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, Kar, and Rainbow Competition. She currently teaches for the convention Activate Your Artistry. She loves to inspire and work with other dancers. Growing up Kailey was a part of companies such as Immabeast, Immabreathe, and The Bridge led by mentors in Los Angeles. 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 enjoys seeing the rewards as 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 for 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 graduated from a ten month conservatory program at CLI, extensively studying all styles of dance 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 her choreography featured in CLI’s winter show in 2024. 

Hannah 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 captain and choreographer of numerous live theater productions.
Hannah has been on multiple judging panels for 9 years now, and is now the director of staffing for a major competition circuit.
she cannot wait to be inspired by all of the amazing dancers she gets the opportunity to work with this upcoming year!
PAUSE EDDIE
CHICAGO FOOTWORK
Hailing from Chicago, Pause Eddie began dancing at the age of 15 and hasn’t looked back since. Growing up surrounded by limited options and determined to avoid the violence in his neighborhood, he turned to dance as a creative outlet—an escape that quickly evolved into a life-changing passion.
What started as a hobby soon became a full-fledged career. Pause has gone on to teach across the United States at some of the industry’s most respected studios, including Broadway Dance Center, Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, Millennium Dance Complex, KreativMndz, and Hubbard Street, among others.
In addition to his extensive teaching résumé, Pause has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages. His credits include Dancing with the Stars, the MTV Video Music Awards alongside Missy Elliott, MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, America’s Got Talent, World of Dance, The Apollo, and major festivals such as Mamby on the Beach, Pitchfork, and Lollapalooza. He has also performed for the NBA and WNBA, toured with Chance the Rapper on the Magnificent Coloring Day Tour, and worked with artists like A$AP Rocky, Nicki Minaj, Willow Smith, and G Herbo. His commercial work includes collaborations with major brands such as Red Bull, Nike, Puma, Timberland, and Potbelly’s.
Deeply rooted in his community, Pause is committed to giving back. Through his company, Creation, he trains and mentors dancers while also dedicating time to local programs such as After School Matters and the Chicago Housing Authority. He frequently teaches in low-income and underserved areas, using dance as a tool to inspire and uplift youth.
Driven by his passion, his community, and the memory of his late brother Kendall, Pause continues to push his artistry forward. Through every challenge and sacrifice, his mission remains the same: to prove that with drive, purpose, and positive energy, anything is possible.
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.
Works professionally as a DJ, host, and in event production for high-end and local events, including clubs, festivals, weddings, and mitzvahs. 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 many different studios. Throughout her years of dancing, she was invited to be a part of Degas Ballet Society focusing on ballet. 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 coveted Porter Pride Award her senior year. She received dance scholarships to dance in college with The University of St. Francis Fighting Saints Dance Team in Joliet, where she was named an NAIA First Team All-American and was named to the College Sports Communicators NAIA All-District Women's At-Large Team. Upon graduation, she became an assistant coach for the University of St. Francis Dance Team. As a competitive dancer, she has received many judges awards, overall finishes, and scholarships in both the soloist and group categories. Stephanie spent her final studio years dancing at Konquer Dance Company being a part of their competition team. She then started teaching classes at Konquer in 2021 and enjoys being able to teach a wide range of styles and work with all age groups. She loves choreographing competition group dances and solos because she is able to build such strong connections with those dancers and enjoys watching the dancers grow and create such special bonds with each other throughout the season. Outside of dance Stephanie has worked at Walt Disney World in Florida for three years, where she got to meet and work with people from all over the world. 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.
TERRI "BERRI" K. WOODALL
TAP
Terri “Berri” K. Woodall is a Chicago-based dancer, choreographer, educator, and arts administrator whose work sits at the intersection of concert dance, commercial performance, and cultural innovation. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (BFA, Dance Theatre), she has built a multifaceted career defined by performance excellence, creative leadership, and community impact.
She has performed with the internationally recognized Hiplet Ballerinas—an innovative company blending classical ballet and hip-hop —as well as Rize Pro-Elite and Joel Hall Dancers, with credits including Dipped in Versatility at The Auditorium Theatre and national television appearances on WGN.
Her choreographic work includes collaborations with Chance the Rapper (The Starline Listening Experience), alongside original works for The Chicago High School for the Arts and regional theater. A Trailblazer Award recipient, Terri also serves as Hiplet NEXT Company Manager and continues to impact the next generation as a leading educator across Chicago’s top training institutions.
GIANNA PERNA
FRONT DESK, MINI, PETITE & ADULT
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 in school studying pharmacy, with the hopes of one day becoming a cosmetic pharmacist! She couldn’t be happier to be working and dancing at Konquer, while 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, A$AP Rocky, 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 and he is the founder and director of The Forum Dance Company in Chicago.
JAY ROMERO
LATIN
Jay is a Chicago-based dancer, educator, choreographer, and coach passionate about developing well-rounded, confident dancers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Columbia College Chicago and a Master of Arts in Sports Management from North Central College. With over two decades of dance experience, Jay has taught and choreographed for competitive and recreational dancers of all ages, with an emphasis on technique, artistry, versatility, and performance quality. She strives to create a classroom environment where dancers feel challenged, supported, and empowered to explore their individuality. She hopes each class fosters confidence, curiosity, and a strong technical foundation that dancers can carry with them beyond the studio.
