Beyond The Studio: Honoring our Alumni

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

David Sincere Aiken
Born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens, David Sincere began his career at age 8, appearing as young Jay-Z in the “Wishing on a Star” music video. He has since worked with iconic artists including Chaka Khan, Smokey Robinson, Beyoncé, Pharrell, Daft Punk, Brandy, Ashanti, MC Lyte, and Teyana Taylor, and toured with Keyshia Cole. A sought-after choreographer, David has collaborated with Lil Mama on music videos and film projects, earning recognition on Power 105’s Breakfast Club and Sway in the Morning. His choreography credits include artists such as Mariah Lynn, Bianca Bonnie, and Wyclef Jean, whose collaboration surpassed one million views. Now expanding as a recording and visual artist, David blends his signature dance style with original music, debuting his 90s-inspired mixtape Bullpen and singles across major platforms.

Sadiyah Stephens
Sadiyah Stephens is a proud ESOTA alumni, with both dance and acting training. She is currently a cruise ship dancer for Virgin Voyages. Her favorite commercial she's been apart of would be her EOS feature, and her favorite play she's lead is "No Child". She is a firm believer in art being a necessary point of development, especially for under privileged communities. Art is a window into the possibilities of life, the enlightenment of self, and the future of connectivity.

Tanasia Lane
Tanasia Lane is a Jamaica, Queens native and a graduate of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University. She began dancing at age seven at the Edge School of the Arts (ESOTA) and later trained at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, Earl Mosely’s Institute of the Arts, MOVE(NYC), and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. Professionally, she has performed at the Kennedy Center under the direction of Hope Boykin and toured on the UK Bring It Tour with Ashanti. She is currently a Teaching Artist with 92NY, using dance to support arts education, community activism, cultural diplomacy, and youth engagement.

Jenaé German
Jenaé German, born in the Bronx, NY and raised in South Side Jamaica, Queens, discovered her love for dance at just two years old. With over 30 years of training across all styles, she has toured, performed, and appeared on television with many of today’s top artists—and continues to choreograph and collaborate with them. After relocating to Atlanta, what began as a simple act of service grew into a powerful movement. In 2010, Jenaé volunteered to teach dance at the A.R. Gus Barksdale Boys & Girls Club in Conyers, Georgia, starting with just 12 students, a borrowed space, and a belief that dance could build confidence, discipline, and purpose. That vision became Jenaé’s Dance Experience (JDE)—now a thriving arts organization serving over 200 students across Conyers and the greater Atlanta area.

Nia Davis
Nia Davis is a professional dancer with Visceral Dance Chicago and a 2022 graduate of George Mason University, where she earned her BFA in Dance. Now in her fourth season with Visceral, she has participated in numerous residencies with choreographers including Nick Pupillo, Roderick George, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, Marco Palomino, Michaela Taylor, Danielle Agami, Kevin O’Day, and more. Since relocating to Chicago, Nia has become deeply immersed in the dance community—creating her own work, collaborating with fellow artists, and teaching classes year-round. She is excited to continue pushing the boundaries of her career and embracing new opportunities.