Soleil family. Nick currently teaches
at a number of schools and studios around the valley. He
would like to thank his family for their continuous support.
Grace Gallagher
Liz Kusch
Liz Kusch is currently a sophomore psychology major at ASU.
Her passion for dance started to blossom at Red Mountain
High School under the direction of Nikki Fox. After a school
field trip to EPIK’s show in early 2011, she was inspired by
their unique fusion of styles and had a feeling it was the
perfect place for her. Her journey with EPIK then started
a few months later. She has been constantly learning ever
since! From the seat to the stage, Liz is extremely thankful to
be surrounded by such an eclectic, talented group of people.
Raised in Michigan, Grace Gallagher started her training
at a very young age. She later attended Arizona State
University. While studying dance, she was also a member of
ASU’s Hip Hop Coalition and EPIK Dance Company. Grace
went on to intern at Broadway Dance Center in NYC. She
later moved out to LA where she was accepted into the
Edge Performing Arts Center’s Scholarship Program. After
graduating from Edge, she was hired to start their first ever
kids program. Grace has worked under choreographers
including Mandy Moore, Jason Myhre, Joelle Martinec,
Nico O’Connor, Chris Dupre’, Dante7, Sabrina Phillip,
Joaquin Escamilla, Yusuf Nasir, and Lisa Eaton. Grace has
recently moved back to Arizona and recently graduated
from ASU. She is thrilled to be back dancing with EPIK!
Michaela Granado
Cassidy Liew
Cassidy is a senior undergraduate student at Arizona State
University, about to finish with her BFA in Dance! She
was born and raised a beach baby in Southern California
and moved to Arizona when college came around. She is a
harvester of all sorts, but mostly love. She harvests love for
dance, she harvests love for EPIK, she harvests love in all
of her relationships and they have recently lead her to live
a better life. “I dance my way through the human race!”
Michaela Granado is a native of Arizona, and began training
and competing with local dance studios around the Phoenix
area at the age of six. She has been technically trained in
the areas of Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern and Hip-Hop. She
attended the University of Arizona as an interdisciplinary
study major with an emphasis in dance, communications,
and sports management. As a Wildcat she was member of
the University of Arizona’s Pomline for three years. After
returning back to the valley, she has had the privilege to work
with local choreographers from different dance companies
such as Tracy Marion from MarioCo, Sean Daulberg from
Phoenix Contemporary Dance Company, and Carley Conder
from CONDER/Dance. Michaela coaches Perry High School’s
varsity pom team while she continues to spread her love
and passion for the art of dance by teaching at various
locations around the valley. She is so blessed to have the
opportunity to dance and pursue her passion, and is thankful
for her parents and family for all their love and support.
Adrian Mendle
Born and raised in Coolidge, Arizona, Adrian accredits his
first dance lessons to hours in front of MTV as a kid. In high
school he took his passion public, becoming Harvey Da Bear,
the school’s dancing mascot. He attended Arizona State
University and received his Bachelors of Interdisciplinary
Studies with concentrations in Kinesiology and Dance,
all while dancing with the ASU Hip Hop Coalition and
Nebellen Dance Company. Adrian has also danced for F2
and the Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad. Now dancing with
EPIK, Adrian teaches, and has instructed various Hip Hop,
cardio fitness classes and workshops around the Valley,
and even returned to his former high school as a guest
artist. Adrian has also become part of the Be Kind Crew,
showing kids the importance of being kind to each other.
Lisa “LiLi” Murray
An Arizona native, Lisa’s passion for dance began at
age 15. She acquired traditional b-girl styles, and soon
thereafter, attending B-boy jams and battles became a way
of life. She has competed in various crew and individual
battles with Melodrama crew. Lisa has also danced for
the professional dance company, Nebellen, as well as
the Solar Squad for the Phoenix Suns. She is an original
member of EPIK Dance Company, performing with them
since its inception in 2007. She is thrilled to see the growth
within the company and its community presence. She is
also presently involved in the high-energy performances
with the Be Kind People Project. She attended Arizona
State University and has a Bachelor’s degree in Global
Business. She also has a current Crossfit obsession!
J. Ivory Myers III
Ivory was born and raised, Mesa AZ. He received an
Associates in Dance Ed. from Chandler-Gilbert Community
College, and a BFA in Dance from ASU. Ivory has loved
the opportunities that EPIK presents to be able to reach
out to the community. Ivory has taught and performed
in many different arenas, but considers it a privilege
and an honor to be able to hang out with “the future.”
