FACULTY
Cami Capps Director
Cami received a BFA in Modern Dance from East Carolina University and has over 30 years of experience teaching dance and working in the entertainment industry. She founded and directed professional dance companies and studios in Hong Kong, Singapore, Florida, and North Carolina. She has a passion to mentor youth and assists them in devel
Cami received a BFA in Modern Dance from East Carolina University and has over 30 years of experience teaching dance and working in the entertainment industry. She founded and directed professional dance companies and studios in Hong Kong, Singapore, Florida, and North Carolina. She has a passion to mentor youth and assists them in developing careers in the area of performing arts. Cami also works with Kreativ Media Partners as a youth talent manager. She was the administrator and children's dance instructor for Abby Lee Dance Company in Los Angeles, CA. In Orlando, Florida, she worked as co-artistic director/choreographer for the Holy Land Experience theme park. Cami toured internationally with dance conventions as a dancer, guest speaker, instructor, choreographer, and talent judge. She has also choreographed and performed in music videos, TV shows, films and events internationally. This year marks the 26th year of marrige for Derek & Cami. They are most proud of their 3 treasures Cayden, Sasha, and Cole.
Derek Capps Director
Derek received a degree in dance from East Carolina University and has co-owned and operated dance studios and performing companies in North Carolina, Florida, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles. Derek has worked as a performer at Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Dance Revolution, Glory Dance Company & Holy Land Experience.
Derek received a degree in dance from East Carolina University and has co-owned and operated dance studios and performing companies in North Carolina, Florida, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles. Derek has worked as a performer at Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Dance Revolution, Glory Dance Company & Holy Land Experience. His fitness journey started in Honk Kong and Singapore and led him to Los Angeles. He's had the opportunity to work with amazing organizations such as Tracy Anderson, Orange Theory, Equinox, Bay Clubs, Pure Fitness, Exhale & Griffin Club LA.
JAN BURKHARD
GIANNA MARTELLO
GIANNA MARTELLO
BALLET
Jan began her professional training at The School of American Ballet at the age of 9. She performed numerous ballets with New York City Ballet and was involved in the New York Choreographic Institute. Upon completion, she was also the recipient of the Mae L. Wien Award in 2005 for Most Outstanding Promise. In the fall of 2005, she
BALLET
Jan began her professional training at The School of American Ballet at the age of 9. She performed numerous ballets with New York City Ballet and was involved in the New York Choreographic Institute. Upon completion, she was also the recipient of the Mae L. Wien Award in 2005 for Most Outstanding Promise. In the fall of 2005, she became a member of Carolina Ballet’s corps de ballet. In 2009, Ms. Burkhard was nominated for the Princess Grace award. She has performed principal roles including Princess Aurora, Juliet, Firebird, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Giselle. Her repertoire also includes George Balanchine’s Tarantella, Valse Fantaisie, Apollo, Who Cares?, Allegro Brillante and Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux; August Bournonville’s La Sylphide and Flower Festival; Robert Weiss’ A Classical Ballet, Intimate Voices, Les Saltimbanques, Lady in the White Veil, Poemes des Rivages and Lullaby; Zalman Raffael’s Rhapsody, Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2, In the Gray, Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1, The Other Ravel, Metaphorical Heart, and Frankenstein among others.
GIANNA MARTELLO
GIANNA MARTELLO
GIANNA MARTELLO
CONTEMPORARY DANCE
Gianna Martello is a dancer, teacher and choreographer from Pittsburgh, PA. You may know her from the fan favorite, Dance Moms. You can catch her choreography on all 8 seasons of the hit reality TV show! Raw talent and intensive training under the direction of Abby Lee Miller and the faculty at the Abby Lee Dance Company
CONTEMPORARY DANCE
Gianna Martello is a dancer, teacher and choreographer from Pittsburgh, PA. You may know her from the fan favorite, Dance Moms. You can catch her choreography on all 8 seasons of the hit reality TV show! Raw talent and intensive training under the direction of Abby Lee Miller and the faculty at the Abby Lee Dance Company earned her regional and national accolades growing up as a “competition kid. At 16, Gianna began choreographing routines alongside Ms. Miller as well as on her own which led her to discover her passion for teaching and choreography. She has been on faculty at the ALDC for over 15 years and serves as a guest instructor and competition judge around the world.
Gianna was able to balance her academic and dance opportunities with great success. She graduated from Point Park University in 2011 with a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations. Her choreography can be seen in the movie, Dance-Off, Go90’s Crashed series, Kid’s Choice Awards and Dance Class Live promos, Australia’s ASTRA Awards, Abbys Ultimate Dance Competition, and music videos for Rachael Sage, Alexx Calise, Nia Sioux, Todrick Hall, and many more.
