IVAN DE LEON believes teaching is a gift. Given his knowledge of dance, drama and music, it is perhaps little surprise that Mr. De Leon has distinguished himself as a dancer, choreographer and instructor at many renowned schools and studios in New York City and the Tri-State area. He has also appeared in a wide range of commercial and promotional events and has also featured in many television and film productions, including a music video for the Grammy nominated band Nickelback; episodes of “MTV Select”, “Da Vinci’s Inquest” and “Masters of Science Fiction;” and the movies “Josie & The Pussycats” and “The Goodbye Girl”. Ivan’s live stage performances include acclaimed music artists Talib Kweli and K-OS. And if all of this isn’t impressive enough, Ivan also has a degree in Physics!
ZACK CRUZ was born and raised on New York City’s Lower East Side. Starting off as an underground B-boy, he later transitioned into all forms of dance, training at LaGuardia Performing Arts High School (the “Fame” school) where he had been awarded scholarship and at the Luis Abrams Arts Center. Zack’s performance experience includes dancing with the Company of Dance Arts in New Jersey, as well as an apprentice with Urban Ballet Theater, featured as the Snow King in their “Nutcracker in the Lower”. He performs regularly in showcases with his and other break dance crews throughout the city and beyond. Currently Zack is working as a youth specialist and teaching artist with several non-profit organizations in downtown New York City.
MATT TREMBLAY was born in Les Escoumins, Quebec, Canada. He grew up hunting, fishing and trapping in the thick forests of Canada. He moved to New York City to study at the renowned Broadway Dance Center and to further his passion and his career as a dancer, choreographer, dance teacher, actor and singer. His dance credits include working with artists such as Shaggy, Big Sean, John West and Tamer Hosny, as well as on MTV, The Tyra Banks Show, ABC’s Good Morning America and Dr. Oz, and for Disney and in the 2010 Winter Olympics Ceremonies. Matt’s enthusiastic demeanor and passion for dance education make him a favorite among Downtown Dance Factory students. Look out for Matt in ads during the upcoming super bowl!
SHAWN BECK-GIFFORD is the Tuesday boys’ program teacher. He began his dance journey as a hip hop dancer in Colorado. He then went on to expand his dance repertoire, studying all genres of dance, graduating with Honors in Fine Arts and Dance from Loyola Marymount University in California. He has taught in Colorado, New York and also as far afield as Guatemala! Shawn is a strong advocate for the benefits of boys dance programs.
To register for the Downtown Dance Factory Boys Program, call 212.962.1800 or visit www.downtowndancefactory.com
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