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

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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. 


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.


Emily Kreider

Instructor Of Recreational Children’s Classes

I started dancing at Intrigue Dance Studio when I was three years old. When I was seven, I joined their competition team and competed in jazz, contemporary, tap, and hiphop. At age 13, I started dance at A&A Ballet and focused on Ballet and Contemporary. I am currently a Pre-Professional student there. Along with my training at A&A Ballet, I was a Teacher Assistant at Intrigue Dance Studio for two years and helped with showcases, classes, and recitals. Now, as a teacher, I am so excited to start teaching this season and to help inspire the next generation of dancers!


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. 


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.


Nicholas O’Neil

Instructor of Musical Theater/Triple Threat Program

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Nich O’Neil has been performing in the entertainment industry for over 20 years and has worked as an actor in Chicago since 2017. Their stage credits include performances at Drury Lane in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mamma Mia, and The King and I, as well as appearances at the Paramount in The Wizard of Oz, Newsies, and Beauty and the Beast. Nich began teaching Jazz dance at Roosevelt University in 2021, where they continue to instruct today. In 2023, Nich transitioned from performing on stage to working behind the scenes, taking on roles as associate director and co-choreographer for Beauty and the Beast at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Cinderella at Drury Lane, and Brighter Futures at the Paramount. They are excited to bring their passion for the performing arts to the Intrigue Dance family.


Serenity Phanes

Instructor of Acro

We maintain certification as a USASF Cheer Legality Official, USASF Dance Legality Official, and Varsity All Star/United Scoring System Scoring Official for Building, Point Deductions, Tumbling, and Overall. I am also credentialed to USASF L7. We choose to specialise in Building and Legality; we do consider ourselves a subject matter expert in all categories. Since we began officiating, we have worked L1 through L6 with 24 competition event brands. Since we began cheerleading industry work we have established a cheerleading industry professional services business, experienced competition at multiple World Championships, earned a SUMMIT National Championship title, and established our own cheer training facility. Our technical skill set, comprehensive knowledge of the sport, and passion for standards, education, wellness, and doing what's right has garnered a reputation of integrity, respect, responsibility, compassion, fairness, and wisdom in professional and personal matters.


Maya Villanueva

Instructor of Recreational Children’s Division

Originally from Des Moines Iowa, Maya began her dance journey at Brekke Dance Center training in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, acro, hip hop, and musical theater. After graduating high school she pursued her passion for dance at the University of Iowa earning her BA in Dance and BS in Exercise Science in the spring of 2024. While at the University of Iowa, Maya performed in works choreographed by Martha Graham, Stephanie Miracle, Kieron Dwayne Sergeant, Melinda Jean Myers, Tony Orrico, and Jennifer Kayle along with being a part of the University of Iowa’s Dance Company for the 2022-2023 season. Outside of the university setting, Maya has trained at Co/Motion’s Summer Dance Intensive in Cambridge, MA. A fresh face to Chicago, Maya is excited to explore the dance community while continuing her passion in pursuit of health and wellness.


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

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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.