Lex Ramirez [@lexsmoove] is a queer Latinx teaching artist, choreographer and community organizer from Oakland, CA. Lex believes that dance is for people of all experience levels and, as such, has cultivated communities based on inclusivity and fun. She is the founder of Drop Zone Dance Community, Archie the Shycon’s choreographer and a Vogue ballroom competitor in the PNW KiKi Scene. Lex also created the Seattle Theatre Group Young Ambassador program, an arts professional development program for BIPOC teens. When Lex isn’t teaching, she’s training so that she can continue to grow and transfer that growth to her students. Lex values community, authenticity and equity above all else!

Lex is returning to teaching for the first time since going on maternity leave!

Sign up for her Intro to Hip Hop class (April only) Mondays 6:00-7:00pm.

Sign up for her Intro to Choreo class (May only) Mondays 6:00-7:00pm.

To learn more about Lex, visit www.lexramirez.com

Tierra [@tmjthisladythislife] is a creative of many paths. She is reviving her dance life one class/performance at a time. Creating and caring for culture through the love of it all.

Sign up for Tierra’s Hip Hop Choreo 1/2 class, Sundays 3:30-4:30pm.

Click here to view footage of Tierra’s movement!

Dan [@dnp23_] is an experienced dancer & performer who started off on his High school dance team (S.O GDT) & moved to Seattle for more opportunities. Since then he’s trained at West lake dance center, is currently apart of The Garden Dance company, & Purple lemonade. Dan had become integrated into the Drop Zone community when he began to assist class early last year. He also has many performing credentials such as Pride, Bumbershoot, Red Dress, local establishments, & local artists.

Sign up for Drop Squad, rehearsals Sundays 5:45-7:30 April 13th-June 8th

Sign up for Dan’s Jazz Funk Choreo 1/2 class, Sundays 4:30-5:30

Click here to view footage of Dan’s movement

Elise [@en.productions] has been teaching dance in the Greater Seattle area for over a decade, working with students of all ages, from young children to adults, in styles including ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary. She performed in two seasons of Seattle’s The Black Nativity (2009–2010), training under the late Kabby Mitchell III before earning her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington. In 2016, she further developed her choreographic process at the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago intensive. Elise is thrilled to be teaching at Drop Zone again and reconnecting with the community.

Sign up for Elise’s Hip Hop Choreo 2/3 class, Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm.

Click here to view footage of Elise’s movement!

Kimy Calva [@kimycalva] Kimy is a high-energy, upbeat dancer/choreographer in the Seattle dance community. She started her dance journey on her high school’s dance team, and moved up to Seattle to pursue a career in dance. Kimy has choreographed and danced for multiple PNW music artists. She is an outgoing, supportive, and very passionate person!

Sign up for DRIP, rehearsals Tuesdays 7:40-9:40pm April 15th- June 10th

Sign up for Kimy's Jazz Funk Choreo 1/2 class, Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm.

Click here to view footage of Kimy’s movement!

Avery Gardner [@theaverygardner], has been dancing in the greater Seattle area for 15 years. As the director of The Garden Dance Company (est. 2022), Avery prioritizes teaching the values of class taking and choreography retention, execution, performance and creative exploration. With a background in Hip Hop choreography, Jazz Funk and Contmeporary styles, Avery’s style of dance calls on the dancer to use full body movement and musicality as a means to feeling fulfillment.

Hi! I am Tamber Dancer [@tamberdancer_official] and passionate about extending the joy of movement and dance to my community. Born in New Mexico and raised in various different cities around the US, I currently call Seattle my home. Since moving to Seattle, I have trained with various companies such as Papi Si, Purple Lemonade, and Cabaret Atelier. With a background training in styles such as jazz, salsa, folklórico, contemporary, and hip-hop based choreography, served as a foundation to explore other dance forms I am currently passionate about such as sensual movement and reggaetón. She is currently an active member of Seattle’s femme-forward performance troupe, Tonic Tribe, performing around the city. I value cultivating community, collective growth, extending care, and making dance accessible for everyone.

