June 27 Instructors

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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

  • 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!

  • 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

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Amy Leonall

    Pro-Team Jazz

    Amy Feril, a Charlotte, North Carolina native, began dancing at age 2 and trained for 16 years at Miller Street Dance Academy, earning titles including Miss Dance of North Carolina and a Top Finalist at Miss Dance of America. She went on to study Dance Performance at Oklahoma City University, performing with the American Spirit Dance Company and Pep Dancers, and later served as a student director and choreographer.

    After graduating, Amy became a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, where she performed for five seasons, served as a three-year leader, and was featured in Show Group, performing nationwide with major artists. She also appeared on Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team (seasons 10–15) and was selected as Pro Bowl representative. She continued with the organization as a DCC All-Star for four years.

    Amy has performed professionally with Larrwell Productions and in various stage shows, and is a founding member of Texas Dance Masters Chapter 48. She now co-owns Eminence Dance Complex in Texas with her husband, where she shares her passion for dance through teaching and mentorship. She is excited to teach at Empower Jazz Project this summer.

  • 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