LEAD INSTRUCTOR (she/her)

TEACHES: Jazz Funk, K-Pop, Advanced K-Pop Series

LISTENING TO: “Get Up” - New Jeans

Celina was born and raised in NYC by a dancer mom who enrolled her in dance classes early on in her life. Celina went on to train in hip hop and jazz for many years before joining a competitive team when she was in college. In her time dancing competitively, she won awards for her choreo, taught workshops in the city, and became the director of her college organization’s team. After moving to Seattle in June of 2021, it didn’t take her long to find her dance family at PopRox.

For Celina, dance has given her a way to express herself confidently – a feeling which she aims to replicate for students who attend her classes. When she is not dancing, you can find her being a dog mom, playing video games, or exploring her new city!

INSTRUCTOR/FRONT DESK (he/him)

TEACHES: Hip Hop, Fancy Footwork, Open Choreography, K-Pop, Kid’s Breakdancing

LISTENING TO: “Reason” — Dreamcatcher

Born and raised in the Seattle area, Derrick (aka Nibz) quite literally eats, sleeps, and breathes dance. He started dancing in 2010 when he was invited by a friend to give it a try. When asked what he does when he’s not dancing, he replied “... thinking about dancing or thinking about how I could improve my dancing,” which is just a small glimpse into his love for the craft. Derrick’s dance focus is breakdancing and he can be found throughout the Seattle area teaching classes, competing, and dancing really anywhere he can find a flat surface. Derrick’s favorite music to break to includes anime and K Pop songs, including his current favorite K Pop group – Dreamcatcher. His teaching philosophy centers around always remaining open to the unexplored and the “what-ifs” in dance.

INSTRUCTOR (she/her)

TEACHES: K-Pop

LISTENING TO: “Imagination” – Foster the People

Deborah, also known as Deb, was born in New Jersey and spent her formative years on the East Coast before settling in Washington during high school. Her dance journey is a colorful mix of experiences, from early Korean traditional dance to rocking out to K-Pop tunes in high school. Currently dancing with KOSMIX and AMP’D, Deb finds enjoyment in expressing herself through movement, drawing inspiration from watching others dance, and making friends through dancing!

Beyond the studio, she enjoys hanging out with friends, indulging in TikToks and K-dramas, and playing ARAM in League of Legends. As an instructor, Deb strives to cultivate a positive atmosphere where everyone can unwind and grow both as dancers and individuals.

INSTRUCTOR (she/her)

TEACHES: Ballet (Remixed)

LISTENING TO: “High for U (feat. Gyptian)” - Melii, Gyptian

All the way from Cincinnati, Ohio, Egypt Savaan is a versatile dancer with a background in classical ballet and majorette. Her dance journey began at the age of 12 and Egypt's dedication to the art led her to attend The School of Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, Ohio, majoring in dance from 6th grade through 12th grade.

For Egypt, dance is a constantly evolving journey, characterized by fluidity and growth. Whether it is mastering new techniques, discovering unique styles, or expanding her dance wardrobe, she finds joy in the ever-changing nature of dance. Beyond the studio, Egypt’s passion for nurturing extends to her role as an infant teacher at Bright Horizons preschool.

In Egypt’s classes, she focuses on creating a dance environment where students feel confident and have fun. It is important to her to provide a space where every class brings opportunities for unintentional learning through experimentation and enjoyment.

INSTRUCTOR/FRONT DESK (she/her)

TEACHES: Kids Classes

LISTENING TO: “High Hopes” — Panic! @ The Disco

Elaine found her love for dance at the early age of 6 when she began competitive ballroom with her sister, Yvonne. She went on to compete for 11 years where she learned how to be proactive in her practices and to have confidence and do her best in everything she does. Her love for dance followed her into high school where she became the choreographer for her dance team for two years. Elaine has extensive experience working with kids as both a Summer Camp counselor and a tutor. She believes dance is a great way for kids to build their confidence and creativity. She wants dancers in her classes to be proud and confident in their creativity and to know that it’s okay to make mistakes because we all do.