ABBY LEE MILLER
GIANNA MARTELLO
ABBY LEE MILLER
Technique/Legs & Feet/Acrobatics
Originally from Pittsburgh, Abby Lee Miller's love for dance came from her mother, Maryen Lorrian Miller, who was a 50 year member of Dance Masters of America. Maryen owned seven dance studios in Miami, Florida, and taught classes all over the city before opening her main studio in Penn Hills. Abby took cla
Technique/Legs & Feet/Acrobatics
Originally from Pittsburgh, Abby Lee Miller's love for dance came from her mother, Maryen Lorrian Miller, who was a 50 year member of Dance Masters of America. Maryen owned seven dance studios in Miami, Florida, and taught classes all over the city before opening her main studio in Penn Hills. Abby took classes throughout her formative years at her mother's studio. After traveling with her to several national dance conventions, she was inspired and captivated by the newest "dance craze" competitions! At just 14 years-old she started the Abby Lee Dance Company. In 1980, she opened her own dance studio and estimates she has taught 3,000 to 4,000 students throughout her career. Now known for her incredible dedication, discipline and passion, Abby is one of the most sought-after dance teachers in the world, as she has turned out numerous professional dance stars on Broadway, TV and Film. In summer 2011, Abby made her national television debut on Lifetime's "Dance Moms." The show went on to become one of the networks highest rated docu-series and Abby Lee Miller has become a bona fide star and world-renowned dance persona.
NATALIE MINNS
LEAPS, TURNS & PROGRESSIONS
Natalie is a graduate from the University of Akron; BA in Dance with Business Cognate. She teaches Hip-Hop, Tumbling/Acrobatics & Contemporary.
Natalie began dancing competitively at the age of 14 with her dance studio, and high school team. In college Natalie was a 4 year member of the University of Akron dance
LEAPS, TURNS & PROGRESSIONS
Natalie is a graduate from the University of Akron; BA in Dance with Business Cognate. She teaches Hip-Hop, Tumbling/Acrobatics & Contemporary.
Natalie began dancing competitively at the age of 14 with her dance studio, and high school team. In college Natalie was a 4 year member of the University of Akron dance team and trained weekly at The Abby Lee Dance Company in PA. Natalie regularly teaches at Abby Lee Dance Company LA, DanceKidz LA and Palisades Studio. Her most recent performance credits include dancer/choreographer for the "Boys of Summer National Tour 2021-2022" and "Playlist Live Orlando". She has appeared in various music videos such as “Tainted” by American Idol’s Allegra Miles, “It’s a Vibe ft. R3HAB” x Peloton collab, RIP Youth, Alexis Ma.
MELISSA STOKES
LYRICAL
Melissa Stokes is an award-winning choreographer, nationally-ranked dance studio owner, and experienced dance instructor. Her studio, Shooting Stars School of the Performing Arts, based in Clermont, Florida, is now ranked in the Top 50 in the nation by the Federation of Dance. Melissa has helped launch the professional dance career
LYRICAL
Melissa Stokes is an award-winning choreographer, nationally-ranked dance studio owner, and experienced dance instructor. Her studio, Shooting Stars School of the Performing Arts, based in Clermont, Florida, is now ranked in the Top 50 in the nation by the Federation of Dance. Melissa has helped launch the professional dance careers of dozens of students who have found success with “So You Think You Can Dance”, Cirque du Soleil, Radio City Music Hall, Disney, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and in other notable professional dance companies.
Combining a unique gift for visual creativity with a commitment to impeccable technique, Melissa continues to craft dances that have established her as one of the strongest choreographers on the competition circuit. Currently, she holds Starpower’s “Choreographer of the Year” title.
SASHA CAPPS
SASHA CAPPS
CREW DANCER
From Hong Kong to Singapore, Los Angeles to Brazil…
Sasha has spent her life traveling the world and training in dance from Coast to Coast alongside her professional dancing parents.
During her time in Los Angeles, Sasha trained for several years at the iconic Abby Lee Dance Company, studying under the renowned Gianna Martello
CREW DANCER
From Hong Kong to Singapore, Los Angeles to Brazil…
Sasha has spent her life traveling the world and training in dance from Coast to Coast alongside her professional dancing parents.
During her time in Los Angeles, Sasha trained for several years at the iconic Abby Lee Dance Company, studying under the renowned Gianna Martello — celebrated choreographer and longtime protégée of Abby Lee Miller.
