NAN HAO
Founder / Director
Nan Hao began her formal ballet training at Alaska Dance Theater at age 10. At the same time, she was also trained in Chinese classical dance by her father, Jimmy Hao, who was then the ballet master at Alaska Dance Theater. Nan was a gifted and dedicated student and was invited to perform solely at the annual International Night in Anchorage many times, where she received recognition as a young and talented dancer.
In her high school years, Nan attended several summer dance intensive programs, including high educational dance programs with college students at Stephen’s College and the Chinese Student Dance Association of the University of Missouri-Columbia. Nan was a vivid and passionate performer in many styles and could always touch people’s hearts with her dancing. After graduating high school, Nan attended the University of Missouri-Columbia. She co-founded a hip-hop dance crew, "Official Dance Crew," and was invited to perform three consecutive years at the opening ceremony for the "MAASU" conference in the Midwest.
Nan has been invited as a young guest artist to perform by Portland Community Ballet, June Taylor Ballet, University of Portland Oregon, Stephen’s College, University of Missouri-Columbia, Chinese Association of St. Louis, Fresno City College, and Chinese Association of Fresno. Nan began working at Break the Barriers in Fresno, California, as an assistant dance director, also as a performer and choreographer after she graduated from MU. Nan continued to challenge herself in exploring different choreographic ideas and styles, and she also enjoyed working with students who have different cultural backgrounds, with different abilities, and disabilities. At that time, she danced with Fresno Dance Collective, a local contemporary dance company, for two years. In 2012, Nan moved to New York. She received a ballet training program at the Joffrey Ballet School. In 2015, Nan relocated back to California with her family, and she has worked at Jun Lu Performing Arts since then. In 2023, Nan started freelancing her work and teaching with other local schools. Her students have won numerous National Championships, Hope Awards, and Gold Awards at competitions both nationally and internationally. Her gift for choreography, combined with her versatile background in dance, makes her truly unique. Nan’s greatest wish is to create a joyful and welcoming environment where students feel safe to express their artistic voices.
JIMMY HAO
Ballet Master / Professor
Jian-Min (Jimmy) Hao earned his MFA from the University of California, Los Angeles. He was a principal dancer with Guiyang Ballet, China. During this time, he was awarded Best Performer in 1979 at the Guiyang Dance Festival. Then, he became a faculty member for the prestigious Beijing Dance Academy after he graduated from there and toured internationally as a dancer with the Youth Company of the academy. He was twice awarded for excellence in teaching and three times awarded for outstanding choreography at various dance competitions in China. Five times he received awards for outstanding contribution in multicultural programs from the Chinese Culture Association in the US.
In 1994, one of his works received an honor to participate in the final gala performance at the American College Dance Festival. In 2001, Jimmy was a nominee for Mayor’s Arts Awards (Mayor George P. Wuerch) in Anchorage, Alaska. In 2014, he was invited as a special guest by Beijing Dance Academy to attend the Fifth International Ballet Competition. His choreographic works were presented in China, Japan, South Korea, India, France, and the United States.
He has been a guest artist, a ballet master, a professor, and director at the Beijing Dance Academy and Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, Shanghai Normal University, the Yuzhiya International Ballet School in Tokyo, UCLA, Stephens College, University of Missouri-Columbia, Los Angeles Modern Dance and Ballet, Alaska Dance Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Arizona Youth Ballet, Bay Pointe Ballet of San Francisco, and Beach Ballet of Tijuana, including many professional schools and companies worldwide since 1984.
LISA LI
Ballet Instructor / Variation Coaching
Lisa (Chunhong) Li graduated from Beijing Dance Academy majoring in Ballet. She was awarded the Bronze Medal in the Ballet Division at the Fourth Peach and Taoli Cup National Dance Competition and was invited to perform at the International Dance Festival in Naples, France.
In 1995, she joined the National Ballet of China and was promoted to Soloist the following year. She starred in productions such as The Nutcracker, Le Corsaire, Soul of Dazu Rock Carvings, and Blessings. During her time with the company, she also performed in numerous other works, including Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, and The Red Detachment of Women, often in soloist and lead roles.
