Renée Gaubert was born in Brussels, Belgium and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Renée began dancing at age six at “…a Time to Dance” Studio in Algiers where she received her Teacher Graduate certification in 2005. Renée went on to study ballet and modern dance at Tulane University while also pursuing a BA in Sociology at Loyola University. At Tulane, Renée trained under notable faculty including Alice Pascal Escher, Barbara Hayley, Jeffrey Gunshol, and Diogo de Lima, and performed with the Newcomb Dance Company. After graduating in 2008, Renée focused on practicing social work in Post-Katrina New Orleans for several years before returning to the dance world with an even deeper passion for healing through the arts. Renée performed as a cabaret and go-go dancer in New Orleans venues such as Harrah's Casino, The Republic, and The Howling Wolf. Renée joined modern dance company D'Project, Inc. in 2012 and went on to premiere her own contemporary choreography in I <3 Radiohead (February 2013), which she also co-directed. That year Renée also formed her own dance company, Broken Mirror Productions, showcasing her diverse styles of original choreography in Can't Drown the Dance (April 2013) and The Seven Deadly Sins (August 2013). In September 2013 Renée began training en pointe under Diane Carney and became a member of Ballet Hysell's corps de ballet, performing in The Nutcracker (December 2013), and Selections from Coppelia and La Favorite (May 2014). In late 2014, inspired by her work with so many great New Orleans artists, Renée moved to New York City to further her dance career. Renée joined Pink Pig Ballet’s corps de ballet in March 2015 (www.pinkpigballet.com).

1st Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2013, Director, Choreographer, Dancer
HEARTBREAK RESOLUTION, 2013, Director, Choreographer, Dancer
SEVEN DEADLY SINS I & II, 2013, Director, Choreographer, Dancer
2nd Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2014, Director, Choreographer, Dancer

A native to New Orleans, Kellen Taravella started dancing as early as she could walk. Ranging from tap to ballet to swing, she primarily studied at “…a Time to Dance” Studio in Algiers, along with training from Reginald Denny and Tari's School of Dance in Baton Rouge. Kellen has also been seen on stages in New Orleans including the former Six Flags New Orleans, Jefferson Performing Arts Society, and Rivertown, among others. She has spent time choreographing shows like "Aida" and "13" at Academy of Our Lady and most recently River Region Drama Guild's "Footloose."  She currently works locally as a dental hygienist, is happily married, and loves being immersed in the art, culture, and cuisine of New Orleans. 








1st Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2013, Choreographer, Dancer
HEARTBREAK RESOLUTION, 2013,  Dancer
SEVEN DEADLY SINS I & II, 2013, Choreographer, Dancer
2nd Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2014, Choreographer, Dancer

Kelsey Ariel, born and raised in New Orleans, LA, started her dance training at age 3 at “…a Time to Dance” Studio in Algiers. She was a member of the Archbishop Shaw Eaglettes for her four years of high school, earning an officer position her Senior year. Kelsey is now a Senior at Southeastern Louisiana University where she studies Business Management. She recently completed a 5 month internship at Walt Disney World where she worked on the ever so popular Tower of Terror. Kelsey is excited to be back in New Orleans and back on the dance stage!








SEVEN DEADLY SINS I & II, 2013, Dancer
2nd Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2014, Choreographer, Dancer

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts Alysha began dancing at age 5 while a student at Boston Ballet. Her passion flourished experimenting with a variety of dance styles throughout her youth. Alysha joined Gymnastics Dance Company- a fusion of hip-hop, jazz, Latin dance, and gymnastics- and began touring and competing with the group for 3 years around Boston. While touring, Alysha fell in love with the rhythms and the history associated with Latin dance and began to dig deeper to study dance styles of her Haitian and Hispanic culture. In 2005 she joined Ritmos Academy- a Latin dance company catering to folkloric and modern Latin dance. There Alysha felt truly at home performing to live drums and rhythms of her culture. Through Ritmos Academy she became a youth Latin dance instructor and had the grand opportunity of performance tours throughout New England and was invited to dance at the Hispanic Democratic National Convention. Over the years Alysha has continued her dance training in New Orleans at Loyola University, Tulane University, Casa Samba, and personal hip-hop training with Marissa Joseph.  When she's not dancing around the city or in line at the grocery store Alysha is currently a Marketing and Graphic Design Professional, model, and actress. Her ultimate goal is to "Dance the World" learning the beautiful dance styles native to various countries.