INSTRUCTOR/FRONT DESK (she/her)

TEACHES: K-Pop, Beginner K-Pop Series, Kid & Teen K-Pop, Kid’s Dance Basics

LISTENING TO: “So Beautiful” — DPR IAN

Eliana was born in Hawaii and spent most of her childhood moving around the US due to her dad’s job in the military. Her family eventually settled down in New York, where she also began her dance journey. School productions were her first foray into dance, and she continued to explore it further while taking ballet and other dance classes in college. She moved to Seattle a little over two years ago and used her Christmas money to take her first k-pop class at PopRox, and she was hooked.

For Eliana, dance is more than just a hobby – it kept her company during a dark time in her life, taught her to love her body, helped her to create a community of her own, and ultimately turned her life around. She wants her students to know that dance doesn’t always have to be serious, mistakes are part of the process, and that she will be there for them every step of the way.

INSTRUCTOR (she/her)

TEACHES: Kid’s Hip Hop

LISTENING TO: “The Hardest Part” – Olivia Dean

Originally from Texas, Eva’s dance journey started at the age of 10. Without a traditional studio background, she began learning to dance by watching and learning routines on YouTube. When she entered high school, Eva began taking dance classes to refine her technique and boost her confidence. Her senior year she joined the drill team and later in college founded a hip hop club on campus, which focused on fostering a judge-free zone. This dance club allowed her to connect with fellow college dancers, creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere.

Currently a full-time nurse, Eva is passionate about serving others through her career. For Eva, dance is a medium to connect with her best self and with others. Beyond the dance floor, she enjoys coffee shops, thrifting, exploring Seattle, and quality time with friends. As an instructor, Eva’s goal is to create an environment where students can be themselves, have fun, and grow not only in dance but also as individuals.

INSTRUCTOR (he/him)

TEACHES: Hip Hop

LISTENING TO: “redrum” – 21 Savage

Originally from San Diego, CA, Hurlink started dancing right before he started high school when his sister pressured him into taking a dance class. Once Hurlink started high school he continued to explore dance by joining his school’s hip-hop team and later in college, a few hip-hop based dance teams. Outside of PopRox, Hurlink has been a part of multiple dance communities in Seattle, including S3 Company, AMP’D, and KOSMIX. As someone who grew up playing music, Hurlink’s relationship with dance has been another way for him to connect to music, channeling what he hears into physical movement. When Hurlink isn’t dancing or working, you can find him playing video games, watching anime, working out, or sleeping.

As a teacher, Hurlink hopes his students leave his classes feeling like they’ve gained something– whether it’s self-confidence, a better ability to listen and feel the music, a new set of moves, or even just a good workout– but most importantly he wants his students to have fun!

INSTRUCTOR (she/her)

TEACHES: Hip Hop, Intermediate K-Pop Series

LISTENING TO: “Blueberry Faygo” – Lil Mosey

Jamie is from Seoul, South Korea and moved to Seattle in 2020 to attend the University of Washington. Her dance journey began when she was 13 years old and she started learning k-pop. She kept dancing all the way until joining her college team, where she started exploring hip hop through choreo, performances, and dance battles.

When she’s not dancing, she likes to spend her time watching movies, hanging out with her friends, and getting boba. She especially loves how many boba places exist in Seattle, and she’s determined to try all of them. It’s important to Jamie that her students know that learning how to dance takes patience and practice, but her enthusiasm is infectious and above all, she just wants her students to have as much fun as she is.

INSTRUCTOR (he/him)

TEACHES: Hip Hop, Open Choreograph

LISTENING TO: “I Luv Your Girl” - The-Dream

Jericho is a Seattle native who was born and raised in Burien, WA. He started dancing when he was about six years old and his brother showed him America’s Best Dance Crew. He was so amazed by the dancing and the joy it brought to him and the whole audience, and he vowed to learn to dance so he could make people feel the same way. He decided to teach himself as much as he could through watching and copying dancers on YouTube and finding opportunities to perform and share his love for dance. He has continued to dance at UC Irvine, where he is attending school. When he’s not dancing you can find him shopping for records, listening to music with his friends, and watching Marvel movies. He hopes that his classes will be reflective of his passion for dance and will make his students feel the way he did when he first watched dancers perform – joyous, confident, and excited about learning.

