HDI Faculty

Chi Lopes--JAZZ FUNK, FUSION, & COMMERCIAL DANCE
Chi has been pro-dancing for over 20 years and choreographing for 15+ years in Los Angeles & Nashville. Credits include Justin Timberlake, Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Mike Meyers, Jake Owen, Kenny Chesney, Lenny Kravitz, Natalie Grant, Tom Jones, Heather Locklear, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Vanessa Hudgens, Blake Shelton, Kid Rock, and four tours with Paul McCartney. Chi has also performed on and represented: Grammy’s, Emmy’s, VMA’s, CMA’s, CMT Awards, America’s Got Talent, CSI, Nickelodeon, Fruit of the Loom, Haagen Daz, Dom Perignon, Nike, GMC, Maybelline, Redken and more. She was even named one of the TOP TEN Commercial Dancers in L.A. by Dance Track Magazine. She most recently finished working on the film “Megalopolis” directed by Francis Ford-Coppola.

Chi's choreography credits include: Lauren Daigle’s World Tour, ACM Awards with Carrie Underwood & CeCe Winans, Marin Rylee, Juliana Hale, Jake Owen on Real Country, Styled By William Commercial, Ringling Bros Barnum&Bailey Circus, Danny Gokey, Dollar General, Ally Bank, Bellissimo Dance Boutique, Krystal Meyers on the Revolve Tour, Harrah’s Casino, Alanna "17" Music Video, and Wyndham Bahamas Resort.

Chi has authored her book, “Touring with a Beatle”, where she describes her journey to LA, the thrill of being hired by Paul McCartney, and all the excitement of touring the world with one of the most famous musicians of all time!
You can find Chi on her youtube channel at “Shy Dance Productions” giving career adice to dancers all over the world.

Elliott Lopes--PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER
Elliott, the IT photographer in Nashville TN, has been a creative from the start. Moving to Nashville he attended MTSU where he trained in Music Education as a percussionist. Shortly after joining college he was offered a touring gig which lead to many more music gigs thereafter. Elliott also became a music engineer and was working on many local albums during this time. During his music career he also joined forces with a production company where he works as a social media manager, sound engineer, editor and producer for legendary Country music artists on the variety TV show called "Larry’s Country Diner." Seven years ago Elliott rekindled his love for photography and also dove into videography. Now, Elliott is an established Nashville photographer shooting many artists, brands, portraits and street photography. He most recently has shot for MEOW WOLF art exhibit and the SAKS 5th Ave X Dior "Carousel of Lights" in NYC. Married to the creator of HDI, Chi Lopes, Elliott has had a pivotal role in the development and creative vision of Hollywood Dance Intensive. 👏🏼

(Elliott has been shooting dancers from all over as well as our HDI photoshoots the past 7 years and is one of the dancers favorite parts of the HDI experience 📸 💯)

Charity Baroni-Litzenberg--COMMERCIAL DANCE, HIP HOP, HEELS
Charity was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She moved to Los Angeles in 2008, hustled hard, built relationships, and thrived in the entertainment industry as a professional background dancer for almost a decade! She performed and toured with artists such as Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift all over the world, and also performed with artists such as Beyoncé in music videos, live performances with Flo Rida, danced on the Grammys with Katy Perry, and more. She performed on multiple live shows and awards shows, Billboard music awards, MTV movie awards, X Factor, CMT Awards, Radio Disney Awards, Cowboys Thanksgiving halftime show, SYTYCD Australia, and Buzzfeed to name a few.
She learned and experienced a tremendous amount during her time-based in LA and journeyed back home to Nashville to share her professional experiences in her choreography, teaching and mentoring other dancers, as well as performance coaching artists. Her choreography credits include working with Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Sara Evans, Mitchell Tenpenny, Zayn, and more. She has also worked with and taught the USA women’s gymnastics national and Olympic teams as their dance teacher at national team camps and has choreographed several of the gymnast’s floor routines.
Now that she is back in Nashville, she pursued mental health and education, received her BA in Counseling, and is a licensed and certified counselor, choreographer, teacher, and new mom. Through her experiences, she has learned how to hold onto truth, boldness, light, and fun and reminds people pursuing arts and entertainment to focus on the importance of mental and emotional health. She does this especially when sharing her passion for dance and life in the entertainment industry with others!

