Body Language Dance Co

Jason Parsons is currently touring the country as an instructor for NUVO dance convention where he teaches contemporary and improv. He has worked with such notable companies as River North, Mia Michaels R.A.W., Dinyos Dance Company (Japan), POZ Dance Theatre (South Korea). His industrial credits include work for Sony, BMW, DaeWoo and General Motors. On television, Jason been seen on Fame L.A. and the Essence Awards with Celine Dion. His choreography has been seen internationally at Gwang Ju Biennale Festival, Minjockchoom Cultural Festival, Seoul Contemporary Jazz Dance Festival, Nokia Awards (Czech Republic), Pugilia Danza and ArteDanza (Italy). As a master teacher, Jason has taught in the U.S., Canada, Japan, South Korea, Czech Republic, England and Ita ly.

Jason Janas is originally from New Jersey. He began his tap dance instruction under Ms. Deborah Mitchell and was the first charter member of the New Jersey Tap Ensemble. He then found a love for the dance and continued to learn and study the art form. He also trained and was a member of the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble under the direction of Gene Medler. Jason's first professional company after high school was Tapestry Dance Company in Austin TX, under the direction of Acia Gray. He was a principal dancer there for 5 years. His hard work ethic began to take notice and Derick Grant invited Jason to be in his show Imagine Tap! which ran for 6 weeks in Chicago, and changed his life. His other show credits include Souls of our Feet with Tapestry Dance Company, Wonderland with Sara Savelli and Ayodele Casel, and most recently co-choreographed and was featured in Tap Stars with Rasta Thomas. He currently teaches for Radix dance convention, and has taught at tap festivals in New Jersey, Chicago, New York, L.A., Charlotte, Austin, San Antonio, Vancouver, Zürich, Curitiba (Brazil), Moscow, and Barcelona!

Ivan Koumaev Originally from Russia, Ivan started dancing at the age of 12. He began his training in Seattle, Washington, and moved to Los Angeles at age 16 to pursue dance professionally. Ivan then worked with several hip-hop companies between Orange County and Hollywood, while beginning to discover his passion for teaching and choreography. In 2008, Ivan was featured on the television show So You Think You Can Dance, where he was one of "America's Top 10 Dancers", and was given the opportunity to travel across the country on the show's national tour. He has been a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and has performed with the League of Extraordinary Dancers at the 2010 Academy Awards. He has been seen performing with the likes of Chris Brown, Usher, Justin Bieber, Jason Derulo and in films such as Step Up 3D, Footloose and Rock Of Ages. Ivan’s proudest moment has been his involvement with Justin Timberlake and the 20/20 Experience from both a dancer and assistant-choreographer (under Marty Kudelka and AJ Harpold) point of view. Most recently, Ivan played a role in creating movement for the animated movie Trolls. Ivan teaches master classes in Los Angeles as well as teaching and choreographing at studios across the world.

Tanner Frisbey is a Kansas City native, now living in New York City. He graduated from PACE UNIVERSITY with a BFA in Commercial Dance, with concentrations in Choreography, Performance, and Pedagogy. He was a college scholarship recipient from the NYCDA College Foundation. Tanner has trained in competition studios his whole life. However, in high school he attended Indiana Ballet Conservatory on a full ride scholarship for two years. He has trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, tap, hiphop, aerial arts, and acrobatics. He has had the opportunities to dance in Young Choreographers Festival, The Nutcracker, and was in the ensemble in the musical, Mamma Mia at Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, California. He has worked with Andy Pellick, Suzi Taylor, Scott Jovovich, Sonya Tayeh, Madny Moore, and many others. Tanner was also a featured dancer and aerialist onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's, Odyssey of The Seas. Tanner teaches at two studios in the Tri-State area.

