Emma Jeraffi is a Detroit based choreographer, dancer, and educator. Originally from the East Coast where she trained at the Joffrey Ballet, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in dance at the Studio School, earning a BFA in commercial dance. Emma has worked for a number of artists including boy band Pretty Much, BP Major, Patee Sarasin and renowned choreographers like Christopher Scott, Ambrose Respicio and Nicole Kirkland to name a few. Emma has also worked all over the U.S. at various studios, choreographing competitive, award winning pieces where she enjoys making an impact on young dancers and inspiring the next generation. She is so excited to be a part of the team at Juliana’s and to be working with all the talented staff and dancers!

Lisa LaMarre is an accomplished dance artist and educator with a focus on community engagement and the integration of dance into daily life. With a master’s degree in Dance Teaching Artistry and a bachelor’s degree in Dance, Lisa’s academic and artistic pursuits center on exploring the intersection of identity, teaching, and performance. Throughout her career, Lisa has created over 100 original live performances and dance films, presented at major institutions like the Detroit Institute of Arts and Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. She is passionate about bringing dance to diverse communities, having worked with special education classrooms and performed in public spaces nationwide. As a researcher, Lisa’s work focuses on the role of teaching artists in postsecondary education and creating inclusive dance experiences. A member of the Michigan Dance Council and National Dance Education Organization, Lisa’s contributions continue to shape the future of dance education and community-based art.

Nick Lazzarini, known for his captivating talent and versatile dance style, became the first winner of So You Think You Can Dance in 2005. Since then, Nick’s dance career has expanded to international performances with major artists such as Adele, Kelly Clarkson, and Florence and the Machine. He has also performed on iconic television shows, including Dancing with the Stars and the MTV Video Music Awards. A founding member of the Los Angeles-based dance company Shaping Sound, Nick has brought innovative choreography and performances to the stage and screen. His work spans across genres, from contemporary dance to music videos and commercials. In addition to performing, Nick is a passionate educator and has taught for the JUMP Dance Convention, inspiring young dancers across the country. His artistic journey continues to influence the dance community, making him a highly sought-after choreographer and performer.

Natalie Miramontes is a professional dancer and choreographer known for her work with top artists and NBA teams. After co-founding the pioneering hip hop group Soul Conspiracy, Natalie’s career skyrocketed, leading her to perform and choreograph for major artists including Flo Rida, T-Pain, Jay Sean, and MC Hammer. Her six-season tenure as a dancer, choreographer, and captain with an NBA team further solidified her place in the dance world. In her current role as Director of the Detroit Pistons Dancers, Natalie continues to inspire and lead a team of talented dancers. A passionate advocate for dance, Natalie combines her entertainment experience with a commitment to excellence, helping dancers grow both as performers and individuals. Her choreography is featured in shows, tours, and performances worldwide, making her a key figure in the dance community.

Casey Quinn’s journey in dance began at her grandmother and mother’s dance studio in Dearborn, MI, where she trained extensively from a young age. A competition and convention dancer herself, she was able to assist renowned choreographers John Crutchman and Alan Sherfield at WCDE. Her professional career is highlighted by a series of prestigious roles, including a decade-long run in the original Broadway cast of Wicked. Other notable performances include appearances in Isn’t It Romantic starring Rebel Wilson, Winter’s Tale with Colin Farrell, and numerous television appearances, including The Today Show and Project Runway. Having made her mark on Broadway, Casey is now bringing her wealth of knowledge to the convention world, combining her professional insights with a deep passion for teaching. Her career is proof that “Dreams Do Come True,” and she is excited to inspire and guide the next generation of dancers.

Kelly Quinn (KQ) is a Detroit-area choreographer and dancer based in Buffalo, NY. They will graduate from the University at Buffalo in May 2025 with a BA in Dance. While at UB, Kelly trained with guests and faculty including Mr. Tom Ralabate and Kerry Ring, co-director of the Zodiaque Dance Company. As a two-season member of Zodiaque, Kelly gained valuable performance experience while completing their coursework. They performed in multiple dance concerts, MFA showcases, and the Department of Theatre and Dance’s production of 9 to 5: The Musical. Kelly also represented UB Dance at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) and presented original work at UB’s Emerging Choreographers Showcase, Choreolab, and Dancers Workshop. Beyond UB, Kelly has worked with artists such as Todrick Hall, ONE UNITED, Michael Keefe, Whitney Bezzant, and Kyle Hanagami, and was a two-season Velocity MVA+ #thxCOVID. In 2024, Kelly also began adjudicating for Dance Force Xpress, providing competitive dancers with positive, encouraging feedback. A proud alum of Juliana’s Academy of Dance (JAOD), Kelly now teaches and choreographs as adjunct faculty and is excited to return to JAOD for Fusion.