Nick’s career as a dance educator has spanned over fifteen years, and his energetic and inspirational style has allowed him to tour extensively guest teaching and choreographing all over the world. His performance credits include the national and international tours of Caution Men at Work: TAP, Legends of Tap, Disney’s LA Feet, and Buckets and Tap Shoes. His work has appeared in nationally distributed educational videos and has been seen on many TV shows including the Rosie O’Donnell Show, the Ellen Degeneres Show, and Dr. Phil. Nick’s latest project, Rhythmic Circus, is a Minneapolis based performance company he co-founded and for which he is the executive director. Since its inception in 2007, the company has quickly risen from an underground percussive dance phenomenon to a highly sought-after, full-scale touring production. In addition to opening for Savion Glover’s Bare Soundz, appearing in the Crash Bang Boom Festival, and performing at the Historic Reichold Center in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Rhythmic Circus has visited over 40 cities across the nation this season alone and plans to bring their highly acclaimed show Feet Don’t Fail Me Now off-Broadway in October of 2012.

Born and raised in the New York metropolitan area, Jeff Lapes began his training at the age of 8 in all styles of dance. Growing up so close to Manhattan led to unique audition and performance opportunities, and by age 12, Jeff’s highly energized and dynamic hip-hop style got him agency representation. From there, he performed in Broadway promos, toured with and choreographed for Radio Disney singer Larry Laboe, and performed with the New Jersey Nets dance team, and at many other venues. Later, hip-hop became his real passion and led to work with Nelly Furtado, Timbaland, and Lil Mama. He has also been seen on MTV, CBS and in several music videos. He most recently toured with America’s Best Dance Crew as a member of the crew Iconic. When Jeff is not traveling with WCDE, he teaches and choreographs for studios and college dance teams all around the country. His intricate, stylized choreography brings a fresh, yet old school vibe to hip-hop, which excites and inspires dancers everywhere.

Elizabeth received Tony and Drama Desk nominations and the TDF/Astaire Award for Best Female Dancer in Broadway’s Movin’ Out. She has been a principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, Feld Ballet, Donald Byrd and Twyla Tharp Dance, but the fiery red-head first gained notice with Broadway audiences with her standout performance in Fosse. Some of her other credits include national tours of Singin’ in the Rain, Carousel, The Harlem Nutcracker and most recently Movin’ Out. She has also made numerous appearances on television including Night at the Joffrey and Nijinsky’s Right of Spring on PBS. Most recently, she and her husband opened their own performing arts studio in Connecticut - Fineline Theatre Arts.

Eddie is one of the most energetic personalities to hit the circuit in years. Originally from Huntington Beach, California (where he received his training) he currently teaches dance in the area. He has established a name for himself as a highly skilled teacher and choreographer. Musical theatre, jazz, lyrical and even tap. He does it all! He has worked with artists such as Britney Spears and Madonna. Eddie has performed all over the country with many productions including Ten Foot Five, in Minneapolis, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Key Club in Hollywood. He has also performed on The Ellen Degeneres Show, Dr. Phil, Good Day L.A., and ESPN. He brings an athletic flair to his choreography with a passion and energy that is contagious. Look for Eddie at Dance 2 the Max talent competition where he will be the host!

Kim is an Atlanta, Georgia native where she trained at and graduated from the Northside High School of Performing Arts. She moved to Los Angeles when she was 18 where she then worked extensively in television, film, commercials and industrials. Just some of her television credits include dancing with Prince on the American Music Awards, Jason Alexander on the Comedy Hall of Fame Awards, Liza Minelli on the Academy Awards, and Paula Abdul on the MTV Video Music Awards. She was also featured in the films Tank Girl and Showgirls, and national commercials for Pepsi, Nike, and Asics. During her time working in L.A. she assisted such choreographers as Marguerite Derricks and Jamie King. Kim has also choreographed for Ani Difranco, Zoe Girl, and Tammy Trent. She is now based in Birmingham, Alabama, where she devotes a great deal of time to teaching dance.

A Southern California native, Marissa Osato trained in jazz, lyrical, ballet, and musical theater at MKR Dance Productions in Diamond Bar, CA. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of California, Irvine with a B.A. in Dance and B.A. in Literary Journalism Marissa has danced with modern dance legend Donald McKayle’s repertory company, Etude Ensemble, Boogiezone’s professional hip hop team, BREED Dance Company, Erica Sobol's CollidEdance, and Tessandra Chavez’s Unity LA. She has performed in numerous stage and television shows, such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show and FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance. A passionate educator, Marissa has choreographed for studios and teams across the U.S. and has taught master classes in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Her unique and dynamic style fuses elements of jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. Currently, Marissa teaches at EDGE Performing Arts Center in Hollywood and co-directs her contemporary dance company, ENTITY. Marissa is all about positivity, support, and shared inspiration!

Natalie is originally from Seattle, Washington, where she received hertraining in all styles of dance. After moving to the Los Angeles area to attend Chapman University, she began working in television, industrials, and music videos. While in school, she continued her training and performed at a number of different venues including the New York City Elan Awards and the Emmy Awards. Her television credits include choreographing and starring in the “OK is Alright with Me” music video promo for artist Eric Hutchinson and assisting Mandy Moore and Mia Michaels, on the hit TV show So You Think You Can Dance. She has been a member of Mark Meismer’s Evolution Dance Company in Los Angeles, Justin Giles’ SoulEscape Dance Company, Anaheim Ballet, and most recently performed with Odyssey Dance Theatre, in their United States and European tours. Natalie is now based in New York City, and is looking forward to her first season with the world renown Radio City Rockettes, performing in the famous Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. WCDE introduced Natalie as a guest teacher last season to rave reviews!