Taylor
- PRE-POINTE/ POINTE INSTRUCTOR
Tay Diggs, a Baltimore, MD native, began her formal dance training at the Carver Center for the Arts and Technology and Towson University’s Community Dance Program. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography, along with a Certificate in Global Education, from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has trained with the Ailey School, PhilaDanco!, and ArcDanz México.
After graduating, Tay has danced with DBDT: Encore!, taught students throughout the DFW area, earned her barre certification, and performed works by renowned choreographers including Christopher Huggins, Rennie Harris, and Kate Skarpetowska. She is excited to continue her dance journey with B. Moore Dance and APEX.
Hans
- ADULT HIP-HOP
A dynamic and versatile instructor, Hans is skilled in krump, hip hop, lyrical hip hop, contemporary, African styles, jazz, swing, and tango. He is passionate about inspiring young dancers, creating an energetic class environment while teaching performers to command the stage and deliver powerful, memorable performances.
Hans brings extensive experience as both a dancer and actor. His film credits include The Sculptor, 8Days, and The Works, along with commercial work for Pepsi, Pizza Hut, and FanDuel Nation. He has appeared in multiple music videos and has performed at events such as Celebrate Fort Worth and the Plano Dance Festival. Hans has also choreographed notable works including Problem of Pain and Boundless.
Naomi
- Resident Choreographer and VP / Assistant Creative Director - Nonprofit Sector
Naomi is an established Dallas-based artist who began her dance training at Shelly Dubois’ Dance and brings over 14 years of experience across multiple styles, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, and hip hop. Under the mentorship of Donna Murray, she gained two years of experience as a teacher’s assistant, where she discovered her passion for teaching.
Naomi has trained with Mahogany Theatre of Dance, Park Cities Dance, and Dance Industry, and is proud to call Apex Dance and Performing Arts her artistic home. Over the past three years, she has earned numerous awards and scholarships at competitions such as StarQuest, Showbiz, and Dupree.
Believing dance to be more than a hobby, Naomi views it as an outlet and a voice. With her love for children, she is dedicated to providing a positive, high-quality learning experience that helps every student reach their full potential.
Sam
- VOCAL INSTRUCTOR
Meet Sam, a dynamic musician and educator with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Performing Arts from Georgetown University. With over seven years of experience in vocal performance, guitar, and piano, Sam has performed across jazz, pop, and musical theatre genres.
He has served as Musical Director for New Relic Theater in New York City and Mask and Bauble Theater in Washington, DC, as well as Musical Director of the Georgetown University Chorus. Now a Music Educator at DAMPA, Sam is passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians and believes deeply in the transformative power of music.
Olivia
- CONTEMPORARY
Olivia Flores is a recent graduate of New Mexico State University and has recently relocated to Dallas from New Mexico. She has been dancing since the age of 12 and was a member of her high school performance dance team. Olivia continued her training as a New Mexico State Sundancer and, during her senior year, joined the only competitive all-star team in Las Cruces, NM. The team earned both Regional and National Championship titles and most recently placed second at the Worlds Championship.
Olivia minored in dance and plans to pursue her MFA in the near future. She is also an Allen Americans Ice Angels cheerleader and looks forward to meeting you soon!
Camryn
- CONTEMPORARY, TECHNIQUE, ACRO, TEAM
Camryn is a former DBU Patriette and Pom National Champion with over six years of teaching experience in studio settings and private instruction. She specializes in Acro, Drill Team Prep, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Technique, with a strong emphasis on turns and leaps. Her background in high-level performance is matched by a deep passion for developing dancers in both skill and character.
Using a Christ-centered approach, Camryn believes dance is a gift from God and encourages her students to pursue excellence—not perfection—as an act of gratitude and worship. This philosophy fosters a positive, disciplined environment where dancers grow in confidence, artistry, and purpose, producing strong performers and future champions.
With a unique blend of faith, artistry, and leadership, Camryn is committed to empowering the next generation of dancers to succeed both on and off the stage.
Rachel
- BALLET
Originally from Lakewood, Washington, Rachel Bocchi began her dance training at Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma under the direction of Damaris Caughlan. She is a recent graduate of the University of Alabama, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Advertising. During her time at Alabama, Rachel performed with CORPO and the Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre and was an active member of the National Dance Honor Society and the University of Alabama Museum community.
Rachel is currently an apprentice with Ballet Papillon, a contemporary ballet company based in Dallas. Her training and performance experience span both classical and contemporary styles. Outside of dance, Rachel is passionate about community service and has volunteered with several animal shelters, as well as served as a Community Engagement Leader at KBTC Public Television in Tacoma.
Daniel
- HIP HOP, HIP HOP CREW
Daniel Peña (Jorniel) is a dynamic and passionate dance instructor specializing in hip-hop, urban dance, and choreography. He brings years of performance and teaching experience, with credits spanning music videos, live events, competitions, and commercials. Daniel has taught at DCJ Dance and Legion G in Santo Domingo and is deeply committed to inspiring students through both technical excellence and artistic expression.
In the classroom, Daniel creates an engaging and motivating environment that emphasizes creativity, discipline, leadership, and confidence. He values clear communication, constructive feedback, and encouragement to help students of all ages and levels reach their full potential while embracing the energy and culture of dance.
A multiple competition placer, Daniel is fluent in both English and Spanish, offering a bilingual and inclusive learning experience for his students.
Cornelio
- HIP HOP
With over 15 years of dance experience, Cornelio—affectionately known as “Corn”—is a dynamic and versatile performer and instructor. His dance journey began with freestyle performances at school talent shows, where his natural rhythm and stage presence earned top competition honors. He later trained at Cocoa Dance Studios, refining his technique and gaining wider recognition after a standout performance at the Fox Theatre Talent Showcase and a feature on Fox News. As a member of Super Sick Crew, Corn earned scholarships and accolades for their high-energy performances.
Corn’s choreography blends Hip-Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, and Latin styles, including Merengue and Bachata. His work energizes everything from competitions and weddings to corporate events and celebrations. Known for his infectious energy and positive teaching style, Corn creates a supportive environment where dancers of all ages can grow, express themselves, and find their unique voice. He is excited to bring his passion and experience to the Apex staff.
Maya
- TAP
Maya Hernández-Pearson is a Dallas native and multidisciplinary artist who graduated from the Dance Conservatory at Booker T. Washington HSPVA and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance from Sam Houston State University. With foundational training in Ballet and Modern from Contemporary Ballet Dallas, Maya has built a career as a professional actor, musical theatre performer, choreographer, and dance, music, and voice educator.
Maya has worked as a freelance educator and as a returning teaching artist with Theatre Under the Stars’ The River in Houston, a multidisciplinary arts program serving students with disabilities and their siblings. Most recently, Maya received a Henry Award nomination for Outstanding Performer in a Musical.
A passionate and dedicated artist, Maya is committed to helping students reach their full creative potential and is excited to join Apex Dance & Performing Arts to help shape the next generation of performers through dance.
Gelle
- JAZZ FUNK
Gelle Abraham is a LA based professional dancer and choreographer trained in Hip Hop, Jazz Funk, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, Musical Theater, and Heels. She began dancing at the age of nine in Ohio, later choreographing over 50 award winning competitive routines.
She has trained with Millennium Dance Complex, worked with Hamilton Haus Dance Company, and performed in music videos, live showcases, and television.
Her work includes Madhouse with Abby Lee Miller. She is known for her versatility, professionalism, and strong on- camera presence.
