THE ULTIMATE COMMERCIAL DANCE TRAINING PROGRAM
The Gift Is Nothing Without Work...
-Unknown
MOTIVATING EXCELLENCE STAFF & FACULTY
Program Coordinator
MEL CHARLOT
SHAUNA MITCHELL
Pilates & Floor Barre
Jazz Fundamentals
Having developed a passion for commercial dance after years of team competitive dancing, Charlot moved to New York City where she auditioned for, and was accepted into the first season Motivating Excellence created by top choreographer and artistic director Rhapsody James. The program gave her many of the tools that have guided her current success, and changed her life in the process. Whether it be in New York, Los Angeles, Scotland or Argentina... she now continues to perfect her art in the big leagues as a teacher, as well as a choreographer.
Signed with one of the leading agencies in the US, Bloc Talent Agency, she gained the opportunity to evolve alongside big artists and assisting choreographers for tours and galas. She has had the pleasure of assisting and learning from choreographers such as Luam, Chonique & Lisette, Tanisha Scott, Rhapsody James and more …Recently has had the pleasure to choreograph a piece for Montreal’s very own Marie Mai under the direction of Steve Bolton. One of her proudest moments is her participation as a “montrealer” in the first Hip Hop musical on Broadway, Holler If Ya Hear Me.
Working consistently between Los Angeles, New York, and Montreal, Mel Charlot continues to make her way with her ever-growing ambitions and talents, and continues to make her mark with her laugh, her groove, her creativity and some serious spunkiness. She is simply destined to mesmerize, inspire and follow God’s plan for her.
Shauna Mitchell has been dancing since the age of 7, and began her training studying ballet, tap and jazz. She continued her studies at various programs around the country such as Milwaukee Ballet, Boston Ballet and Alvin Ailey American Dance Center summer intensive programs. In New York City, Shauna participated in STEPS on Broadway’s work/study program and joined Rhapsody the Company and LA Santa Luz Dance Company. She began auditioning and soon started working on tours, videos and music videos for various artists such as Rihanna, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Diddy, Ciara, Mario, Amerie Keri Hilson and many more.
MIKI MICHELLE
MIKI MICHELLE
Spritual Awarness & Inclusion
Creative Movement
SHO TYME
Hip Hop & House
Fundamentals
Miki Michelle (Boston, MA) received her formal training at the Boston Arts Academy and the OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center. She earned dual degrees in Dance and Psychology from UMass Amherst (2010). Since then, she has trained at Broadway Dance Center, The Ailey School, Rock The Industry (Luam), and Motivating Excellence under the direction of Rhapsody James. Ms. Michelle has played lead roles in the Off-Broadway shows iLuminate and Sound Syndrome, showcased her artistry in commercials for both Apple and Aeropostale, and performed with legendary artists at the 2015 Black Girls Rock where First Lady Michelle Obama was honored. She served as Rehearsal Director/Dancer for Rhapsody James’ premier company, Rhapsody En Dance (’13-’14) and most recently completed an international tour with the legendary Kurtis Blow and The Hip Hop Nutcracker. Miki enjoys working on artistically diverse projects, and is represented by Clear Talent Group.
From Far Rockaway Queens, New York City, Sho-Tyme has brought himself out from the street way of living and has proven that you can accomplish anything you set your heart and mind to. His versatility as a dancer/choreographer along with his creativity and extensive knowledge of Hip Hop, Popping, and House have enabled him to choreograph for many of today’s top artists in the industry including: Aaliyah, Jay Z, Mary J Blige, P Diddy, Shakira, Busta Ryhmes, J Lo, Mya, TLC, Christina Millan, Gnarles Barkley, Katy Perry, and Kelly Rowland. He is also the choreographer and genius behind Gwen Stefani and her Harajuku Girls who appeared during her solo career.
Sho-tyme’s work as an artist can be seen on TV and in movies including Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance Canada (seasons 1-4), Dirty Dancing UK, Stomp The Yard, and Dance Flick. His work also includes choreographing for and co-starring in the film You Got Served: Beat The World.
It is Sho-Tyme’s passion to teach and educate the new generation of dancers around the world, that dance is first from the heart and should only be done because of one’s love for it, not for industry goals. Sho-Tyme promises that anyone who dances from the heart will see the fun, joy, essence, culture, and history that dance brings to one’s life while working inside and outside of the industry.
Don’t just do the steps, LIVE & LOVE the DANCE!
GUSTAVO VARGAS
Salsa & Partnering
Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Gustavo Vargas began his career social dancing in Houston TX, where he was raised, to now being among the upper echelon of Hollywood’s dancers & choreographers. Known for his versatility his work can be seen in every facet of the entertainment industry.
He has had the pleasure to work with many artists throughout his career such as Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Madonna, Will Smith, Paulina Rubio, Roselyn Sanchez, Jessica Simpson, and Eva Longoria to name a few. Television credits include American Idol (Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony Finale 2011), Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance Canada (Seasons 1,2,3, & 4), So You Think You Can Dance US (Season 6), Bruno and Carrie Ann’s Dance Wars, America’s Best Dance Crew (Intro), Q’VIVA with Liz Imperio, True Blood, Eve, Cold Case, 7th Heaven, The Drew Carey Show, The Parkers, Boston Public, The Nikki Cox Show, American Music Awards, Grammy Awards, the Latin Grammy’s, Guys Choice Awards, and the TV Land Awards. He has contributed choreography to the following tours: Jennifer Lopez – Dance Again World Tour 2012 and Puerto Rico Concert 2001, Madonna World Tour 2012, Spice Girls 2007-2008, Paulina Rubio 2002-2004, Here Come The Boys-European Tour 2010, and the following Feature Films Alvin and The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, Meet The Spartan, All You’ve Got, and La Sirena. He also made his acting debut on the TV Show Strong Medicine.
Gustavo is technically trained and is known for his partnering skills. He travels the world teaching Master classes in all styles of dance and would like to invite you to his Salsa class
