Learn more about our facilitators!
Espappi
Espappi is a high-energy entertainer, dancer, and artist bringing Caribbean flavor and pure charisma to every performance. Known for sharp dancehall movement, bold style, and an unforgettable stage presence, he turns any space into a vibe. He’s danced for Sean Paul, Elephant Man, and Alkaline, delivering show-ready energy every time he hits the stage. On camera or live, Espappi blends rhythm, confidence, and storytelling in motion. Catch the wave now—because once you see him perform, you don’t forget it.
Ílah Nois
Hello masqueraders! I’m Ílah Nois. Carnival has been part of my life since childhood, and watching masqueraders fete freely and joyfully shaped everything that inspired my dance-fitness journey. The gym community uplifted me to reach my goals, while masqueraders showed me what it means to move in a true no-judgment zone. Blending strength, celebration, and self-expression became my natural path. Now, I invite you to join me for a good whine and workout!
Raphaella Lua
Raphaella Lua is an internationally award-winning Instructor & Choreographer in Fusion Belly Dance, American Cabaret, Latin Fusion and Contemporary Hip Hop. She has been a featured artist several film productions, music videos for the Hip Hop, Arabic and Latino communities, a residency at the House of Blues and even lead Choreographer for several theatre productions. With more than 20 years of dance experience, she has trained in Ballet, Latin Ballroom, Brazilian Samba, Contemporary Hip Hop, ATS Belly Dance and traditional Raqs Sharqi.
Natalia Delery
Natalia Delery is a dancer, choreographer, and artistic director originally from Queens, New York with 20+ years of experience and training in a variety of styles. She specializes in hip hop and heels choreography and has performed on major stages including World of Dance, Chicago Bulls/United Center, Chicago Fashion Week, Choreographer’s Carnival, Urbanite, and Prelude. Natalia views dance as a powerful force that can spark joy and promote community, and she aims for her classes to boost confidence and inspire growth. Natalia also teaches classes at Indie Media Studios in Belmont Cragin.
JAQUANDA
I am a yoga guide and social justice practitioner devoted to collective healing and sacred transformation. Rooted in mindfulness, ancestral wisdom, and embodied liberation, my work invites people to return to their breath, their truth, and their interconnectedness with all beings. I hold space where movement becomes prayer, justice becomes compassion in action, and healing becomes a shared journey toward wholeness and freedom.
Nathalie
Nathalie Ocampo is a Chicago-based Dancer, Instructor, and Creative Visionary rooted in storytelling through movement. A graduate of the Senn Arts Dance Program, her training began through After School Matters and has grown through over a decade of multi-disciplinary study, including work with Joel Hall Dancers & Center, Gus Giordano, The Joffrey Ballet, and other leading institutions. She is the creator of #ItssNathaliee, a movement-based brand centered on embodiment, emotional honesty, and artistic presence.
Taraja Mumbeja
Taraja Mumbeja is a dynamic and emerging artist based in Chicago, holding a BA in Dance with a minor in Hip-Hop Studies from Columbia College Chicago. She is making her mark as a community organizer, dancer, model, teacher, and entrepreneur. Her primary style is rooted in House dance, shaped by her training with BraveSoul Movement, Kuumba Lynx, and Hiplet. She recently organized and hosted Queen Sh!t Vol. 1 — an all-women’s dance battle created to uplift and provide a safe space for women and femmes within the street dance community. Taraja continues to build inclusive platforms, developing events and initiatives that center empowerment, artistry, and community.
Raphaella Lua
Raphaella Lua is an internationally award-winning Instructor & Choreographer in Fusion Belly Dance, American Cabaret, Latin Fusion and Contemporary Hip Hop. She has been a featured artist several film productions, music videos for the Hip Hop, Arabic and Latino communities, a residency at the House of Blues and even lead Choreographer for several theatre productions. With more than 20 years of dance experience, she has trained in Ballet, Latin Ballroom, Brazilian Samba, Contemporary Hip Hop, ATS Belly Dance and traditional Raqs Sharqi.
Bobbi Ponder
Bobbi “Bob’beyonce” Ponder is a performer, choreographer and teacher from Chicago, IL. Bobbi began her dance training 25 years ago in Ballet, Tap and Jazz. In the past decade her focus has been on world styles with an emphasis in dance forms of the Black diaspora. Bobbi has travelled to over 30 countries to expand her cultural awareness and connect with dance cultures around the world. Her diverse background fuels her artistic voice and desire for connecting to people through movement. She enjoys teaching eager students with a hunger for knowledge and a passion for dance.
Legendary Fabulous Freddie
Frederick “Fabulous Freddie” Leroy is a Chicago-based ballroom artist, performer, and educator with over 14 years of experience. Rooted in Vogue Femme and influenced by breaking, his movement blends athleticism, drama, and embodied expression. Freddie is known for his dynamic performances and thoughtful approach to teaching, centering lineage, culture, and personal storytelling. He has shared his artistry through performances, workshops, and academic spaces across Chicago. As a cultural steward, Freddie creates spaces that celebrate femininity, excellence, and ballroom legacy.
Raphaella Lua
Leyda Lady Sol Garcia is world renown street dance educator & Co-Founder of Kuumba Lynx.Her present movement practice is a fusion of decades of shared knowledge in Afro/Latin/Caribbean centered movements. Her pride lays in sharing the power and JOY of dance. Lady Sol is a recent 3Arts Chicago Next Level Award winner and US Ambassador of Hip-Hop.