SFDC Faculty

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SFDC Artistic Director

CHOREOGRAPHERS GUILD

SAG-AFTRA

AEA

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 12 she was an assistant dancer for Brian Friedman, traveling throughout the U.S. and then received scholarships to train with American Ballet Theatre, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, so she moved to NYC as just 12 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 perform with Hubbard Street, Metropolitan Opera, NYC Ballet and more.
She then went off to tour on Broadway for many years and is now choreographing for Netflix and the Musical Anastasia.

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. 

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.

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.