MEET OUR DC DANCE FACULTY
GABBY KESSEL
DANCE LEAD & EDUCATOR
Gabby (she/they) was born in the Philippines and raised in the DC area. She grew up teaching herself choreography watching youtube videos and then eventually began exploring in person dance classes at the age of 15.
Her favorite dance styles include hip hop, jazz funk, and heels. She’s taught adult beginner dance classes at Bucknell University while being the cofounder of Bucknell’s hip hop dance team, Stampede.
Currently, she lives in DC, training at multiple DMV studios, and is a member of Culture Shock DC. She began teaching youth dance classes for CultureShock NGO in 2022, and loves helping kids discover the joys of body autonomy, expressive movement, and musicality.
JACK KILKA
DANCE EDUCATOR
Jack Klika has been immersed in the world of dance for a significant part of his life, starting in Competitive Hip Hop at Velocity Dance. Beyond the artistry, dance became a core part of his life, offering a strong sense of community. With guidance from a mentor, Jack's team accomplished notable feats, securing three National Titles and the 2019 World Hip Hop Title. Their ethos focused on winning with integrity, valuing sportsmanship above all. This experience ignited Jack's interest in teaching and inspiring others to explore their passion for dance.
CINTHIA OGBAUGO
DANCE EDUCATOR
Cinthia is from Eastern North Carolina but recently moved to the DC area. She was always interested in social dancing and freestyling before college and even grew up learning traditional Nigerian and ogene styles of dance from her mother. College, however, was her first time in a training setting learning hip hop and choreography styles of dance at 18 and has since been training in this type of dance as well as teaching.
Currently she is on Post Grad Blues Crew, as a traveling member, and Culture Shock DC. She began teaching youth dance classes with the CultureShock NGO in 2023 because she loves letting people, whether big or small, have their love for the arts and expression grow and stretch to become part of their everyday lives.
ALEXIS NACMAN
DANCE EDUCATOR
Originally from Virginia Beach VA, Alexis first started training in modern dance, choreography and hip hop in highschool as a student at the Visual & Performing Arts Academy, and as a member of YFAMD (Young Filipino American Modern Dancers). After highschool she moved up to attend George Mason University, where she became a member of Urbanknowlogy 101, GMU’s hiphop dance troupe. As a member of Laura Edwards Dance Company, Alexis continues to train as a professional dancer, taking on dance jobs and training under some of the dance industry’s best educators. By teaching dance to the youth in DC, Alexis hopes to use dance to positively impact the lives of the youth the same way dance has been positively impacting her throughout life- building confidence, character, and cultivating a growth mindset.