Grace Masaoka [@guresu_] is a longtime member of the Seattle dance community and a co-director of Malicious Vixens; a collective of Asian American women who’ve perform locally and across the greater PNW region. Grace has trained primarily in Hip Hop, Waacking and Locking, and currently teaches a choreography class at Westlake Dance Center. Her performance credentials include Vancouver Street Dance Festival, Bumbershoot, and collaborations with Wing Luke Museum, Seattle Asian American Art Museum, and more. She has also danced for local artists such as Macklemore, Scarlett Parke, and Brittany Davis.

Kearia (Keke) Duncan [@keezzy_kee] is a Seattle native with an energetic spirit who has danced for over 10 years. Through her training, she became an eye-catching performer. Keke has mainly trained in hip hop with Kutt’N’Up Entertainment (KNU), while having experience in several other styles as well. Though performing is a top notch experience for Keke, choreography and teaching are always something she looks forward to; as connections are made not only with our bodies, but with people.

Jade Jordan [@jadej98] is a dynamic professional with a degree in Computer Science and Dance from WWU. As a versatile performer, choreographer, and dancer active in the PNW community, she has shared a stage with artists such as: Tiwa Savage, Asake, TezaTalks, Rico Nasty, Megan Then Stallion, Lakeyah, and more. She enjoys fostering a class environment where people from any background can feel comfortable to show up as their best selves.

Andrew MOOVZ Robinson [@x_moovz_x} was born and raised in Tacoma, graduating from Tacoma School of the Arts with a dance major. After graduating, he moved to Riverside, California where he furthered his studies on dance and was introduced to hip hop foundations and history. On top of that, ffor the last 6 years he has also been battling in the Seattle dance scene. Drew has also traveled to over 5 states for battles, he has taught hip hop at over 6 studios, and has even judged a few battles hosted in Seattle.

Cherry Ada [@vivwulu or @seattlekikisessions] is a dancer and performer based in Seattle. She is part of the House of Ada (as seen on HBO’s Legendary) and is a current competitor in the ballroom scene most known for walking Performance. Cherry also runs free Seattle Kiki Sessions where students can practice their vogue foundations and competing. Cherry enjoys exploring movement in whatever form it takes, but voguing will always be her first love.

Avery Gardner [@theaverygardner] is from Seattle Washington and is teaching Choreo 2/3 at Drop Zone on Wednesdays in June! Avery’s choreography has influences in Hip Hop grooves, Jazz funk and contemporary technique. Teaching class, Avery values a balance of a challenge while teaching about the love of the dance process overall; this balance is where he believes growth thrives in best.

Jake London aka Jake Finesse [@jake.finesse] has been a member of the Seattle street dance community for the last 10 years. He has primarily been trained in Bboying and House dance by multiple teachers including the Massive Monkees, Circle of Fire, and countless local inspirations. He is the organizer of Heat Check, a 2v2 Breaking and 1v1 Footwork battle [@heatcheck206].

STEPZ [@stepzalphonso] was born in New Jersey and was raised in the New Jersey/New York dance culture. He first learned Latin dance from his step dad and then learned hip-hop, house, swing, r&b and so on in the clubs. His house dancing was structured by Q, Brian (Footwork Green), Caleaf Sellers, Marjory Smarth, Brooklyn Terry, McGregor and Ejoe. These aren’t just people or dancers, but also great individuals who have adopted STEPZ as family.

Erkah Gomez [@_erkah_ and @water.wave] is a Mexican dancer, instructor and choreographer who recently moved to Seattle. She studied Theatre and Contemporary dance but has experience in many styles. She has over 10 years of professional experience and is always moving to find new ways to express her art and share her knowledge.

Justin [@queenjdubs] is an experienced teacher with a passion to educate and people advance to the next level. He believes in feedback and having fun. Work hard, try hard and have fun are all thats required for his classes!

Ranita Hollinshed [@raanitaaa] is a Seattle native dancer and choreographer. She began her journey at the age of 12 taking her first hip hop class at Westlake Dance Center. Ranita primarily trains at Empire Dance Seattle, Westlake Dance Center, and occasionally Studio North in Vancouver Canada. She currently teaches at Duvall Performing Arts, Empire Dance Seattle, Eastside Dance, Creative Dance Center, and is the head coach of Shorecrest Hip Hop.