William Harris III--Jazz, Jazz-Funk, Contemporary
William was born and raised in Nashville, TN where he attended Nashville School of the Arts and after graduating he was hand picked by Debbie Allen to attend the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. He has worked with artists such as Chaka Chan, Queen Latifah, CeCe Winans, Tichina Arnold, and Herby Hancock. Several of his assistant credits include FOX’s hit show “So You Think You Can Dance” working with choreographers Tessandra Chavez and Tyce Diorio. Film credits include Chinese 3D movie Gone With The Bullets, choreographed by Keith Young and Netflix’s film “A Week Away”. Tour credits include, GLEE’S first national tour as a Vocal Adrenaline dancer. William also spent 4 years dancing and touring Japan with JPOP megastars. He eventually went on to choreograph for several of international gigs. William has shared the stage with Broadway legend Jennifer Holiday in a production of Sophisticated Ladies. He also performed in a production of Singin’ In The Rain. William has had the opportunity to work with companies such as Cabi, Harley Davidson, Reebok, and Toyota. He’s appeared on TV shows like The Late Late Show w/James Corden’s Primetime Special, USA’s Real Country, and “A Black Lady Sketch Show” on HBO. He can also be heard in NPT’s documentary Solider & Citizen, doing voiceover work. He has appeared in commercials with Kathie Lee Gifford for TAKL, Noelle Hotel by Marriott, and Criket Wireless. Television credits include, CMT Awards with Walker Hayes and ABC’s CMA Country Christmas, and Dancing with Neil Patrick Harris at the Oscars.

Joy Spears--CONTEMPORARY, COMMERCIAL DANCE, HIP HOP
Joy started her professional career in 2006, as one of the top 10 female dancers on season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance. After a successful commercial dance career in Los Angeles, Joy now resides in Nashville where she started her professional choreography career. She served as the Choreographer on the final season of the ABC/CMT TV show, “Nashville” and is now one of the most sought-after dancers and choreographers in Music City. Some artists on her roster include; Thomas Rhett, Walker Hayes, Kelsea Ballerini, Maddie & Tae, RaeLynn, Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, RaeLynn, Kassi Ashton, Danielle Bradbery, Kelleigh Bannen, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, LoCash, Blanco Brown, Brantley Gilbert, Reba McEntire, Dierks Bentley(as well as Hot Country Knights), Madeline Edwards, Tenille Arts, Lauren Alaina, Chris Lane, Lee Brice, Little Big Town, Lucie Silvas, Tyler Hubbard, Leslie Jordan and many more including “Mister Worldwide”, Pitbull.
As a performer, Joy has also danced alongside artists such as Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Paula Abdul, Pharrell, Pitbull, Will.i.am, Fall Out Boy, Kat Graham, Priyanka Chopra, and DJ Havana Brown. . She teaches weekly at Millennium Dance Complex Nashville, as well as several other studios local and nationwide.

Jasmine Harper --JAZZ, PERFORMANCE
Jasmine was born in Rochester, New York. She began dancing at the age of 3 at a local studio, where she studied the styles of tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, musical theater, and contemporary. At the age of 13, Jasmine moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where she attended North Carolina Dance Theater to further her training in ballet. After graduating high school in 2011, she signed to Xcel Talent Agency. Jasmine relocated to Atlanta, Ga to begin her career as a professional dancer. While training in Atlanta under some of Atlanta's most well known choreographers, Jasmine's career took off. She began dancing as a background dancer for artist, Ciara. Soon after she competed on the reality dance show So You Think You Can Dance Season 10. The show was a great platform for Jasmine. Since then she has worked with recording artists such as Usher, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Ne-yo and Jasmine has completed two major tours with Beyoncé. She continues to perfect her craft and expand her knowledge and skill as a dancer, while living out her dream.

Richy Mon--HIP HOP
Richy is a professional dancer, instructor, and choreographer based in Nashville, TN. He has performed on various stages and venues ranging from Dolly Parton and Keith Urban’s Academy of Country Music Awards performances choreographed by Nappytabs & Chase Bowden, to The Today Show’s Citi Concert Series with Walker Hayes, to events such as End Alz with Kelleigh Bannen & NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick.
Richy has been featured in several music videos, most notably Tyler Hubbard’s “Dancing in the Country” featuring Terry Crews. He also worked with Tanya Tucker as a featured dancer in her Paramount debut film, “A Nashville Country Christmas”.
As a choreographer, Richy has choreographed for many music videos, most recently with Nashville recording artist, ONOLEIGH for her single, "Why Can't We Dance" as well as Maggie Rose's single "Fake Flowers" where he choreographed & performed in the music video. He has also choreographed for dance studios and dance teams across the Midwest, most notably with IHSDTA. Additionally, he travels the United States with several organizations as both an instructor and adjudicator.
While still performing, Richy continues to share his creativity and passion for teaching and choreography with Nashville at his weekly class at Millennium Dance Complex as well as run his videography company, INTN Films.

