Ultimate Dance Center is a team of highly skilled and motivated individuals who are passionate about dance as an art form! UDC employs only dedicated individuals who love what they do and whose primary goal is to support the growth and vitality of our dancers and studio at large. Our elite Staff & Instructors are well trained to ensure that each student has the Ultimate Dance Center Experience! Take a look at our dance family here at Polk County’s premiere dance studio!
Freddie De Jesus has been involved with dance since he was 12 years old. He has been involved with various successful dance productions and is passionate about exposing all persons to the world of dance. Freddie is currently the Creative Artistic Director of Ultimate Dance Center . Freddie has studied at prestigious companies such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and Dance Theater of Harlem. His performance credits include work with such companies as Philadanco, New World Dance Company, Joyce Trisler Dance Company, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Rebecca Kelly Ballet, Annabella Gonzales Dance Theater, Dance Compass, Donald Byrd The Group, DANCESAIS, Bruce Wood Dance Company and Florida Dance Theater. With a dance career spanning more than 20 years, De Jesus has had the honor of working with many well-known and widely acclaimed choreographers and company directors. He is formerly the Resident Choreographer and Associate Artistic Director of Florida Dance Theater since 2003. He is also a Jazz Dance Professor at Florida Southern College and Resident Life Assistant and faculty member in the Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts SUMMER INTENSIVE (EMIA). Freddie is the founding Artistic Director of NY/FL Based Contemporary Dance Company FrediDanceProject.
To learn more about Freddie please check out this video on YouTube:
Suzanne Hayashi Lovely is originally from San Antonio, Texas. She and her husband, Jimmy have 3 children. Suzanne has a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Texas at Austin and over 20 years of teaching experience. She has trained at the Boston Ballet School, Gus Giordano Studio, Steps, American Dance Festival and The Ballet Arts School.
Some of her performing credits include: Disney’s Broadway National Tour of Beauty and the Beast, Broadway National Tour of A Chorus Line, South Pacific at the Cherry County Playhouse, Sayonara at the Theatre under the Stars, New York Moves at the Atlantic Theatre (Off Broadway), The David Letterman Show in New York, and Sea World of Texas. Suzanne also pursues modeling and acting in Central Florida and some of her favorite credits include: Proctor&Gamble, Lowes, MCI, Tennessee Oilers, Ford Cars, Presbyterian Healthcare, Orlando Health and Texas Children’s Health Plan.
Suzanne has taught Dance Appreciation at Resurrection Catholic School in Lakeland and assisted with the lower grades at St Joseph’s Academy. She is Program Director for the Homeschool Dance Program at the Ultimate Dance Center and glad to have the opportunity to share her experience and love for dance with the community.
Kayloni Perez was born and raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin. As a teenage she began her dance journey Milwaukee high school of the Arts where she majored in dance. After graduating high school she was accepted into the dance program at Columbia College Chicago where she majored in dance making. While in Chicago she was also a member of BOOM CRACK Dance Company directed by Trae Turner for 4 years. There is where she found who she was as a dancer and learned what her true self was as a choreographer. While in Chicago she performed at major events including Chicago competitions and showcases. She was also rewarded with a dance scholarship at The Monsters of Hip Hop Convention. Kayloni has studied under worldwide respected choreographers. In 2013 she moved to Lakeland Florida. Since then, she has taught classes and various studios in Lakeland and the Orlando area. Not only has she performed locally with the Bella Vixens, she has also joined in promoting Ultimate Dance Center through dance performances in the Central Fl community. She is very excited to be able to share her style of dance with the youth of Lakeland and continue her career at the Ultimate Dance Center. Kayloni teaches several Hip Hop classes for all ages, Contemporary, & Ballet for 4-6 year olds as well as choreographs several dances for the Competition Team.
Noemi Marie Short is originally from New York and New Jersey. She grew up mostly in New Jersey and was a cheerleader and a dancer from the age of 5 throughout high school. She moved to Lakeland in 2006 and graduated from Lake Gibson Senior High. She worked at the YMCA as a boot camp instructor and a fill in for Zumba where she started learning more and taking the classes to become a Zumba instructor. She also ran Gymnastics camp and was the manger for multiple camps. She’s taught in Georgia and Germany as a Zumba instructor. She is a mother of 5 and also owns a business aside from dancing and teaching aerobics. She is fun and loves all children.
