MEET THE STAFF
MELISSA KOPEL
OWNER, DIRECTOR &
COMPANY GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Having a passion for dance and dancing recreationally as a child, Melissa put her daughter in dance at age one. She has traveled around the world being a dance mom which taught her what students need to succeed and grow. Putting all of that knowledge and experience together has allowed her to open a safe place for dancers to become successful with their career while dancing at Konquer as well as in their future endeavors as a professional in the dance industry.
KAILEY KOPEL
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, COMPANY PHOTOGRAPHER, COMPANY CHOREOGRAPHER, WEEKLY CLASSES &
COSTUME DESIGNER
Kailey was born in Chicago, Illinois and started training at the age of 1 years old. She has trained with multiple dance teams in Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California in genres hip hop, heels, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre and ballet. Kailey is the artistic director of Konquer Dance Company teaching and choreographing over 50 routines each season. Kailey also has choreographed for Carnival Chicago, Marist HS, Lincoln Way East HS, Oak Forest HS, Ridgewood HS, Hersey HS, CCSJ college, St. Xavier college, etc. She was apart of the Launch program at The Space in Brea, California. Kailey is also blessed to be a judge for Ultra Dance, and previously Precision Arts Challenge, and Fly dance competition. She also currently teaches for the convention Activate Your Artistry. She loves to inspire and work with other dancers. Her love for choreography has gotten her the opportunity to choreograph for dance teams, companies, and musicals. She has gotten multiple personal invites/scholarships and has been a part of companies such as Launch, Immabreathe, Buildabeast dance experience, Tokyo dance intensive, Nexus dance, etc. She wants to share her love for dance with younger dancers and inspire them with her motto, "Do What You Love!”
JULIAN RAY CARMOLINGA
HEAD HIP HOP TEACHER, CONTEMPORARY
& COMPANY CHOREOGRAPHER
Julian Carmolinga is a professional dancer who has worked for major A-lists artists, has performed for Radio Disney Music Awards, assist. choreographed the MTV Movie Awards, and has been in popular TV shows such as Empire, and The Big Leap to name a few. He has trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, modern, and hip-hop but enjoys dancing/teaching both contemporary and hip hop the most. He has taught at both Millenium Dance Complex in LA as well as at Movement Lifestyle. He has trained under renowned choreographers such as Nika Kljun, Tessandra Chavez, Amanda Grind, and Janelle Ginestra and continues his training while living in LA. His goal is to maintain a balance between working as a professional dancer and getting to share those experiences with all of his students through his teachings so that the dancers will have the tools to be prepared for their future as professionals.
MORGAN KELLY
BALLET , POINTE &
NUTCRACKER CHOREOGRAPHER
Morgan Kelly began dancing at an early age. She joined a competitive dance company at Elite Dance Center under the direction of Jillian Dudek. She had the opportunity to train at The Joffrey Academy of Dance in Chicago under the tutelage of Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik, former dancers of the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia. She later graduated from the Joffrey Academy’s pre-professional program.
While training at the Joffrey, Ms. Morgan performed in many full-length classical ballets such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, multiple Nutcrackers, The Spring Gala at the Roosevelt Theatre, and an original work by Alexei Kremnev, The BlueBird of Happiness.
Ms. Morgan danced ballet professionally with a touring company where she performed across the country dancing in multiple principle, soloist and corp de ballet roles. While touring, Ms. Morgan taught ballet and formerly directed a pre-professional division. Ms. Morgan spent time dancing at American Ballet Theatre while living in New York, as well as the Nashville Ballet and Indiana University.
Ms. Morgan is a graduate of Arizona State University. She is an ABT® Certified Teacher, having successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She is also a certified Pilates and Progressing Ballet Technique Instructor.
Ms. Morgan is currently the Ballet Master at Prestige Arts Company.