Most recently, Sasha completed a prestigious Ballet Trainee Program with Ballet Magnificat in Curitiba, Brazil — and now she’s back in the USA, ready to share her passion, experience, and heart with the next generation of dancers!
We are beyond excited to welcome Sasha home and have her assisting classes at the Coast to Coast Dance Convention
ABBY HAUER
SASHA CAPPS
CREW DANCER
Abby is a dedicated and accomplished dancer based in San Diego, California, recognized for her strong technical foundation, expressive performance quality, and disciplined work ethic. She trains at San Diego Dance Center and is proficient in a wide range of styles, including jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and tap.
Her training al
CREW DANCER
Abby is a dedicated and accomplished dancer based in San Diego, California, recognized for her strong technical foundation, expressive performance quality, and disciplined work ethic. She trains at San Diego Dance Center and is proficient in a wide range of styles, including jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and tap.
Her training also includes study at renowned institutions such as Abby Lee Dance Company and Millennium Dance Complex, where she has gained experience in both competitive and professional class settings. Abby is a WCE Icon and serves as an ambassador for NOW Collective dancewear, reflecting her professionalism, versatility, and influence within the dance community.
Abby is honored to be part of the Coast to Coast Dance Convention team, where she actively supports dancers and contributes to the overall convention experience.
SCARLETT ELEGADO
SCARLETT ELEGADO
SCARLETT ELEGADO
CREW DANCER
Scarlett is an 11-year-old dancer from San Diego, California, training in all styles at Signature Dance Academy. She has modeled for Duo Dancewear, Dancers Against Cancer, and KAR Productions. Scarlett’s flower-girl video went viral, leading to appearances on the Jennifer Hudson Show and features on major outlets including Goo
CREW DANCER
Scarlett is an 11-year-old dancer from San Diego, California, training in all styles at Signature Dance Academy. She has modeled for Duo Dancewear, Dancers Against Cancer, and KAR Productions. Scarlett’s flower-girl video went viral, leading to appearances on the Jennifer Hudson Show and features on major outlets including Good Morning America. In 2025, she became a National Champion after an undefeated season, and she will be a KAR Protégé in the upcoming convention year. Scarlett is thrilled to join the Coast to Coast Dance family as a Crew dancer and is excited to learn, grow, and inspire others this season.
RAY GALAN
SCARLETT ELEGADO
SCARLETT ELEGADO
CREW DANCER
Ray Galan began his dance journey at the age of 13 at Shooting Stars School of Performing Arts, where he discovered a passion for movement and performance. Contemporary and hip hop are his favorite styles, allowing him to express both emotion and energy through dance. Throughout his career, Ray has been honored to win the Nati
CREW DANCER
Ray Galan began his dance journey at the age of 13 at Shooting Stars School of Performing Arts, where he discovered a passion for movement and performance. Contemporary and hip hop are his favorite styles, allowing him to express both emotion and energy through dance. Throughout his career, Ray has been honored to win the National Mr. Dreamaker and National Mr. Believe titles, and most recently was awarded the Wild Dance Convention Icon. Beyond competition, his greatest purpose is using dance as a platform to share the gospel and the love of Christ at every competition and convention he attends.
MARLO BLUE
SCARLETT ELEGADO
LAINEE STOKEY
CREW DANCER
At 15 years old, Marlo Blue is a Raleigh, North Carolina native. She began dancing at the age two and by six, she was competing as a soloist. As a competitive dancer, Marlo received Overall awards, scholarship offers and a Petit Miss Title for her dynamic performance quality. At 9 years old, she was honored to perform the role
CREW DANCER
At 15 years old, Marlo Blue is a Raleigh, North Carolina native. She began dancing at the age two and by six, she was competing as a soloist. As a competitive dancer, Marlo received Overall awards, scholarship offers and a Petit Miss Title for her dynamic performance quality. At 9 years old, she was honored to perform the role of Clara in Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a milestone for her to grow as a young dancer. That opportunity propelled her to attend summer intensives at the School of Carolina Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Marlo now trains full-time with the School of Carolina Ballet.
Marlo is a diverse dancer who has trained in various techniques spanning from ballet to jazz, and modern to West African. With a strong love for performing, she has appeared as an actress in several films and is expanding her artistry through voice. She is committed to grow as a well-rounded performer.
Known for her work ethic, curiosity, and expressive energy, Marlo Blue brings intention and joy to every creative space she enters.
Marlo is ecstatic to be a Crew Dancer with Coast to Coast and can't wait to meet & connect with all of the dancers.
LAINEE STOKEY
SCARLETT ELEGADO
LAINEE STOKEY
CREW DANCER