SFDC Faculty

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SFDC Artistic Director

CHOREOGRAPHERS GUILD

SAG-AFTRA

AEA

DANCEONE JUDGE

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Fine Arts • Purchase Conservatory of Dance 

American Ballet Theatre

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre

The A.C.T. Conservatory​

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First we would like to congratulate Lara Jean Mummert, winner of the 2025 YAGP OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHER AWARD.  

At the very young age of 3 Lara Jean stepped onto the dance floor, training in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. At the age of 9 she was winning dance scholarships around the country and at just age 12 she was an assistant dancer for Brian Friedman, traveling throughout the U.S. She continued her training in most styles, with some of the best artist in the world, Mia Michaels, Gregory Hines, Sonya tayeh, Chris Jacobson, Mandy Moore, and more! Performing their choreography helped Lara Jean understand exactly where she wanted to go in her career. Lara then received scholarships to train with American Ballet Theatre, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, so she moved to NYC at just 13 years old and by 17 she received full scholarship to the top training school in the country, the prestigious Purchase Conservatory of Dance, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Lara Jean during this time was invited to join the Steps Ensemble as a principal dancer at age 18. From there she went on to train and perform with Hubbard Street, Metropolitan Opera, NYC Ballet and more. She then went off to tour with Sesame Street, Bruce Springsteen, Darren Criss, Paris Hilton, and many more other fabulous artists. Lara Jean was then asked to choreograph for Bravo Channel and Oxygen Network, as well as the Metropolitan Opera all in the same year, and now, she is choreographing for Cedar Fair Parks Stunt shows with All Wheel Sports, Netflix and the Musical Anastasia (Set to premiere this August).

Choreography credits include: Metropolitan Opera, Bruce Springsteen, Paris Hilton, Darren Criss, oxygen network, Sesame Street, The Netflix Bridgerton Experience, All Wheel Sports, Kings Island Cedar Fair, California’s Great America, Disney and more.

Lara Jean has won 9 “Best Choreographer Awards” in 2025 alone. She is very excited to see what the future holds for herself and SFDC! 

Yuka Sugiura is a Neuroperformance Coach who takes a brain-centered approach to help athletes and dancers enhance flexibility, balance, and strength while optimizing recovery. Her framework assesses and trains brain areas and systems that can significantly impact movement – yet are often overlooked in conventional training and therapy. She has worked with athletes in NCAA programs, USA Gymnastics National and World teams, and multiple Olympians. With a highly specialized and adaptable approach, she equips her clients with tools to support long, healthy careers.

Victoria (Tori) Henwood began dance journey at the age of 3 at Touch of Class Dance Studio in Broomall, Pennsylvania. She soon started a journey of competitive dance where she got to experience the various different disciplines of dance and take from a variety of teachers in the commercial dance industry. At the age of 13, she moved to Northern Kentucky where she continued her training at Expressions Dance Theatre. She continued to competitively dance and was graciously given the opportunity to attend Kentucky’s Governor’s School for the Arts as a dance study. At GSA, she found her love for contemporary concert dance and decided to pursue her passion into college. Tori attended Wright State University as a dance major from 2019-2023, getting to learn from and dance for some of the most brilliant minds. While in the dance program, she also got to perform in pieces from guest choreographers Kiki Lucas, Stewart Owen’s Dance Company, Elizabeth Ramsey, Allison Reny, and Ray Mercer. She spent 6 seasons as a seasonal performer at Kings Island Theme Park in Mason, OH after officially obtaining her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance in 2023. In January of 2024, Tori made the decision to move to Las Vegas to widen her knowledge and training in the dance industry. Soon after moving to Vegas, she has had the pleasure to work with various event companies and choreographers that opened her up to the incredible dance community that lives within Las Vegas. Since the move, she has completed Rookie Season with the Vegas Golden Knights as a Vegas Viva, been a reoccurring performer for Insomniac Productions, and is beginning her journey with Elemental Dance Company, a contemporary company based in North Las Vegas

Mariana Zschoerper 

Mariana, a notorious talent in the world of ballet, embarked on her dance journey at the tender age of 3. Her exceptional aptitude for the art form was evident early on when she secured the highest admittance score among 8,000 aspiring young dancers applying for The Bolshoi Theater School in Brazil.