Jay has trained and performed across a diverse range of dance styles throughout her career, with teaching and choreography experience in Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Latin and technique. She currently teaches throughout the Chicagoland area and is on the convention faculty for Activate Your Artistry Dance Convention, while also serving as the Varsity Head Coach at Plainfield East High School.
KAYLA KURNS
HIP HOP AND MODERN
Kayla “Kay” Kurns is a Chicago-based artist, educator, choreographer, and director whose dance journey began at the age of seven. Initially self-taught, Kay later pursued formal training in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, modern, West African, contemporary, tap, choreography, and other dance disciplines. At just 15 years old, Kay began sharing her passion for dance as an educator, teaching at studios throughout Chicago and the South Suburbs. Her training and competitive experience includes Premiere Dance One Academy, Legacy Dance Ensemble, and City Nation Studios. She has since worked with organizations and studios including Chicago Multicultural Dance Center, Triple Threat Divas, Jo’s Footwork, City Nation Studios, Pulse Dance Company, Freedom of Movement, Konquer Dance Company, Austin Lo’ren and Activate Your Artistry Dance Convention.
Kay holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Columbia College Chicago. As a professional performer and choreographer, she has worked throughout the United States across film, music videos, dance publications, live performances, and commercial projects. Her performance credits include working with Soliel and Chance the Rapper, appearing in Ellie Banke music video, and serving as a guest artist for Black Legacy Dance Project in a production honoring Chance the Rapper. Kay has also performed as a principal dancer with Theater 47 Company, appearing in the theatrical productions Phyllis Hyman and The Michael Jackson Experience. Her creative work also extends into choreography and direction, serving as a choreographer and director for Austin Lo’ren Dance Studio.
In addition to her work as a performer and educator, Kay has built a career in dance fashion and commercial artistry. She has been a model for Dance Revolution Wear for five years and is currently signed with Bravo Talent Agency.
Through her multifaceted work as an artist, educator, choreographer, and director, Kay continues to create meaningful experiences through movement while inspiring dancers to develop their artistry, confidence, individuality, and connection to dance.
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.
MARCUS WILLIAMS
TUMBLING
Marcus Williams is a professional athlete, acrobat, and tumbling coach with over 10 years of experience in coaching. He currently performs with the Chicago Bulls’ acrobatic dunk team as well as The Jesse White Tumbling Team and has been featured in major events including multiple NBA All-Stars, NBA House Brazil, and the WNBA All-Star halftime performance with international artist Tyla.
As a coach, Marcus has trained athletes across multiple levels and has helped develop numerous state and national champions. He has coached at respected programs including Woodward and NashCamp and has spent the past several years traveling across the country teaching tumbling, acrobatics, and performance skills.
Marcus is passionate about growing the sport, developing the next generation of athletes, and helping athletes reach their highest potential both in competition and performance.
AVEREY BARTLEY
BALLET
Averey Bartley is a ballet dancer and dance instructor based in both New York City and Chicago. Some of her recent credits include La Bayedere, Swan Lake, Paquita, La Vivandiere, Chopinana, Giselle, as well as New York Stories and Joplin with Chevalier Ballet Company— New York City. This year, Averey is thrilled to be joining Ballet 5:8 as a Post-Graduate dancer. Alongside her credits with Chevalier and her work as a college student, Averey is also on staff with Activate Your Artistry Dance Convention, where she teaches and assists convention ballet classes. Averey is also currently a student at Northeastern University, where she double majors in Dance Pedagogy and Psychology, with a focus on Child Psychology.
EVA VILLAGOMEZ
TAP
Eva is a young, high‑energy instructor who connects effortlessly with today’s generation of dancers. Born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, she began dancing at age 6 and nearly a decade later has grown into a versatile performer skilled in tap, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet and Chicago footwork.
​
Now in her 6th season as a competitive dancer with Konquer Dance Company (Orland Park), Eva’s growth has been fast and fearless. In her very first season, she earned 1st place overall (petite division) at Legacy Dance Championships Nationals with her lyrical solo, “Chandelier.” By her third season at just 12 years old she advanced into the studio’s highest‑level competitive groups in contemporary and hip hop, and she has continued to thrive in advanced level groups ever since. Each year, she performs in five or more competition routines, receives multiple judges’ awards and accolades, and loves jumping into concept videos whenever she can.​
​
At age 15, Eva stepped confidently to the front of the room into the role of instructor, teaching both beginner tap and competitive beginner tap at her home studio. Her existing passion for tap deepened after training at the Chicago Tap Summit with M.A.D.D. RHYTHMS, where she studied under renowned faculty an experience that cemented tap as one of her favorite genres and inspired her to share it with younger dancers.
​
In the classroom, Eva’s teaching style is upbeat, encouraging, and technique‑driven. She blends strong tap fundamentals and musicality with relatable music, clear explanations, and creative drills that make learning fun. Her approach focuses on building confidence through small wins, positive feedback, and an environment where students feel comfortable trying, exploring, and growing. Eva’s goal is simple: spark a lifelong love of tap and soon expand into teaching additional beginner genres so every dancer who enters her class discovers their rhythm, their voice, and joy in movement.
