Bio

Frank Manzo, a former hip hop dancer with the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak, has been teaching dance to kids and adults since he was 13 years old! Dancers of all ages love his high energy classes, as he breaks down every movement step by step, allowing each student to have fun while they learn how to execute each move with ease.

Although he originally started his dance training in St. Catharines, Ontario, Frank has also studied in Clarence, New York and continues to attend workshops and various jazz, hip hop and breakdancing classes in order to hone his own skills as a performer and choreographer.

In May, Frank lit up the stage in the role of “Emcee” in the musical Cabaret and is currently working on staging his first dance show “The 7th Cubicle.”

Bio

“Everything happens for a reason, just don’t question the reason. God works in mysterious ways!”

Born and raised to dance in Toronto, Onika is a dedicated member of RUKUS Dance Troop. She has been dancing for over 15 years. Onika, also known on stage as Dimplez, has been trained in Caribbean Folk and Hip-Hop; and has a natural talent and passion for Reggae. A graduate of York University, Onika has also performed across Canada, United States and the Caribbean. She is fortunate to be under the study of Diana Webley and Luther Brown; and has worked with choreographers such as Tanisha Scott, JaeBlaze, Fatima Robinson and HiHat.

Since the wake of her dance career, along with RUKUS, Onika has entertained at events such as B.E.T.’s Spring Bling and Big Tigger’s Celebrity Sports Weekend, and won numerous competitions across Toronto including Marc Ecko's Getting Up Festival- Dance Competition. She has also performed at various live stage shows and awards shows dancing back-up for artist such as Sean Paul and Kardinal Offishall. Blessed by her talents, Onika has done videos for almost everyone from Rihanna to Puff Daddy. Her dancing has also taken her to acting as she has been featured in the movies Honey, Centralia (Silent Hill) and more recently in the upcoming film Step. Continuing with the success of RUKUS and herself, Onika stays humble and always ready to be cultured. She is grateful for all the lessons learned, thankful for all the opportunities given and blessed to teach others. Onika is definitely part of the Toronto Movement. "My Mom always said God is great ... well he hasn’t given me no better job that I could ever ask for ... dancing while travelling the world.”

Bio

Dedicated to the love of Hip-Hop Dancing, Diana Webley is a choreographer, Dancer and active programmer of the Performing Arts. Diana Webley is the lead choreographer of RUKUS Dance Troop for several years and is a member of a private special events company. From 2001-2004 Diana taught beginners Jazz and Hip-Hop classes as well as intermediate. In 2005 Hip-Hop Master Classes were a focus as well as Personal growth and Achievement. Currently Diana continues to choreograph for RUKUS Dance Troop and is a Festival Programmer for The Harbourfront Centre. Diana has worked with “Her Vibe” to increase the level self-esteem and confidence and activity in young women through Dance. Diana has also mentored young women in a summer program entitled “B2ful” which also gave young women a chance to be active and express their emotions through Dance. College and University Dance Workshops have also been a way for Diana to share her style of Dance; all ages are welcome and most importantly capable of taking on Diana’s move. Diana’s goals usually focus on community based active programming in all areas of development and Performing Arts.

Bio

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Mexico, Danny has been dancing since the age of seven starting with the National Ballet in Mexico. Trained in jazz, folklore, contemporary and hip hop, Danny has performed and choreographed for many Latin American artists such as Ricky Martin, Shakira, Thalia, Paulina Rubio, Chayanne, just to name a few. Now residing in Toronto, Canada, Danny has had the chance to work with some Canadian and International artists such as The Boomtang Boys, Templar, Annik Gagnioc, Love Inc, Canadian Idol /Gary Beals, Ray Robinson, Keisha Chante, Jully Black, Shawn Desman, Sean Paul and many more. His stage experience includes: Hit & Run European Tour Shawn Desman 2005-2006, Shoe Carnival spring and summer collection 2006, Shoe Carnival winter collection 2005 Hit & Run Cross Canada Tour Shawn Desman 2005-2006, MMVA’S Pre opening party 2005, UMAC Awards Keisha Chante 2005, UMAC Awards Ray Robinson 2005, BPM TV Urban Groove 2005, Canadian Idol (Gary Beals) 2004, Carnival, (Choreographers Ball) KeyClub L.A. 2004. Danny also had the opportunity to be a part of one of the most popular projects in Canada as the main choreographer for Popstars (The One).

