Meet our amazing team
Stephen Hankey
Artistic Director
“I believe that through this art form, one will tap into some of the most mysterious and interesting realities of one’s being. The individual must struggle on in the quest of inner search of self.”
Mellissa Craig
Administrative Support
“Dance is my Life! I can truly testify that the dance took hold of me at a very young age, and never let me go. Now after many years of training, and performing, I wish to thank my mentors, and teachers, all of whom inspired and showed patience over the years. I definitely plan to “Pay It Forward”
Sandra Mark
Health & Wellness Coach
“Dance is MEDITATION for me. It has always been a tool used to help me navigate through life. My passion for it is the fire that burns deep in my soul but can still create an element that keeps me so calm that I never burn out of control.”
Denese Smith
Outreach Liaison
“As an introvert, my love of dance allows me the freedom to express myself in ways outside of my comfort zone. Dance creates such a comradery where we become family. I relish sharing the stage with my amazing dance family.”
Students Testimonies
Robert Bryd: “Dance to me is the flow of life; you are the creator of your own destiny! The bright lights, the center stage, and all eyes on me. Lights, camera, and action. A star was born! I am him, and he is me!”
Lael Marie Saze: “Do not be frightened, friend. Let us dance our way to God.“
Adrien Edwards: “I dance to learn new things about my physical capabilities and movements while expressing myself.”
Chantal Edwards: “I am a Jamaican-born professional dancer and creator. My passion for dance has blossomed from competitive dancing to performing in plays, commercials, and music videos. To continue growing in my career, dancing with the IRDT is one of the best decisions that I have made in order to further develop my performing skills.”
Sonny Salina: “The costumes are designed and created to express the meaning of each character and theme of the dances. These costumes are realized by both Sonny Salina and Stephen Hankey and are constructed and made under my professional guidance.”
Loren Milledge: “Dance has provided the path that led me to an amazing community of artists. Being around these artists I am able to be sustained creatively. I am very excited to be a part of the IRDT family.
Shannon Rattrey: Dance enables me to draw connections between how my body responds to movement, and it improves my cognitive performance. Dance for me is an outlet of creativity and a form of “Emotional Hygiene” that keeps me both physically and psychologically healthy.
Tina Webley: My passion for dancing has given me the opportunity to be expressive and free with movements that flow through my body. It’s truly a blessing to have the willpower and strength to do what I love for so many years.
Nicole Taylor: Dance! The ebb and flow of movement, and breath, bringing to life, an idea in motion, testing limits, and building connections. Dance an escape, yet a journey.
Karrington Trice: “My goal is to portray the concept of women empowerment, and confidence through music and dance. I envision growth with each and every piece created, performed, or presented.”