INSTRUCTOR (she/her)

TEACHES: K-Pop

LISTENING TO: “From the Start” – Laufey

May’s lifelong love for dance began with a playful performance wrapped in toilet paper on her family’s dining table. As a professional figure skater for eight years, she trained in gymnastics, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. Five years ago, she discovered the world of k-pop and was a part of THE KOMPANY as a dance captain and is now a member of KOSMIX.

May’s devotion to dance stems from its ability to express oneself and bring people together. With each step, she strives to create joy and foster harmony through the universal language of movement. Guided by unwavering passion, May hopes to continue to create a space that empowers others to move and groove on the dance floor.

INSTRUCTOR (she/her/he/him)

TEACHES: Iconic Choreo

LISTENING TO: “If Your Girl Only Knew” — Aaliyah

Jacob Almanza has been dancing since the age of 12, specializing in hip hop and pop choreography. After beginning his drag career as Queen Andrew Scott in 2013, he has made it his personal goal to continue learning and teaching dance as much as he possibly can. Dance came into his life when he needed to feel better and now it is what he’s known for in his performing.

Jacob can be found all over the Seattle area performing in many local drag shows — like his monthly show, Leche, at the Unicorn featuring exclusively Latinx performers. For him, dance is a physical translation of passion and excitement. His monthly Iconic Choreo workshop not only draws on his talents as an impersonator, but also challenges him to learn choreography from some of the greats in order to teach students in a way that feels accessible and exciting.

INSTRUCTOR (he/him)

TEACHES: Open Choreography

LISTENING TO: “For Days” — RINI

Ryan’s love for dance first began when he saw America’s Best Dance Crew premiere on MTV in 2008. Their hard-hitting style inspired Ryan to learn how to dance by watching and copying any and all YouTube videos he could get his hands on. Once he started dancing, he never stopped. Ryan went on to co-found a competitive dance team where he choreographed for and competed in many notable dance competitions. Ryan’s favorite kind of dance is open-choreography, hip hop, and krump styles – all of which have heavily influenced his personal dance style.

Through the many changes in his life, dance has remained his steady companion and it has always been the thing that makes him feel like the most confident, passionate, and ambitious version of himself. He is excited to get back to teaching and create student-first dance classes that are stress-free, non-judgmental, and light-hearted.

INSTRUCTOR/FRONT DESK (she/her)

TEACHES: Two Left Feet, Jazz Funk, Open Choreography, Kid’s Dance Basics

LISTENING TO: “Fighting” — BSS ft Lee Young Ji

Born and raised in Washington, Sierra began dancing when her parents enrolled her in ballet and she instantly fell in love. She went on to take lyrical and jazz classes at her local dance studio, but ended up quitting to pursue other extracurriculars. Though she was no longer taking classes, Sierra would have nightly dance parties learning her most recent k-pop choreo fixation or creating her own routines to her favorite pop music. She returned to dance formally only a year ago and has been taking as many classes as she can manage.

When she’s not dancing Sierra loves to read, drink an excessive amount of coffee, and catch up on her latest K-Drama. She’s excited to celebrate dance with people who are looking to try it for the first time. She believes dance is most importantly a way to have fun and enjoy yourself – she wants her classes to be a space where everyone feels safe exploring their self-expression and confident in their way of moving.

