Maya Finman-Palmer began dancing in Madison, WI at Kanopy Dance Company, Then moved to New York in 2019 to join The Ailey School Certificate Program. After graduating from the Ailey School’s Dance Certificate program in 2022, she joined Ailey II, touring in the US and Europe. She performed works by Alvin Ailey, William Forsythe, Francesca Harper, Judith Jamison and others. A highlight of this time was performing Judith Jamison’s solo piece, “Divining”. Maya was also a featured dancer in Dawn Richard and Atlantic Records Spoken Word Project by Ebonie Smith “Fantasy”. She has also performed with Emerge125,Jennifer Muller/The Works and Coca. In addition to her own dancing Maya enjoys teaching dance and group fitness. This brings her motivation and happiness to help others with their dance/fitness journeys.

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Credits: Dawn Richard and Atlantic Records Spoken Word Project by Ebonie Smith “Fantasy”

Breanna “Ms. Bree” Hopkins, a proud Chicago native, discovered her passion for dance at Studio One Dance Theatre. She began her training at the age of five, where she immersed herself in ballet, modern, traditional African, and tap dance. After graduating from the Chicago High School for the Arts in 2014, Breanna knew her calling was to inspire and introduce others to the transformative power and beauty of dance. She pursued her dreams further by earning a BFA in Dance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2018. Throughout her career, Breanna has had the honor of performing works by choreographers such as Alvin Ailey, Gary Abbott, Kevin Iega Jeff, Nicole Clark-Springer, and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. She has graced the stage with esteemed companies including Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and Störling Dance Theater. 

In addition to her performance career, Breanna has dedicated herself to teaching and mentorship. She believes that professional experience enhances her ability to be an empathetic and resourceful instructor. Over the years, she has managed dance programs for organizations such as After School Matters and Art in Motion High School. With over 10 years of teaching experience, Breanna is deeply committed to inspiring young dancers to become the best versions of themselves. She is passionate about cultivating a future for dance rooted in connection, creativity, and personal growth.

Tracey Franklin is a native of Chicago. She began her training at the age of 16 at Joseph Holmes Dance Theater. In 1999, Ms. Franklin graduated from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Certificate Program. In 2000, Ms. Franklin was a company member of Dallas Black Dance Theater for four years. In 2004, she returned to Chicago as a company member with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater for 12 years. Ms. Franklin has been a teaching artist in the Dance Conservatory for the past nine years, assistant to the department head for five years, and for one year Assistant Dean of Students.