Our Team.
Daniella Casey
Began dancing at the age of 3 and is professionally trained in many different styles of dance. At the age of 18 she moved to Orlando after receiving a college internship at Disney World, which lead to her first professional job as a performer at the Magic Kingdom and MGM Studios. She went on to tour locally in Orlando as a back up dancer for boy bands; LFO and NSYNC. Daniella received her B.S. from Point Park University, during this time while attending Point Park she was able to teach dance, perform and train with the dance and theater departments. While in Pittsburgh, PA., Daniella had the privilege of teaching at Point Park University, Carnegie Mellon, CLO Theater Academy, Dance Alloy, and Thomas Performing Arts Academy. While in Pittsburgh she also had the opportunity to dance for Wiz Khalifa and audition dancers for his first tour. She went on to pursue her career in Los Angeles, CA where she trained and performed with Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo “Nappy Tabs”, Tovaris Wilson, Mia Michaels, Space Cowboy Club tour with Lady Gaga. Her latest music video credit is for Marty Casey, “Anything You Want.” She feels blessed and grateful to share her love of dance and the performing arts with the students of Formula Dance!
Cyx
Started his professional career with Dance2xs International in Chicago in 2003. In 2007, he along with three friends founded the Chicago Onyx Dance Alliance better known as CODA. In 2009 Cyx joined Hip Hop Connxion and in 2011 was named director of the Chicago branch. Cyx has performed on the Soul Train Music Awards, The Grammys, The American Music Awards, the MTV music awards, and the VMAs. Cyx has danced background for Syleena Johnson, B2K, Marques Houston, Missy Elliott, Usher, and Omarion. Cyx has also choreographed and performed in China, Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, England, and Austria along with a multitude of cities in the U.S. Since touring, Cyx settled into teaching children and establishing hip hop fundamentals and foundational classes anchored in the Chicagoland area. Cyx has choreographed a multitude of national champion routines in several competition circuits. Cyx, named Head Adjudicator for the Precision Arts Challenge. This company is compiled of several entities like PAC, LUXXE, MOXIE, KUDO, ULIMATE PAC and THE DANCE HONORS. Cyx is the Minority Owner and COO of The Blu Rhythm Collective, a conglomerate of artists who can full service anything imaginable within arts and entertainment. Cyx is the Owner of Studio Cyx. An entity hired to choreograph/direct for a multitude of events and performances. Cyx is also the co owner of A-squared Enterprise.
Brandy
A south side Chicago native with a unique start. Brandy started as a figure skater which lasted from age 4-16, after figure skating she transitioned into dance and was trained at Studio One Dance Theatre on the south side of Chicago. After high school she took on dance as her full time career and with the help of her mentors, Tanji Harper and Daz Harris, she has been able to work with some amazing choreographers and artist. Most recently Brandy has transitioned into the commercial side of dance. She is currently a dancer for R&B artist Tink and has toured all over the US and parts of Europe. Brandy is extremely excited to be teaching at Formula Dance Academy and hopes that everyone will become a family.
Lindsey Rhodes
​JA native of Ada, Oklahoma, Lyndsey trained at Central Oklahoma Dance Center and East Central University. After moving to Chicago she trained at Gus Giordano where she later became a part of their teaching staff and continues to teach throughout the Chicagoland area. Lyndsey is the artistic director and founder of Rhoads Academy of Dance. She has been a dance instructor for over 20 years and teaches Contemporary, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Ballet, Pointe, and Acro. She has choreographed for various dance companies, industrials, theater companies, and many studios throughout the United States. Lyndsey has danced with Chicago Dance Crash, Corpo Dance Company, Culture Shock, and Collage Dance Company among others. She couldn't be more thrilled to continue this journey and share her passion with her students.
JC Hopkins
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A native of Chicago's South Side, discovered his passion for dance at the age of eight, inspired by watching Aaliyah’s iconic music videos. This early spark ignited his journey into the world of dance, where he quickly realized his dream of pursuing it as a career. His formal training began at Dance Expressions, where he had the privilege of working with Cyx Wynne, a mentor who played a pivotal role in shaping his technique and artistry. JC later joined the renowned Hip Hop ConnXion, a celebrated hip-hop dance company, where he spent seven years honing his skills. During his time with Hip Hop ConnXion, JC competed in the HHI USA Championship, placing 5th in the nation. After his time with ConnXion, JC crossed paths with Tanji Harper, the visionary Artistic Director of the youth performance ensemble, The Happiness Club. He then began working as Choreographer for The Happiness Club and General and Artistic Director for Tanji's company, Blu Rhythm Collective & Crew. Since 2017, JC has been a driving force behind innovative choreography and dynamic performances, inspiring the next generation of dancers through his work.