He finds the most joy in using dance to be able to mentor,
inspire, encourage and motivate the younger generation of
artists. Ivory says, “Dance is my gift from God, and I refuse
to stand before Him in Heaven and try to explain to Him why
I didn’t do anything with it... so while we’re here, lets dance!”
Angelo “Vo Vera” Sapienza
Vo Vera pursues life as the discovery and expression of self,
by way of creative, dynamic movement with influences from
technical and freestyle dance styles, acrobatics and yoga. He
has been dancing and moving with intent and passion since age
7. In 2001, he began cultivating his knowledge of B-boying,
which raised him from the streets of rural Arizona and Germany
to Arizona’s premiere platforms. By 2011, his training had
expanded to include a range of dance and movement styles.
Today he instructs, choreographs and performs B-boying,
Hip Hop and hand balancing. “…body is my medium; in
motion, in stillness and in each fleeting moment it is my art.”
Codi Jae Starner
Codi started ballet in first grade. She experienced jazz,
modern, improvisation and choreography in high school. Codi
went to Chandler-Gilbert Community College and received
her AAFA in Dance, May 2009. She then studied Dance
Education at ASU for three years. Codi has choreographed/
performed throughout the AZ valley for her church, EPIK,
ASU, CGCC, and Dance Unlimited, where she has taught
for 5 years. She also teaches and choreographs for several
high schools in the Phoenix area, as well as travels to
Wisconsin to teach. Her greatest accomplishment was
directing a dance workshop that raised over $2,000 for a
boy who had Lymphoma. Codi has been a member of EPIK
since 2010, and is excited for what the future of EPIK holds.
X-Savior Thomas
Since the age of twelve, X-Savior Thomas was never afraid
to show off his talent. It wasn’t until the age of sixteen that
he decided he wanted to make dance his life. He started as
a dance team member of the Chandler Compadre Boys and
Girls Club, and became an official EPIK member three years
later. Since then, he has joined the Phoenix Mercury Hip
Hop Squad, the Phoenix Suns Solar Squad, Open House AZ,
and the JukeBox Family. He is starting to make a name for
himself in the AZ dance scene, learning different styles and
supporting the dance community. He dreams of one day taking
his ability out of state, and even traveling internationally,
spreading his knowledge and passion to the world.
Jerome “Ekos” Upayokin
Jerome was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina as the
youngest of three brothers. Growing up a military brat who
moved around a lot (including graduating from high school in
Okinawa, Japan), he learned to love the new experiences and
opportunities he was exposed to. Though he never thought
that dancing would be a huge part of his life, he was hooked
after seeing and imitating Michael Jackson on his “Thriller”
tour. That passion led to him start investigating b-boying,
which he has now studied for over a decade. He has opened
for DMX and Usher, performed with the WNBA Phoenix
Mercury Hip Hop Squad, as well as worked with Celebrity
Cruises as the ship’s dancer. Currently, Jerome dances with
Mellow Drama Crew and of course, EPIK Dance Company.
Jaylene Verhaagen
Jaylene Verhaagen was born and raised in Arizona. She
graduated from Glendale Community College with her
associates degree in dance. While in school she competed in
the Maricopa Community College dance competition, “Artist
of Promise,” receiving a first place soloist award two years in
a row. Jaylene has been a member of EPIK Dance Company
for close to three years now. Jaylene has also danced with
Scorpius Dance Theatre for three years. Scorpius’ production
of “A Vampire Tale” has taken Jaylene on tour to England
performing in the Bram Stoker Horror Film Festival.
Kiersten “KT” Willis
Also known as Kicks, Kiersten has been dancing for about
9 years, ever since she decided to take her first dance class
at school in 8th grade. Originally a hip-hop dancer, she grew
to love other styles, such as contemporary and jazz. Being
a late bloomer in technique often made her discouraged
compared to studio dancers but she never gave up. Having
full faith that dance was a personal gift God gave especially
to her, she continued pursuing dance at a college level
and received her Associates of Fine Arts in Dance, and is
scheduled to graduate from ASU this May with a Bachelors
in Arts Administration. She is in her 3rd season as a hiphop dancer for the Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns, and
this is her first year on EPIK. She loves the diversity and
presence that EPIK has within the community, and feels very,
very, very blessed to be a part of something so impactful.