WE BUILD CONFIDENCE. WE BUILD COMMUNITY. WE BUILD DANCERS.

Karen Arreola

Instructor of children's classes/Student Success Advisor

Native to Mexico City, Mexico, Karen emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 6. She's a multi-talented creative and activist who is deeply passionate about effecting social change through her work. Karen Arreola began her training in dance at the age of 17 and has continued ever since. In that time Karen has been a member of various pre-professional and professional performance companies all in which she took on leadership and directorial roles. Proficient in Hip Hop, Contemporary, Latin, and Jazz, Karen’s versatile performances have graced renowned stages all over the Chicagoland area. Karen has been teaching dancers of all ages and levels for over 6 years. From early childhood to adult dance, competitive to recreational, Karen is deeply invested in her students development, creating an empathetic and supportive environment for their artistic abilities to flourish.

Jayme Braverman

Instructor of Adult Ballet, all genres Children’s Division

Jayme Braverman, a native of Iowa City, Iowa, began her dance training at Nolte Academy under the direction of Leslie Nolte. After graduating from high school a year early, she went on to attend Point Park University, where she studied and performed under the mentorship of Jason McDole, Kiesha Lalama, Daniel Karasik, Maree ReMalia, Garfield Lemonious, and others. She earned her BFA in Dance with high honors in the spring of 2020.

Jayme has performed works by a wide range of choreographers, including Martha Graham, José Limón, Lloyd Knight, Autumn Eckman, Joseph Kudra, Yin Yue, Oscar Ramos, Brandon Cournay, Jacqueline Burnett, Shannon Alvis, and more. After relocating to Chicago, she was selected as a Claire Bataille Legacy Scholarship recipient at Chicago Movement Collective, where she continued her training under the direction of Ethan Kirschbaum.

She currently dances with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre and maintains an active presence in the arts as a freelance costume designer and company manager for PARA.MAR Dance Theatre, and as an assistant to choreographer Stephanie Martinez.

Jayme is equally passionate about teaching and finds deep fulfillment in nurturing the growth and artistic development of her students.  

Kendra Cornett

Instructor of Pre-Professional Children’s Division, Associate Director IPDC

Bio coming soon!

Emani Drake

Instructor of Pre-Professional Children’s Division

Emani Drake is from Cleveland, Ohio. She began her dance training at Revolutions Dance Academy under the direction of Lisa and Tricia Bires. Simultaneously she trained at the Cleveland School of the Arts as well as Tri-C Creative Arts Academy. Ms. Drake attended The University of the Arts on full scholarship and graduated with a BFA in Dance. While being a full-time student at UArts, she was a company member with Eleone Dance Theatre. After graduating she joined Verb Ballet as a trainee. Additionally, She has performed in the works of Ulysses Dove, José Limón, Christopher Huggins, Amy Hall Garner, Kevin Iega Jeff, Juel D. Lane, and many more. Ms. Drake joined Deeply Rooted Dance Theater in 2021. There, she was nominated and awarded a Princess Grace Honoraria Award in Dance Performance in 2023. Emani is a vessel, artist, and athlete who strives to heal and inspire through her gift of dance.

Robin Gayle

Instructor of Ballet

Robin Gayle is a professional dancer, an established ballet teacher, and a certified Pilates instructor. She performed for nine seasons as a Soloist with the Columbia City Ballet, apprenticed with the Colorado Ballet, and is a frequent guest artist around the country. Robin trained privately under Sherry Moray and Alla Osipenko and attended the Académie de Danse Classique Princesse Grace in Monte Carlo, the Ruth Page School of Dance, and the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Her summer intensive training included the schools of American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, and Joffrey Ballet, under scholarship. Robin was a top finalist at the Youth America Grand Prix competition and chosen to perform at YAGP Galas in 2000 and 2001. As a frequent guest artist, Robin's reviews include Dance Magazine's late Ann Barzel, who praised Robin as a "uniquely talented dancer," and the Chicago Sun-Times' Hedy Weiss, who characterized Robin's dancing as "brilliant." Some of Robin's film and television credits include appearing in the movie "Save the Last Dance" and the TV show "Sabado Gigante." In addition to dancing, Robin has modeled for Capezio and Leo's Dancewear. 

