STUDIO J
Outside Choreographers
Let us introduce our outside choreographers who will be working with Studio J dancers this coming season.
Trevor Sones
Originally from Clearfield, Pa – Trevor received a BA degree in Dance from Mercyhurst University. National Tour Credits: CATS, Beauty and the Beast. TV/Film Credits: ZIPS Dry Cleaners, The Knot, CATS National Tour commercial, “Step Up 3D”, Good Morning America, “Do You Dance, Ms. Parker?”. Trevor has worked extensively with Royal Caribbean as a Dancer/Dance Captain (Hairspray, MAMMA MIA), Associate Choreographer (GREASE, Name That Tune), and Director (Bada Bing Bada Boom). He then worked with RWS Entertainment Group in NYC as a Dancer/Dance Captain, Casting Assistant, Associate Choreographer, and Director/Choreographer. Most recently he toured Germany, Switzerland, and Dubai with SweetBird Productions "Rock The Ballet X" and "Romeo and Juliet" as a Dancer/Dance Captain. Currently, Trevor is a Regional Director/Guest Teacher for Encore DCS and on Faculty/Regional Director for REVEL Dance Convention! Follow his journey at @trevorsones
Kalema Mikhail
Karema Mikhail was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Her passion for dance started at the age of 3 and she has been pursuing her dreams ever since. Karema trained extensively at Spotlight Dance Center. Trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, jazz funk, contemporary, modern & musical theatre; Karema competed on Spotlight’s competition team and went on to graduate with a dual degree in Business Marketing and Dance from Hofstra University in New York. In addition to training under industry professionals, Karema has performed in the League of Legends 2022 World Ceremony, Theresa Stone’s “Sorority Girls” concept video, Theresa Stone’s “High Noon” commercial, Nitrogen The Company, and has choreographed various award winning works. Karema has worked closely with Liz Guerrieri to further develop her craft and assist on various projects. Karema is currently home and is teaching around the Northeast Ohio area to share her knowledge of movement and achieving one’s goals in dance.
Erika Rogers
Erika Rogers is a Cleveland native who has been dancing and performing since the age of 4. After a quick two years of learning the ropes she began her competitive career at the age of 6 and is still currently performing. During her college years she found her way in front of a camera performing in multiple music videos,movies, and performances under the direction of Channing Tatum, Train, Elizabeth II, NFL Hall of Fame, MRI Properties and many more. After building her resume she took her talents internationally and joined Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as one of the lead dancers and performers for a year long European tour. Since returning from the ship she has become an award winning choreographer with multiple cleveland area studios while still occasionally performing. Her most recent work being seen by thousands at a Cleveland Browns halftime show and performing with a handful of well known Drag Queens from RuPaul Drag Race the television show.
Cody Krause
Cody Krause is a graduate of The Ohio State University, receiving a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance in 2019, where he focused his degree on Composition, Choreography, & Performance. Before OSU, Cody started dancing in the Philadelphia area, attending Miss Cindy’s School of Dance since the age of 3. He also attended the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for Arts, where he graduated from in 2015 as a dance major.During his time as a performer, he’s been a part of many works, processes, and concerts including pieces by Doug Varone, Donald McKayle, Merce Cunningham, and Ohad Naharin, where he was the featured soloist in BalletMet and OSU’s Collaboration of “Minus 16.” Cody is currently in his second season of performing with Dancing Wheels in Cleveland, OH, where he is a company member, teaching artist, and outreach teacher. He has had the chance to perform all around the Cleveland Area, as well as places like Chicago and Beijing, China throughout his first year with the company. Cody has also been working on presenting his own choreography throughout 2015-2020, showcasing works in Columbus, Cleveland, and the Lehigh Valley. He has created and performed solo works such as “Desolate” and “Character Zero”, as well as choreographed group works “You Are Welcome to Join” and “The Haze of Connection”, his first integrated dance piece. He is also a Certified Level 1 Teacher in the Dancing Wheels Methodology.