Beyond The Studio: Honoring our Alumni

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Alexia Maitland
Alexia is a Talent Manager at Select Management Group in New York, specializing in digital media and sports. With a B.A. in Performing Arts Management, she takes a relationship-first approach to building careers. In 2024, she secured key Olympic sponsorships for Jordan Chiles and Nick Mayhugh and landed a cookbook promo on The Jennifer Hudson Show. Alexia also negotiates major brand deals and curates strategy for talent like Melinda Melrose and Nia Ivy.

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Anesia Whitfeld
Anesia works at the crossroads of athlete management, marketing, and PR. With a B.S. in Sports Management and Legal Studies, she brings four years of experience in sports and entertainment. She’s led #1 New York Times best-selling book campaigns and helped launch the NFL’s first VR-licensed title game. Anesia also produces athlete-driven philanthropic events and crafts press strategies that boost both athlete and brand visibility.

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Simone Moton
Simone Moton graduated from The University of Virginia State with a BS in Hospitality Management on a full-ride scholarship from the VSU Agriculture Department. While getting ready for grad school she is also eaching high school culinary arts as a CTE educator. As much as she enjoys culinary arts lately she has felt a strong pull toward gerontology — caring for the elderly

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Alanna Morse
Alanna Morse earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Neuroscience from Binghamton University and is now pursuing her Masters of Science in Medical Physiology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She aspires to become a Physician who champions equity, serves underserved communities, and uplifts Black women's presence in medicine

HR Lead
Jada Vaughn
Jada is a professional dancer with Saint Louis Dance Theatre and a graduate of USC Kaufman, where she earned a BFA in Dance and a minor in Entrepreneurship. She trained at The Ailey School and MOVE|NYC| before performing works by artists like Kyle Abraham and Dwight Rhoden. Jada’s development includes fellowships with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Jacob’s Pillow. Her work bridges African Diasporic and Contemporary dance while uplifting culturally rooted artistry.

Customer Support Lead
Gabrielle Nichols
Gabrielle is an arts administrator, producer, and dance professional with 10+ years of experience. She trained at institutions like The Ailey School and Dance Theatre of Harlem and holds a BA in Arts Management from SUNY Purchase. Gabrielle has managed events, led fundraising, and worked with groups like The Apollo and Trisha Brown Dance Company. She currently serves as Associate Producer on an upcoming documentary, blending artistry and strategy to drive creative projects forward.

QA Specialist
Danita Jenkins
Danita Jenkins is a Queens native who trained and taught at ESOTA from childhood through her teens. After graduating from Francis Lewis High School, she continued working in arts education through nonprofit programs. In 2018, she moved to Atlanta to pursue media, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Clark Atlanta University. Since then, Danita has worked on over 15 film and TV productions, with producing credits for brands like Nike and Google. She also played a key support role in her sisters’ dance journeys.

Content Strategist
Chané Ashea
Chané Ashea is a New York City native who trained at ESOTA and studied Early Childhood Education at Kingsborough Community College. Her early work with Hinton Battle led to performances on BET, MTV, and red carpet events, launching a modeling career that includes features in Vogue, London Fashion Week, and campaigns for Target, Victoria’s Secret, and more. She’s now a model, influencer, and founder of Rock Your Confidence, a talent development agency rooted in empowerment and self-belief.

Product Manager
Amber Mackie
Amber Mackie is a Brooklyn-born post producer whose work has helped shape hit reality shows like Love & Hip Hop, VH1 Couples Retreat, and Family Reunion. A Broadcast Journalism grad from Florida A&M, she’s produced for REVOLT TV and Paramount, winning a Student Emmy along the way. Known for sharp storytelling and a love of real moments, Amber brings raw footage to life with heart and precision.

Product Manager
Krystal Mackie
Krystal Mackie is a Brooklyn native currently performing in the Broadway revival of Gypsy. She made her Broadway debut in Bob Fosse’s DANCIN’, later joining MJ the Musical and the 1st National Tour of Hamilton. Other credits include This Ain’t No Disco (Atlantic Theater) and In the Heights (Engeman). An alum of UNCSA and LaGuardia High School, Krystal dedicates each performance to her family with the message: “This is for you.” Jeremiah 29:11–13.

Product Manager
Kayla Babb
Kayla Babb graduated from Adelphi University in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and currently works as an Operating Room Nurse. She trained at ESOTA for over 10 years, where she developed lifelong friendships and learned the values of leadership and creativity. From classes and performances to competitions and group trips, Kayla cherishes the formative experiences that have shaped who she is today.

Product Manager
Danielle DuBois Glover
Danielle DuBois Glover is a graduate of Howard University with a BFA in Dance. She has performed with Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Philadanco II, and Step Afrika!, where she toured globally with the U.S. Embassy, performing for military personnel. Danielle portrayed Mary in the national tour of Black Nativity (D.C. cast) and has performed on Carnival Cruise Ships and with Cirque Zuma Zuma.

Product Manager
Lisa Robertson
Lisa Robertson is a proud alumna of Esota Dance School and an original member of the performing group Kecde. After years on stage, she transitioned into yoga and founded I Am Yogi Studios, Queens' first Black-owned hot yoga studio. As a mother, teacher, and advocate, Lisa has launched programs like 200-hour yoga teacher trainings and Breathe Queens, a wellness festival celebrating joy and representation. Her work has earned multiple grants and awards for making wellness accessible and empowering women of color.