Summer 2026 EVENT DETAILS
When?
June 27th from 9am-4pm
July 25th from 9am-4pm
Where?
Norris Conference Center
816 Town & Country Blvd #210
(Houston’s City Centre)
Park on the third floor of the garage - the entrance is INSIDE the parking garage. It will be marked with balloons. You can also park on the street and ride the escalator up to the venue above Anthropologie
What’s Offered?
Full Day of Jazz (9am-4pm) for ages 9+
Half Day of Jazz (9:45am-1:30pm) for ages 7-8
Single Day Pricing
9+ Dancer Pass: $175 (earlybird $150)
7-8 Dancer Pass: $85 (earlybird $75)
Dancing Teacher Pass: $85
Full Day Observer Pass: $30
Morning Only Observer Pass: $15
2-Day bundle Pricing
9+ Dancer Pass: $300
7-8 Dancer Pass: $150
Dancing Teacher Pass: $150
Full Day Observer Pass: $55
Morning Only Observer Pass: $25
June 27 Instructors
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Jessie Irby
Precision Jazz
Jessie Irby has been a proud member of the legendary Radio City Rockettes for 14 years. At just 18 years old, she booked her dream job as a Rockette, and since then, her career has been marked by incredible milestones, including performing in some of the company's most iconic shows, such as the Christmas Spectacular, Mia Michael's New York Spectacular, and Warren Carlyle's New York Spring Spectacular.
After only two years with the Rockettes, Jessie was invited to take on the role of a swing, a testament to her versatility and skill, at just 20 years old. Over the years, she has showcased her talents in numerous high-profile events, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Today Show, Live with Kelly and Ryan, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, The Tony Awards, Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas One and All!
Tour, and Michael Buble's Christmas Special.
In addition to her performance credits, Jessie has served as Dance Captain for multiple special events and has been an integral part of Rockette educational programs, including Rockette Fundamentals and the Rockette Summer Intensive.
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Claire Wolford
Pro-Team Jazz
Claire Wolford is a Lincoln, Nebraska native. She spent four years cheering for the Dallas Cowboys and is a current Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader all-star. In her time as a cheerleader, she was a leader, traveled to South Korea to perform for the USO, and performed with artists like Dolly Parton, Jonas Brothers, Luke Combs, Queen and Kane Brown. She was featured on Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders as well as CMT’s DCC Making The Team. Prior to cheering, Claire competed and won Bronze 2x with the Arizona State University Dance Team at the Universal Dance Association National Competition and danced for the University of Nebraska Scarlets. She is a pilates instructor and the host of her own podcast, Sweet As Honey. Claire has an incredible passion for teaching and building up the next generation of professional dancers! -
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Elliott Mattox
Character Jazz
Elliott Mattox is a Broadway performer and accomplished choreographer. You may have seen him in Tammy Faye, Beetlejuice and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Broadway or off-Broadway in Titaníque and Lights Out: Nat King Cole. He has performed around the country at the MUNY, Ogunquit Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre, Music Theatre Wichita, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Riverside Theatre, Cape Playhouse and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. Elliott was the Rehearsal Choreographer for Beetlejuice in Seoul, South Korea. He has directed many solo shows in New York as well as choreographed music videos for Evie Joy, The Ensemblist, and The Arthur Miller Foundation. Elliott is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a musical theatre degree. @elliottmattox
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Jessie Peltier
Broadway Jazz
Jessie is a Broadway performer, most recently seen in the ensembles of Back to the Future: The Musical and SMASH. Before making her Broadway debut, she spent four wonderful years traveling the country with the First National Tour of Frozen the Musical, where she served as Swing and Assistant Dance Captain. Some favorite regional credits include productions at The MUNY, Music Theatre Wichita, Theatre Under the Stars, Shakespeare Theatre Company, and Pittsburgh CLO. Jessie’s love of jazz and theater dance began at an early age. Through her younger years, she trained and performed with the Encore Theatrical Arts Project, with whom she had the opportunity to travel abroad and perform in Spain and Greece. Jessie earned her Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance Performance from Oklahoma City University in 2016. She is thrilled to bring her love for theater to Empower jazz this summer!