Along with dancing and choreography, Danny is the proud owner of the hottest new Dance Studio in Toronto... O.I.P. Dance Centre, Home of Do Dat Entertainment where we shot the first episodes of “Hip Hop in the T-Dot”. Now, you can spot him performing on stage with the most recognized Hip-Hop Company in Canada — Do Dat Entertainment.

Bio

From an early age Tuch knew music and dance would play a significant role in his life, and through Toronto’s premiere urban dance company, Do Dat Entertainment, Tuch has been able to transform his love into reality. With attitude, precision, and confidence, Tuch has continued to hone and shine in his craft as a sought after dancer rising to the top.

Tuch has garnered respect for his talent, and has continued to work with some of today’s top music entertainers. You’ve seen him on stages across North America & Europe with the likes of Eve, Missy Elliott, Jully Black & Shawn Desman. As well as, in music videos and commercials for Sean Paul, Rihanna & Christina Aguilera, to name a few.

Tuch has also graced television and film, on the BET Awards, Canadian Idol, Junos, Top Of The Pops & motion picture Honey. If you haven’t seen him yet, don’t worry cause his STAR is still rising and he’s loving every minute of it.

Bio

Dancing has always been a part of my life and thanks to Luther Brown and Do Dat... I’ve went beyond my expectations as a dancer. I’ve traveled ALL over the world, danced across thousands of stages and worked with many successful artists from the U.S. and Canada. Some say I’ve done it all.....I say, “I haven’t scratched the surface!”

From Canada, I’ve worked with superstars such as Shawn Desman, Keshia Chante, Glenn Lewis, Jully Black, Maestro and B4-4. In the US, I’ve had the opportunity of working for artists such as Nelly Furtato, Mariah Carey, Wyclef Jean, Missy Elliot, Olivia, Nivea, Mario and many more. Some of my biggest accomplishments were the Scream 3 Tour with Mario, The 2002 Source Awards with Mary J Blige and The 2004 Video Game Awards with Kelis (not to mention, many TV appearances worldwide).

My dance style is from my character; the way I am. I dance the way I feel and speak to you through my movement. Dancing is my life. Dance is ME...dance is MARK.

Bio

Toronto’s music industry has benefited greatly from the arrival of ’super-soul’ choreographer extraordinaire, Luther Brown. As the founder and owner of Do Dat Entertainment, Luther created an industry - a professional urban dance community that linked a somewhat unknown Toronto to the ever-growing music industry of the United States. Working with artists such as Brandy, Shawn Desman, Alicia Keys, Mario, Kelis, Jully Black, Faith Evans, Olivia, Ray J, Dream, B4-4, Keshia Chante, Glenn Lewis, Choclair and Maestro; just to name a few, has brought him to the forefront where he is respected amongst the top choreographers in the United States and Canada.

Luther is also in high demand to choreograph music videos for the rising urban segment of the music industry. Over the past 5 years, he has choreographed an abundance of videos, many which have gone on to be award winning pieces of art. His recognizable style is evident in videos such as Talk About Our Love; Brandy (Atlantic); Bad Boy & Does He Love Me; Keshia Chante (BMG), winner of 2004 UMAC award for Best New Artist; Just A Friend & C’mon; Mario (J Records); Get Ready & Shook; Shawn Desman (BMG) winner of the 2003 MMVA for Best Pop Video and 2003 UMAC award for Best New Artist and Friend Of Mine; by the 2004 MMVA winners for Best R&B Video ñ In Essence (BMG).

In addition, Luther has been the creative director for many tours and choreographed various live shows for the following artists; Gary Beals, Shawn Desman, Keshia Chante & Mario. He also did the Rap City/Ill Vibe Records Cross Canada Tour featuring Saukrates & Jully Black, Faith Evans’ live performances, Dream’s MTV TRL nationwide tour, and Amerie’s live shows and performances.