Riley Goudy--HIP HOP
Riley, (2018 HDI Alum) is a professional dancer, fitness coach, dance teacher, and arts administrator! Riley grew up dancing in the Chicagoland area then moved to Nashville in 2015, where she continued her training at DC Dance Factory (under instruction of Nick Bass, Merissa Gassel, Geralyn Del Corso Garner, Chi Lopes, and more), and kickstarted her pre-professional career. In April 2023, Riley graduated from Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts with her BFA in Dance, concentrating in jazz. During her time at Point Park, Riley got the privilege to train under Kiesha Lalama, Crystal Frazier, and Kiki Lucas as well as work in residencies with Candace Brown and Rennie Harris. Now in her professional career, Riley has been blessed with opportunities to dance alongside artists, Jelly Roll (CMA Awards 2023), Danielle Bradbery (“Sway” Music Video) and Tauren Wells (K-Love Fan Awards 2022).
In addition, Riley is evolving her career with teaching and choreography- setting many works on the George Rowland White Performance Center stage in Pittsburgh, PA and leading weekly hip-hop classes for Impulse at Point Park University. Today, she can be found teaching open hip-hop classes and choreographing competitive routines for numerous studios across the country. Riley has proficiently trained in all styles, but her biggest passions are in teaching hip-hop, house techniques, jazz, and strength/conditioning for dancers. Riley has been able to bring her love for dance into teaching at studios such as, All-Bright Dance Stars (Monroeville, PA), ROOTS Dance Academy (Franklin, TN), AREA 54 (Franklin, TN) and DC Dance Factory (Franklin, TN). Outside of dance, you can find Riley coaching fitness classes at Pure Barre as well as Co-Hosting her own podcast, “Dancer’s Choice.” Riley is so excited to continue her career performing, teaching, and coaching across the US and cannot wait to see where the Lord calls her next!

Nick Bass--HIP HOP (Open Events Only)
Though originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Nick Bass has spent most of his working career in Los Angeles, CA. Nick has worked with Michael Jackson, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, NeYo, Beyonce, Ciara, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Prince, Madonna and many others. Nick has performed at multiple events including the Grammy's, the Superbowl, Saturday Night Live, Will & Grace, TRL, The View, Good Morning America, Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Ellen, The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, X-Factor, American Idol, and So You Think You Dance. He has been a part of world tours like Justin Timberlake's "Future, Sex, Love Show" and Janet Jackson's "Rock Witch U", in which he was an additional choreographer. Also in his long list of accolades are rehearsals with Michael Jackson for his sold out 50 show production "This Is It". Nick can be seen in the "This Is It" documentary that hit theatres in 2009.

Jordan Grace--HIP HOP (Open Events Only)
Jordan was born and raised in Nashville, TN. She began dancing at the age of 14 at DC Dance Factory. After graduating high school, Jordan moved to Atlanta to follow her dreams of pursuing a career as a Professional Dancer. She has since choreographed for Walmart, Sherwin Williams, Harrahs Resort & Casino Residency Shows as well as danced behind major recording artists such as Justin Bieber, Blake Shelton, Dan & Shay, Pitbull, Paramore, etc. She has appeared in multiple nationwide commercials and films for Disney, Coca Cola, Cartoon Network and live musical performance in Tyler Perry’s “You Don’t Know Me” and more. Jordan now lives and operates her company, AREA 54, in Franklin, TN alongside her husband, Luis, and daughter, Ari.

Solace Hough--PERFORMANCE, FUSION, HEELS
Solace is a professional dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, movement coach/instructor, and stunt performer. During her career, she has split time between Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Nashville. She is an original faculty member of Immerse Artists Experience, and currently resides in Nashville where she is a part of the core faculty of Millennium Dance Complex Nashville.
Solace got her start in the entertainment industry after moving to Los Angeles when she signed a contract to dance for Helene Fischer in Germany. After completing this contract, Solace toured domestically and internationally as a stunt woman portraying the role of Storm in the Marvel Universe LIVE! tour and as a Top 10 Finalist of So You Think You Can Dance Season 15. Additionally, she has had the opportunity to perform with Taylor Swift at the Billboard Music Awards; Mary J. Blige at the BET Awards; Prince Royce, Farruko, PitBull, and Gloria Trevi at the Latin AMAs; Thomas Rhett at the CMT Awards; CMT Country Christmas; and in NBC Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas. She has performed in videos for artists such as John Legend, Todrick Hall, Jeremih, and Galen Hooks. Solace was also a featured dancer in Crown Royal’s “If You Want Me To Stay” national commercial. Solace proudly originated the role of Ruby in May We All The Musical.
Solace’s improvisation classes are one of a kind and best known as “Authenticity in Movement” (“A.I.M.”), where she guides dancers on fine-tuning their inner voice & translating it into movement. It is important to her that dancers focus on the intention and integrity of the movement. She enjoys catering to the genuine expression of every student and loves helping HDI dancers connect to the deepest parts of themselves through movement and music.

