Staff

Malaysia Johnson found her love of dance at the age of 6. In her early years, Malaysia trained in all styles of dance at Steps to Broadway (Bridgeport, CT), and additionally, received world-class training while attending summer programs at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (New York, NY) and Early Mosely Institute for the Arts (Long Island, NY).

She attended Regional Center for the Arts (Trumbull, CT) and Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County (Bridgeport, CT) throughout high school, and later, continued her training through the dance program at Sacred Heart University, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Dance. As a very involved member of the SHU Dance Program, Malaysia was selected as a Student Choreographer for the SHU Dance Ensemble as a freshman and through her senior year.

She was also granted the opportunity to travel with the SHU Dance Company to attend the renowned World Dance Movement in Italy, where she was awarded a scholarship to the infamous Millennium Dance Complex (Los Angeles, CA). Upon graduation, Malaysia returned to Neighborhood Studios as a dance teacher, and began teaching dance at public schools in Bridgeport. She firmly believes that art plays a huge role in saving the youth and is committed to doing her part to reach the youth through dance. Malaysia is eager to share her passion and knowledge at Rising Starz Dance Studio with everyone who enrolls!

(New Haven, Connecticut) Isaiah Little is a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer. At the tender age of nine, Isaiah began studying dance, vocal, and drama at Victoria’s Productions. Mr. Little is a graduate of the Cooperative Arts and Humanities Magnet High School of New Haven, Connecticut. He studied at ACES/ECA Educational Center for the Arts, New Haven Ballet, and Dee Dee’s Dance Center. As a freshman in highschool, Isaiah was selected by Jowale Willa Jo Zollar to perform in “The Dixwell Project” with the prestigious Urban Bush Women at the International Arts and Ideas Festival. Mr. Little then went on to continue his studies at SUNY Purchase College of Purchase, New York.

In the year 2000, Mr. Little joined Nation Drill Squad and Drum Corporation of New Haven, Connecticut, shortly afterwards he was promoted as one of the Directors/choreographers. His contribution as one of the choreographers /Directors has led the team to become National World Champions for two consecutive years. He has taught several master classes for elementary schools to colleges, such as Albertus Magnus College. In 2009, Isaiah choreographed for The MAAFA Influence in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Each year, beginning from 2012, Mr. Little’s choreography is featured in Bridgeport’s Jerk Fest Festival. Isaiah’s unique style and broad range of choreography has also been featured in recording artist Abigail Negron, and Indio TDR performances, just to name a few.

In 2012, Isaiah Little joined SKIN Dance Company under the direction of Tina Thompson. He later became a Principal dancer in 2015. He is currently the head dance Instructor at Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County, Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mr. Little has taught, performed, and choreographed throughout the United States.

Jasmine Terrell is a Bridgeport native whose love for dance started at the young age of 4 years old. Her lessons began in a small dance studio called Joe Valane, then shortly after Stratford Dance Academy (Stratford,CT), next Dee Dee’s Dance Center (New Haven, CT). Her inspiration to become a choreographer arised at Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County (Bridgeport,CT) for formerly known as MACH where she spent her high school years diving more in depth to the various genres of dance as well as their teaching styles. Upon graduating high school Jasmine attended Southern Connecticut University where she continued her admiration for dance on the university’s organized dance team SPDC (Symphonic Pulse Dance Company) While in college and a little while after Jasmine was apart of a dance company, MegaHurtz Entertainment Company (New Haven, CT) where she competed in World of Dance (Boston,Mass) numerous times and performed at several local events as well as universities with MegaHurtz. She is currently a teacher at Bridge Academy (Bridgeport,CT) where she is still teaching to their dance team the Bridge Academy Panthers, her love for dance has passed through Roosevelt Elementary School (Bridgeport, CT) and Viva Dance and Fitness (West Haven,CT). She is a well-rounded dancer and choreographer, known for teaching African dance to all ages and her Twerk classes for Adults. Jasmine is eager to share her passion and knowledge at Rising Starz Dance Studio with everyone who enrolls!

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