xda alumni
Victoria ChassÉ (2019)
After my time at Xplosive Dance Academy, I continued my dance training at a collegiate level. I graduated from the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase College in 2024 with a BFA in Dance Performance and was awarded the Bert Terborgh Award for leadership and excellence in dance. I have performed works by Andrea Miller, Sean Howe, Doug Varone, Martha Graham, Ehizoje Azeke, and Bill T. Jones. My performance experience includes the ChangMu Dance Festival in Seoul, South Korea, and Solo Choreographico in Germany, where I performed a solo choreographed by Sean Howe. I am currently based in New York City, working with GALLIM Dance Company as a performer and teaching artist.
Marcello Perez (2024)
As a student, I dedicated over a decade to honing my craft in contemporary and ballet dance through the rigorous Pre-Professional program at Xplosive Dance Academy. In 2024, I graduated from high school and earned multiple scholarships to prestigious programs, including Point Park University, Montclair University, Dean College, and Marymount Manhattan College. I chose to attend Marymount Manhattan College in New York, where I trained as a Dance Major during the 2024–2025 academic year. I have also enriched my training by attending Summer and Winter Intensives with RUBBERBAND and joined the company in 2025 as an apprentice.
Mayra Santos (2024)
Since graduating, I have been attending NYU Tisch School of the Arts in pursuit of a BFA in dance. I have preformed works by Sofia Nappi, Ronald K. Brown, Doron Perk, Dual Rivet, Ladies of Hip Hop, and many more. I’ve created 4 original pieces since arriving at NYU and have been collaborating with film students to make dance films. My next project is to adapt my last creation “Who (am I) are you?” into a film. Outside of school, I have had the privilege of performing works by Ohad Naharin and an original creation by Sharon Eyal at intensives held by the Orsolina 28 Art Foundation.
Brianna Tejeda (2023)
Since graduating from XDA, I spent a year teaching all ages and all styles. It really brewed the choreography monster in me that was waiting to come out. I loved experimenting with all choreography and all ages. Thanks to that year teaching, I am so much more confident in leading!! I spent a year training at the CLI conservatory and loved every second! I felt so blessed to be able to be exposed to so many styles each day, working with well known choreographers like Robbie Blue & Spencer Theberge. Dancing 9-5 everyday has taught me more discipline, finding joy in hard times, and perseverance. I have since returned to teach at Xplosive, while beginning to freelance all over Florida. I recently signed with Abundance Agency, a new dynamic Miami‑based talent agency. I am so thankful for my training at Xplosive because it got me ready and geared up to work with the top of the top in the industry!!
Elijah rosa (2024)
After graduating, I set out with one goal: to keep my passion for dance alive and share it with audiences wherever I could. I auditioned for cruise lines and major entertainment companies, knowing that every opportunity—no matter how intimidating—was a chance to grow. The audition process was challenging, but the years I spent training at XDA prepared me for every moment. With each audition, I became more confident, more prepared, and more sure of who I was as a performer. I even began seeing familiar faces along the way, including Casting Directors who remembered me from previous rounds.
Between auditions, I never stopped training. I continued practicing, pushing myself, and finding new ways to improve. And then one day, it happened—my breakthrough. I received an offer to perform as an actor at Universal Studios, along with an opportunity to dance with a tap company out of Tampa called Project Rhythm.
Today, I’m still dancing with Project Rhythm, and while my time with Universal has come to a close, a new chapter is beginning. I’m now preparing to step into my next role as a dancer and performer with The Walt Disney World Resort. My journey is proof that perseverance, preparation, and passion truly do pay off. For anyone chasing their dreams: keep going. Your moment is coming.
lino travieso (2024)
As an alumni from Xplosive Dance Academy, I now attend Adelphi University where I major in Dance. The curriculum consists of modern, ballet, and jazz. Throughout my time at Adelphi, I have been in works choreographed by Juan Rodrigeuz, Orion Duckstein, Sam Baker, Maleek Washington, Daniel Padierna, and Ashley Mayeux. I am extremely grateful that I get to experience concert dance, as well as getting to take class in New York City, where I can hone in on skills, and experience other genres of dance that will benefit me in my training.
Kassandra Mazurowski (2022)
After graduating from high school, and Xplosive Dance Academy, I am now attending Point Park University Conservatory of Performing Arts to pursue a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in dance with a concentration in ballet. I was awarded two scholarships, one being for academics and the other for the dance conservatory. While attending Point Park I have had the opportunity to work with Twyla Tharp, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Robyn Mineko Williams, students of Bob Fosse and Martha Graham plus many more.
Brianna Crescenti (2023)
I am a proud alumni of Xplosive Dance Academy, where I trained throughout my youth. Toward the end of my high school years, I was given the opportunity to begin teaching, and I discovered a true love for sharing my knowledge and helping young dancers find their passion.
I currently teach at Xplosive, working with ages 4–17 in ballet, contemporary, acrobatics, and technique. I continue to train as a dancer, with a strong passion for contemporary, and have had the opportunity to travel to Italy for the DAP Festival, where I worked with international artists including Rena Butler and performed an adaptation of her piece “Aguas Que Van Quieren Volver” in Pietrasanta, Italy.
I look forward to continuing to grow in this art form and to inspire my students along the way in the place i’ve called home all these years!
Maria Victoria (2025)
Since graduating from XDA, I have begun living out my goal of teaching and guiding young dancers, just as my teachers once did for me. Today, I’m grateful to be part of their journeys, and it brings me so much happiness.
I’m incredibly thankful for XDA for creating such a nurturing and positive environment where I continue to grow, not only as a teacher, but as a dancer as well. Alongside teaching, I stay dedicated to my own training by taking classes in a variety of styles and learning from different instructors to keep my foundation strong, polished, and always evolving.
In addition to teaching, I also work at the front desk, which allows me to stay actively involved in the studio and contribute to the behind-the-scenes operations. Being able to take on multiple roles within the studio has strengthened my connection to the XDA community and continues to shape me both personally and professionally.
Maddison Mcguire
After graduating from high school and leaving XDA, I am now a member of DANZA Dance Company at the University of Florida. DANZA is one of UF’s Premier Dance Companies and we perform at various events not only on campus, but all over. Some of my favorite events include dancing in various university competitions and UF’s very own homecoming parade!
Zairi Reyes
After graduating, I set out with one goal: to keep my passion for dance alive and share it with audiences wherever I could. I auditioned for cruise lines and major entertainment companies, Since I have graduated from high school and Xplosive Dance Academy I have made my dream a reality and am performing full time as my career. I have been given various opportunities to perform for theme parks throughout the Orlando area such as, Universal, Disney, and Seawold. I am currently a part of Walt Disney Worlds Festival of the Lion King show in Animal Kingdom and the Sesame Street parade in Seaworld Orlando.
tia brown
Since I have graduated from high school and Xplosive Dance Academy I have had the opportunity to take my talents to a collegiate level. I joined the MSU hip hop dance team then transferred and became a Golden Delight which is part of NCAT Marching Band. From there I have had the opportunity to dance professionally, and I am currently a dance instructor.