KEBRON POPLOUS
SELF DEFENSE, KICKBOXING,
STRENGTHING & FITNESS COACH
Kebron Poplous was born in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up playing sports all his life from football to basketball. He wrestled all 4 years of high school and 1 year in college at Minot State University. That’s when his passion for martial arts began. His first form of martial arts began with Brazilian jiu jitsu. He is now an amateur Mma fighter. “When I teach martial arts/self defense I want kids, teens, and adults to know that self defense is just not a use of techniques; It’s a state of mind, and it begins with the belief that you are defending.” Kebron also has aspirations of opening his own jiu jitsu Academy in the near future.
ALYSSA FRANCOEUR
HEAD TUMBLING & ACRO TEACHER, TECHNIQUE, JAZZ, CONTEMPORARY
& COMPANY CHOREOGRAPHER
Alyssa was born in Chicago Illinois and began her dance journey as a young adult. She has received awards for advanced technique, intensive tumbling, leadership skills and had the opportunity to be in the Joffrey Ballet Nutcracker. Alyssa has matured into a dedicated dancer and teacher who believes when you do anything for the sake of someone else, no matter how you feel physically or mentally, when that work is done out of love; all things are strengthened.
Alyssa chooses to show righteousness as a dance teacher and with faith reaps the rewards of seeing the kids grow as dancers. Alyssa continues to work diligently, teaching with care, and ensures the well being of others all while continuing to actively train in her own skills, Alyssa has won several awards with her choreography over the years and looks forward to growing together each season with her students.
HANNAH JOHNSON
JAZZ, MUSICAL THEATRE, TECHNIQUE
& COMPANY CHOREOGRAPHER
Hannah began her training at the age of three and hasn’t taken a day off since! Living in
the great city of Chicago, she is currently fulfilling her dream of being a full time educator and
choreographer for multiple award winning studios throughout the Midwest.
​
Hannah spent the last year extensively studying all styles of dance at the CLI
Conservatory under the direction of Teddy Forance and Martha Nichols. There she danced 40+ hours a week, working with massive names in the industry such as Chris Scott and Robbie Blue.
She also had the pleasure of being one of 18 students chosen to showcase their choreography in the winter show!​
Now, one year later, Hannah is back in her favorite city and back to doing what she loves
best - teaching and helping grow the future of the dance industry! She specializes in jazz,
musical theater, and contemporary, but loves teaching all styles. Throughout her classes, she
heavily focuses on not only technique and dance foundations, but confidence building and
empowerment through performance.
​
Hannah’s love for performing only grows stronger every day. Throughout her career she
has had the pleasure of being a dancer in films, galas, and concerts, as well as being the dance
caption and choreographer of numerous live theater productions.
​​
Hannah has been on multiple judging panels for 8 years now, and she cannot wait to be
inspired by all of the amazing dancers she gets the opportunity to work with this upcoming year!
DONNETTA "LILBIT" JACKSON
TAP
Donnetta "LilBit" Jackson is a versatile dance performer, instructor, choreographer, and actress. Born and raised on the Southeast Side of Chicago, IL, she began dancing at The Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre at the age of 7. At 11 years old, she became one of the original members of the prestigious M.A.D.D. Rhythms tap company, and later joined the Chicago Footwork crew, Creation Battle Clique / Creation Global. She choreographs for and performs with Grammy award-winning artist, Chance the Rapper. One highlight of her career is performing alongside Missy Elliot at the 2019 VMAs for her Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award performance.
Jackson , recently acknowledged as a sister with superpower for rolling out magazine, has also footworked internationally, for corporations like Nike and Jordan and has competed on Season 6 of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew with the Chicago FootworKINGz. Recently, Jackson appeared on the Fox/Hulu dance series, The Big Leap, as Tamra Smalls, was one of the lead dancers in the Red Hot Chili Peppers new video “The Drummer” & also created her own show called “A M.A.D.D Mixtape”!
JONATHAN BOSTELMAN
BALLET
Jonathan Bostelman began his dance journey in southern Indiana, where he trained under members of the Louisville Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and Dance Kaleidoscope. Immersed in a range of techniques—including Ballet, Graham, and Horton modern styles—he built a versatile foundation that shaped his artistic voice.
