BALLET, POINTE,CONTEMPORARY/LYRICAL, MODERN, TAP, ACRO, JAZZ, HIP-HOP,DANCEHALL
OWNER/CEO
Cheryl White is the Owner and Director of MCDC. Miss Cheryl is a dream chaser who loves everything about dance, music and art. She started learning technical dance at the age 7 in her old dance school The New York Dance Company, helped assist smaller classes and starting competing at national dance competitions at 8. She was then asked to start teaching her own classes from the age of 16 until she graduated high school. During her college years at Cheyney University of PA she kept dance as a priority along with school and became a marching band dancer. She battled on the field against other colleges (Battle of the Bands) and performed at her homecoming and football / basketball games.
Opening a dance school has been her dream career since the age of 9. For 10 years Miss Cheryl has been professionally dancing in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Acrobatics and Hip-Hop performing over 1000 times on stage. At the age 12 and currently, Miss Cheryl performs as a backup dancer for a female rapper who became one of her best friends Miss NaNa where they go on tour and travel around the globe together opening for numerous music artists, comedians, and celebrities such as Doug E. Fresh, Lil Kim, went on tour with Bow Wow ,Chris Brown, Omarion, Remy Ma, Papoose and Wyclef to name a few. She also dedicates her time to do local performances such as dancing with celebrity impersonator “Destiny Devine” at the L.G.B.T Expo every year at the Jacob Javits Center, dancing as a backup dancer for upcoming r&b singer Patricia. She is also part of an international dance group called RockDem Dancers where they tour the world to dance. Aside from that Miss Cheryl started choreographing wedding dance routines, birthday party routines, Sip and Dance events held at her studio which is booming! She keeps her soul dancing and she will never stop
“It lifts my spirit teaching to hardworking dedicated dancers.” – Miss Cheryl
BALLET, TAP, ACRO, JAZZ, HIP-HOP
Jezell has been studying and taking dance classes since she was 5 years old. She took classes in everything from tap, ballet, pointe, jazz, acrobatics, hiphop, contemporary, and even break dancing. She competed in many dance competitions all over since she started dancing and she also volunteered her time to dance at nursing homes, benefits, etc. In highschool, she was an all around athlete for her school's gymnastics team and she was also the team captain because of her leadership skills. During her summers, she taught dance classes at Upper Class Day camp in Tribeca Manhattan. Jezell has been teaching at a dancing school in Staten Island for over 5 years. She was also featured dancing in an hiphop artists music video. Jezell is an experienced dancer and teacher who has worked with children ranging from 2-17 and she has become a role model and mentor for many.
HIPHOP/ DANCEHALL / AFRO- CARIBBEAN
Jeo’ born Jevonnie Flemming came dancing into the world on the 24 th of January in 1991. Brooklyn born and bred Jeo is the by product of parents who were dancers in their youth and in the arts, this exposure to all things rhythmic marinated in his veins as early as age 2. Displaying interest in music and dance the inspiration that had the most impact on him was The King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Jeo would spend hours practicing, learning routines and then publically showing off his moves at school, dance parties, and showcases as he matured from a young artist into a professional dancer and Choreographer.
A memorable career highlight was performing on Amateur Night at the World Famous Apollo Theatre, rocking the crowd and walking away with 1st place. From dance competitions, talent shows and more, Jeo has consistently took home the top prize and accolades, earning cash prizes and trophies. Although his success seemed evident, it was almost derailed early in 2012, Jeo was involved in an incident that left him hospitalized with a wired jaw. Still persevering, Jeo continued to take his craft seriously and trained even harder to over come any obstacle that came his way. Overcoming the odds and keeping his dreams in front of him Jeo, now older and more mature had to find a way sustain himself as a young man and find his own path.
Teaching dance was an outlet and has always been somewhat fluent to Jeo, especially having younger siblings and coming from a creative household. His younger sister, also an established Dancehall Queen, was his first protégé and main student. Teaching and becoming a teaching artist allowed Jeo’s unique style and ability to blend different techniques from street jazz, to hip hop to dance hall to salsa made him a very sought after choreographer.
Presently, JEO the Dancer aka Jeo Da Dancer" has appeared and choreographed hundreds of music videos to date. With an ever increasing resume under his belt he has his sights to do more internationally. He's multifaceted he writes lyrics, deejay, raps, acting chops and is currently the host of his own television segment called ‘Dancers Corner’. In his own words he says ‘I see my self reaching far in the music industry and also going down in history sharing the love that I have with all people in the world.
