We are thrilled to have an outstanding cast of students, instructors, and guest artists with us this year. Our showcase continues to expand its reach to include artists from the San Diego community and beyond who share our vision of community, connection and inclusion.
Wednesday Ballroom/ latin class: Salsa and country line dance Dolly Parton tribute (choreographed by Jason Rivers). Our Ballroom/Latin class is WDO’s flagship program. Each year, they are a showcase favorite for their creativity, formation work, and showmanship. Under the direction of Jason Rivers, students have performed waltzes, foxtrots, cha chas, and mambos with standing partners. This year, our showcase audience will be treated to a salsa routine and a line dance honoring beloved country icon Dolly Parton.
Kamryn Cruise and James Veith (Jive and Chacha-choreographed by performers) Kamryn holds a B.A. in dance and is an instructor, performer and Latin division competitor in ballroom dance.
James: bio coming soon!
Ballet Teletón (Classical ballet) is an inclusive dance program by Teletón México operating across multiple regions including State of Mexico, Mexico City, Baja California, Puebla, and more. These young dancers promote inclusion, artistic expression, and the rehabilitative power of dance. To date, Ballet Teletón’s programs have reached over 2695 youth. We are proud to have them join us this year as first-time showcase guests.
The San Diego Smooth Dancers have been a fixture in the San Diego dance scene since 1949. This member-run nonprofit focuses on participation, goodwill toward other dancers, and a friendly environment at their weekly events. This year marks their first year performing in our showcase, where they will treat us to a Broadway-inspired piece choreographed by Mary Murphy.
Performing Arts Workshop Studio Company (classical and contemporary adult company) PAW offers ballet classes for children and adults of all skill levels. Their adult program, which serves adults from absolute beginners to professionals, is one of the most comprehensive adult ballet programs in San Diego County. The Studio Company is unique in that it is open to adult dancers of all levels. The group’s mission is to provide a technical and creative outlet for dedicated dancers in a supportive and collaborative setting. We are pleased to have the PAW Studio Company joining us this year for the first time.
Autism Tree Superstars (Jazz Ensemble choreography by Acadia Davis-Dancers With Heart). In the summer of 2023, Acadia Davis, a dedicated dancer and founding Teen Board President, had a vision to create a volunteer organization of dancers who could share their passion for dance with those who lacked access to or otherwise felt unwelcome at traditional studios. She shared this idea with her friend and fellow dancer, Maya Nagle, who became the founding Teen Board VP of Membership. She then created Dancers With Heart.
Melómano Performance Troupe-(Salsa choreographed by Adolfo Indochea) Through their passion for dance, Melómano aims to build bridges between cultures, nurture artistic expression, and create pathways for personal growth that benefit both the immediate community and shared environment. Proudly serving the local San Diego Metropolitan communities. This year marks the second year Melómano has performed with us, and we are excited to see what they have in store for us.
Palomar Smooth Dancers (Viennese Waltz, choreographed by Carrie Kloss) The Palomar Smooth Dancers is a non-profit dedicated to teaching and preserving the art of ballroom dance. Through conventions, monthly socials, showcase appearances and social events, the Palomar Smooth Dancers embody their mission of welcoming dancers of all skill levels. They welcome first-timers to all their events. This year marks their first year in our showcase, and they will be treating our audience to an elegant Viennese waltz.
Vika Hernandez (Afro-contemporary and Afro-Brazillian) Vika’s unique dance classes investigate how cosmology shapes our understanding of the universe as well as our understanding of the human body. Vika is a long-time instructor with WDO, hosting both workshops and performances in the community. Her work weaves the healing aspects of dance as a social medicine while focusing on joy, resilience, and community wellness. A lifelong dancer, she started dancing Afro-Brazilian Dance and Capoeira in 2007. Since then, she has traveled extensively through central and south America to deepen her cultural understanding and immersion in the rich dancing traditions of the African diaspora. Vika is also the creator behind the World Rhythm and Dance Festival, held in Oceanside each May.
LuMaya (vocal performance ) LuMaya got her start singing at the age of 6, and has gone on to perform professionally with artists Jason Mraz, The Mariachi Divas, and others. She has performed in both the U.S. and in other countries. Now 12, she serves as the official ambassador for the Tierra Caliente Academy. LuMaya performed for us for the first time last year, and we are happy to welcome her back for this year’s showcase!
Stephanie Nichols-Rodas and Fausto Rodas (Rumba choreographed by Jason Rivers) This will be the third year Stephanie and Fausto will be joining us for our annual showcase. This husband and wife duo will bring some sizzle to the dance floor with this year’s piece. Stephanie serves on our board, and has been instrumental in helping WDO secure donors and sponsorships for this year’s showcase. Fausto has been a longtime student in Jason Rivers’ ballroom class, and is a natural-born entertainer.
Kathak Darshan School of Dance: “Thumri” choreographed by Debjani Chakraborty Debjani Chakraborty is a kathak dancer, choreographer and a passionate teacher. She is the founder and artistic director of Kathak Darshan School Of Dance based in San Diego, USA. She established Kathak Darshan School Of Dance in the year 2008 with the objective of teaching traditional North Indian Classical Art form “KATHAK”. It aims to pass on the rich history of Kathak as well as the specific techniques of the Lucknow Gharana. The school has made its mark through various notable performances in San Diego and Los Angeles and has ever since been dedicated to propagating this divine art form. WDO’s Lekha Motiwala, one of our longtime instructors, will be part of this ensemble piece.
Trevor Van Orden, AfroFusion. Trevor is a dedicated performer, choreographer and teacher based in San Diego with a specialty in dance styles and fusion from the African Diaspora. Trevor’s choreography captures the physicality and joy inherent in Afro Caribbean dance forms, and has choreographed pieces for WDO students for the World Rhythm Dance Festival and our annual showcase. This year marks Trevor’s third year with us, and we can’t wait to see this year’s performance!
Michele Jones, internactive DanceMeFit. Michele’s high-energy show closer has become a WDO tradition over the years. Performers and audience gather for a joyful, interactive and energizing mini-workout suitable for all ages and abilities. Michele served as WDO’s Executive Director from 2020-2026 and currently teaches dance fitness to students all over the world. We are happy to have her back with us this year with a fresh routine and plenty of energy to wrap up showcase day.
In order of appearance
Sierra Nasa-AfroBrazillian duet with Vika Hernandez Sierra is a seated dance artist from San Diego, who appeared earlier this year onstage with Jason Mraz in his Dream community concert. This is Sierra’s first time dancing with WDO, and we are happy to welcome her to our showcase cast!
E’van Petros-AfroFusion duet with Travor VanOrden. E’van is a longtime friend of WDO who served as seated co-instructor and frequent showcase performer. Outside of WDO E’van competed in the prestigious Ohio Star Ball as part of a trio with ballroom instructor David Fan and fellow dancer Karma LaDonna. In addition to dance, E’van plays wheelchair basketball and pickleball. We are so happy to welcome E’van back to our showcase after a two-year break.
Savahannah O’Toole-Afro-contemporary duet with Vika Hernandez Savahannah is an accomplished dance artist who has appeared with WDO in the World Rhythm and Dance Festival (2025 and 2026), along with several showcase appearances. She has served as a seated co-instructor in classes and workshops, and was part of the Jason Mraz Dream community concert earlier this year, representing WDO. Savahannah excels in Bollywood, Hiphop, and AfroFusion styles and we are happy to have her with us again this year!