In 2000, she pursued further studies at Canada’s National Ballet School, where she was awarded a scholarship. She later joined La La La Human Steps, a Canadian contemporary ballet company acclaimed worldwide for its powerful and dynamic artistry, becoming the troupe’s only Asian dancer. She also collaborated extensively with the Paris Opera Ballet. Her performance in the dance film Amelia earned her the Best Performance in a Performing Arts Programme award at the 19th Annual Gemini Awards presented by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.
After retiring from the stage, Ms. Li has dedicated herself to dance education. Known for her sincerity and professionalism, she has trained many outstanding students who have gone on to receive prestigious awards.
MADISON LEONG
Comp Team / Hip Hop / K-pop Instructor
Madi Leong has taught weekly, guest, and performance classes for six years, working with a variety of different ages and dance levels in choreography, Hip Hop, and K-pop. Along with studio teaching, she was a Choreography Director for the dance company, ECLIPSE and was an active member for 5 years.
Madi's dance journey encompasses an impressive array of styles, including Hip Hop, Modern, Jazz, and Jazz Funk. While she has honed her skills across these diverse genres, her heart now beats to the rhythm of Hip Hop and the freedom of open-style choreography. With boundless enthusiasm and a deep-seated love for movement, Madi eagerly anticipates the opportunity to infuse the studio space with her infectious passion and innovative creativity.
Madi's teaching philosophy centers on more than just technique; it's about fostering a sense of self-discovery and empowerment, which has led her students to winning many awards at competition. With her guidance, students not only refine their skills but also develop the confidence to embrace their individuality and boldly step into the spotlight. In Madi's class, dance isn't just an art form—it's a transformative experience that celebrates the unique journey of every student who walks through the door.
FRANCES TYRELL
& ERIKA TYRELL
Comp Team / Hip Hop / Open Choreo
With over 3 decades of performing arts experience combined, Francis and Erika have traveled across the country and the world to be performers and dance educators. With appearances on America's got talent, NBC Bay Area and various other TV shows, Francis and Erika work with a wide variety of brands gauging anywhere from Vans Off The Wall to So You Think You Can Dance’s Nigel Lythgoe’s, Dizzy feet foundation. Born in the Bay Area (Francis) and Los Angeles (Erika), their love for dance and performing started to grow at a very young age, Francis growing up watching and trying to mimic Madonna and Michael Jackson music videos, and Erika dancing on her elementary school's drill team at the age of 7! In June 2023 they created New Age Theatrics, fulfilling one of their lifelong dreams of owning their own dance company. In just the first couple years of starting New Age Theatrics, they won back to back world of dance bay area championship trophys in 2024 and 2025! Till this day, both continue to give back to their communities and share not only their knowledge of their craft but most importantly their love for it!
Francis Tyrell was born and raised in the Bay Area, San Jose CA! Growing up dancing in his garage and just for fun with friends, Francis knew right away that his passion for performing and dance was undeniable. Fast forward years later, he was fortunate enough to have several television appearances including Showtime at the Apollo (FOX, contestant), America’s Got Talent (NBC, contestant), and Fake-Off (TruTv, Season 2 champion). He was also an Assistant Choreographer for So You Think You Can Dance (FOX) and has choreographed and performed in television specials featured on NBC Bay Area and CBS Bay Area. With a decade of theater experience, Francis has done over 1,000 shows with Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights where he performed, choreographed and directed in all 5 years. In 2019 he helped choreograph the live show “Altered States” which earned the honor of highest rated show in Universal live show history. Currently, Francis has founded his own performing arts dance company, New Age Theatrics, and has just recently won World of Dance Bay Area 2024 and 2025! Internationally, Francis has traveled the world to teach in countries including Russia, China, Philippines, Costa Rica and more. Locally, Francis is deeply involved in the SF, SJ Bay Area community, donating his time and talent to support various causes from breast cancer, to food insecurity, to orphan and vulnerable children in Mozambique.