​
He went on to earn his BA in Dance from Belhaven University, where he not only performed but also enriched his artistry through studies in pedagogy, kinesiology, dance history, and production. Jonathan’s performing career led him to work with regional companies across the Midwest, where he rose to the rank of soloist. His journey has taken him to stages across the United States, including the Winspear Opera House (Dallas, TX), the Hult Center (Eugene, OR), and the Harris Theater (Chicago, IL).​
In addition to performing, Jonathan has cultivated a deep passion for teaching and mentorship. He has shared his expertise with professional companies through rehearsal directing and company classes, while also guiding students in preparation for competitions and performances. Whether coaching emerging artists or inspiring young dancers, Jonathan is dedicated to fostering not only technical excellence but also a lifelong appreciation for the artistry and discipline of dance.
PAUSE EDDIE
CHICAGO FOOTWORK
Hailing from Chicago, Pause Eddie began dancing at the age of 15 and has not looked back since. Out of options with no where to turn and eager to avoid the violence that plagued his neighborhood, Pause picked up dance as a creative outlet. What began as just a hobby, Pause quickly turned into a full fledged career teaching all over the US in studios such as Broadway Dance Center, Debbie Reynolds, Millennium Dance Complex, Kreativmndz and Hubbard Street just to name a few. On top of his various teaching credentials, Pause has performed on some of the biggest stages including Dancing With The Stars, VMAS w Missy Elliot, MTV’s ABDC, America’s Got Talent, World of Dance, Apollo, Mamby On The Beach, PitchFork, Lollapalooza, NBA & WNBA, Chance The Rapper’s Magnificent Coloring Day Tour, Nicki Minaj, Willo Smith, G Herbo, Rolling Loud, Redbull, Nike, Puma, Timberland, Potbelly's, & so much more.
Always remembering his roots, he constantly gives back to the community by training dancers through his company Creation. Pause has also donated his time to different local programs such as After School Matters, CHA, as well as teaching at low income/project areas to help encourage the youth to better their lives. His unwavering drive to keep pushing his art is motivated by his peers, friends and family, and the tragic death of his brother Kendall. Through all the sacrifice and struggle he hopes to show that with drive and positive energy!
DJ DUCE
CHICAGO FOOTWORK
DJ Duce is a passionate and creative individual who grew up in the vibrant neighborhood of Hyde Park, Chicago. My childhood was filled with art, culture, and music, thanks to my family's deep involvement in these fields. From jazz festivals to private events, I was constantly surrounded by artistic influences that shaped me into the person I am today.
My friends would describe me as outgoing, lit, crazy, spontaneous, hardworking, and always eager to explore new opportunities. These qualities have led me to some of my proudest accomplishments, such as becoming a DJ and working with various brands, expanding my network, gaining experience in acting and commercial development, and being a member of Creation Global.
As someone who values integrity, family values, good work ethic, empathy towards the less fortunate, and having strong confidence in one's craft, I strive to live my life according to these principles. I believe that without the support of the right individuals, things may move slower, but it doesn't mean we should quit. Sometimes pushing alone shows enough strength to attract the right people who understand our vision and journey.
Experienced in Hosting and as a Dj for high end and local events. Clubs, Festivals, pop shop setups and band setup at weddings and private events. I hope to continue growing both personally and professionally, using my talents and passions to inspire others and make a positive impact on the world. As I look back on my journey so far, I am grateful for all the experiences and people who have shaped me into the person I am today. With hard work, determination, and a little bit of craziness, I believe that anything is possible.