Her formative years at The Bolshoi Theater School from 2000 to 2007 laid the foundation for a remarkable career. Mariana graced stages in Brazil, Italy, Germany, France, and Russia, performing soloist roles that showcased her unparalleled skill and dedication. An internship with The Bolshoi Ballet in Russia provided her with invaluable experience, complemented by private coaching from luminaries Vladimir Vassiliev and Ekaterina Maximova. During her internship, Mariana took center stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker, leaving an indelible mark on the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow.

Upon graduating as the Valedictorian of her class, Mariana joined the professional Bolshoi Ballet company in Brazil before making her mark with the Company Ballet in Sao Paulo. Her accolades include being a Finalist at the Valentina KozlovaInternational Ballet Competition NYC Senior Division in 2015-2016, and a noteworthy victory at the Bravo Ballet Competition in 2010.

In 2011, Mariana's journey took her to the Baltimore Ballet, where she assumed the role of Principal Dancer. Her pursuit of excellence continued at The Boston Conservatory, where she earned her B.F.A. with distinction in 2017.

As a highly accomplished and dedicated Dance Professional, Mariana has seamlessly transitioned into leadership roles. In her tenure as Artistic Director at San Jose Dance Theater from 2022 to 2023, she spearheaded the artistic direction, choreography, and production of ballet performances, achieving exceptional artistic quality and audience engagement. Her strategic plans elevated the organization's artistic reputation and success while mentoring dance company members to foster their artistic growth.

Prior to her directorial role, Mariana served as Ballet Mistress at San Jose Dance Theater from 2019 to 2022. In this capacity, she provided expert guidance and coaching to ballet dancers, contributing to the overall artistic vision of the company.

Her teaching experiences span prestigious institutions such as San Jose Dance Theatre, Bolshoi School Brazil (where she holds a Certificate of Vaganova Method for teaching), Kirov Academy in Washington D.C., and others. Mariana's commitment to nurturing talent extends to her guest ballet teacher role at South Shore Ballet Theater, where she delivers masterful instruction to students of varying ages and skill levels.

Mariana's artistic prowess extends beyond the stage, encompassing classical repertoire, grand pas de deux performances, single variations, and modern choreography. Her diverse experiences include performances in prominent cities across the globe, from San Jose and Charleston to London and the iconic Bolshoi Theatre in Russia.

Beyond the world of dance, Mariana has engaged in courses for TV dramatization and pursued communication journalism at the college level. Her multifaceted education is complemented by two years as a Head Resident Assistant at The Boston Conservatory.

In summary, Mariana is not merely a dancer; she is a visionary leader, a mentor, and a testament to the transformative power of dedication and passion in the world of ballet.

Coach Hank | Hank Dean

Acro Coach | Professional Dancer | Gymnastics & Dance Educator | Personal Trainer | Podcast Host | Mentor for Life

With over five decades of excellence, Coach Hank stands as a living legend in the world of acrobatics, dance, gymnastics, and personal training. From coast to coast, he has trained thousands of athletes—empowering them to rise, move with purpose, and master both skill and self.

Coach Hank’s journey began at age 16 and soared to professional heights in New York City, where he danced and taught at the iconic Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, and performed with the renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Company. His fusion of technical precision and soulful artistry set him apart as both a performer and educator, influencing dancers from all walks of life. His choreography and coaching have also reached the spotlight of professional sports, including his work with the Miami Heat Dancers.

He is the visionary behind TumbleClubHD, a private elite acro coaching program, and the host of the podcast Path to Podium, where he amplifies the stories of athletes, coaches, and parents pushing toward greatness. Every lesson with Coach Hank is a blend of deep experience, discipline, joy, and care—infused with his signature style and heart.

Now at 62, Coach Hank is adding a bold new chapter to his story—enrolling in barber school, continuing to live as an artist of movement, transformation, and style. His mission remains simple and powerful: to inspire others to live fully, train boldly, and believe in the impossible.