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Meet the Faculty

Drew Gliwa

Drew Gliwa is from Bloomington, Illinois and started dancing at the age of three. After dancing for Art in Motion for 6 years, Drew graduated high school a year early to attend Chapman University at the age of 17. He joined the Chapman University Dance Team and was a member all four years of his career. He served as the team’s Co-Captain and led them to their 11th consecutive national title.  At Chapman, he was a rehearsal director for Complexions Contemporary Ballet Rep set by Desmond Richardson. 

 

Professionally, Drew’s choreography credits include Hozier, Ben Platt, AWOLNATION, Tavia, Saint Mesa, and Magnus Riise. He credits include Wolfs, 2025 Rose Parade, AppleTV, Lauv, Jade, Cordae, Juice WRLD, Amber Liu, and StandardVision.  He was a company member for SoulEscape and has been a guest artist for Entity Contemporary Dance. Most recently you can see him in  Palm Royale Season 2 with Kristen Wiig and Patti LuPone. He currently travels with Hollywood Vibe as a Professional Assistant and is a Professor of Dance at Chapman University.

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Cassidy Webb

Cassidy Webb is a dance teacher and choreographer based in the Arizona East Valley. Having graduated from Chapman University, Cassidy has gained both her Bachelors of Arts in Dance Performance and her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology. Starting dance at the young age of three, Cassidy soon discovered her passion for dance performance and creativity through choreography. Cassidy has trained in the styles of Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, and Hip Hop at

numerous dance studios such as Coastal Vibe Dance Company, Spector Dance Company, and Lana’s Dance Studio. She was recognized nationally with choreography awards, performance awards, and was also presented as Dance Spirit Magazines “Future Star”. Once graduated from Chapman University, Cassidy brought her knowledge of dance training, proper body biomechanics and technique into the classroom. She has taught numerous master classes and workshops at nationwide studios and had the opportunity to attend the Performing Arts Medicine Association Conference in New York City where she presented Pilates research to her peers and fellow professionals in the arts medicine industry. Cassidy’s latest milestone achievements are being awarded Choreographer of the Year in 2024 by Kids’ Artistic Review, as well being nominated for both the Dance Educators Choreographer’s Cup and the 2026 Industry Dance Awards. She continues to travel nationally to instruct and choreograph for numerous studios and dance programs, as well as work full time in trauma medical device sales. Cassidy continues to use her professional experience and collegiate education to enlighten young dancers on proper dance technique in tandem with artistic expression and integrity.

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Nicki Nicole & Sergio Lopez

Nicki Nicole’s love for Hip Hop began in high school as a b-girl in a local breakin’ crew. Her passion quickly expanded into the choreography world, where she trained and performed with award-winning companies like Hip Hop Connxion, Design Dance Company, and Purified — competing and showcasing across the country. In 2017, Nicki moved to Los Angeles to pursue commercial dance full-time. Her credits include performances with Krewella, appearances in films like Dhoom 3, national commercials for brands like T-Mobile, and major stages including the BET Gospel Awards. In addition to her work as a performer, Nicki has been a dedicated dance educator for over 20 years — choreographing, teaching, and inspiring students of all ages across the country. Now based back in the Chicagoland area, she continues to mentor and uplift the next generation of dancers. Alongside her partner, Sergio Lopez, Nicki is also one half of ESEN VISUALS LLC, a media and photography company specializing in dance imagery, performance coverage, and creative visual storytelling for dancers and studios nationwide. Her heart has always been in giving back — and she’s excited to continue sharing her experience, creativity, and passion with young artists today.​​​​​

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Jason Martin

Sergio Lopez was born and raised in Chicago, where he began his dance training at Xtreme Dance Force. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he became a full-time dance director and teacher for a youth competitive company before eventually making the move to Los Angeles.Sergio spent 15 years in LA training and working professionally as a dancer, choreographer, actor, and model while signed with The Movement Talent Agency. His credits include America's Best Dance Crew, along with campaigns and projects for brands such as Red Bull, Nike, Starbucks, Disney, and Apple. He has also performed with artists including Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Adam Levine, Steve Aoki, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Over the years, Sergio has traveled across the country teaching dancers of all ages and levels, using his professional experience and passion for performance to educate, mentor, and inspire the next generation of artists. He is also one-half of ESEN VISUALS LLC, a photography and videography team specializing in dance, performance, and model content.