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Pete Simpson
Disney Jazz
Pete Simpson is a versatile performing artist and decorated coach who creates harmony through his blend of artistry and athletics. With over 15 years of experience fueled by his passion for dance and cheerleading, he has garnered international recognition and accolades.
His talent, vivacious energy, strong work ethic, and keen eye for aesthetics have opened doors for him to collaborate with remarkable individuals in roles such as creative consultant, adjudicator, featured dancer, and more.
Pete’s journey has taken him around the globe with the Walt Disney Company, including Disney Cruise Line and Tokyo Disney Resort, and serving as Dance Captain for Royal Caribbean Productions. Additionally, he has appeared in televised specials and commercials on ABC, Food Network, and Disney Channel, with his work featured in print and online editorials, including the Spring/Summer 2012 Oscar de la Renta
“Ready-To-Wear” Fashion Show. Recently, Pete made program history by leading Stetson University’s Division 1 Cheerleading Team to the 2025 UCA College Finals.
July 25th Instructors
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Leah Read
Commercial Jazz
Leah Read is an Oklahoma native and a Pace University Commercial Dance Alumni. Her favorite credits include dancing for Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Fallon, The Heart of Rock and Roll (Broadway), Rock of Ages (Off-Broadway and Las Vegas), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon), & dancing back up for Wyclef Jean.
Leah was most recently seen in the pre Broadway run of Empire Records and dancing for Disney’s Upfronts! Along with performing she teaches dance and acting internationally and sets choreography for all ages and occasions. Leah is over the moon to share her love of jazz at Empower Jazz Project! Let’s boogie! -
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Michael Mccarthy
Giordano Jazz
Michael McCarthy, a native of Worcester, Mass., holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree in Dance from Oklahoma City University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Dance from Montclair State University. McCarthy performed as a dancer, dance captain and aerialist onboard Royal Caribbean Cruises before shifting his focus to dance education. Michael has taught for studios and conventions across the country and continues to develop his educational practices with certifications in American Ballet Theatre's National Teaching Curriculum, Acrobatic Arts and the Nan Giordano Certification Program. He is a member of Dance Masters of America Chapter 5. Michael currently choreographs for OCU’s STAR Dance Company and Mainstage productions.
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Dr. Chloe Roberts
Luigi Jazz
Dr. Chloé Grace Roberts (she/her) is a New York City-based dancer, educator, and choreographer. She is the resident choreographer for Nebula Dance Lab, and the associate artistic director for the New York City branch of Selah Dance Collective. She was a 2021 Franco-American Fulbright Scholar, is a certified Luigi Technique teacher, and holds a PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Dr. Roberts is a faculty member at Steps On Broadway in New York City where she teaches classes in contemporary, jazz, and theater jazz styles.
Roberts has choreographed and performed internationally for the past 15 years in both dance and theater productions. Dr. Roberts travels nationally and internationally as a dance educator and adjudicator. She is a judge and member of Impact Dance Adjudicators, as well as a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association. She is represented by Lakey Wolff at Lakey Wolff & Co in NYC. -
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Caleb Dicke
Character Jazz
Caleb is ecstatic to be sharing his love of JAZZ with dancers in the Houston area. Originally from a dairy farm in Ohio, he graduated from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelors Degree in Dance Performance and now calls New York City home! His past performances span The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, Off-Broadway, regional theaters across America, as well as, on HBOMax, Netflix, and the BBC.Caleb’s choreography is rooted in jazz, driven by storytelling, and shaped by rich character development. He was recently the associate choreographer for MATILDA & WAITRESS at Music Theatre Wichita, Movement Director for KATE HUNDLEY’S RESORT 2024 fashion runway, and an assistant choreographer to Billy Griffin for BROADWAY BARES 2023. He teaches/choreographs at various studios around the United States, including Steps on Broadway in NYC, and works with Impact Dance Adjudicators for judging and master classes at dance competitions. Caleb is currently represented with the bicoastal agency: The Movement. IG: @CalebDicke
““Empower Jazz Project is truly one of the best dance events my daughter has ever attended. From the moment she walked into the room, it was clear that this experience is genuinely dance focused, not about hype, or competition, but about artistry, growth, and passion for the craft. ”
The first of its kind!