JUSTIN ISBITZ
Hip Hop / Contemp Fusion / Open Choreo
Justin Isbitz has been training and competing for the last seven years gaining new experiences and perspectives. He is currently a member and choreographer for New Age Theatrics under the direction of Francis and Erika Tyrell. He has also instructed and choreographed for local studios such as On One Studios, City Dance, Enjoy Dance Studio, and Young Reach Dance Studio. Justin seeks to help students find and develop their own voice and colors within their art while maintaining the beauty that is dance.
Since joining Bay Dance Collective in 2024, Justin has immersed himself in exploring a variety of choreographic styles, bringing fresh creativity and innovation to every piece he creates. His choreography is not only widely popular among students but also encourages them to challenge themselves artistically and technically. With his dynamic teaching style and supportive approach, Justin has quickly become a favorite among dancers, inspiring them to grow in confidence while developing a deeper appreciation for the art of dance.
JAZMINE GREGORY
Contemporary / Jazz / Choreography
Jazmine has been immersed in dance since the age of three, building a strong foundation across a diverse range of styles including Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre, among others. Her versatility as both a performer and educator reflects her passion for exploring movement in all its forms.
She recently received her undergraduate degree in Dance at California State University, Long Beach, where she continued to expand her artistic knowledge while balancing a professional career as both a teacher and performer. In addition to her stage work, Jazmine has broadened her repertoire by studying Aerial Arts, integrating a unique and dynamic element into her creative expression.
With more than six years of teaching experience, Jazmine has worked with students of all ages and skill levels. She is deeply committed to fostering community through dance, creating an inclusive space where her students feel inspired and supported. One of her greatest passions is bringing dance education to underrepresented communities. She was fortunate to collaborate with CLAP Arts, where she helped provide meaningful dance experiences to low-income neighborhoods in Santa Clara County.
As a choreographer, Jazmine’s artistry has been recognized at both regional and national levels. Her accolades include: Spotlight Choreography Award (2023), National Champion Duo/Trio Mini (2022, KAR), Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), 2024 Finalist, Soloist, and additional honors at competitions across the state
Jazmine is known for her creativity, her heartfelt approach to teaching, and her dedication to shaping the next generation of dancers. Whether in the studio or on stage, she strives to share her love of movement while empowering her students to discover their own voices through dance.
BRIDGET ZHOU
Pre-Ballet / Stretch & Acro
Bridget is a member of Bay Dance Collective’s Senior Team and has been training under the guidance of Ms. Nan for the past six years, with a total of nine years of dance experience. She has been a teaching assistant for four years and recently began teaching classes on her own. Bridget trains in a wide range of styles including ballet, contemporary, and hip hop, and has also studied jazz and musical theatre.
Her competitive journey began at KAR before expanding to Spotlight, Radix, 24/7, Jump, Believe, and Monsters. Among her many accomplishments, her piece Myth of the Cave earned Best of Radix, while Fairyland was recognized as a YAGP National Finalist after placing 3rd at YAGP regionals. She was also awarded National Grand Champion with 5th Avenue. Her group piece Tranquil Autumn received Best of Radix and placed 3rd at Nationals in 2024, and in 2025 her team pieces Sway Drift and Bangalore Whispers won Elite Level Regional Champion and was invited to The Industry Awards.
In 2025, Bridget also began exploring choreography. Her piece Fly To Your Heart premiered at BDC’s first dance recital, where her students loved the creative process and performing her work. Bridget’s versatility, artistry, and commitment continue to define her journey as both a dancer and a teacher.
LAUREN DO
Pre-Ballet / Jazz / Hip Hop / Lyrical / Contemp Substitute Instructor
While pursuing her Masters in Teaching, Lauren Do has trained and developed dancers of all levels and ages, both in recreational and competitive spaces. Her experience in teaching includes classes in contemporary, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and K-pop. Her competitive hip-hop team has won multiple 1st place awards both in category and overall, and her work has won awards in choreography at regional competitions. As a dancer, she is currently a member of New Age Theatrics’ competitive team, who recently took home 1st place at World of Dance Bay Area. Lauren utilizes academic teaching techniques in her classes to help foster a creative space that lets students form their dance identities. Her core goal as an educator is for her students to develop as artists, athletes, and people.