Originally from the Bay Area, Jason grew up training at Dance Direction under the guidance of Lisa Clark Schmeling and received his BFA in Dance Performance from Chapman University. Jason has appeared in a variety of tv, film, music video and live performance works that include: Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Ben Platt, Nike, The Late Late Show with James Corden, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Prom a Netflix Original, Poppy International Tour, Cirque du Soleil, Universal Studios Japan and more. In addition, Jason is a current member of Entity Contemporary Dance Company. ​ As a choreographer and teacher, Jason’s goal is to instill confidence in his students and cultivate a healthy environment to explore in. You may see his work across the convention/competition circuit as well as choreography festivals, intensive programs and showcases. Jason offers a variety of disciplines ranging from contemporary, jazz, lyrical, modern, and technique. Jason’s love for teaching has allowed him to tour throughout the US and internationally (Canada, Mexico, Japan and Hong Kong) to work with eager and talented dancers!

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Rebekah Brodsky

Rebekah Brodsky Is A Dancer, Choreographer, Filmmaker, And Teacher Living In New York City.

Rebekah Was Born And Raised In Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She Studied Dance And Choreography At The Prestigious New York University Tisch School Of The Arts, Where She Earned Her B.F.A. In Dance In The Spring Of 2024.

 

As a choreographer she is a Faculty Member With Intrigue Dance Convention And Substitute At Broadway Dance Center. For her Film “CHIHIRO” she won “Best Experimental Film” and “Best Choreography” at the New York International Film Festival and the Oniros Film Awards. She is also a Choreographers Cup Finalist for 2026. 

 

Throughout Her Training And Career, Rebekah Has Had The Privilege Of Working Closely With Acclaimed Choreographers, Including Karla Puno Garcia, Ricky Ubeda, Theresa Stone, Kenichi Kasamatsu, And Many Others.

 

Rebekah Is Passionate About Continual Growth As An Artist And Educator. She Strives To Share Her Love Of Dance And Creativity With Students Around The World, Inspiring Them To Explore Their Own Artistic Voices.

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Sara Brendel

Sara Brendel is a dancer, choreographer, and educator based in St. Louis, MO, with a rich background in performance and creative direction. She began her professional career dancing with Norwegian and Princess Cruise Lines and went on to perform in large-scale productions across the country. Her credits include Katonga at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Dino’s – Somewhere in Christmas and The Shoji Tabuchi Show in Branson, MO, as well as musical theatre productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Music Man, and 42nd Street. She has also performed alongside artists from Les Grands Ballets Canadiens.Sara has worked extensively in the commercial and corporate entertainment world, dancing in industrials and special events for clients including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Nissan Motors, Siemens Technologies, and more through Event Show Productions.She studied dance and choreography at Columbia College Chicago and Webster University, and has since become an award-winning choreographer known for creating impactful and dynamic work. Her choreography has been recognized nationally, featured on ESPN, and showcased in events such as Aveda’s “Catwalks for Water” and Kids Artistic Revue’s “Star Showcase.” Sara is an on-set choreographer for Weissman's national costume catalogs and digital campaigns. Her work has also been performed by professional companies including The Big Muddy Dance Company and SueMo Dance Company.  Her students have gone on to attend prestigious pre-professional and collegiate dance programs, and many now work professionally in the industry. She serves as a lead adjudicator for Ultra Dance Competition, Rainbow Dance Competition, and Kids Artistic Revue, and has had the honor of teaching and judging internationally with KAR Australia.Known for her thoughtful and holistic approach to dance education, Sara encourages students push past limits, grow artistically, and develop their authentic voice.

Natalie Peterson

Natalie is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator based out of Los Angeles. She is widely known for her time spent dancing on The Eras Tour with Taylor Swift as well as being featured in the new “The End of an Era” docuseries and final show concert film on Disney plus. She has also danced in multiple Taylor Swift music videos including “The Fate of Ophelia” and “Opalite.”

 

Natalie has other experience in the television and film industry being featured in the Disney Holiday Spectacular as well as the hit Netflix series “The Perfect Couple” and the Moschino fashion film “Lightning Strikes.” Natalie’s live performance experience also expands to other A list artists such as The Weeknd, and Karol G.

 

As a former American Rhythm Dancesport World Champion, Natalie loves teaching Rhythm and Latin Ballroom styles. She specializes in fusing traditional ballroom technique with commercial dance styles. Natalie can’t wait to dance with you! 

©2025 by Dance Network. 

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