Markus Shields Since the first time Markus Shields set foot into rehearsal he developed an instant passion for dance and choreography. Thus, just one year later, he began creating award-winning numbers for national and international competitions. Soon thereafter, Markus moved from the Midwest to Los Angeles and has since built working relationships with choreographers Wade Robson, Tricia Miranda, Frank Gatson, Parris Goebel, Charm La’Donna, and more. He has also become a regular teacher at Millennium Dance Complex, Debbie Reynolds’ Dance Studio, Edge PAC and other prominent studios in LA as well as becoming an international master instructor. While represented by Bloc Talent Agency as a dancer/choreographer he has starred in ads for JW Marriott, Amtrak and choreographed a commercial for eBay. Shields has also performed onstage and camera alongside Mariah Carey, Kendrick Lamar, Will Smith, Kelis, Lil Mama and more, as well as embarked on two World Tours with Latin Pop Icon, Chayanne! All in all, Markus has and always strived to be a great creator. Whether choreographing for a studio or a world tour, creative directing for personal projects or recording artists, or any other facets of entertainment, he always puts his heart in his work.

Alexandria Best is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina where she began her pre-professional dance training. During this time, she acquired knowledge from instructors across programs such as American Ballet Theatre, Arts Umbrella, Carolina Ballet, DamianiDance, French Academie of Ballet, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. She is a 2021 graduate of Pace University where she earned her BFA in dance, with a concentration in performance and pedagogy, and a minor in business. Immediately following post-grad, Alexandria joined Hubbard Street Dance Chicago as a company dance artist under the new direction of Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell. Now going into her third season, she has had the opportunity to perform many great works by many great-minded artists alike. She is thrilled to be announced as a 2023 Princess Grace Foundation Award winner in Dance and to be joining its community of artists.

Billy Bell is an internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer. He was born in raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. Billy has danced with Broadway's Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey in Back to Back to Broadway, toured with Broadway arts as Baby John in West Side Story, and was on Season 6 and 7 of Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance." Billy has been on faculty at Radix Dance Convention. After graduating from Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Billy continued his training at The Juilliard School where he has performed rep by Jose Limon, and Sidra Bell. He has been a cast member in Punchdrunk's "Sleep No More," Billy's past experiences include dancing with Jose Navas/Compagnie Flak and Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet where he performed works by Jiri Kilian, Hofesh Shechter, Johan Inger, Jo Stromgren, Alexander Ekman, Crystal Pite, Benoit Swan Pouffer, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Emanuel Gat.

Master classes provide our students the opportunity to learn from and share experiences with leading dance artists from across the country. Classes range in various styles including; jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary and ballet. Most of our Master Classes are open to non-BLDC students. Come join us and take your dancing to the next level! Keep checking our website for updates and follow us on social media for future master class dates.

Girls: Required Attire: A leotard with tights, a leotard with leggings or shorts, a dance top and shorts are all acceptable options. Dance clothing should be form-fitting and allow the instructor to see the students’ movement clearly. No long, baggy t-shirts or pants. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Tan Buckle Tap Shoes. Boys: Required Attire: Athletic shorts or pants, T-shirt or athletic style top. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Black Lace-Up Tap Shoes

Girls: Required Attire: A leotard with tights, a leotard with leggings or shorts, a dance top and shorts are all acceptable options. Dance clothing should be form-fitting and allow the instructor to see the students’ movement clearly. No long, baggy t-shirts or pants. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Sparks (K-6th) Shoes: Mary Jane Tan Buckle Tap Shoes, Tan Stretch Jazz Boots, Leather Split-Sole Ballet Shoes. Hip Hop add-on team: Black Hi-Top Hip-Hop Sneakers. Required Fusion (6th & up) Shoes: Black Hi-Top Hip-Hop Shoes, Tan Stretch Jazz Boots. Tap add-on team: Black Tie Tap Shoes. Boys: Required Tap, Jazz or Hip-Hop Attire: Athletic shorts or pants, T-shirt or athletic style top. Required Sparks Ballet Attire: White T-shirt, black tights or form fitting pants, dance belt for boys over 11 years of age. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Black Jazz Tap Shoes, Black Stretch Jazz Boots, Black Stretch Ballet Shoes (Sparks only). Hip Hop add-on team: Black Hi-Top Hip-Hop Sneakers

Girls: Required Attire: A leotard with tights, a leotard with leggings or shorts, a dance top and shorts are all acceptable options. Dance clothing should be form-fitting and allow the instructor to see the students’ movement clearly. No long, baggy t-shirts or pants. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Tan Stretch Jazz Shoes. Boys: Required Attire: Athletic shorts or pants, T-shirt or athletic style top. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Black Stretch Jazz Shoes

