Meet the 2018 F.A.M.E. Finalists
Dakota Alessandrini
I am from Crown Point, Indiana and have been dancing since I was three at the Indiana Ballet Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana. I knew from a very young age that the exhilaration and rapture I felt while dancing was unparalleled by anything I had ever felt before. To me, dancing is more than just a way to stay physically active. It's also a unique way to articulate my artistic abilities and expression. It is a catharsis and I'd love to see dance implemented more regularly into medical rehabilitation. One of my goals is to become a Pediatric Physician's Assistant and I'm working toward that at Valparaiso University. I've worked with dance students of all ages and want to mentor young dancers. If I win the award from F.A.M.E. I would be able to afford classes to pursue a dance pedagogy minor and become certified to teach dance classes in the future. I've choreographed my own routine and dedicate it to my mother and father who have literally and figuratively “raised her up” to fulfill every passion, dream, and goal, no matter how big or small.
I am from Crown Point, Indiana and have been dancing since I was three at the Indiana Ballet Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana. I knew from a very young age that the exhilaration and rapture I felt while dancing was unparalleled by anything I had ever felt before. To me, dancing is more than just a way to stay physically active. It's also a unique way to articulate my artistic abilities and expression. It is a catharsis and I'd love to see dance implemented more regularly into medical rehabilitation. One of my goals is to become a Pediatric Physician's Assistant and I'm working toward that at Valparaiso University. I've worked with dance students of all ages and want to mentor young dancers. If I win the award from F.A.M.E. I would be able to afford classes to pursue a dance pedagogy minor and become certified to teach dance classes in the future. I've choreographed my own routine and dedicate it to my mother and father who have literally and figuratively “raised her up” to fulfill every passion, dream, and goal, no matter how big or small.
Jasmin Williams
I am a native Chicagoan and multi-lilngual. I have performed with various companies and individuals in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and throughout Western Europe. I also worked with Lou Conte Dance and apprenticed with Cerqua Rivera. I like to write as well as perform. I've been a featured artist at the series The Corner and am now guesting with Winifred Haun and Dancers when there is a need for some choreographing, performing, or vocal recording work. I continue to train in dance and voice whenever funds allow me to do so. I fund most of my projects out of my own pocket. I have just finished the recording of my four song EP entitled “A Lot Of God, A Lil Ego.” I would use the F.A.M.E. Award to continue to finance my passion for singing and dancing.
I am a native Chicagoan and multi-lilngual. I have performed with various companies and individuals in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and throughout Western Europe. I also worked with Lou Conte Dance and apprenticed with Cerqua Rivera. I like to write as well as perform. I've been a featured artist at the series The Corner and am now guesting with Winifred Haun and Dancers when there is a need for some choreographing, performing, or vocal recording work. I continue to train in dance and voice whenever funds allow me to do so. I fund most of my projects out of my own pocket. I have just finished the recording of my four song EP entitled “A Lot Of God, A Lil Ego.” I would use the F.A.M.E. Award to continue to finance my passion for singing and dancing.
Gabriel Hartman started dancing at the age of 4 with Indiana Ballet Theatre and has danced lead roles such as Fritz, Chinese, Nutcracker and Snow King in the Nutcracker, Bluebird in Sleeping Beauty and the Summer Fairy partner in Cinderella. In the fall of 2017 Gabriel began attending A&A Ballet as a Conservatory student in addition to his studies at Indiana Ballet Theatre. With A&A Ballet Gabriel has danced Mouse King and Arabian Lead in the Nutcracker. Gabriel is thankful for his family and the sacrifices that they continue to make so that he can continue his studies and pursuit of becoming a professional dancer.
Juliana Omokheyeke
A 20 year old singer/songwriter from Houston Texas. I developed a deep connection to music and singing at a very young age. Music was my escape growing up from school drama and family issues. I was heavily bullied throughout middle school. I struggled with fitting in and feeling accepted. When I sang, I felt like I found my purpose and a place to belong. I made my first real friends in school choir and really learned about the power of music. I sing and write songs to let my emotions out in a healthy way that others can relate to. When I joined choir and turned to singing, I quickly learned that I was not alone. Other people went through the same obstacles that I did. I aspire to connect with other people and show them that they are not alone with my music. My number one goal is to inspire and uplift people. Growing up I was, and still am encouraged and motivated by music. If there is a way to brighten up someone's day or connect to someone in a positive way through my music, I wanna do it.