INSTRUCTOR (she/her)

TEACHES: Dance After Dark, Jazz Funk

LISTENING TO: “Hush” – Las Marías

Tamber’s dance journey began at a young age, freestyling. Her passion for movement led her to join a folklórico dance group while living in New Mexico. As she moved around to different cities, Tamber embraced various movement styles, eventually immersing herself in the world of Hip-Hop, both as a battler and a dedicated trainee. Her training in street styles served as a foundation for exploring other dance forms, including burlesque and jazz funk. Tamber’s love for dance transcends mere physical expression; it is a source of joy and liberation that allows her to artistically convey emotions like nothing else can.

Outside the dance floor, Tamber finds inspiration in romanticizing life, spending time outdoors, enjoying quality moments with friends, and indulging in singing and reading. Confident and empowered, Tamber strives to create an environment that inspires movers of all levels to find joy in their own movement journey.

INSTRUCTOR (she/her)

TEACHES: Heelin’ Myself

LISTENING TO: “Do It Right” — Don Toliver

Angie grew up in Chicago where she trained in jazz, tap, ballet, and hip hop-based choreography. She moved to the West Coast and spent seven years in Los Angeles training at studios like Debbie Reynolds and Playground LA. Angie took her first heels class in 2019, and since moving to Seattle has danced with Seattle-based dance companies like ZaysBaes, ZTheory, and Purple Lemonade. Angie is currently the co-director of ZaysBaes and assistant to Isaiah Rashad. Angie’s philosophy is that dance is for everybody, no matter where you are in your dance journey. Showing up is the hardest part, and once you’ve made it to the studio, she can help you find that confidence you’ve been looking for.

Outside of dance, Angie works as a marketing director, loves to box, and lives in South Seattle with her husband and chocolate lab named Cassius.

INSTRUCTOR/FRONT DESK (she/her)

TEACHES: Desi Fusion, Iconic Bollywood

LISTENING TO: “TLG” — Coco + Clair Clair

Asha was raised in South Florida, where a vibrant cultural scene allowed her to flourish as a performer early on. She began dancing at age 5, after being inspired by competitive dancers on TV. Seeing Asha’s enthusiasm, her arts-loving theater mom excitedly searched for a teacher for her. She trained in Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, earned her dance degree in this style in 2017, and then went on to participate in fusion dance teams in college. What Asha loves most about dance is its ability to tell a story and that dance not only allows one to embody any emotion but to also then release it through movement. She aims to instill confidence and a sense of connection to music and fellow dancers within her classes.

When she is not dancing, you can find her baking, participating in environmental cleanups, and creating art in all mediums.

INSTRUCTOR (he/him)

TEACHES: Dance After Dark

LISTENING TO: “Asthma Pump” – Tay Money and Flo Milli

Conner’s dance journey began at the start of 2020, learning K-Pop covers and following dance tutorials on YouTube as a way to keep busy when COVID-19 first hit. Later, when he moved from the Bellingham area to Seattle, to attend The University of Washington, he was excited to continue his dance journey. He joined the UW Undivided Dance Team, started taking more classes in both Seattle and South Korea, and eventually started creating choreographies of his own. As a choreographer, his style tends to fall into the sassy and sensual category, but he also enjoys creating hip hop based choreography.

Conner loves dancing because of the opportunities it has given him to connect and create community with so many different types of people. As a teacher, his goal is to create a space where his students are able to learn more about themselves and feel empowered to add their own personal style and emotions.

INSTRUCTOR (he/him)

TEACHES: Hip Hop

LISTENING TO: “Vibe” - Lynnea M

Ato brings a lifelong passion for dance and five years of formal training to every class he has led. With two years of full-time dance experience and four years of teaching under his belt, he is dedicated to sharing the joy of dance with students of all levels.

For Ato, dance is more than just movement—it’s a means of personal expression and emotional release. From moments of sadness to bursts of joy or frustration, Ato finds solace and connection through dance. He is passionate about sharing this transformative power of dance with his students, helping them navigate life’s challenges and celebrate its triumphs through movement.

In Ato’s classes, he believes in emphasizing having fun and creating a stress-free environment where everyone can enjoy the art of dance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, Ato strives to foster a safe space for learning and self-expression.