His television credits as a choreographer include BET’s 106 & Park, MTV’s 2004 Iced Out New Year’s Eve, Soul Train, The David Letterman Show, Canadian Idol, Electric Circus, Much Music’s Da Mix and the Mike Bullard Show. You can also see his choreography alongside that of Laurie-Ann Gibson in the major motion picture ’Honey’ starring Jessica Alba and Lil’ Romeo.

Luther’s unique style of dance has also been showcased at entertainment award shows such as the Kardinal Offishall & Sonia Collimore performances at the 2005 UMAC Awards, the Ray Robinson/Keshia Chante duet performance at the 2004 UMAC Awards, Kelis' performance at the 2003 Video Game Awards, Alicia Keys’ performance at the 2002 Grammy Awards, Shawn Desman at the 2003 UMAC Awards and 2002 Ciss 92 Fannies Choice Awards, the 2000 Juno Awards, the 1998 Canadian Urban Music Awards and the 1997 Men of Excellence Awards.

In addition to choreography, Luther has added the expertise of artist development to his skill set. He has developed a proven formula and style, which he can apply to any new artist in order to jumpstart their career in the right direction. This is evident with many of the young artists that Luther has worked with in their development stages. Some of these artists are: Fefe Dobson (Sony Music), Keshia Chante (BMG), Mario (J Records) & Gary Beals (Plasma).

With his passion for dance and charisma to continually challenge his self, Luther has become one of the top choreographers in North America. He is able to create and develop any artist or project presented to him.

Bio

Jae Blaze, recognized as the hottest choreographer out of Toronto, she’s one of the forces behind Blaze Entertainment. Her style has attracted several platinum-selling artists from all genres across North America. A relentless perfectionist, her choreography down right sets the stage on fire, raises the bar, and changes the way we perceive sound and movement. "The imagery behind the music is what I am good at. Dancing is meant to tell a story, just as it is in poetry. I understand the visual aspect of music and so I display that in my choreography."

After venturing into other occupations, her love for the art of music and dance led her back into clubs, and dance competitions where she realized her passion and returned to her first love choreography."I believe there is a higher being that gave each and every one of us the wisdom to accomplish what we are meant to do. In my case, it’s to be creative through dance." The turning point in Jae’s career came when she appeared as a dancer in platinum selling artist, Nelly Furtado’s music video "ÖOn the Radio" directed by Hype Williams. Because of this video, Nelly Furtado asked Jae to choreograph her 2000 Juno Awards live appearance.

Jae’s raw and exhilarating style is now transforming the dance world and is placing her at the top of the industry. She has worked with such artists as Sean Paul, Nelly Furtado, Kelis, Amanda Marshall, Daniel Beddingfield, The Clipse, and Naughty by Nature. Her distinctive choreography can also be seen in numerous musical adds and commercials for MTV ("World Chart Express," "Select," and "World Tour") and Much Music ("Much On Demand," "Rap City," and "Vibe") as well as sequences in Mary Kate and Ashley Olson’s motion picture "New York Minute."

Praised by artists and directors alike, Jae’s choreography for Sean Paul’s "Get Busy" was nominated for MTV’s 2003 Best Dance Video and MTV’s 2003 European Awards. Jaes choreography also appears in K-OS’s "Superstar Pt.0" video which won the Source Award’s Best International Video.

Along with film, video, and television, Jae’s choreography graced several stages, award shows, and concert tours across North America including the "Rock the Mic Tour" with Jay Z/50 Cent, "The World Tour" with Sean Paul and the "Beg For Mercy Tour" with G-Unit.

Giving back to her community, Jae conducts workshops and provides classes for aspiring dancers; she also performs for community events and fundraisers. "One day I will own a studio where young dancers can attain classes at affordable rates, I will mentor them, and they will invade the US representing Toronto’s dance culture in its truest form."

Presently, Jae is refining a major stage performance for Carl Henry and she can be seen performing alongside (Motown/Universal) recording artist Melanie Durrant across Canada. Just recently, her choreography crowned the Blaze dancers as the "Best Group" in the 2004 International Power Dance competition at the Fitness and Model Expo held in Toronto.

JaeBlaze:

blazeent.com
myspace.com/blazeentertainmentdance