MEET OUR STAFF
Ms. Taylor
- Dance Instructor/ Choreographer/ Performer
TAY DIGGS, a native of Baltimore, MD, began her formal dance training at Carver Center for the Arts and Technology and Towson University’s Community Dance Program; leading her to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography and Certificate in Global Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has also completed training programs with the Ailey School, PhilaDanco!, and ArcDanz Mexico.
Post-graduation, she’s had the opportunity to dance with DBDT: Encore!, teach talented students in the DFW area, receive her barre certification, and perform works by notable artists such as Christopher Huggins, Rennie Harris, and Kate Skarpetowska.
Tay is excited to be continuing her journey in dance with B. MOORE DANCE and APEX!
Mr. Hans
- Dance Instructor/ Choreographer/ Performer
We are thrilled to have the dynamic training of Hans Ndam now at APEX. He wields mad skills in krump, hip hop, lyrical hip hop, contemporary, African styles, jazz, swing, and tango and he has a passion to impart these skills to young aspiring dancers. He creates a fun and exciting atmosphere in class while teaching dancers to take command of the stage and deliver awe-inspiring performances.
Hans has many dancing and acting exploits under his belt. He has acted in films including The Sculptor, 8Days, The Works, and done commercials for Pepsi, Pizza Hut, Fan Duel Nation, and has been in music videos like Just Breath, One Love and Use Your Voice. He has danced at many local events such as Celebrate Fort Worth 2015, The Plano Dance Festival, and choreographed Problem of Pain 2014 and Boundless 2015.
Ms. Naomi
- Resident Choreographer and VP / Assistant Creative Director - Nonprofit Sector
Naomi is an established artist from Dallas, Texas who began her dance career at Shelly Dubois' Dance. She has more than 14 years of experience in the field of dance ranging from ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop, and more.
Under the mentorship of Donna Murray, Naomi has had two years of experience as a teacher's assistant and has found her love in teaching. After studying dance at Mahogany Theatre of Dance, Park Cities Dance, and Dance Industry, she has found her home at Apex Dance and Performing Arts and continues to grow in her artistic talent.
Over the past 3 years, Naomi has won numerous awards and scholarships for standing out in various dance competitions including Starquest National Dance Competition, Showbiz Dance Competition, Dupree Dance Competition, and many more.
Naomi believes that dance is more than a hobby, but an outlet and a voice. Through her dance experience and love for children, she is committed to ensuring a quality and enjoyable learning experience that will help your child 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, has showcased his talents across jazz, pop, and musical theatre genres.
Sam has held key roles such as Musical Director for New Relic Theater in New York City and the Mask and Bauble Theater in Washington, DC, while also serving as the Musical Director of the GU Chorus.
Currently, Sam wants to inspire the next generation of musicians as a Music Educator at DAMPA.
Passionate and dedicated, Sam exemplifies the transformative power of music.
Ms. Olivia
- Dance Instructor / Performer
Olivia Flores is a recent graduate of New Mexico State University, and has recently relocated to Dallas from New Mexico. Olivia has been dancing since the age of 12 and was a member of her high school performance dance team. She continued her passion for dance as a New Mexico State Sundancer during college. In her senior year, she joined the only competitive all-star team in Las Cruces, NM. Together, the team won both a Regional and National championship, and just this past April, they secured a second-place finish at the Worlds Championship. Olivia minored in dance during college and plans to pursue her MFA in the near future. She looks forward to the opportunity to meet you soon!
Ms. Camryn
- Dance Instructor / Performer
Camryn is a former DBU Patriette and Pom National Champion with over six years of teaching experience in both studio settings and private instruction. She specializes in Acro, Drill Team Prep, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Technique with a focus on Turns and Leaps. Her foundation in high-level performance and coaching is matched by her passion for developing dancers in both skill and character.
Camryn utilizes a Christ-centered approach in her teaching, firmly believing that dance is a gift from God and that we are called to use our talents to their fullest potential. She encourages her students to pursue excellence not for perfection’s sake, but as an act of gratitude and worship. This perspective has helped her create a positive, hard-working environment where dancers thrive—producing not only strong performers, but future national champions.
With her unique blend of faith, artistry, and business insight, Camryn is passionate about empowering the next generation of dancers to succeed both on and off the stage.
Ms. Rachel
- Dance Instructor / Performer
Originally from Lakewood, Washington, Rachel Bocchi began her dance training at the Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma under the direction of Damaris Caughlan. She is a recent graduate of the University of Alabama, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Advertising. While at Alabama, she performed with both 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 dancing as an apprentice with Ballet Papillon, a contemporary ballet company based in Dallas. Her training spans various prestigious studios, and her performance experience reflects both classical and contemporary styles. Beyond dance, Rachel has a strong passion for community service—having volunteered at several animal shelters—and previously served as a Community Engagement Leader at KBTC Public Television in Tacoma, Washington.
Mr. Daniel
- Dance Instructor/ Performer
Daniel Peña (Jorniel) is a dynamic and passionate dance instructor with years of experience in hip-hop, urban dance, and choreography. He has performed in high-profile music videos, events, competitions, and commercials. With a background that includes teaching at DCJ Dance and Legion G in Santo Domingo, Daniel is dedicated to sharing his expertise and inspiring students. He emphasizes clear communication, constructive feedback, and encouragement to build students’ confidence and ignite their passion for dance.
As an instructor, Daniel strives to create an engaging and motivating learning environment, focusing on creativity, discipline, and leadership. He is committed to helping students of all ages and levels grow in their dance skills while embracing the art form's energy and culture.
Daniel’s achievements in the dance community include placing in multiple competitions. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he brings a bilingual approach to his classes, offering diverse and inclusive learning opportunities.
Mr. Cornelio
- Dance Instructor/ Performer
With over 15 years of dance experience, Cornelio—affectionately known as “Corn”—is a dynamic and versatile performer. His journey began with freestyle performances at school talent shows, where his natural rhythm and stage presence earned him top honors in various competitions. Corn refined his craft at Cocoa Dance Studios, where his technical skills expanded, leading to a standout performance at the Fox Theatre Talent Showcase and a feature on Fox News. As a member of Super Sick Crew, he gained widespread recognition, scholarships, and accolades for their high-energy performances.
Corn’s choreography blends a wide range of styles, including Hip-Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, and Latin influences like Merengue and Bachata. His routines energize events such as competitions, weddings, parties, graduations, and corporate gatherings, making each performance memorable. As an instructor, Corn is known for his infectious energy, positive attitude, and the ability to connect with dancers of all ages. He fosters a supportive environment where students can grow, express themselves, and discover their unique voice through movement. Corn is excited to bring his experience and passion to the Apex staff.
Ms. Maya
- Dance Instructor/ Performer
Maya Hernández-Pearson is a Dallas-born and raised artist who graduated from the Dance Conservatory at Booker T. Washington HSPVA and Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Musical Theatre and minoring in Dance. Having received foundational training in Ballet and Modern dance from Contemporary Ballet Dallas, Maya has crafted a career that includes performing as a professional actor and musical theatre performer across multiple cities, choreographing, and working as a dance, music, & voice educator.
Maya has worked as a freelance educator as well as a returning teaching artist at The River with Theatre Under the Stars in Houston, a multi-disciplinary arts school for students with disabilities and their siblings. Recently, Maya received a Henry Award nomination for Outstanding Performer in a musical for their performance work.
Maya is a passionate performer dedicated to helping students reach their full creative potential. She's excited to join Apex Dance & Performing Arts and looks forward to help shape the next generation of performers through dance!