MILEY MELENDEZ
CHICAGO FOOTWORK
& HIP HOP
Miley Melendez was born and raised in Chicago. She started dancing at the age of 6, training in all genres but her specialty is hip hop and Chicago footwork. She is currently a proud member of a Chicago footwork crew called Creation Global. Miley was a part of a group called Immabeast in LA at a the age of 9. From there she went on to do several different dance jobs. She has danced for the Chicago BullS, Footlocker, Little John (music video), and currently she is a member of the WNBA dance team for the Chicago Sky woman’s basketball league. Miley has danced for Chance the rapper in his most recent music video and had the privilege to perform in New York this summer in the Monsters of hip hop show as an alumni for the Monsters Cast. Most recently Miley performed at the World Cultural fest in Washington DC as a main dancer for the 50th anniversary of hip hop show dancing in front of a crowd of 1 million people. Miley is not just a performer she is a competitive dancer and teacher. She loves teaching the younger dancers at Konquer Dance Company hip hop and footwork. Miley looks forward to the opportunities that the dance industry will continue to bring her each year.
STEPHANIE BEHLAND
COMPANY CHOREOGRAPHER
Stephanie was born in Homer Glen, Illinois and began her dance training at the age of two years old. She began dancing competitively at the age of ten and has trained with professional dance instructors at six different studios to broaden and diversify her dance repertoire. Stephanie is a graduate of Lockport Township High School where she was a member of the Lockport Varsity Dance Team, earning all-conference honors and receiving the Porter Pride Award her senior year. An elementary education major, she currently dances on athletic and academic scholarships with the University of St. Francis Fighting Saints Dance Team in Joliet, where she is a two-time NAIA All-American Honorable Mention dancer. Stephanie was invited to be a part of the Degas Ballet Society where she had a lead role as the witch in their ballet production of Hansel and Gretel. As a competitive dancer, she has received many awards and top three finishes throughout her dance journey in both the soloist and group categories. Her most memorable finishes were her 1stPlace finish in her age division and category for her solo performance at the Power of Dance Competition in 2019 and her hip hop group’s 2019 Grand National win at the Showstoppers Dance Nationals. This past summer, Stephanie completed an internship at the Walt Disney World in Florida as part of the Disney College Program, where she got to meet and work with people from all over the world. Her time there was amazing, and she was grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime experiences and opportunities she was given. Stephanie is humbled to be a part of her students’ dance journey at Konquer and thrilled to be able to ignite their passion for dance.
SAVANNAH STACH
PILATES
Savannah Stach is dedicated to helping individuals lead healthier lives through unlocking their physical potential and achieve a balanced, strong, and flexible body through the discipline of Pilates. Savannah brings a unique approach to the Pilates classroom due to her extensive ballet career. With over 12 years of dance experience, Savannah has seamlessly merged the principles of this art form with the science of Pilates, creating a unique and effective approach to physical well-being. During Savannah’s dance career she discovered her passion for fostering a harmonious connection between the mind and body which led her to pursue Pilates.
A recent graduate from Belhaven University, Savannah earned a BFA in Dance and is now dancing with Ballet 5:8’s company here in Orland Park. During her time in college Savannah had the opportunity to take Balanced Body’s Pilates certification course and grew in her understanding of anatomy, muscle engagement, and movement.
Savannah’s teaching style is focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where you can feel comfortable, no matter your skill level. Whether you're a beginner looking to build a stronger core or an experienced dancer hoping to refine your technique, she is here to guide you on your Pilates journey.
GIANNA PERNA
FRONT DESK, MINI TECHNIQUE, MINI HIP HOP & LYRICAL, PETITE TAP, ADULT CONTEMPORARY, & ADULT BOOTCAMP
Gianna started dance at the age of 10 at a local dance studio. She first trained in Hip Hop, Tap, and Jazz. She then moved to Konquer Dance Company at the age of 15. At Konquer, she began to train in every style as well as start her competitive dance career. Gianna graduated from Andrew High School, where she was a member on the dance team all four years. Along with dance she was involved in multiple clubs and activities.
Gianna is now attending North Central College and majoring in Biochemistry on a prepharmacy track. She couldn’t be happier to be working at Konquer, being around her dance family and continuing to pursue her career all at the same time.