3rd-7th Grade Musical Theatre. Girls: Required Attire: A leotard with tights, a leotard with leggings or shorts, a dance top and shorts are all acceptable options. Dance clothing should be form-fitting and allow the instructor to see the students’ movement clearly. No long, baggy t-shirts or pants. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Tan Stretch Jazz Shoes. Boys: Required Attire: Athletic shorts or pants, T-shirt or athletic style top. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Black Stretch Jazz Shoes

Girls: Required Attire: A leotard with tights, a leotard with leggings or shorts, a dance top and shorts are all acceptable options. Dance clothing should be form-fitting and allow the instructor to see the students’ movement clearly. No long, baggy t-shirts or pants. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Tan Stretch Jazz Shoes. Boys: Required Attire: Athletic shorts or pants, T-shirt or athletic style top. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Black Stretch Jazz Shoes

Girls & Boys: Required Attire: Form-fitting dance clothing in which the student feels comfortable and allows for free movement. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Black Classic High Top Sneakers

Girls & Boys: Required Attire: Form-fitting dance clothing in which the student feels comfortable and allows for free movement. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Black Classic High Top Sneakers

Girls: Required Attire: A leotard with tights, a leotard with leggings or shorts, a dance top and shorts are all acceptable options. Dance clothing should be form-fitting and allow the instructor to see the students’ movement clearly. No long, baggy t-shirts or pants. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Tan Stretch Jazz Shoes. Boys: Required Attire: Athletic shorts or pants, T-shirt or athletic style top. Required Shoes: Black Stretch Jazz Shoes

3rd-6th Grade Combo Jazz/Hip-Hop. Girls: Required Attire: A leotard with tights, a leotard with leggings or shorts, a dance top and shorts are all acceptable options. Dance clothing should be form-fitting and allow the instructor to see the students’ movement clearly. No long, baggy t-shirts or pants. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Tan Stretch Jazz Shoes & Black High Top Sneakers. Boys: Required Attire: Athletic shorts or pants, T-shirt or athletic style top. Black Stretch Jazz Shoe & Black High Top Sneakers

1st-3rd Grade Combo Tap/Jazz. Girls: Required Attire: A leotard with tights, a leotard with leggings or shorts, a dance top and shorts are all acceptable options. Dance clothing should be form-fitting and allow the instructor to see the students’ movement clearly. No long, baggy t-shirts or pants. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Tan Buckle Tap Shoes & Tan Stretch Jazz Shoes. Boys: Required Attire: Athletic shorts or pants, T-shirt or athletic style top. Required Shoes: Black Lace-Up Tap Shoes & Black Stretch Jazz Shoes

Girls: Required Attire: A leotard with tights, a leotard with leggings/shorts/skirt, and dance dresses are acceptable options. Dance clothing should be form-fitting and allow the instructor to see the students’ movement clearly. No long, baggy t-shirts or pants. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Leather Full-Sole Ballet Shoe & White Tap Ribbonette Shoes. Boys: Required Attire: Athletic Shorts or Pants, T-shirt or athletic style top. Denim shorts or pants are not permitted. Required Shoes: Black Leather Full-Sole Ballet Shoe & Black Lace-Up Tap Shoes

K-2nd Grade & 3rd-7th Grade Ballet. Girls: Required Attire: A leotard and light pink footed tights. Ballet skirts above the knee are also permitted. Hair for ballet class should be pulled back into a bun. An instructional video is available here. Required Shoes: Pink Leather Split-Sole Ballet Shoe. Boys: Required Attire: Black or white athletic T-shirt, black solid tights made for male dancers, leggings or slim fitting athletic pants, dance belt for boys over 11 years of age. Required Shoes: Black Leather Full-Sole Ballet Shoe

Ballet class for students in 3rd through 7th Grade.

Ballet class for students in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade.