Raymond Goodall

Instructor of Musical Theater

Raymond Goodall, also known as "Flosse", is a well seasoned professional in the world of dance and theatre, with over 11 years of teaching dance across major cities—from Chicago to New York to Los Angeles—He’s honed his skills and nurtured countless aspiring dancers. His training spans a diverse range of styles, including ballet, jazz, Musical Theatre, tap, hip-hop, and modern dance.

Notably he was part of the first graduating class at Chiarts, where he specialized in Musical Theatre. After earning his BFA in Musical Theatre with a concentration in Dance, at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, where he received a full ride, he relocated to Los Angeles in 2019.

Raymond took no time before diving into the LA scene teaching dance in the Valley area, and Choreographing for a few local musical artists around town. He was not only found making his LA Theater debut, but was also seen making a few appearances in television/film, and different streaming networks such as Hulu, Netflix, HBO, and more.

Steve Gorski

Instructor of tap, jazz, contemporary, Intrigue Performance Dance Company Director

“Scuba” Steve Gorski started dancing at the young age of 2.  He received his training from Stage Door Dance Academy and Impact Dance Studio.  Steve has won many titles, scholarships and awards and was also featured in the December 2007 Dance Spirit Magazine as a “Future Dance Star.” Steve attended Oklahoma City University as a Dance Performance major at the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management under the direction of John Bedford and Jo Rowan.  Steve holds a B.P.A from Oklahoma City University. While in Oklahoma, Steve has performed in the Oklahoma Centennial Parade and the Oklahoma Centennial Spectacular along with Reba, Carrie Underwood, The Flaming Lips, and All American Rejects.  He was member of the professional dance company at OCU, The American Spirit Dance Company and was elected the Deputy of the company, which allowed him to work closely with the director and company manager while he served as a liaison between the dancers and the director and company manager.  He has starred in shows at OCU such as, Life of the Party, Home for the Holidays, The American Spirit Spring Show, and, as a freshman, was selected to be a part of the American Spirit Tour Cast. Steve was the swing for Kate Jablonski’s Off Broadway Show, Beyond Words, in New York City.  After graduating from OCU, Steve joined Inaside Chicago Dance as a performing apprentice and media director.  With Inaside Steve was able to work with instructors/choreographers Richard Smith, Anna Czajun, Laura Wade, Sarah Ford, Harrison McEldowny, Wade Schaaf, Lizzie MacKenzie, Eddy Ocampo, Sinead Gildea, William Gil, Debra Nanni, Autum Eckman and Robert McKee.  Steve joined S.L.A.T.E. Theater’s cast of Legally Blonde where he was cast as Nikkos, ensemble & dance captain.  Steve has also performed with Michigan Ballet Theatre in their production of Copellia (Fiancé) and The Nutcracker (Rat King/Russian/Spanish). Steve choreographed Kankakee Valley Association Theatre’s production of The Wedding Singer which was raved about in the Kankakee press. Steve’s choreography has appeared on CBS, FOX, ABC & NBC for the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, received numerous choreography/entertainment awards, and several students hold national titles with Steve’s choreography. Several of Steve’s students have gone off to perform in Joffrey’s cast of The Nutcracker, Drury Lane’s Production of Billy Elliot, models for Revolution Dance wear, scholarship recipients to Joffrey, Alvin Ailey, Lines Ballet, River North and Inaside Chicago Dance. Steve’s students have gone on to college for dance at Arizona State University, Butler University, and Palm Beach Atlantic University.  Steve currently teaches throughout the suburbs of Chicago and Northwest Indiana at several studios and high schools sharing his love of dance to those around him. 

Michael Henderson

Instructor Of Pre-Pro Hip Hop

Mike Henderson has been dancing passionately between the ages of 6,7 years of age. Having a love for dance, he was very ambitious on making dreams come true. After high school, Mike went on and trained and has done professional/Industry work with the following: KEKE PALMER KANYE WEST DABABY DAVE SCOTT (world known choreographer) TWISTA CHANCE THE RAPPER FOX SERIES “The Big Leap” NETFLIX SERIES “Soundtrack” Mike believes with “God by your side all things are impossible” and with this quote Mike continues to make his dreams happen. He also founded “MH CHOREOGRAPHY LLC” which is now a successful business.

