MEET THE ELEVATE TEAM
Edith Sumaquial, Owner + Co-Founder + Instructor: Active in the dance industry for over 30 years, Edith has been featured dancing in TV (such as iCarly), underground hip hop music videos and film (such as Dance Flick and other independent films.) As a former University of Oregon Dance team captain, she was able to bring an unranked team to 8th in the nation at NDA nationals in 2000. She continues to bring her experience and training disciplines back to her hometown and prepare future talent.
Aiko Tanzawa, Hip Hop & Co-Competition Team Director-
Aiko is one of Elevate's core hip hop instructors and competitive hip hop coach. She has been with the company over 5 years and has developed the artistic vision of our hip hop program. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Aiko started her dance journey when she was 3 years old with the Ballet Hawaii Company. She transitioned into Hip Hop dance when she moved to Stockton, CA at the age of 7. She found her love for hip hop after dance sessions with her cousins and many of the original Jabbawockez. She is the past director for San Jose State University Modern Hip Hop team and Akbayan Modern Dance Team. Aiko's choreography is highly acclaimed, placing 1st place at numerous dance competitions, receiving special awards, including Heat Dance's "Artistry" award.
Christopher Salango, Performance + Community Manager + Instructor- Christopher is a Stockton native and an alumnus of Sacramento State's Dance Program. With a strong background in modern and African disaporic movement, his core value is to develop strength and proper execution that ignites a passion in his dancers.
Elliott Villanueva, Instructor- a.k.a Elliott New Village in his NorCal dance community. He’s been dancing for over 10 years, studying in urban choreography, popping, and other various styles that inspire him. Elliott has also taught workshops all over northern California (In The Groove Studios, NorCal Dance Arts, UC Merced, etc). One of his goals is to bring the 209 dance community closer together and impact aspiring dancers all over the world!
Deziree Whitfield, Instructor-Born and raised in Stockton, Deziree has been dancing before she could walk. She taught her self how to dance and began battling in the scene at a young age. Since she was extremely passionate about dance, Deziree had auditioned for So You Think You Can Dance (season 14) and continued on to the 2nd round. She has won the title "Cypher Queen" three times in a row at dance cyphers and continues to share her skills with the youth. Deziree wants to teach her students the importance of self expression, passion & growth within ones' self.
Makenna Howard, Instructor, Makenna trained in Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop for most of her childhood and was the captain of her high school dance team. She brings her years of experience and passion to our studio.
Courtney Saiki, Assistant Instructor- Courtney has been dancing since the age of 4 and is currently a student at the University of Pacific. She brings her love and passion for dance to help assist Elevate's teachers and give back to her dance community.
Katherine Esau , Co-Founder + Instructor: As the current St. Mary's Dance Team Head Coach, Katherine brings her dance experience of over 20 years to Central Valley's dance community.
Albert Garza, Breakdancing Instructor- Albert is a self taught HipHop/Breakdancer with over a decade of battle, performing and teaching experience in San Joaquin County. He has choreographed for Kaos Dance Company and was the 2010 & 2013 Apollo Night winner.