A 20 year old singer/songwriter from Houston Texas. I developed a deep connection to music and singing at a very young age. Music was my escape growing up from school drama and family issues. I was heavily bullied throughout middle school. I struggled with fitting in and feeling accepted. When I sang, I felt like I found my purpose and a place to belong. I made my first real friends in school choir and really learned about the power of music. I sing and write songs to let my emotions out in a healthy way that others can relate to. When I joined choir and turned to singing, I quickly learned that I was not alone. Other people went through the same obstacles that I did. I aspire to connect with other people and show them that they are not alone with my music. My number one goal is to inspire and uplift people. Growing up I was, and still am encouraged and motivated by music. If there is a way to brighten up someone's day or connect to someone in a positive way through my music, I wanna do it.
Lindsey Lanham
I have been dancing since the age of three and have performed in a variety of ballet roles including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake. I am currently dancing with the Indiana Ballet Theatre. In 2015, I was involved in a car accident that left me very ill with broken bones and extensive nerve damage. Although I was very discouraged with my physical limitations and not being able to dance, I decided to use dance as a way to heal from all the trauma. While working with the Dance Movement Therapist, Amanda Tuohy, I created movements that would express my feelings in a way that words could not do. I recovered and continue to dance. I am presently studying finance at Loyola University. But, if I should win the award from F.A.M.E., I will use the money to start a program similar to the one Amanda Tuohy used to help me recover from my injuries. I'd like to help others in that same way and assist them in using dance to heal and move past their own struggles.
I have been dancing since the age of three and have performed in a variety of ballet roles including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake. I am currently dancing with the Indiana Ballet Theatre. In 2015, I was involved in a car accident that left me very ill with broken bones and extensive nerve damage. Although I was very discouraged with my physical limitations and not being able to dance, I decided to use dance as a way to heal from all the trauma. While working with the Dance Movement Therapist, Amanda Tuohy, I created movements that would express my feelings in a way that words could not do. I recovered and continue to dance. I am presently studying finance at Loyola University. But, if I should win the award from F.A.M.E., I will use the money to start a program similar to the one Amanda Tuohy used to help me recover from my injuries. I'd like to help others in that same way and assist them in using dance to heal and move past their own struggles.
Brian Jackson has loved performing from a very young age. Whether it was singing, acting, dancing, or writing, he tried his best to indulge in the arts as much as possible. He started early on singing in church in the praise team and choir, and from then on he made a habit of singing whenever he could. Commercial and theatre acting training also reserved some time in his schedule and he began to fall even deeper in love with the arts. Fast forward to the present, Brian is a Musical Theatre major and Music Business minor at Columbia College Chicago, where he is fortifying his artistry and pursuing his goals in the city. He intends to use his talents to lead and inspire others to follow their purposes and use the arts to shift the focus of society towards God.
I dance because I'm a dancer and it fills my soul with purpose and a sense of self. I know dance is who I am and that I'm meant to be here and stay here. I don't feel as if there is a Hayley without dance. It's the closest thing to heaven I've ever felt. Dance gives me hope that pure happiness and acceptance are possible. The word 'perfect' is pretty hard to reach, but for me, dance is my perfect place. When I'm dancing and fully in the artistic moment there is no criticism and nothing wrong in the world. There is only me and the music. I was born in the Chicagoland area and love the city's culture. I'm excited to begin my dance career here. At Columbia College I study and perform so I can eventually become a professional and share my education with others. At Turning Pointe Dance Company I help mentor young dancers and have taken part in dance programs outside of Illinois as well including Los Angeles, Orlando, and Branson. If I were to win the F.A.M.E. Award, I would use it to help pay student loans, intensives, workshops, and audition material. I want to give back to and inspire others through dance. With the help of F.A.M.E. I can reach my goals.
