This is the last faculty Faculty Feature with The Moment Dance convention and we will be hearing from our show creator, Lauren Ritchie, as she is the Mental Skills Educator for dancers, teacher and parents at The Moment. Lauren shares her expertise on confidence, comparison, growth mindset, and the power of self talk as we pursue artistic and athletic growth. 

Lauren Ritchie (MEd, BA, ESFCC) is an established mental skills educator, dance teacher, and choreographer. Her areas of interest and expertise include sports and performance mental training, as well as the intersection of well-being and mindfulness. 

Her work has led to the creation of international teacher training programs, dance and sport conventions, the pioneering show The Dance Podcast, and mental performance-based curriculums for dancers, athletes, and coaches. Lauren’s proficiency in performance preparation and enhancement has led to supporting youth and professionals in dance, theatre, hockey, music, gymnastics, volleyball, and soccer.

Lauren has been a featured speaker for the Women In Sport Speaker Series, Alberta Dance Alliance, Dance Studio Owners Association, House of Jazz (London), and the Toronto Dance Teacher Expo. She has delivered workshops to prestigious schools and programs like Harbour Dance Centre, the Alberta Ballet School, the Dancer Transition Resource Centre, Capilano University, the University of Calgary, and The Bridge Movement.

A true legend! MARGUERITE DERRICKS is one of dance’s most highly recognized and respected working choreographers. She is the first and only choreographer to have received three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography, and is also the recipient of five MTV Movie Awards for Best Dance Sequence.  

Marguerite’s television credits include THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, Netflix’s GLOW, the revival of GILMORE GIRLS, ​and film  blockbusters films like  the AUSTIN POWERS franchise, CHARLIE'S ANGELS, TROPIC THUNDER, MR. AND MRS. SMITH, 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, and 13 GOING ON 30.

In this episode, Marguerite generously shares her dance journey - from ballet roots to TV, Film, Broadway, Vegas and what I am calling Dance-World-Domination. We talk about how she hires and expectations she holds from the dancers she works with. What came after winning 3 Emmy’s, how to best collaborate amongst creatives, pitching projects, where technology is fitting into her career growth, and her biggest mistakes that taught her the most. 

Please enjoy and share this beautiful conversation with the dance community. 

This season we have been interviewing faculty from the newest dance convention experience called The Moment by KM Agency. Today we are speaking with Hip Hop educator and master teacher Draico. From his late introduction to dance, to comparison, to his Emmy nomination for the Aretha Franklin Story, to moving through creative blocks - we cover so much. Dondraico has created movement for artists like Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, & Jennifer Lopez.

His feature film credits include GHOSTBUSTERS, HAUNTED MANSION, STEP UP 3D, STEP UP REVOLUTION, and Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT. Draico and I also have a Parent Conversation posted on the Km Agency Instagram page if you are craving more!

She is back for Round 3!  Liana believes that art is expressing one's self and their perspective honestly and vulnerably. That genuine expression permeates all aspects of her life and the connections she makes with others. As far as her career, Liana has been training dance since she was three, and choreographing, teaching, and dancing her way all over the world for the last 15 years working on TV and film such as Jane The Virgin, Dancing With The Stars, The Voice, So You Think You Can Dance, Target, The Greatest Showman LIVE Commercial, Footloose, Seventeen Again, Happy Feet 2, as well as dancing on stage with Cirque Du Soleil and alongside some of the most sought after recording artists, such as Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, The Jonas Brothers, Bebe Rexha, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, The Rolling Stones, and over 20 others.

With a deep desire to help dancers, from beginners to pros, how to find their true inner voice in an often superficial and judgmental industry, she created a dance class called BODY LANGUAGE. Incorporating her numerous years of acting training with her dance career, she focuses on dancing WITH INTENTION, not FOR ATTENTION! While teaching dancers how to find clarity in their voice, confidence in their body, and power in their intention, she has watched lives completely transform before her eyes. Away from the classroom, you can find Liana online as DailyDancerDiet, where she openly shares her over a decade-long journey to healthy happiness. She is passionately dedicated to inspiring and coaching others to navigate their own paths toward delight in their well-being.