YICUN SUN (ETHAN)
Ballet Conditioning/ Contemporary / Modern /
Chinese Classical & Folk
Ethan is a dancing engineer, he holds a Master of Fine Arts from University of California, Irvine and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the same school. Ethan received classical training in Chinese dance of the syllabus certified by the Beijing Dance Academy. Ethan also trained in classical Ballet and is a seasoned modern dancer. He was personally coached by Donald McKayle, a modern dance pioneer, for performing Mr McKayle's original work created for him. Ethan received modern dance training from Bonnie Oda Homsey for Martha Graham technique. He attended Winter Intensives at the Paul Taylor Dance Company in NYC, and received training in contemporary dance techniques during his attendance at the American Dance Festival in Durham, North Carolina. Ethan is also an explorer in the realm of dance and technology and showcased dance works created with motion capture and 3D rendering technologies.
ARIANNA FU
Administration
Guest Teachers/Choreographers
CATHERINE XU
Ballet / Contemporary / Jazz / Lyrical
Catherine began dancing at age 4, training and competing in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, and hip hop. However, at 13, she began focusing on ballet. She started training at Osipova Ballet Academy and spent many summers dancing at world-renowned ballet academies such as American Ballet Theatre, San Fransisco Ballet, and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Catherine has also participated as a soloist and ensemble dancer at various competitions such as the Youth America Grand Prix and World Ballet Competition, where she has been invited to Finals for two consecutive years. In the past few years, Catherine has choreographed multiple solos in various styles for showcases and competitions. Many of these dances have placed top 10 at different competitions and have been invited to nationals.
LINDA HURKMANS
International Ballet, Pilates, P.B.T. teacher, choreographer, coach, ballet judge from the U.S.A. Artistic Director of San Jose Dance Theatre (2013-2021) and launched professional company 2020.
As a child, Linda Hurkmans was given detailed Vaganova training from Connie Schwarze and performed for San José Dance Theatre. She was then heavily mentored by Larissa Sklyanskaya (Soloist with Bolshoi Ballet), Natasha Papina (Soloist with Kirov Ballet, and the 1st ballet partner of Mikhail Baryshnikov), Benjamin Harkarvy, and Conrad Ludlow (Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet). Hurkmans received full scholarships to Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Royal Danish Ballet, and at the age of 16, a full scholarship to the University of Utah Ballet Dept. She danced professionally with The Royal Danish Ballet, the Utah Ballet/Ballet West, The Norwegian Andanse Ballet, Zahkraz Dance, and The Norwegian National Ballet in conjunction with The Year of Dance in Norway and the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. She competed in the 72 country ITI International Ballet Competition in Helsinki, Finland, 1991, and appeared in the CBS Mini-Series “At Mother’s Request” starring Stefanie Powers.
Linda Hurkmans holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Cum Laude, in Ballet Performance from Univ. of Utah, a Master’s Degree in Psychology from the Notre Dame de Namur University, and full Pilates certifications in Pilates Mat and Apparatus from Turning Pointe Studios and the PhysicalMind Institute. She has taught youth, pre-professional, adult ballet dancers and Pilates students for 18 years in Europe and in the U.S. and at Stanford University and Santa Clara University, where she helped found the Pilates program for dancers and athletes. Hurkmans’ choreography has been performed at the Norwegian State Ballet, Western Ballet, Zohco Dance Co., Santa Clara University, Foothill College, Pasquale Esposito’s Italian Christmas, and San Jose Dance Theatre.
