FACULTY

All of our faculty are trained dancers from an early age. Most of them are currently involved in the dance industry and are able to pass their knowledge onto the dancers they are training. They understand that no two dancers are alike and will work with your dancer to get the best out of their training.

Mario Velez Jr.

Director / Hip Hop

Mario Velez Jr. is a International Hip-Hop choreographer and dancer/performer. Mario has toured and worked with artists such as: Taio Cruz, Mike Posner, Omarion, TLC, Rock Steady Crew, Fergie, My Chemical Romance, Brandy, Boyz II Men, & many others! Mario Velez is currently traveling as a Master Teacher for Kar Australia, Kar Dance Convention, Danza Dance Intensive and Showbiz/ Primetime Talent. Mario just finished a six week tour in Australia teaching and choreographing. He has currently trained stars of the show “ANDI MACK” Sofia Wylie aka “BUFFY” and Asher Angel aka “Jonah Beck. He has also toured with the world-renowned Harlem Globetrotters! Mario was recently performing and choreographing for the National Recording Artist Yasmeen, Young Gage and for Automatic Response Dance Crew, which was featured on the show’s first season of “America’s Best Dance Crew!” He has also done work with the NBA and WNBA Teams which consist of: The Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns Dance Team, The Seattle Supersonics, The Golden State Warrior Girls, The Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Mercury Hip-Hop Squad. He has trained dancers that have worked with artist such as:  Justin Bieber, Willow Smith, Lady Gaga, The Jabbawockeez, Jason Derulo, David Hallberg the principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet and many others. Now Mario spends most of his time teaching and judging for conventions and competitions around the United States. Mario has also started an exciting and very passionate Dance Studio called Diverse Elements Dance Studio. His diversity also includes choreography for shows, Splash and Bottoms UP in Las Vegas NV, and Jubilation in Reno, NV, and producing his own show every year at The Orpheum Theatre. All this has been possible because of his long time partner and wife Melissa Velez.

Mario has one saying that he lives by-"Hip-hop is not just rapping and music, it is a culture, a way of life!

Melissa Velez

Director / Technique / Company

Melissa began her dance training at the age of three.  She has been trained in all genres of dance.  Melissa owns a dance studio in North Phoenix, AZ for the past thirteen years and many more to come.  She has been an adjudicator for the past 9 years at multiple national touring competitions and loves it.  She has choreographed regionally and nationally winning competition numbers.  Melissa also coached a multiple State winning/National scoring High School Pom team for many years.  She was a WNBA dancer for 6 years with the Phoenix Mercury and danced professionally in Las Vegas.  With over 20 years of professional dance experience, the knowledge and training she shares with dancers today is something every dancer will benefit from.  She has a real hunger for continued training and inspiring young dancers to reach their full potential through positive criticism. Her motto is, "You are never too good to take a beginning class."  Dance is not just an art; it is a way of life!

Eastlyn Jensen

Ballet

Eastlyn Jensen grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut. She began her ballet training at The Studio at Ballet Etudes in Norwalk, Connecticut under the direction of Nanette Vallas. At the age of 13, she was promoted to the pre-professional division becoming a member of the Ballet Etudes Company. She was granted the opportunity to choreograph a contemporary piece for the graduating senior class which was performed at the end of year performance. Along with The Studio’s summer intensives, Eastlyn has continued her summer training at American Ballet Theatre, The School of American Ballet, Chautauqua Institution’s dance program, Houston Ballet, Ballet West, and The School of Ballet Arizona. She joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company in the 2018-2019 season.

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Lexi Cooper

Jazz

Lexi Cooper was born and raised in Bonita, California where she began her dance journey at three years old. She danced recreationally in ranging styles from ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and tap for six years. At the age of nine, Lexi and her family moved to Danville, California. Here is where she enrolled in East Bay Dance Company, and joined their competitive team for three years. Here, she was introduced to lyrical and contemporary styles of dances. At her time at EBDC, she won many overall placements and title wins at competitions like KAR and Rainbow. She furthered her competitive dance career at Triple Threat Performing Arts. Here, she has won many overall placements, along with being the Intermediate Senior Overall Soloist and 1st Runner-up for Miss Intermediate Dance at KAR Nationals Vegas in 2019. Lexi was also an active member of the dance community at her high school, San Ramon Valley High School, in Danville, California. She was enrolled in Dance 4 and Dance 5 classes, where she choreographed dances for six spring and fall dance shows. She was also selected to be a member of the competitive Danceline team, and the award-winning Can-Can team. Lexi was also a member of her school’s varsity pom team. Now, Lexi is studying political science and philosophy at Arizona State University. She is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honors society, and Vice President of UP&UP ASU. She is also a 2nd-year member of ASU’s Dance Team, where she has the opportunity to perform at sporting events, travel to different schools, and compete at DTU: The College Classics.

Renae Bohall

Tap

Renae started her dancing career in Aberdeen South Dakota, had apprenticeships at Chi-Town Dance and Giordano Dance, followed by a Distinguished Artist scholarship at Hope College. After moving to Phoenix, she performed in Super Bowl XXX and XXXI, at the Las Vegas Mirage, and the Beverly Hills Hotel. She has performed with the Beach Boys, Diana Ross, James Brown, Standing O Productions, Contempo Tap Company, Showstoppers Interactive Entertainment, and danced in industrial shows for Oscar Meyer, Pepsi, Toyota, Intel, and America West. In addition to judging nationwide dance competitions and owning her own tap company, Renae has been teaching at independent dance studios and public schools for almost 30 years. Some of Renae's former students have gone on to dance with Cirque du Soleil, cruise ships, and with artists that include Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and Taylor Swift. Though she is trained in all types of dance, tap is her passion and will always be her first love.

Mia Basila

Contemporary

Mia Basila is originally from San Diego California where she has been dancing for 14 years. She's moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University where she is a member on the dance team. She has also assisted at numerous dance conventions including Pulse and Revel. Mia has worked with Rhianna, Ava Max, and Penny Bird Rabbit. Mia’s style of contemporary is very dynamic and texturized. She like finding ways to move her body that are unique and different. She looks forward to working with all the girls and can't wait to meet everyone!

Sean Martel

Dance Tricks / Tumbling

Sean Martel has been a gymnast from the age of 3 to 15 and has coached in the valley for over 13 years. He has coached in several gyms and his experience includes excel teams, boys gym, tumbling, kinder gym, and all levels of recreational gym.

Capri McCormick

Capri was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and began her dance career at 3 years old. She was a member of Diverse Elements Dance Company for 10 years and trained in many genres of dance including, lyrical, jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. She continued her passion for dance on a state award-winning pom team for 4 years. She was a staff member and instructor with Universal Dance Association and traveled around the United States in that capacity. She is grateful to continue her dance career with Diverse Elements Dance Studio.