Alicia Allen is a 35 year-old mother of 3. She started gymnastic training at 3 years old, and began taking ballet, jazz, and hip hop classes at age 4, by 13 she reached level 9 gymnast with a few elite tumbling skills under her belt. She joined the George Jenkins Wind Dancers in High School and began coaching gymnastics and competitive cheer at Gymtek in 2004 as well as coaching all-star cheer teams and co-choreographing the routines with Jose Santa. They won national champs in 2006! Then in 2014 she started working at Kidzdance as the acro teacher for their studio (which she has done choreography for) as well as coaching gymnastics and tumbling classes at Champion Athletic Center. Recently Alicia has performed in With Love Productions & choreographs for The Ultimate Nightmare Before Christmas as well continuing her coaching career at Gymtek & the George Jenkins Wind Dancers. Alicia is an Acrobat Arts Certification Level 2 instructor & teaches Acrobat Arts (Acro) at the Beginners / Intermediate & Advanced Levels as well as Baby Acro (2-5 years).
Tiffany Conliffe was born in Pembroke Pines, Fl and has since moved all around Florida until she settled to Lakeland in 2011. She began recreational dance at the age of 2 and competitive dance at the age of 5, but has been around the dance scene as an infant due to her older sister being a dancer as well. Tiffany is trained in ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, tap and clogging. She has studied with multiple studios and under many choreographers such as Calvit Hodge, David Moore, Misha Gabriel, Kenny Wormald, Michelle Vaughn, Travis Wall, Ian Eastwood, Ali Bramwell and many others. She has also attended many dance intensives and conventions to further her dance career such as Dancerpalooza, 24seven, Radix, Nuvo, Underground Dance Experience and Freddie Dance Project Summer Intensive. Tiffany has performed with 4 different competition teams including Ultimate Dance Center’s own competition team taking 2nd place at Nationals in 2016 and has also participated in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Nutcracker, The Ultimate Nightmare Before Christmas and With Love Productions’ Spotlight Night. She is very excited to bring her talent and knowledge to the Ultimate Dance Center! Tiffany teaches Technique & Choreography Wednesdays at 6pm. Hip Hop 4-6yrs, Beginners & Advanced Kicks Jumps Turns, Intermediate 12+ Contemporary, Advanced 12+ Jazz & Technique and Choreography & is now a choreographer for the UDC Competition Team.
Cameron teaches Hip Hop.
Analy Gamino was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and fell in love with dance at a young age. She began her dance journey at the age of 15 at Curie Metropolitan High School in Chicago as a dance major under the instruction of Melinda Wilson. Analy immediately became a part of Curie’s Touring Dance Company performing throughout the Chicagoland area. Through her major she was fortunate to train for weeks under world renowned companies – American Ballet Theater (ABT), Alvin Ailey American Ballet Theater, Cloud Gate Dance Theater of Taiwan, Diavolo Dance Theater, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater and many others. Through her dedication Analy had the opportunity to be a part of the Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater Youth Ensemble under the direction of Wilfredo Rivera throughout high school. Analy would later go on to attend and graduate from Columbia College Chicago with a BA in Dance with a concentration in DanceMaking. While in college Analy became a member of professional hip hop company, BoomCrack Dance Company!, founded and directed by Trae Turner from 2009 to 2013 based out of Lou Conte Dance Studio at Hubbard Street Dance Center. Some of her commercial work in Chicago include dancing for Beyoncé and the Black Eyed Pea’s on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Chicago Fashion Week and various independent artists. In 2013 Analy transitioned to Los Angeles, California to continue her dance training and career in the city of angeles. After living, dancing, and making art in LA for almost 7 years Analy and her husband decided to transition to Tampa, Florida for new opportunities. Analy has trained with worldwide teachers, companies, and conventions in ballet, modern, contemporary, hip-hop, and with a background in Latin dance she hopes to continue to share her love for dance and performance with everyone around her.
Credits:
The Dolby Theater – She Rises Conference, Gigi Torres – Yellow Conference, The Oprah Winfrey Show Finale – Beyonce Knowles, The Oprah Winfrey Show-Black Eyed Peas Flash-Mob, Step-Up Revolution Chicago Promotion, Step-Up 3D Premier, In-zo – Independent Artist, Nehemiah – Independent Artist, Hip Hop International, CARNIVAL, Club Jeté, Prelude Dance Competitions, Chicago Fashion Week, Dance Chicago, MOHH Chicago Showcase,
Kristen Jones is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and moved to Lakeland 5 years ago to attend Southeastern University. She is currently working there while pursuing her Master’s degree. Kristen loves the unique combination of dance, acting, and singing that musical theater brings. Kristen started dancing and performing at the age of 5. She has studied various forms of dance, while also participating in numerous theatrical productions. Her acting background includes roles and productions such as Belle in Beauty and the Beast, The White Witch in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardobe, and The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She has also directed and co-write two original productions at the collegiate level. Kristen started teaching at Ultimate Dance Center in 2016, and she loves getting to watch her students grow in their talents and love for the musical theater arts. Kristen teaches Ballet 4-6 years & Musical Theater 7-11yrs.