This competition program is for dancers Kindergarten & up. These groups have been created for our dancers who would love to have more performance opportunities and technical instruction without the full-time competition team commitment. These teams of dancers will attend two regional competitions in addition to their spring recital performance. Fusion will compete a hip-hop dance and a jazz dance. Classes will include a hip-hop class and a jazz/ballet class each week. There is a two days per week commitment with one class on each day. Dancers will need to enroll in both classes to participate on the Fusion Team. Optional Tap add-on In addition to the Hip-Hop and Jazz dances, Fusion students will have the option to add-on a tap dance to also perform at competition and the Spring Recital. The class will include additional technique and rehearsal time during the week.

This competition program is for dancers Kindergarten & up. These groups have been created for our dancers who would love to have more performance opportunities and technical instruction without the full-time competition team commitment. These teams of dancers will attend two regional competitions in addition to their spring recital performance. Sparks will perform/compete a tap and a jazz dance. Required classes include one tap class and one jazz/ballet class per week (two days per week commitment with one class on each day). Dancers will need to register for both classes to participate on the Sparks Team. Please Note: Sparks dancers will not learn a ballet dance to be performed on stage. If your dancer would like to perform a ballet dance at recital, they would need to enroll in a separate ballet class (K-2nd Grade Ballet or 3rd-7th Grade Ballet). Optional Hip Hop add-on In addition to the Tap and Jazz dances, Sparks students will have the option to add-on a Hip Hop dance to also perform at competition and the Spring Recital. The class will be an additional class time during the week.

The Competition Plus program at BLDC is designed for dancers who are fully dedicated to pursuing excellence in dance and maximizing their dance experience. This comprehensive program offers additional technique classes, more convention experiences, and increased performance opportunities, catering to dancers for whom "dance is their thing."

Our multifaceted competitive program offers the perfect opportunity to expand your focus within the realm of dance while honing your skills and pursuing your passion. Designed to provide a comprehensive dance education, our competitive program offers a rich array of experiences and opportunities for growth.

In addition to technique and rehearsal classes, our competitive program offers a diverse range of classes including strength and flexibility, modern, acro, conditioning, pointe work, and more. Each dancer receives a custom schedule tailored to their individual goals and needs.

In addition to technique and rehearsal classes, our competitive program offers a diverse range of classes including strength and flexibility, modern, acro, conditioning, pointe work, and more. Each dancer receives a custom schedule tailored to their individual goals and needs.

In addition to technique and rehearsal classes, our competitive program offers a diverse range of classes including strength and flexibility, modern, acro, conditioning, pointe work, and more. Each dancer receives a custom schedule tailored to their individual goals and needs.

In addition to technique and rehearsal classes, our competitive program offers a diverse range of classes including strength and flexibility, modern, acro, conditioning, pointe work, and more. Each dancer receives a custom schedule tailored to their individual goals and needs.

In addition to technique and rehearsal classes, our competitive program offers a diverse range of classes including strength and flexibility, modern, acro, conditioning, pointe work, and more. Each dancer receives a custom schedule tailored to their individual goals and needs.

The "Sparks" and "Fusion" teams were added to our competition program to allow families more options regarding time and financial commitments. With a weekly commitment of 2.25-2.75 hrs, team members have time in their schedules for other activities. There is no audition needed for these two teams.

The "Sparks" and "Fusion" teams were added to our competition program to allow families more options regarding time and financial commitments. With a weekly commitment of 2.25-2.75 hrs, team members have time in their schedules for other activities. There is no audition needed for these two teams.

An age-appropriate costume will be ordered for each dancer. Costume payments are split into two payments due on November 15th and December 15th. Due to current fluctuating costume costs, an estimation is given below. A final amount will be determined closer to when costume forms are due.

Includes Performance Poms. An age-appropriate costume will be ordered for each dancer. Costume payments are split into two payments due on November 15th and December 15th. Due to current fluctuating costume costs, an estimation is given below. A final amount will be determined closer to when costume forms are due.

An age-appropriate costume will be ordered for each dancer. Costume payments are split into two payments due on November 15th and December 15th. Due to current fluctuating costume costs, an estimation is given below. A final amount will be determined closer to when costume forms are due.

An age-appropriate costume will be ordered for each dancer. Costume payments are split into two payments due on November 15th and December 15th. Due to current fluctuating costume costs, an estimation is given below. A final amount will be determined closer to when costume forms are due.