Casey Gonzalez, an Arizona native, has always had a passion for movement. She graduated from The Ailey School Certificate program in 2012 and followed up with achieving a B.S. in Healthy Lifestyles and Coaching From Arizona State University, a classical comprehensive Pilates Certification and both GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Teacher Training certifications by 2017. Her dance career has bridged the gap between the commercial and concert worlds. She has worked with choreographers such as Mandy Moore and Andrew Winghart, for brands like Master Card, Smirnoff, and Disney and performed on stages across Germany, France, Switzerland, and Dubai touring in Sweetbird Productions “Rock the Ballet X” and “Romeo & Juliette” ballets, choreographed by Adrienne Canterna. Casey began assisting for CLI Studios in 2019 for choreographers like Teddy Forance and Kathryn McCormick and made the move to Massachusetts from Los Angeles in 2021 to be a resident faculty member at The CLI Conservatory. Casey is also on faculty with Dana Foglia Dance programs. Casey takes great pride in working with younger dancers that have professional aspirations. From her own career experience and extensive study of movement, Casey’s mission is to coach and guide dancers to understand and value efficiency in movement. Casey believes that with the right combination of concentration, balance, and energy, even the most advanced movements can be done with ease and flow. Each class is aimed to unlock the greatest potential in each individual body.

Teddy Forance is a dancer, teacher, choreographer & entrepreneur in the dance industry. He has performed with Madonna, Janet Jackson, PINK, Usher, Lady Gaga, Florence & The Machine, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Kylie Minogue & Cirque Du Soleil. He has danced on the Oscars, Emmy's, AMA's, Billboard Awards, Britt Awards, Dancing With The Stars, ELLEN, & Good Morning America. He has choreographed on SYTYCD, an Apple commercial & set work on Hubbard street dance company. Teddy is a Co-Founder of CLI Studios & the director of the CLI Conservatory where dancers from all around the world come to train for their future dance careers!

Julia Pearson has been a dance instructor for the past 23 years, specializing in teaching children ages 2-12yrs in ballet, tap, and jazz. Ms. Julia has been a resident instructor at Danceology in San Diego, winner of 2022 Studio of the Year (The Dance Awards). She has coached & taught competitive dancers for the last two decades including national title winners, award-winning mini groups, and tik tok sensations.

Ms. Julia has played an instrumental role in developing a student Mentorship program, tots classes, diva division, dance camps, and more specifically at her home studio, Danceology. She was honored with Citizen of Excellence in 2020 for her work with our Adaptive dance class, teaching dancers with special needs and Down syndrome.

She holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership and brings a wealth of wisdom & experience to the dance community. Ms. Pearson is the author of the Miss Juju Ballet book series which encourages little ones to find the joy in ballet every day. She cultivates a warm and inviting learning atmosphere for young ones while providing the structure to teach true technique. Every class with Ms. Julia is a delightful experience!

Blake Stanley is an internationally recognized educator, coach, and choreographer. He is

a past mentee of contemporary dance legend Mia Michaels, and has spearheaded his own

training method, Blake Stanley Techniques.

He received his formal education from many studios & educators across the USA, with

most notable having been a full-scholarship student at the Indiana Ballet Conservatory. He

consistently trained with industry leading choreographers and educational leaders, eventually

transitioning into more professional studies ranging from anatomy and physiology, to myofascial

pain release, injury-prevention for dancers, childhood development, and is on the forefront of

new methods of dancer injury prevention pedagogy; certified in T Spheres Injury Prevention

Techniques. He has a kinetically expressive teaching style that is grounded in classical technique

and is easily relatable to students of all backgrounds and levels.

Blake has held long term residencies with universities and dance studios across the US;

currently having students in over 40 US states as well as Canada, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Costa

Rica, Uganda, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. He is a true trail-blazer in the virtual dance

community, with his weekly zoom classes reaching over 1000 students and having launched his

own virtual dance app, featuring New York City’s top educators, “DanceX!”

In the competitive dance community, he is recognized as a leading educator with students

receiving the highest honors such as overall winners at every major convention circuit; including

“Best Dance Winner” at The Dance Awards, “Protégé Winner” at Radix Nationals, “Outstanding

Dancer” at NYCDA Nationals, invitations to YAGP Finals, performances in YAGP Finals Gala,

Young Arts Scholarship invitees, and features in Dance Spirit Magazine. His mentees and

students include dancers at, or accepted to, the most prestigious performing arts schools;

LaGuardia Arts, Frank Sinatra, and Mark Twain, Summer Intensives; Juilliard Summer Intensive

and ABT Summer Intensive, Bolshoi SI, Royal Ballet in London, Pre-Professional Companies;

Alvin Ailey, Joffrey, Ballet and Academy East, and Universities; NYU-Tisch, Marymount, Pace,

and Point Park.

Known for his signature smile and captivating dance moves, So You Think You Can Dance Season 12 fan favorite, Neptune, is a multi talented superstar! His fans highlight his ground breaking performances and charming personality. Neptune specializes in Freestyle (i.e. Krump & Popping) and Hip Hop. With no formal training, he surprised America and conquered every genre of dance thrown his way, including Contemporary, Broadway, Bollywood, Jazz etc., which secured his spot in the top 8.

