Groundworks Dance Co. 

Owner and creative director for Groundworks Dance Company,

Giovanni Allen’s career spans elite training in NYC and LA. Gio has choreographed for the alternative rock band Kaleo, for the Barcelona International Course of Dance in Spain, and the Greece Dance Festival. His career includes an ensemble role in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, judging for SouldeSoul Dance Convention and Pedestrian Dance Movement, as well as for a number of professional dance teams and companies. 

This is Gio's ninth season as the owner and creative director for Groundworks Dance Company. ​

Co-creative director

Kaili Bright has built a career defined by versatility, high-energy performances, and a commitment to nurturing future dancers. Represented by the Bloc Talent Agency, Kaili has performed with Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Pink, Jennifer Lopez, and Jason Derulo.  She has danced for award shows including The Grammys, the Billboard Awards, Radio Disney Music Awards, as well as at Coachella.. Kaili was the associate artistic director for the Joffrey Ballet School full-time Trainee program, and has worked with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.

Maleek is a sought-after national and international teaching artist at Broadway Dance Center, MOVE|NYC|, Joffrey Ballet School, LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, and Brent Street in Australia. He created the 2022 “Big Nas MasterClass” commercial and video for rapper Nas, and has performed in projects for Sia, Phish, and Rihanna.

Haley Whitman is a professional ballet dancer and instructor whose career spans elite training programs, guest performances, and teaching roles. Haley began her dance journey at Murphy Dance Studio in Albany, Georgia, and was a lead performer with Ballet Theatre South, portraying roles such as Alice in Alice in Wonderland, Clara in The Nutcracker, and Jasmine in Arabian Nights. She is currently on company with Ballet Papillon.

​Claude Alexander III is a dance artist, choreographer, educator, and rehearsal director known locally for his 12-year tenure with Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT), His works have been presented at major national festivals, including: Jacob’s Pillow, SummerStage NYC, Battery Dance Festival, White Bird Dance Festival, International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference, and International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Claude has served as choreographic assistant to Bridget L. Moore for projects with Ailey II and Bruce Wood Dance, 

Misty Rascon Smith is a professional dancer and choreographer.. She has worked on music videos, commercials, television, live performances, and print media, collaborating with high-profile artists such as Natasha Beddingfield, Janelle Monae, Vanessa Hudgens, Kirk Franklin, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, and Daniel Powter. She has appeared in national commercials for brands like Sunkist, Pepsi, and Nike, and has performed in award shows including the American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, and Latin Grammys.

She is a judge for the Encore Performing Arts dance competition.