2nd Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2014

AshleyRose is a born and bred New Orleanian with a penchant for performing. She started singing at dancing at age 4, started doing musical theater at 14, and she's never looked back. Previously seen in Under the Boardwalk at Rivertown Theater and Blueberry Hill at JPAS, she's excited to be dancing again with such a lovely group of ladies. Next up, she'll be performing in Marry Me A Little at Mid-City Theater with Promethean Productions, May 9th-18th. You can also frequently catch her doling out a nerdy news digest on the BSI Comics Podcast with her former coworkers.











2nd Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2014

Kelli Rednour was born and raised in Metairie, Louisiana. Kelli started dancing at the age of 3 and continued throughout her adult years. Kelli belonged to Academy of Classical Ballet for 8 years. She also belonged to her high school dance team and preformed in state and national competitions. After high school, Kelli continued dancing at Dance Academy in Lafayette, Louisiana. She currently lives in New Orleans continuing school as in psychology and works as a teacher assistant. She is excited to be back on stage!











2nd Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2014

Myisha Dunn was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. Growing up she trained at multiple dance studios including New Orleans Dance Academy and Metropolitan Dance Theater as well as many musical theater companies. After high school, Myisha went to Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA where she minored in dance, with an emphasis on choreography. This is where she found her passion for choreography and creating fun and dramatic pieces through the art of song and dance. Since college, Myisha has continued, among other things, to choreograph. While working in L.A., she was the choreographer for the Sugar Blush Beauties cabaret and the solo cabaret act of Rachel Sterling. Upon moving home to the big easy four years ago, Myisha was given the job of choreographer and director for Crescent City Lights Youth Theater. In these past 4 years she has also created her own show which is an homage to traditional cabaret called Pas de Chat. While Myisha thoroughly enjoys her job as manager at Capdeville restaurant, she feels so blessed to be able to participate in dance shows as well.




1st Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2013, Choreographer, Dancer
SEVEN DEADLY SINS I & II, 2013, Dancer

A dancer since the age of two, Kat Bosio spent her earlier years training in classical ballet along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Then when she was old enough Kat enrolled in every form of dance available to her at the Studio of Dance and Gymnastics and the Robin Adams Performing Arts Center until she finished high school. In the fall of 2004, Kat was accepted into Mississippi: The Dance Company at the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”) in Oxford. To date, Kat has performed in over 15 productions of The Nutcracker, various solo and group competitions across the Southeast Region, in America’s Junior Miss and on “The Big Red Boat” cruise ship as a child. Additionally, Kat has studied under professional choreographers including Dena Rizzo, Eric Spencer, Darren Hensen, Dave Scott, and Nan Giordano at the Gus Giordano Dance School in Chicago.





SEVEN DEADLY SINS I & II, 2013

Maria Karras was born in Florida and raised in Louisiana. Dancing since the age of two, she started competing in competitions and conventions all around the country. At age fifteen she received the title “Teen Miss Dance of Louisiana” from Louisiana Dance Masters. Having studied all forms of dance from classical to contemporary, her forte is lyrical and hip hop. Maria has also explored other ways to express her artistic outlet through teaching and musical theatre. As a guest artist she has taught musical theatre at NOCCA, adult hip hop classes atDancer’s Pointe, and on numerous occasions has worked as a talent judge for Fire & Ice International Talent Competition.  In 2009, Miss Karras was invited to perform the Russian Lead in “The Nutcracker” with Jefferson Ballet Theatre. She has been seen on many stages throughout New Orleans, her most recent credits including: Diana Morales in “A Chorus Line” and Annie, aka Six in the Big Easy Award Winning Musical of “Chicago” both performed at Rivertown Repertory Theatre. Maria is a Licensed Massage Therapist, a certified dance instructor, a certified personal trainer, and a meditation practitioner of yoga & tai chi. Through her company, To Your Health Therapeutic Massage, LLC, she has had the privilege of working on multiple film producers and actors including: Bobby Cohen, Jamie Foxx, Jeremy Piven, Jessie Eisenberg, along with current members of the New Orleans Saints / New Orleans Pelicans. Along with her passion for dance, Maria enjoys staying fit and being healthy!! 




SEVEN DEADLY SINS II, 2013

Megan Alsop has over 25 years experience dancing ballet and modern. She performed with the Loyola Preparatory Ballet program while attending Loyola University New Orleans. Between 2001 and 2003, Megan was awarded a Junior Philharmonic Award and The Big Easy Award of New Orleans for Best New Choreography forGold. Megan returned to New Orleans in 2011 after spending six years in Baltimore, and was excited to reconnect with dance friends and meet new, talented individuals that offered her the opportunity to begin performing and choreographing with D’Project. She works as a clinical psychologist in private practice and previously taught ballet and modern/creative dance, as well as yoga, at the East Jefferson YMCA.