Kelly Mixon hails from Winter Haven & has over 15 years of dance training experience throughout the State of Florida & in New York’s New York City Dance Alliance. She is also a competition champion & conservatory choreographer and has studied dance at Florida State University 2yrs as well as the Flying Circus 1yr at FSU. Miss Kelly Trained with Tony Steele 4yrs on trapeze & aerial technique and also traveled with Carden International Circus 1yr and performed high risk tricks & routines. “Studying & meditating on aerial work changes your level of trust in yourself & allows you to have a confidence that makes you stronger than before.”
Outgoing and energetic dance instructor/choreographer, born and raised in Queens, New York. She began her dance training at the age of 3. Her training has included ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, African dance, and Dunham. Jessica trained at studio “E”, USDAN, Broadway Dance Center, Step, New Dance Group, and Marymount Manhattan College.
For 30 years Jessica has taught dancers of all ages and levels in ballet, Tap and jazz. For 6 years she has taught special needs children and adults the art of jazz and tap. As a choreographer, she has worked with Southeastern University Fiddler on the Roof 2004, Polk Theatre Summer Jamz 2007, and With Love Productions 2015 to present. Jessica believes dance should be enjoyed by all. Her love and passion for dance is equal to the love she has for her students. She teaches Jazz & Tap at Ultimate Dance Center for all ages.
My name is Saffera ( an Egyptian name for ambassador), I’ve lived in Lakeland for 18 years now, I started to learn the ancient art of Belly Dance back in 2005, I was invited to performed professionally for the first time in 2008. I’m an Egyptian style Belly Dance performer, I incorporate props while dancing like silk veils, isis wings, candelabra, silk fans, candles, cane and sword. I’m a former Belly dancer from The Hookah Palace, several local events and some other venues in Tampa and Orlando as well, along with private events and theater productions. I started to teach in 2015 and I’ve been teaching since then; the ancient art of Belly Dance is a beautiful and fun way to exercise, while learning to use abdominal muscles, along with balance and strength, many of the moves involve isolations which improves flexibility of the torso.
“I’m from Mexico and I’ve been dancing for 10 years and teaching for over a year now. I often perform at the Hookah Palace in downtown Lakeland and participate in as many community events as I can! I specialize in traditional Egyptian/Arabic style Belly Dance! I’m very excited to be a part of the UDC Team!!”
Daniel Z Smith Jr is a Chicago native, graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a B.A. in
Performing Arts Marketing and Media Management. Daniel got his start teaching dance in
Chicago’s inner city. He’s danced professionally with notable companies such as Walt Disney
World, Busch Gardens Tampa, toured as Chad in Feld Entertainment’s High School Musical,
performed in Cirque Dreams’ Jungle Fantasy, served as Artistic Director of Fredi Dance Projects’
Youth Ensemble and currently is a Principal Dancer for Norwegian Cruise Lines. He continues to
spread his love for dance as a teacher and choreographer throughout the United States.
Krista Tant found her love for clogging as a young child. At 5 years old, she joined Southern Gold, a Winter Haven based clogging group. Led by Sheila Jackson, she quickly excelled in precision buck clogging and went on to competitions with the older dancers. Krista has won many awards throughout Florida as a child, at various fairs, festivals and other competition events. After building a family of her own, Krista was ready to get back to dancing. With both of her children dancing by her side, she joined the Midnight Clogging Express, where they danced with a very large group of cloggers and focused on traditional mountain style clogging. After the retirement of the team’s long-time captain, Krista took the job of Student Coordinator and continued to dance with the team. Krista now teaches 2 clogging classes per week & is actively bringing the best in dance to several community events in town!
“Teaching at Ultimate Dance Center has given me the opportunity to mix different styles of clogging and make beautiful dreams come true. Being able to teach an art form that is sadly underrated and often forgotten about is an honor. Seeing my students find the rhythm and creating their own music through their feet is the best feeling in the world!”-Krista Tant
Megan has been dancing since the age of 2. She began dancing in Pennsylvania at VanZant Dance Academy, where she competed and won many competitions and awards. Megan moved to Florida in 2007 and attended Interlachen High School, where she joined the color guard team. She became the co-captain and lead the team to win multiple Superior rankings. After high school graduation, Megan attended college at Florida School of the Arts for Dance Performance. In 2012, Megan moved to Lakeland and taught at Broadway Studios. Upon leaving Broadway Studios Megan had 2 beautiful children, and in 2017 Megan rejoined the dance community by joining the FrediDance Project Dance Company. Soon after joining the company Megan also joined the staff at Ultimate Dance Center. She has since been an FDP and UDC member for 3 years.
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Monday – Friday:
12:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday:
8:45am – 12:00pm
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Monday – Friday:
7:45am – 5:30pm
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