Marin Rylee--JAZZ-FUNK, JAZZ
Marin, a dynamic force in the world of professional dance, was born and raised in Los Angeles. Currently calling Nashville, TN her artistic home, Marin has emerged as a highly sought-after dancer, leaving a mark on stages across the nation. At the age of 16 Marin connected with Jackie Sleight and Christian Vincent through the dance convention LA Dance Magic, a company she’s toured with ever since. Marin Rylee has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry including Dolly Parton, Kane Brown, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Jimmy Fallon, and Miley Cyrus. Beyond live performances, Marin's talents extend to the realms of film, television, music videos, and print work. Marin is also a member of the Los Angeles Jazz Company which is, “committed to carrying forward the legacy of jazz dance; its roots, its future, and its influence on the world.”

Malia Gearheart--DANCE TEAM, JAZZ, CONTEMPORARY
With over 22 years of dance experience, Malia continues to be an active member of the dance community in the Nashville area. Originally from Nashville, TN, she trained under the guidance of the award-winning DC Dance Factory and their amazing staff. Malia is extensively trained in contemporary, jazz, acro, ballet, and hip hop. Malia went to the University of Kentucky and was on their dance team for 2 years.
She has choreographed for dance teams as well as several studios in the Nashville area. Malia appeared in Old Dominion's debut video "Break Up with Him" and has worked in several other music videos. Starting from a young age, she has been assisting teachers since she was eight and has developed a passion for teaching all ages, from preschool to adults.
Malia interned and toured with Adrenaline and Revive Conventions as an ACE for two years. She also served as an assistant director in Austin, Texas, for Rise Dance Collective. Recently, Malia is a Nashville Lady Kats dancer for the Nashville Kats AFL Team. She is thrilled to be working for HDI.

Mckenna Mason--DANCE TEAM, PRO TEAM, JAZZ, CONTEMPORARY
McKenna was born and raised just outside of Detroit Michigan. She has been dancing for 20 years. Training at MSSD and Spotlight Danceworks Pre-Professional competition studio. Her professional career started with music videos for local artist Sofi K. She loved her time spent teaching Jazz, lyrical, and Hip Hop at Spotlight Danceworks, USPBL and The Stage Dance Academy to kids ages 6-15.
In May of 2022 McKenna moved to Nashville TN, to dance with the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders. Since moving, McKenna has trained under and been mentored by choreographers Joy Denver Spears, Marissa Milele and Chi Lopes, she also has danced with artists such as Danielle Bradbury, Walker Hayes and So So Fia.
McKenna’s excited to continue to train, dance, teach and begin her 3rd season cheering with the Titans.

Karynn Wright-Hough, originally from Buffalo, NY, Hough is the owner/agent of Fresh Talent Group. Fresh as it is commonly referred to, is a boutique agency that represents dancers, choreographers, actors, singers, and numerous specialty talents under the same brand. A graduate of Buffalo State College with a degree in journalism and an extensive background in marketing, graphic design, and publishing; Hough incorporated her knowledge of marketing and talent management to launch FTG in 2016.
As an agent, she works behind-the-scenes in the entertainment industry. "We are a boutique agency that is very hands-on from managing projects to negotiating gigs our primary goal is to create opportunities for our talent."
Hough feels her chief responsibility is to guide her talent's career path, in the areas of development, booking, networking, tax prep, and oftentimes just being a good friend.
She feels this is what makes "Fresh" different. "For us, it is not only about booking the job but cultivating longevity and guidance in the entertainment business."
Fresh Talent Group has made huge accomplishments in only 7years. To date, we have worked with some of the largest brands including Netflix, HBO, ABC, CBS, Comedy Central, ESPN, Nickelodeon, Chevrolet, Ford, SuperBowl, Adidas, Infiniti, Dove Awards, CMA, CMT, Boost Mobile, Harley Davison, Cabi, NFL, TN Lottery, Red Kap, Crown Royal and numerous companies as well as Christian and country artists.

Karen Keeley - Casting Director for TV and Video, Voice Actor, Singer/Songwriter, Model, and Co-Creator of The Kaz & Mo Show (currently in pre-production.) But most importantly a follower of Jesus!
Karen is the owner of Karen Keeley Casting. She is an accomplished and versatile creative with extensive experience in TV/Video production, casting, modeling, music, and radio, originally from London, England. Her 35-year career in the entertainment industry has given her the opportunity to work on both sides of the camera…and microphone, resulting in exceptional insight and a unique perspective to recognize and cast talent.
Karen has the ability to see through the eyes of a director, think like a producer, and speak the language of an actor. She loves what she does and is dedicated to creating outstanding content that will entertain, inform, and inspire…all for the glory of God!