SEVEN DEADLY SINS II, 2013

At the age of three, Teresa Fardella began dancing under the direction of Sylvia and Sandra Labourdette in Metairie, LA.  With Labourdette School of Dance, she competed in many regional and national competitions, including conventions in New York and Orlando.  While living in Baton Rouge, Teresa studied modern dance at LSU, and ballet at The Dancer's Workshop. She trained and performed with Cangelosi Dance Project for 2 years.  Teresa has also attended the Boston Ballet adult summer dance program.






SEVEN DEADLY SINS II, 2013

Cameron-Mitchell Ware, although not born in New Orleans, is a 'raised and claimed' native. He has always found some way to publicly share that he has the mind of an actor, the soul of a singer, and the heart (and occasional body) of a dancer. He attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA where he received degrees in Musical Theatre and Sociology. Cameron has appeared in several shows in New Orleans, including Violet: The Musical (Flick),[title of show] (Hunter), and The Rocky Horror Show (Rocky). On August 3rd, 2013 he is moving to New York City to pursue a career as a Broadway 'auditioner', and if he does it right, an eventual Broadway performer. He feels extremely honored and privileged to have had the opportunity to grow, learn, and work with so many wonderful artist around this great city.







SEVEN DEADLY SINS I, 2013

A New Orleans native, Meryl Dakin studied with Southern Youth Ballet in Slidell then trained at the University of Southern Mississippi Dance Department.  She has also performed with Slidell Little Theater and Promethean Theatre Co. as an actress and dancer. When not dancing, Meryl bartends, reads Craigslist, builds things with old pianos, eats a lot, and writes about it all at
www.88-problems.blogspot.com.














1st Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2013, Choreographer, Dancer
HEARTBREAK RESOLUTION, 2013,  Dancer

Alyssa Haney began dancing at the age of five at Tapestry Dance Company in Austin, TX and went on to study ballet, modern, jazz, and musical theater at McCallum High School Fine Arts Academy. She moved to New Orleans in 2006 to attend Tulane University, where she received a BFA in Dance and History and performed with the Newcomb Dance Company. She has been performing and choreographing with D'Project dance company since 2010, and has also appeared with Ballet Hysell, Good Dance Since 1984, and Broken Mirror Productions. Alyssa will, sadly, be leaving New Orleans in July 2013 to pursue a masters degree in dance at University of North Carolina-Greensboro. While she is sad to leave New Orleans, she feels honored to have worked with so many talented artists and is very excited to be furthering her education. She plans on returning to perform as often as possible!







1st Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2013
HEARTBREAK RESOLUTION, 2013

Morganna recently relocated from Wilmington, NC to New Orleans to take her acting career to the next level. Locally, she has appeared onstage as "Georgie" in The Full Monty at JPAS. Keep an eye out for her in James Wan's (Saw, Insidious) next horror film, The Conjuring, coming out in theatres July 19. She also appears alongside John Corbett, Steven Bauer, and the lovely Renée Gaubert in the locally filmed The Lookalike. Other favorite theatrical roles include "Roxie" in Chicago, "Wendla" in Spring Awakening, "Annie" in Evil Dead, the Musical, and "Lisa" in Debbie Does Dallas the Musical.












1st Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2013

Niki Kleineberger was born and raised in New Orleans, LA where she has danced with many local studios. She has graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Tulane University.  She has danced in the film Old Boy as well as the Dan Patrick Show.  Niki has worked with a few local dance companies in addition to Broken Mirror Productions, including Tsunami Dance Company, 2B Tribe and Avatar Movement Dance Company.











1st Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2013

Leigh Brockman Horowitz has been dancing, teaching and choreographing in the New Orleans area for over ten years.  Ms. Horowitz joined the Loyola University New Orleans’ Ballet Preparatory Program in 2000 and currently is on the preparatory faculty teaching Classical Ballet Levels I, II and IV and Pointe.  She joined the Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble in 2001 and has toured with them nationally and internationally for the past thirteen years, with some of her favorite international audiences being in Bulgaria, France and Italy.  Ms. Horowitz joined contemporary company, D’Project, Inc. in 2004 and has enjoyed performing and choreographing for them, especially through their annual Southern Voices: Dance Out Loud Series.  Ms. Horowitz has most recently showcased her works at D’Project’s “Radiohead” Show and at Fashion Week New Orleans 2013 for designer Tabitha Bethune.  





1st Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2013

New Orleans musician Skyler Stroup plays with various artists in the city. He is currently playing with the Louisiana French rock band Sweet Crude. Skyler also runs a monthly artist showcase called “The Plus One Show,” which features local talent. For more information visit www.facebook.com/ThePlusOneShow.














1st Annual CAN'T DROWN THE DANCE, 2013