NIK THOTA
HIP HOP &
ADULT HIP HOP
Nikhilesh (Nik) Thota is a Chicago-based teacher and choreographer who has developed his own style through independent study and self exploration. Beginning his dance career as an adult in a smaller town, he was one of few creatives in a tight community. Without many classes to train in, he had only his own mind to pull inspiration from. Deciding dance was a passion of his, he has since traveled all across the country to teach his art as well as train in various styles, with the goal of honing his craft to share with the community in the midwest. Although his focus remains on teaching, he has also choreographed for and danced for local and international aritsts such as Jeremih and The Sugar Hill Gang. He is a 2nd place World of Dance Champion and has been involved with many competition dance teams and studios in the midwest. He is also a former NBA Dancer for the Chicago Bulls. He currently directs The Forum Dance Company in Chicago.
JAY ROMERO
LATIN
Jessica Romero (Jay) was born and raised on the southwest side of Chicago. She is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago, where she received her bachelor's in Dance and she received her Masters in Sports Management from North Central College. She started dancing at Linda's Dance Studio at the age of four. From 1996 - 2005, Jay performed with the well-known Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago, which is where her passion for dance began. With her training at MFDC, she trained under Pepe Ovalle and Matie Ovalle. After her time with MFDC, she went on to train in Latin and Ballroom under Tommye Giacchino and other instructors at Chicago Dance.
​
Jay has performed with Movement Revolution Dance Crew, a hip-hop dance crew from the south side of Chicago where she trained with Monternez Rezell. She performed at various Chicagoland festivals with Movement Revolution, such as Dance Chicago, Dance Live, Chicago Choreographer's Ball, and many more. She returned to Latin in the social dance form with Chicago Bachata-Allstars where she was a 3-year member training under Zeke Ruvalcaba. With All-Stars, she had the opportunity to perform both locally and internationally at various salsa and bachata events where she has met and taken classes with other world-renowned Latin champions. She also competed at the World Salsa Summit with Evolucion Latina Dance Company where she won her first World Championship in the All-Female Bachata Shines division and placed second in the Coed Bachata Division.
​
Currently, she is one of the competitive directors for INNOVATION dance company, and the head coach for the Plainfield East Varsity Dance Team. Her versatile experience in dance helps her create well-rounded dancers that can become adaptable to any genre. Jay enjoys fusing different dance styles to create choreography that is unique and versatile. In the future she hopes to continue coaching dance at the collegiate or professional level emphasizing in game day entertainment and fan enagagment.
KAYLA KURNS
HIP HOP AND MODERN
Kayla ”Kay” Kurns is an artist, teacher, choreographer from Chicago, who began her dance career at the age of 7. Though she was initially self-taught, she later sought more formalized training, ballet, hip-hop, jazz, modern, West African, contemporary, tap, choreography and more. She trained and competed with Premiere Dance One Academy, Legacy Dance Ensemble and City Nation Studios. She started teaching dance at the age of 15 at numerous dance studios. Kayla holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Columbia College Chicago. She taught and works at various studios and conventions Chicago & in the South Suburbs like Chicago Multicultural Dance Center, Triple Threat Divas, Jo’s Footwork, City Nation Studios, Pulse Dance Company, Freedom of Movement, Konquer Dance Company and Activate Your Artistry Dance Convention. Kayla has performed throughout the United States working and teaching original choreography in films, music videos, local artists, dance magazines, and live performances. She has performed with Soliel and Chance The Rapper also starred in Ellie Banks music video.
ISAIAH REID
BOYS HIP HOP
​Isaiah Reid began dancing at 9 years old. A couple years after he started dancing recreationally, he started dancing competitively. His favorite style of dance is hiphop because he feels it’s the best way to express himself. He had also received the “Outstanding Dancer Award” in 2019 at The KAR dance convention in Chicago. Since joining Konquer about 4 years ago, he has grown so much as a dancer and is committed to keep on learning and growing.
He currently is staying home and attending Moraine Valley in hopes of becoming an X-ray technician while also keeping dance in his future! He is so happy to be able to continue on dancing with his dance family. He loves getting to share his passion of dance with students and can’t wait to see their growth throughout the year.