BALLET, POINTE, TAP, JAZZ, CONREMPORARY/MODERN HIP-HOP
Alaysia has been studying dance since she was 9 years old at a local dance school in Staten Island. She is a very well rounded dancer that is experienced in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary/modern, and hip-hop. She studied at The Ailey School on scholarship, and attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia H.S. Also, she has performed and received many awards and recognition at many dance competitions. She loves being on stage and giving back to the community.
TECHNIQUE, TAP, JAZZ, BALLET, HIP HOP
Debra has been studying and taking dance classes since the age of 4 at her local dance school, taking classes in Tap Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Character, and Dancehall. In 2013 and 2014 she went to SOCAPA dance camp in NYC. She studied dance at the College of Staten Island from 2014 - 2018 during her college years. In 2016 and 2017 Debra attended Broadway Dance Center’s 6 month training program where she learned all different styles of dance such as popping, locking, and musical theater. She continues to educate herself by taking workshops along with taking several master classes with the Alvin Ailey School. Debra began assisting Miss Cheryl at MCDC in 2016 and found pleasure in working with the students that she later on began teaching her very own technique classes at MCDC. She teaches the basic structures of ballet, going over positions, turns and stance.
HIP HOP
Ashlee lives by the motto "Dance is Life". She developed a passion for dancing at the tender age of 2. As a toddler, she would dance in her living room or outside in front of her building drawing crowds of people young and old and they were amazed how brave and on beat she was. She's always loved music and never missed an opportunity to show off her moves. Ashlee has experienced with various styles of dance; ballet, tap, modern, afro-caribbean etc... However hip hop has won her heart. Being a Harlem native with a strong Trinidadian background, she was no stranger to the melodic tune and upbeat tempo of that feel good music that just makes you want to move. Very early on Ashlee had her eye on the prize. She's always dreamed of not just being an amazing dancer but also becoming a dance teacher that provided people, children and adults, with the same opportunity that she was given. Ashlee started at MCDC 3 years ago as a student, never losing sight of her dream. She then moved on to an Assistant teacher there and have now progressed to having a dance class of her very own. She specializes in Hip Hop dance. Always being eager to learn, she takes Afro-Caribbean and ballet classes to broaden her horizons. Ashlee is always looking for ways to perfect her craft and enhance her knowledge of dance. She has also taught children at the Universal Temple of the Arts of Staten Island for 1 year. She is also known as “Slym the Dancer” when she performs and she uses her platform as a way to showcase her talent and promote the work she does with the youth in her community. As both a dancer and dance choreographer, she works diligently and is fully committed to the art of dance. Ashlee has taken the Extension program at Alvin Ailey for 2 years. Presently she is teaching hip hop routines to children from grades K -12 and has been doing so for 3 years at the Jewish Community Center.
AFRICAN/AFRO BEAT
I hail from the beautiful and culture filled state of Nigeria called Akwa Ibom State. Although I’m Bronx born and raised with Nigerian parents culture and passion were imbedded deep into my soul. As a young girl I trained in all genres of dance but African dance held a particular spot in my soul causing much love and joy. I’ve traveled the US and beyond with my cultural dance group performing at parades, conventions and private events. Now I’m honored to train the next generation of cultural dancers and pass on this rich history of rhythmic movements and fun for all.
MCDC OFFICE MANAGER
Veronica, most affectionately known as Ronnie, was born and raised on Staten
Island. As a child she excelled in sports, specifically track and field and softball.
However prior to her interest in sports, as a toddler, she attended two local dance
schools. In high school she attended modern dance classes. As an adult she even
flirted with Zumba and belly dancing classes. Always loving to dance, after a lifetime, Veronica has returned to dance as a MCDC Hot Mama.
Veronica studied journalism at Wagner College and earned a Bachelors of
Science Degree in Human Resource Management from the College of Staten Island.
Concurrently she worked as a secretary for the Staff Development and Nursing
Departments and Administrative Aide in the Clinical Control Unit at the former Staten Island Developmental Center. She also was a writer for the facility’s Office of
Communications. Finally settling into her career, Veronica was an officer and later a
sergeant at the NYS Institute for Basic Research and Staten Island Developmental
Disabilities Services Office. After a long career, she retired in 2020.
Throughout the years, Veronica embraced another title, the title of Mom. But
more than being a mother, she became everyone’s mom, aunty or titi. Her home is
always teeming with children. She encourages and celebrates her friends’ children, her daughter, sons, nieces and nephews, as well as their friends from the neighborhood and whatever hobby they were involved in.
Working as Office Manager, Veronica will have the opportunity to utilize skills that
she has learned and developed over a lifetime, of which will enhance the flow of
business here at MCDC. She will also be our students’ biggest cheerleader!!!!