In 2014, Hurkmans was named the Artistic Director of San Jose Dance Theatre and helped re-open the doors to the academy and rebuilt it from 0 students to over 100 today. She has choreographed a full length version of “The Nutcracker”, 20 original works for the school and company and has staged “La Bayadere Kingdom of the Shades:, “White Swan Pas de Deux”, “Swan Lake Four Little Swans”,“Swan Lake Pas de Trois”, “Le Corsaire Pas de Deux”, “Paquita Grand Pas Classique” and more. Hurkmans has overseen San Jose Dance Theatre’s collaborations with Margaret Wingrove’s Dance Co., with Foothill College, and performances at SjDANCE Co. Festival, the Montalvo Arts Center, Santana Row Tree Lighting Event, World Wide Women’s Festival at Santa Clara University, San Francisco Movement Arts Festival, and the San Jose Center for Performing Arts.
Linda’s World Premiere of “The Firebird” was performed to Sold Out audiences at the Hammer Theatre. This Spring “The Firebird” will be performed again with an excerpt from “The Sleeping Beauty”
MIKO FOGARTY
Classical Ballet
A former award-winning professional ballet dancer and current podiatric medical resident, Miss Miko Fogarty was born in London. At a young age, she moved to the US, where she began her ballet training and discovered her passion for ballet.
At 12 years old, Miko gained international recognition as one of the featured dancers in the acclaimed documentary “First Position: A Ballet Documentary.” She earned a bronze medal at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) that year, showcasing her talent and dedication to ballet.
Miko’s career continued to flourish with accolades including a gold medal at the International Ballet Competition in Moscow at age 16, followed by joining the prestigious Birmingham Royal Ballet, the UK’s premier touring company.
Transitioning from ballet, Miko pursued a new passion in medicine. She began her studies at community college before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley as a pre-med student, where she continues to excel in her academic pursuits.
Today, Miko Fogarty is dedicated to her medical career as a podiatric medical resident. She continues to inspire millions of young dancers across the globe with her expertise, guest teaching around the world.
AO WANG
Classical Ballet
Ao Wang is currently a Professional Ballerina with Joffrey Ballet, was originally from Beijing, China. Wang began her dance training in 2008, at the Liaoning Ballet Academy of China. In 2014, she received a full scholarship to study intensively under the instruction of Kee Juan Han, Director of The Washington School of Ballet. Wang joined The Washington Ballet Studio Company in 2015, then went on to dance with the Miami City Ballet (2016 – 2020) and the Boston Ballet under the leadership of Mikko Nissinen (2020 – 2023.) Throughout her diverse and accomplished career, Wang has performed in numerous classical, neo-classical, and contemporary roles. Wang’s classical repertoire includes Coppélia (Swanilda), Don Quixote (Cupid), Swan Lake (Pas De Trois and Neapolitan), Nutcracker (Sugar Plum, Snow Queen, Clara), La Bayadère (Gamzatti), Le Corsaire (pas de deux), Grand Pas Classique, Sleeping Beauty (Aurora, Fairies). Wang has also danced works of choreographers such as William Forsythe, Jorma Elo, George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Paul Taylor, Twyla Tharp, Alexi Ratmansky, Justin Peck, Edward Liang, and Septime Webre.
JULIA MCCULLOCK
Contemporary
Julia Mccullock is a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer with artistic roots in the Bay area of California. Julia graduated from Santa Clara University, where she trained and performed extensively with the Santa Clara Department of Theater and Dance. As part of her honors thesis, she choreographed/produced a series of dance films, which received national recognition from the American Dance Festival. Julia continues to train and perform as a company artist with Twopoint4 Dance Theater.
Julia is also the competition director and lead choreographer of the award-winning Chinese American dance studio Lisa’s Performing Arts. Julia’s passion for teaching has allowed her to travel across the country as a masterclass teacher and freelance choreographer for various competitive studios and professional companies. You can see her most recent collaboration ‘Pedestal’ with Leandro Damsco, on tour with Waterstreet Dance Company. She is a founding member of the INK co-op and looks forward to contributing to their second season. Julia will also join the Precision Arts Collective as an adjudicator and convention teacher this fall.