Heather Kristan

Instructor Of Children's Classes/Student Success Advisor

Originally from Iowa, Heather began dancing at Iowa's Westside Dance Academy. Training in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, and hip hop, her love for dance grew. She competed and performed throughout the midwest and was invited to perform at Disneyland's 50th anniversary in Anaheim, California. Heather continued to dance throughout college while majoring in theatre. 

Intrigue Dance was the first studio Heather walked into just after moving to Chicago in 2013. Beginning as a work study, Intrigue was a great training environment for working and dancing in the city. Heather has been blessed with multiple opportunities throughout the city, both onstage as well as behind the scenes. Some of her favorites include acting and dancing in films with Chicago's School of the Art Institute and Columbia College, and working at Lookingglass and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Upon deciding to share her passion for dance through teaching, she's been grateful to work at a number of studios, park districts, and schools throughout the city and suburbs, taking students to Disney World and directing dancers with Chicago's Salvation Army Community Center. 

Working in theatrical carpentry alongside teaching dance, she loves the relation between dance and theatre, and the importance of using the proper tools/technique for an outstanding performance. 

Incredibly thankful for the gift of mobility, Heather loves pushing her students to use what they've been given to be the best version of themselves. 

Neva Lang

Instructor of Children’s Recreational Division

Neva Lang is a Chicago-based dancer interested in choreography, performance, and teaching, cultivating community through dance! She graduated with degrees in Dance and Psychology in the Interdisciplinary Honors Program from Loyola University Chicago in May of 2025. Neva has performed in works choreographed by Sandra Kaufmann, Sarah Cullen Fuller, Amy Wilkinson, Raúl Casasola, Vershawn Sanders-Ward, Martha Graham, José Limón, Mandy Milligan, and Elijah Richardson. Neva enjoys collaborating with other artists, and in the previous year has served as an intern for Hedwig Dances, and developed a choreographic work to be performed alongside faculty and guest artist works at Loyola’s 2024 MainStage Dance Concert and the 2025 American College Dance Association Festival. She was awarded the 2025 Loyola Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award, and in 2024 was awarded the Praxis and Poesis Award for Service in Action and as 2024 Outstanding Choreographer of the Year by the dance faculty. Currently, Neva is a dance educator, freelance dance artist, and graduate student at the University of Chicago. She is excited to be joining the Intrigue family!

Alyssa McCallum

Instructor of Ballet

Gabrielle Nicholas

Instructor of Children’s Recreational Division/Adult Classes

Gabrielle “Gabbie” Nicholas has been dancing for 16 years and teaching for 4. Intrigue had given me the opportunity to be part of the teaching program right after I graduated high school, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunities that have come with teaching here. I’ve done company dancing for 14 years, and I’ve just recently started commercial dance. I’ve taught with Alvin Ailey Camp for the past two years, as the Jazz instructor, and I was a part of Winifred Haun's company for 3 seasons.

Serenity Phanes

Instructor of Acro

Serenity Phanes is a multidisciplinary movement educator and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in gymnastics, competitive all-star cheerleading, and acrobatics. At Intrigue Dance and Performing Arts Center, Serenity teaches with a focus on technical precision, physical literacy, and intentional movement.

Drawing on an international career as a judge, coach, and curriculum designer, Serenity offers dancers a high-performance perspective built on a comprehensive understanding and student empowerment. The goal is for each dancer to develop a practical understanding of anatomy and biomechanics—mastering not only the how but also the why behind each skill. This approach produces stronger, more controlled movement that seamlessly integrates into each dancer’s unique artistic voice.

The pillars of Serenity’s teaching philosophy are Artistry, Beauty, Intention, and Strength. By embodying these principles, Serenity empowers dancers to cultivate confidence and unlock their full potential in both training and performance.

Dereque Whiturs

Instructor of Pre-Pro Ballet

Dereque Whiturs, a native of Dallas, Texas, began his career as a performing artist at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He is an alumnus of the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, California, and is trained extensively in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and Dunham techniques.

