FACULTY
Julie Knight
Owner/Artistic Director
​
Julie (Vegliante) Knight is a professional commercial dancer/teacher and choreographer based out of LA. Growing up in Connecticut, Julie was classically trained from a young age at the New Haven Ballet. As she grew up in the competition world, she thrived with her intricate tap solos.
After attending Dean College as a dance major, Julie moved to New York City to train in hiphop and commercial dance at the Broadway Dance Center Program. A former member of the NYC elite urban dance company, Generation X led by Mr. Kelly Peters, Julie has trained under some of the worlds greatest hiphop OG's and has a fluid understanding of hiphop dance.
7 years with MSA Agency, she has worked with: Lady Gaga, Matrix L’Oreal, American Eagle, Ulta Beauty, Lifetime TV Network, music videos and many more. Julie has taught at Millennium Dance Complex (LA), Peridance Capezio center (NYC), studios and conventions in Guatemala, Beijing, London, Scotland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Canada and all across the US.
Ally Covin
Office Manager / Teacher & Choreographer​
​
Ally has been a performer since she was 3 years old and has been studying acting and dance for over 20 years. Some of her accomplishments and appearances include work for the Lifetime network, national commercials, and her first co-star role in a feature film set to release this holiday season.
She is also an experienced choreographer, instructing in studios in both New York City and Los Angeles. Originally from the cornfields of Omaha, Nebraska, Ally grew up learning about the inner workings of a dance studio from her mother, who owns a studio in Nebraska. This background provided her with valuable insights into both teaching and managing studio operations.
Now, as the office manager at The Hype Dance Complex, she’s excited to share her passion and bring a new dynamic to the community of artists here in sunny LA.
Victoria Baldesarra
Victoria Baldesarra is a Canadian actress and dancer based out of Los Angeles, and Toronto. She began her dance career at the age of 3 years old and grew up dancing in the North American competitive dance circuit. Having trained at one of the most prestigious dance schools in all of Ontario - Victoria was a member of Team Canada's National dance team, where the team were bronze medalists in Germany 2010.
In summer of 2012, Victoria auditioned for what is now known as the hit international show "The Next Step." Victoria has led over 8 seasons of The Next Step, reprising her role of Michelle. She has traveled all around the globe on multiple international dance tours with her cast mates of The Next Step. Victoria has worked alongside music artists such as Ghasi, G-Eazy, Ty Dolla Sign, and many more. She has also appeared in Lost & Found Music Studios (Netflix), Tall Boyz (CBC), Ride (Hallmark), Shady Grove (Apple TV), and currently has many more projects on the horizon.
With over a million followers combined across her social media pages, Victoria has a very strong online presence catering to the next generation of creators, as well as
being an advocate for mental health awareness.
Mini Preston
Mini Preston is a dancer/choreographer from Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she trained at the Larkin Dance Studio. With a comprehensive training background that spans hip hop, jazz, contemporary, ballet, tap, and ballroom.
Her performance credentials include appearances at iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball and the Soundset Music Festival. She was also a part of Matt Steffanina’s Beyond One Fest as well as Vanilla Ice’s Minnesota Timberwolves half time show. In addition to live performances, Mini has featured in multiple music videos for the artist PROF.
Beyond performing, Mini contributes her expertise as a choreographer for Larkin Dance Studio and works with various dance teams and hip hop groups, imparting her knowledge and passion for dance to the next generation.
KT Madden
KT Madden is a Los Angeles-based dancer, choreographer, educator, and certified yoga instructor. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, she moved to LA and began training at one of the nation's leading competitive dance studios and signed with a top dance agency at just 15. Since then, KT has built a successful professional dance career, with credits including work with Miley Cyrus, So You Think You Can Dance, Hart of Dixie, and more.
With over a decade of experience teaching and choreographing both nationally and internationally, KT specializes in contemporary and fusion styles. Her classes are designed to cultivate a supportive, inclusive environment where dancers can explore and develop their unique artistic voice through movement.
Jocelyn Mastro
Jocelyn brings over 22 years of dance experience to the industry. She is well versed in all genres of dance and is a sought out choreographer in the industry, traveling vigorously across the country, continuing her dance education with various famed choreographers and mentors.
Jocelyn is a Professional Dancer, Choreographer, Model and Actress represented in LA & NY with the prestigious Go 2 Talent Agency. She has appeared and been featured in several music videos, commercials, films, print and magazines and has opened on stage and performed for such credits as The Weeknd, The 67th Grammy Award performance with The Weeknd and PlayboiCarti, Disney, Cirque Du Soleil, NBA Philadelphia 76ers, Kidz Bop, World of Dance, DJ Kool, Doug E Fresh, Fresh Prince's DJ Jazzy Jeff and many more famed artists. Jocelyn has made appearances with Disney 6ABC Thanksgiving Day Parades, Nike, Peloton, Good Morning America, Madame Secretary, Best Buy, Fox and Apple TV. She has also been a cover model and represented numerous dancewear brands such as Champion Teamwear, Curtain Call, Wish Come True & Costume Gallery throughout the years.
Jocelyn is extremely knowledgeable in the competition world and is no stranger to the stage, taking home numerous Regional and National Titles and 15*Overall National Championships throughout her 15 years as an advanced competition team dancer. Jocelyn spent most of her youth in the dance convention room, traveling, being mentored and serving as a Pro Assistant to the most inspiring choreographers in the industry. She received her formal training in all genres, at her home studio Encore Dance Academy, in Bear Delaware, prior to pursuing her career in commercial dance.
She is currently on tour with StarDance Alliance and Dance One as a Choreographer, Faculty Member and Adjudicator for Wild Dance Intensive, Powerpak Dance, and Imagine Dance Challenge. She also has now made her way into the international industry as a Choreographer for Canada's top leading dance convention IDANCE, as well as an adjudicator and choreographer for their affiliate dance competition 5678Showtime. Jocelyn is also a Professional Company member of the prestigious MARINSPIRED DANCE COMPANY, under the direction of world renowned choreographer Marinda Davis, whom she also assists. Jocelyn continues to travel throughout the US and abroad mentoring, guest teaching, providing virtual and in-person private lessons, and setting competition choreography on both soloist and groups. Her pieces have been recognized and awarded numerous Excellence in Choreography, 1st Place Top Overall Highest Scoring Achievement and Technique awards.
Although an East Coast girl, Jocelyn currently resides in Los Angeles California, where she continues to further enhance her professional endeavors and pursue her dreams. Jocelyn has a love for teaching and choreographing and is excited to share her passion for dance with all the Hype dancers.