THE ULTIMATE COMMERCIAL DANCE TRAINING PROGRAM
The Gift Is Nothing Without Work...
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THE DIRECTORS
FOUNDER / ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
RHAPSODY JAMES
Rhapsody James began her career as a choreographer after receiving her BFA Purchase College (NY). Born in Brooklyn, her first job was at Sony Music as an Executive Assistant, which planted the seed for her foray into the commercial dance industry. James parlayed those roles into appearances on the commercial dance world’s leading stages: MTV's The Grind, VH-1 80's Dance Party, VH-1 Fashion Awards and Lip Service.
James’ accolades in the commercial world opened the door for her to begin teaching at Broadway Dance Center. Today, she continues to be one of the most popular hip-hop teachers and has stewarded relationships between the commercial and concert dance within the studio’s walls. James is also a part of the esteemed faculty of Monsters of Hip Hop Dance Convention and teaches master classes throughout Los Angeles, Miami, Japan, London, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, and Australia.
Her credits include: Beyoncé, Madonna, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, J.Lo, Trey Songz, Demi Lovato, Diddy- Dirty Money, Kalenna, SEVYN, The Jonas Brothers, The Pussycat Dolls, The Spice Girls, Cassie, Jay Sean,Step Up 2: The Streets, Making The Band: Season 4, and commercials forthe NY Lottery, Citron Car Company, and ESPN.
Not one to limit herself or the student’s and dancer’s she works with, James’ has several programs she continues to pursue artistic inspirations under. She is: the Artistic Director/ Choreographer of R.E.D- Rhapsody En Dance; Director/Creator of a multimedia cabaret show Siren Assassins; and the Artistic Director of her Commercial Dance Training Program called Motivating Excellence.
All of these ventures allow James the creative outlet to continue pursuing her unique fusion of various dance styles with all disciplines of art, beyond performance.
ASSOCIATE / THEATRICAL DIRECTOR
NICCO ANNAN
NICCO ANNAN is an immensely talented and versatile actor, dancer, and choreographer who, after making his mark in the Off-Broadway and regional theatre communities, is now etching his way on the Hollywood scene.
Presently, Annan can be seen on Katori Hall’s critically acclaimed new drama series, P-VALLEY, which has been renewed for a second seasonby Starz. The series follows the community that builds around a strip club in the Mississippi Delta. Annanplays “Uncle Clifford,” a role that he has been with since its conception over a decade ago. As a Black gay man playing a non-binary role,Annan defies traditional gender limitations while bringing dignity and grace central the common humanity of the character he plays. Alan Sepinwall from ROLLING STONE calls Annan‘s role, “the cast’s big breakout —cynical boss and sentimental mother hen in one shiny package...” Also on television, Annan has been featured in recurring and guest-starring roles on series such as SHAMELESS, THIS IS US, SNOWFALL, CLAWS, HALF SISTERS, SMOSH, and CHEETAH IN AUGUST.
In addition to Annan’s television work as an actor, heand his partner, Rhapsody James, from their commercial dance program, Motivating Excellence, choreographed the cotillion piece in the ALL AMERICAN episode titled,“Protect YaNeck.”The piece fuses the worlds of classical ballroom dance and current day commercial hip-hop, which has been submitted for a 2020 Emmy®nomination.
In the theater community, Annan trained under pillars in the American Theatre such as IsrealHicks, George Faison, and Marilyn McCormick. He trained and earned his BFA from the Conservatory of Acting at Purchase College. Annan made his signature theatre premier inThe Hot Wing Kingby Katori Hall which is a genial play, built around a cooking contest in Memphis. Annan’s other theatre credits include, Katori Hall’sPussy Valley-World Premiere,Lady Killer's Love Story(CeeLo Green musical),Smokey Joe's Café,Five Guys Named Moe, andStoryville.