Mr. Dennis McKinley- Dance Teacher/ Director
Bio: Born in San Jose California, Mr. McKinley has over 19 years dance and teaching experience training in street Jazz, Hip-hop styles and Commercial dance. After 10 years of touring and dancing professionally, he has pursued a career in teaching. Taking over as director of the Taft Dance Program in 2012-13, He plans to continue the legacy of speaking through movement, teaching life, art, and creativity through dance.
Email- [email protected]
Telephone- 818-227-3600 Ext.3662
Coaches contact information
Coach Marek Amirkhizi" As Taft Dance Team Alumni He knows our standard and is committed and dedicated to improving it. Marek started in 2015-16. To be able to have that space to grow and express all my emotions really benefited my teaching and dancing. The dance team has confirmed what I wanted to do with my career and life. To be able to give back to the same program that gave me everything is such an indescribable feeling that brings me so much fulfillment. With a passion for dance I'm dedicated to giving each team member all I have, I look forward to starting my week with Taft Dance Team.
Coach Nessy Alawami-Cramer
CSUN graduate. She has been dancing for 20 years at a 5678 Dance Company. Starting teaching at the young age of 16. Dance styles are ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, jazz and tap. She is glad to be a part of the Taft dance team family and can't wait to see what the future brings for this team.
CSUN graduate. She has been dancing for 20 years at a 5678 Dance Company. Starting teaching at the young age of 16. Dance styles are ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, jazz and tap. She is glad to be a part of the Taft dance team family and can't wait to see what the future brings for this team.
Coach Synthia Batisita (27)
"I DEVELOPED MY VOICE IN DANCE AND CHOREOGRAPHY WHILE ON TAFT DANCE TEAM. AS MY PASSION FOR DANCE AND CHOREOGRAPHY GROWS I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK AND SHARE MY PASSION WITH EACH AND EVERY TALENTED DANCER, MY GOAL IS TO EXPAND THE DANCERS UNDERSTANDING AND PERFORMANCE QUALITY WHILE PUSHING THEM TO THEIR CREATIVE LIMITS TO CREATE A LASTING EXPERIENCE FOR THE DANCERS AND AUDIENCE."
"I DEVELOPED MY VOICE IN DANCE AND CHOREOGRAPHY WHILE ON TAFT DANCE TEAM. AS MY PASSION FOR DANCE AND CHOREOGRAPHY GROWS I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK AND SHARE MY PASSION WITH EACH AND EVERY TALENTED DANCER, MY GOAL IS TO EXPAND THE DANCERS UNDERSTANDING AND PERFORMANCE QUALITY WHILE PUSHING THEM TO THEIR CREATIVE LIMITS TO CREATE A LASTING EXPERIENCE FOR THE DANCERS AND AUDIENCE."