An age-appropriate costume will be ordered for each dancer. Costume payments are split into two payments due on November 15th and December 15th. Due to current fluctuating costume costs, an estimation is given below. A final amount will be determined closer to when costume forms are due.

1 hour & 15 minute classes cost $98.00 per month. Enrollment is for the scheduled duration of the class and an agreement to pay all applicable fees. Mini-session classes do not participate in the spring recital.

45 minute classes cost $60.00 per month. Enrollment is for the scheduled duration of the class and an agreement to pay all applicable fees. Mini-session classes do not participate in the spring recital.

Acro is a style of dance that combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements. A defining characteristic of acro is the smooth, graceful transitions between dance and acrobatic movements. Acro teaches flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, and above all discipline and concentration. We highly encourage dancers to take Acro class to help enhance their dancing.

Fusion Part-Time Team Hip Hop Class

Sparks Part-Time Team Optional Hip Hop Add-On Class

Fusion Part-Time Team Optional Tap Add-On Class

Sparks Part-Time Team Tap Class

This beginner acro class introduces young dancers to the exciting world of acrobatics through fun, safe, and engaging activities. Students will build strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination while learning foundational acro skills such as bridges, rolls, and cartwheels. The focus is on developing body awareness and confidence in movement through age-appropriate progressions and games. No prior acro experience is needed—just energy, curiosity, and a smile!

Led by our experienced competition team faculty, Audition Prep classes offer a unique opportunity to familiarize dancers with the audition process and practice essential skills they may encounter during auditions. Whether you're a seasoned competitor looking to fine-tune your skills or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of competitive dance, our Audition Prep Classes will set you up for success. Don't miss this chance to boost your confidence for auditions!

Fusion Part-Time Team Jazz Class

Sparks Part-Time Team Jazz Class

Anthony Morigerato is a tap dancer, producer, director, content creator, writer, and Emmy nominated choreographer. Anthony is the executive producer and artistic director for AM Dance Productions. AM Dance Productions, short films include The Text (2015), The Subtext (2018), and the award winning When Snow Falls (2020). AM Dance Productions live theatrical shows include AM Dance Project (2006-2008), Matt and Anthony (2009), flood (in the dark corner) (2017), flood (redux) (2020), and Alternate Spaces (2021). In 2014, Anthony founded and is currently the co-director and managing partner of Operation: Tap , an online forum that is dedicated to immersing tap dancing into the public’s consciousness. In 2019, Anthony created CODA , Break The Floor’s online dance competition scoring system that provides dancers with genre specific score sheets, homework video content to improve their performance, and data analytics. Anthony worked as a tap dance teacher, performer, and adjudicator for NUVO Dance Convention from 2010-2020. As a performer, Anthony was a soloist and member of Michael Minery’s Tapaholics (2002-2012), a soloist and associate choreographer for Stacey Tookey’s Still Motion , and a soloist for various tap dance festivals, benefits, industrials, seminars, and performances since 1999. He has appeared as a choreographer and/or a performer on television shows including The Tony Danza Show (2005), America’s Got Talent (2009), The Arsenio Hall Show (2013), So You Think You Can Dance (2013-2018- Emmy Nomination 2016). Anthony holds the world record for “most tap sounds in one minute” having made 1,163 sounds. Anthony is an accomplished dancer in multiple disciplines, having trained at Marymount Manhattan College, where he performed the works of Robert Battle, Elizabeth Higgins, Jiri Kylian, David Parsons, Katie Langan and William Soleu. He has recently done choreographic residencies at Marymount Manhattan College (2014, 2016, and 2019), Pace University (2019), and is an artist in residence at the American Tap Dance Foundation (2020). Most recently Anthony performed and had choreography featured in Ayodele Casel: Chasing Magic (2021), presented by the Joyce Theater in NYC. Anthony continues to travel as a teacher and choreographer for dance organizations, festivals, competitions, theater schools, and dance studios all over the world.

The technique intensive will count as 2 days.

The tap/jazz intensive and ballet intensive will count as 2 days each, and conclude with a short showcase.

The tap/jazz intensive and ballet intensive will count as 2 days each, and conclude with a short showcase.