Empower Jazz Project is a high-energy, technique-driven jazz dance experience designed to inspire and elevate dancers. Rooted in the rich tradition of classical jazz, our workshops fuse the precision of technique with the power of performance, giving dancers the tools they need to shine.
Led by industry professionals—from Broadway performers to pro sports team dancers, cruise ship entertainers, top tier professional educators, and Radio City Rockettes—our faculty brings real-world expertise and unmatched passion to every class. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, expand your artistry, or connect with a community that shares your love of jazz, Empower Jazz Project is where dancers thrive.
Join us for an unforgettable experience that blends technical excellence with expression!
"Best dance event my daughter has ever attended! Informative, inspiring, intense, and fun!"
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"Best dance event my daughter has ever attended! Informative, inspiring, intense, and fun!" ~
Ready to dance?
FAQs
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FAQs *
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EJP is a high-energy, technique-driven dance intensive designed to challenge and inspire dancers. Led by top industry professionals, our workshops focus on jazz-based styles, performance quality, and building confidence.
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The intensive will take place at Houston’s CityCentre on June 27th and July 25th
This is currently a one-day event for each date
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We have a half day option for dancers age 7-8 (3 classes)
We have a full day option for dancers age 9+ (5 classes)
Dance teachers may observe with an observer pass, or purchase a “Dancing Teachers Pass” to take class in any room, plus have access to 2 teacher-only classes.
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Every workshop will have rotating styles, all under the genre of jazz dance. In the past we have featured the following styles:
Broadway
Character
Commercial
Pro-Team
Precision (Rockette)
Disney
Luigi
We look forward to adding new styles this summer!
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One class with each industry professional
Q&A session
One free EJP Giveaway! (TBD)
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Click the Registration button at the top of the page, or scroll to the bottom!
Select the age you’d like to register for and then solidify the date you’re attending (or select the option of both dates)
Fill out the registration form and “add to cart”
If you have a discount code, that can be applied at checkout
Only one code per customer
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Full-day observers have access to observe class all day, PLUS a dance parent round table Q&A happening in the afternoon ($30)
Morning-only observers have access to watch 7-8 yr old classes ($15)
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The Dancing Teacher pass is available to dance teachers age 21+ who want to take class at a discounted rate. A teacher pass allows you to take class from any room PLUS two teacher-only classes happening in the afternoon.
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Lunch is scheduled to be 30 minutes.
Dancers may pack their own lunch or pick something up from the shopping center
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A full refund is available for cancellations made on or before May 1st
After May 1st, a 50% refund will be issued for cancellations made at least 14 days before the event.
No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 14 days of the event, except in cases of emergency, at the discretion of Empower Jazz Project
Want to stay tuned with Empower Jazz updates, discounts, and giveaways?
Follow @EmpowerJazzProject on Instagram
About the owner
Emily Tanner is a professional dancer, teacher, judge, choreographer, NASM personal trainer, and cat lover from Houston, Texas. From the very beginning, dancing has been her one true passion.
Emily considers herself to be a bit of a mutt in the dance world (showing that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard!). Taking little bits of education, training, and experience from numerous places (high school drill teams, fine arts schools, zillions of dance studios, conventions, competitions, college, professional jobs, auditions), she has a vast amount of knowledge on most facets of the dance world.
After spending four years at Oklahoma City University, she graduated cum laude with a degree in dance performance. Immediately, she moved to New York and was cast as a Radio City Rockette six weeks later. After a whirlwind experience kicking eye-high at Radio City, she has expanded into other areas of the dance world.
Emily has performed for Theatre Under the Stars, Royal Caribbean, Oceania Cruise Lines, The US Air Force Band, and Michael Buble. She’s performed as a swing, dance captain, in the ensemble, in featured dance roles, and occasionally leading vocal roles. Performing in CATS! aboard the world’s largest cruise ship for a year in the Caribbean was one of her favorite memories.
To compliment her love of performing, Emily is hugely passionate about teaching dance. Since leaving the performing world, Emily has taught full time in Houston, TX. She has been the Middle School Dance Teacher at Duchesne Academy for the past four years and guest teaches at various studios in the Houston area.