After SYTYCD, his career continued to soar as he gained a reputation for being the dancer who does it all! He’s performed and toured with several top artists, including Beyonce, Mary J. Blige & Pharrell etc. Neptune’s featured in many commercials, TV shows and films including the Academy Awards, Grownish, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Coming 2 America, to name a few. His biggest success to date, is getting to combine all of his talents as the lead actor in the award winning short film, Boogie Rage.

Neptune’s journey as a Hip Hop instructor started over 9 years ago. He’s taught all ages at various studios in North America and assisted “tWitch” at 24 Seven Dance convention and workshops for over 3 years. Neptune’s teaching style includes a blend of educating dancers on the knowledge of hip hop, creating fun and energetic choreography and giving dancers a challenge they can be proud of.

With over 1.2 Million followers on TikTok, social media has allowed Neptune to broaden his creativity and expand his brand! On TikTok, Instagram and YouTube he’s known for his viral and explosive freestyle videos. Neptune’s followers, of all generations, find excitement in doing his trendy dance challenges (from 90s to modern day Hip Hop, Dancehall and Afrobeats). He’s also well known for his dance content with his wife, Keda and their brand “The Eskridge’s”. As a content creator Neptune has collaborated with many of the industry's top brands including Mercedes Benz, Walmart, Paramount Pictures etc. to name a few.

Neptune is a natural born entertainer, incredible creator and excited to share his knowledge and elevate the next generation of artists!

Kim began training as a dancer at three years old. From the very start, she loved every second of dance. By age eight, she was training in ballet 30 hours a week, and at 12 years old she received 3rd in the nation at a National Tap Event sponsored by tap industry legend Gregory Hines. Mr. Hines was so impressed with Kim that he traveled to her studio in Dallas to give her a private lesson.

At 24 years old, Kim moved to L.A., where she quickly achieved success, booking jobs with celebrities such as Britney Spears, N’Sync and Michael Jackson, among many others. As well as working in films with stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. Despite her growing career, Kim felt drawn to teaching and decided to focus her career strictly on training dancers.

As a teacher, Kim first joined Adrenaline on the convention circuit before being picked up by the largest dance convention in the world, JUMP. For six years, Kim taught everything from ballet and jazz to hip-hop, interacting with thousands of students a week. After that experience, Kim joined NUVO as the Children’s Director. Focusing on technical development, she gained a reputation for inspiring young dancers to be more than excellent performers, but also excellent people.

The longer she taught, the more other instructors wanted to learn from Kim. In city after city, Kim’s teacher seminars drew huge crowds as she motivated countless instructors to be the best educator and role model they could be for their students. Additionally, many of her own students have gone on to achieve incredible success, working with some of the most talented artists in the dance and film industry.

These experiences led Kim to retire from the convention circuit to focus on the success of her unique Changing Lives program. Kim now travels across the country, working directly with studios to educate their faculty and implement her teaching philosophy, along with speaking engagements, parent seminars, and business consulting.

With Kim’s experience and reputation in the industry, she enjoys strong relationships with a wide range of teachers and choreographers. As well as teaching young students, her mission now includes training others to be leading mentors and trainers in the dance world.

Lauren Ritchie

Mental Performance and Mindset Educator, MEd, BA, ESFCC.

As a human, you can train three things: your mind, your body, and your craft. Lauren Ritchie has been studying, researching, and educating dancers and teachers on the physical, emotional and mental intricacies of dance. Recognizing the lack of mental skills training in dance, Lauren has created programs and exercises dedicated to educating and empowering both dancers’ and educators’ mental health and mindset to optimize physical and artistic training. From her MEd in Coaching Studies to a BA in Professional Communications, to multiple Yoga certifications and an accredited Art & Science of Coaching Certification, Lauren has a unique blend of education and resources that offer a holistic training approach for dancers.

An established educator, facilitator and speaker, Lauren has delivered workshops to prestigious schools and programs like Harbour Dance Centre, the Alberta Ballet School, the Dancer Transition Resource Centre, Capilano University and The Bridge Program with The Protege Movement. She is the co-founder of the Dance Teacher reTREAT, the creator of Mental Skills Training Teacher Training program and has been a keynote speaker for the Women In Sport Speaker Series, Dance Studio Owners Association, House of Jazz (London), and the Dance Teacher Expo.

Lauren has firsthand knowledge of the attributes required to achieve and sustain peak performance. She was a highly competitive and decorated dancer having classically trained in ballet, jazz, tap and lyrical. After completing her A.R.A.D, Lauren knew she “wanted to dance” but had little guidance and awareness of the true process of transitioning into a professional dance career. This is why Lauren has created and hosts The Dance Podcast; an invaluable resource dedicated to inspire and educate dancers, teachers, and parents through candid conversations with industry professionals. 

Lauren’s engaging and encouraging teaching style has inspired dance teachers and students across the country to be their best – mind, body, and craft.