With all the challenges Arts for Learning has faced in the past year, there’s one very positive side effect—thanks to virtual programming, our roster has expanded to include vibrant and culturally diverse artists who live in other parts of the United States. We’re especially excited about Chicago-based artist Karim Nagi joining our team. Karim is […]
About Me
Joel Casanova is an accomplished Hip-Hop dancer, entrepreneur, and dynamic motivator who has taught all ages through his dance company, Beathunter Dance. His instructional credits include Inspire Arts Collective, Academie de Ballet, Dancer Strong Academy, and Hip-Hop Nation Dance and Fitness Academy. This young choreographer blends his passion for motivation and aspiration to achieving your personal best with his love of Hip-Hop and teaching. His choreographic works include “Collide” for Inspire Arts Collective and various works for a non-profit fighting drug abuse. His performance credits include a Globetrotters Pre-Game show, national competitions and the Legend’s Halftime Show. As a dancer, choreographer, and teacher, Joel keeps active and alert to opportunities to empower others through dance.
Joppa Whitehead trained with Andrei Yemelianov at Academie De Ballet, where she performed Variations from Markintanka, Swan Lake, and Giselle. She also competed, receiving High Gold performing a variation from Don Quixote. In 2009 she joined Virginia Ballet Theatre, where she performed in The Nutcracker, Graduation Ball, La Sylphide, and Paquita, as well as two original pieces by Joni Petre Scholtz. Alongside VBT, she was also able to dance with Todd Rosenlieb Dance Company, which is a Hawkins and Graham based Modern company, where she worked with former Eric Hawkins company member, Todd Rosenlieb and former Alvin Ailey member Ricardo Melendez. Additionally, Miss Whitehead has performed in the International Tattoo, Virginia Musical Theatre in Oklahoma, Lyric Opera Virginia in King and I, and Virginia Symphony Chorus to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Stravinsky in Les Noces. Additional choreographers, she’s worked with Elbert Watson, Ryan Corriston, David Keener, Janelle Spruill, and Angela Brown Myers, and danced alongside company members from Louisville Ballet and Ballet San Juan.