Mr. Whiturs has studied with celebrated artists including Alvin Ailey, Ulysses Dove, Donald McKayle, Donald Byrd, Talley Beatty, George Faison, Tina Yuan, Christine Lawson, Homer Bryant, George Skibine, and Maria Tallchief.

He served as a principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble under Sylvia Waters, and later with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater under the direction of Alvin Ailey, touring nationally and internationally for over 13 years. He later joined Deeply Rooted Dance Theater in Chicago, Illinois, as a principal dancer, where he also contributed to the Associate Artistic Team, supporting programs such as the Deeply Rooted Summer Intensive, Deeply Rooted Youth Ensemble, and the Mature H.O.T. Women (Health Conscious Optimistic and Triumphant) and Men Moving initiatives.

In addition to his performance career, Mr. Whiturs is a member of The Malone Group, Inc., in Washington, D.C., and has an extensive background in dance education. He has taught across the U.S. and Europe, including at:

• Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Summer Intensive (Chicago, IL)

• The Chicago Multicultural Dance Center (Chicago, IL)

• Bertino’s School of Danceology (Chicago, IL)

• Duke Ellington School of the Arts (Washington, D.C.)

• Booker T. Washington HSPVA (Dallas, TX)

• The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (Dallas, TX)

• Renalto Greco School of Dance (Rome, Italy)

Mr. Whiturs is also the co-founder and co-artistic director of HappyNia Dance Theatre Productions Inc., established alongside Carl Long. Through this company, he merges his artistic vision with a deep commitment to community advocacy. HappyNia uses the power of dance and theater to address critical issues affecting the African American community, including HIV/AIDS awareness, domestic violence, substance abuse, and self-actualization. Mr. Whiturs seeks to inspire collective action and cultural healing through the arts.

Melinda Wilson

Instructor of adult Jazz and Ballet

Melinda Wilson holds a M.Ed. from DePaul University and an M.A. from the University of Illinois with additional coursework at Northwestern University. She has trained at Batsheva Dance Company (Tel-Aviv), Pineapples (London), and Centre de Danse du Marias (Paris) and has been a pick-up dancer with American Ballet Theatre, David Dorfman Dance and Urban Bush Women to name a few. Awards include Top 50 Global Teacher Award, Golden Apple Award, Dance Chicago Outstanding Choreographer (New Voice) Award, IAHPERD Teacher of the Year, SHAPE National Dance Teacher of the Year, first place choreographic awards from Livorno in Danza International Competition and Barcelona Dance Grand Prix. Wilson has been featured in Tes Education Magazine (United Kingdom), Dance Magazine and various national and international webinars. Wilson is a teacher of Ballet, and Jazz at American Rhythm Center, resident choreographer for Her Story Theater and Dance Artistic Director at Curie Metropolitan High School for the Performing and Technical Arts and Advanced Placement Arts at Gallery 37. She is also the founder of Elite Dance Events Per4mers4Change promoting positive active citizenship through the power of performance and youth.

Melinda Wilson holds a M.Ed. from DePaul University and an M.A. from the University of Illinois with additional coursework at Northwestern University. She has trained at Batsheva Dance Company (Tel-Aviv), Pineapples (London), and Centre de Danse du Marias (Paris) and has been a pick-up dancer with American Ballet Theatre, David Dorfman Dance and Urban Bush Women to name a few. Awards include Top 50 Global Teacher Award, Golden Apple Award, Dance Chicago Outstanding Choreographer (New Voice) Award, IAHPERD Teacher of the Year, SHAPE National Dance Teacher of the Year, first place choreographic awards from Livorno in Danza International Competition and Barcelona Dance Grand Prix. Wilson has been featured in Tes Education Magazine (United Kingdom), Dance Magazine and various national and international webinars. Wilson is a teacher of Ballet, and Jazz at American Rhythm Center, resident choreographer for Her Story Theater and Dance Artistic Director at Curie Metropolitan High School for the Performing and Technical Arts and Advanced Placement Arts at Gallery 37. She is also the founder of Elite Dance Events Per4mers4Change promoting positive active citizenship through the power of performance and youth.