Teagan Pennington
Teagan, has trained with numerous, outstanding teachers and choreographers such as Brain Hare (C5 Aerial Company), Jamie Farrell (Professor at Northeastern University), Lauren Blane (Danced in many musicals at Drury Lane), Denise Sabala (Owner and Director of Denise Sabala Dance Studio), Avnun Yakubov (worked with Joffrey Ballet and many other well known ballet companies), Sasha Vargas (Danced with Joel Hall dancers and River North Dance Company), Mark Yonally (Founder and Artistic Director of Chicago Tap Theatre), JC Renzetti (Co-director of Xtreme Dance Force), Tiffany Krause (Danced with Thodos Dance Company), and many more. Teagan has been in Denise Sabala Dance Company for 11 years now and is on their highest Elite Company. She has competed at many dance competitions and has taken numerous master classes and conventions. She was also on Lauren Blane’s YAGP Ballet Company and competed both contemporary and classical solos at Youth America Grand Prix for two years. She and her YAGP ensemble group, were invited to and competed at the YAGP New York City Finals in April of 2018. Teagan Pennington’s passion for dance is like no other. It has become her highest form of dedication and most valuable part of her. She feels this award can help her train for a professional artistic career because it will enhance her performance skills and hopefully broaden her network.
Teagan, has trained with numerous, outstanding teachers and choreographers such as Brain Hare (C5 Aerial Company), Jamie Farrell (Professor at Northeastern University), Lauren Blane (Danced in many musicals at Drury Lane), Denise Sabala (Owner and Director of Denise Sabala Dance Studio), Avnun Yakubov (worked with Joffrey Ballet and many other well known ballet companies), Sasha Vargas (Danced with Joel Hall dancers and River North Dance Company), Mark Yonally (Founder and Artistic Director of Chicago Tap Theatre), JC Renzetti (Co-director of Xtreme Dance Force), Tiffany Krause (Danced with Thodos Dance Company), and many more. Teagan has been in Denise Sabala Dance Company for 11 years now and is on their highest Elite Company. She has competed at many dance competitions and has taken numerous master classes and conventions. She was also on Lauren Blane’s YAGP Ballet Company and competed both contemporary and classical solos at Youth America Grand Prix for two years. She and her YAGP ensemble group, were invited to and competed at the YAGP New York City Finals in April of 2018. Teagan Pennington’s passion for dance is like no other. It has become her highest form of dedication and most valuable part of her. She feels this award can help her train for a professional artistic career because it will enhance her performance skills and hopefully broaden her network.
Teh’Ray & Derrick are 2 Hip-Hop dancers from Chicago,Illinois. They formed a partnership in the winter of 2017, combining Derrick’s explosive movement and lyrical style with Teh’Ray’s intricate and musicality based style of dance. The duo uses their dynamic choreography to give viewers the best of both worlds using many Hip-Hop based movements such as Bboying, tutting, popping, gliding, and much more. Facing discrimination of both their race as well as their less predominant style in the Chicago dance scene, both Teh’Ray & Derrick dance to inspire those who face the same discrimination as they do to press on, as well as to prove that you can do anything when you have determination and teamwork.
Sarita Feeling Good
Someone once asked me how it feels to be a singer. I said that it feels like breathing, very natural. It calms me when I am chaotic, it soothes me when I am in pain, and makes me smile every day. Music is life to me. From a very young age, I felt a connection to music and knew I wanted to be a singer. Being the only musician in my family, I had no idea how I would become a vocalist, but I had this undeniable passion and could not ignore it. I worked very hard to graduate with honors from Columbia College in Chicago with a Bachelor's degree in vocal performance. My passion for singing has blessed me with the opportunity to share the stage with artists such as John Faddis, Koko Taylor, Darmond Meader, Claudio Rodito, Otis Taylor, Ivan Neville, and Charlie Sexton. Should I win the F.A.M.E. Award, I would fund voice lessons so I can continue in my exploration of voice and self. My music boasts a rich narrative deeply rooted in love, feminism, and empowerment. Music makes me feel free and alive. I sing because I want to share that feeling with the world.
Someone once asked me how it feels to be a singer. I said that it feels like breathing, very natural. It calms me when I am chaotic, it soothes me when I am in pain, and makes me smile every day. Music is life to me. From a very young age, I felt a connection to music and knew I wanted to be a singer. Being the only musician in my family, I had no idea how I would become a vocalist, but I had this undeniable passion and could not ignore it. I worked very hard to graduate with honors from Columbia College in Chicago with a Bachelor's degree in vocal performance. My passion for singing has blessed me with the opportunity to share the stage with artists such as John Faddis, Koko Taylor, Darmond Meader, Claudio Rodito, Otis Taylor, Ivan Neville, and Charlie Sexton. Should I win the F.A.M.E. Award, I would fund voice lessons so I can continue in my exploration of voice and self. My music boasts a rich narrative deeply rooted in love, feminism, and empowerment. Music makes me feel free and alive. I sing because I want to share that feeling with the world.
