Notes
About Us
Faculty Bios
Bonnie Slawson
Founder and Director
Jazz, Tap, Pilates, Zumba
Born in New York City, Bonnie Slawson, studied with master teachers such as Mia Michaels,Phil Black, Frank Hatchett, Danny Daniels, Shimon Braun, Andrea Brown, Doug Caldwell, Jackie Sleight, A.C., Slam, Chio, Madame Darvash and Luigi. Bonnie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Mercyhurst College. Bonnie has taught and choreographed for a number of colleges including Stephens College, Perry-Mansfield, Dickinson College, Temple University, Penn State, Shippensburg University and Elizabethtown College. Her roster of Master Classes includes James Madison University, Crickets Performing Arts Center, Georgetown Day School, Sandy Spring Friends School and New Cumberland Ballet. Bonnie performed in Summer Stock Theatre and was dance captain for Equity Theatre productions in L.A. She danced for A&M Records in MTV videos and choreographed a number of fashion videos while teaching in L.A. In Washington, D.C. Bonnie danced with numerous professional dance companies. Teaching all throughout the DC Metro area she continued to choreograph stage shows, industrials and concert works. Bonnie was chosen as a “Critic’s Pick” by The Washington Post, was honored to be a part of the National Dance Institute’s Washington residency and received the Governor's School for Visual and Performing Arts Outstanding Educator Award. Bonnie created Motion Mania Dance Theatre in 1988. They have performed for over twenty years for entities such as the Corcoran Gallery of Art, AT&T, Xerox and The Kennedy Center's Open House. Most recentl,y Bonnie has been involved with choreographing and casting stage productions for recording artists.
Dawn Hessler
Co-Founder and Director
Hip Hop, Zumba, Jazz, Combo Classes
Dawn Hessler has been teaching with the studio for 11 years. Originally from Toledo, Ohio. Dawn trained as a dancer and a gymnast and earned a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Ohio University. She has toured as a professional dancer throughout the US and Japan and has worked as a company dancer, in musical theatre and in the fashion industry.
A skilled choreographer, Dawn has created numerous pieces for commercial and non-commercial productions. Dawn is a trained Stott Pilates instructor and a certified Zumba instructor. Dawn brings to all of her classes an unparalleled enthusiasm. She has taught for several commercial studios and guest teaches throughout the east coast. Students pick up on her exuberant spirit and style as well as her technical expertise. Dawn has consistently been among the artistic directors for the CoMMotion Youth Companies.
Elizabeth Cunninghan
Ballet, Pre-Ballet, Contemporary
Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Elizabeth Cunningham began her dance training at The University of Louisville Dance Academy. In high school Elizabeth was accepted into Kentucky's Governor's School for the Arts and Regional Dance America's Craft of Choreography in Orem, Utah. Wanting to pursue her love for choreography and teaching, Ms. Cunningham attended Radford University. With extensive training under Inessa Plekhanova, Danah Bella, Margaret Devaney and others, she grew as a dancer and educator. College was a wonderful opportunity to perform in classical ballets such as The Sleepy Beauty, The Nutcracker, Le Sylphide, and other modern and jazz performances by Radford Faculty and guest artists. In 2008, Moonstruck Reverie Coup, she choreographed a contemporary work which was adjudicated and chosen to be performed at ACDFA, Virginia Choreography Conference, and other small venues. In 2009, Elizabeth graduated with a degree in Dance Education. After a year of studying ballet and contemporary dance in New York City she is now a new resident of Maryland who hopes to find joy in teaching and performing dance.
Eric Scuderi
Tumbling for Dancers, Break Dance, Fitness, Private Fitness Coach
Eric Scuderi, has been interested in the fitness industry nearly his entire life. During his teenage years, Eric, studied wrestling, Tae Kwon Do, Tang So Do, ballet and became heavily involved in gymnastics and break dancing. As an adult, Eric has taught tumbling and fitness nationwide from Maryland to Texas with many gold-winning Olympians such as; Svetlana Boguinskai and Tatiana Lysenko. In 2002, Eric created choreography for the USA gymnastics congress and in 2003 he was invited to choreograph for the World Gynmestrada in Lisbon, Portugal. Eric has also studied with many talented break dancers such as Atomic Goofball, Crazy Legs, and B-Boy Flipz and has taught break dancing and Capoeira in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as well as many commercial studios throughout Montgomery County. Eric has perfomed in Frederick’s “In the Streets”, Hyperfest, Hot Import Night in Baltimore, and Washington DC’s Gymfest. Eric holds licenses to teach Cage Fitness, the TRX Suspension Training System and he is a certified N.A.S.M Personal Trainer.
Jenn Martin
Jazz, Hip-Hop, Poms
Jenn Martin has learned from the best. After 12 years of learning jazz from Bonnie Slawson and being apart of the Motion Mania dance companies, Jenn was able to move on to many Clemson dance opportunities. After college, Jenn became the Quince Orchard High School’s pom coach.
Jenn has studied ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and modern from the Maryland Youth Ballet, Dawn Crafton, Motion Mania and Joy of Motion. She has taught hip hop, pom, and cardio classes at and through several commercial studios. She choreographed numerous routines and competition pieces for the pom squad. Jenn brings fun spirit and unique choreography to all of her classes.
Nasha Butler
Zumba
I grew up in Brooklyn, NYC when hip hop was still in its infancy. Watching B-boys and girls with their boom boxes, break dancing and poplockin; that’s when I feel in love with dance. As I grew older, I learned to love different types of dance from flamenco to dancehall to salsa. From my teenage years on through college, I choreographed dance routines for cheerleading teams, parades and event entertainment groups. Dance was always a part of my life.
In 2005 I moved to Maryland with my husband and we had our first daughter (she’s now a regular in my classes). After my first year of motherhood, I was ready to dance again. I bounced around to various dance classes but none of them lasted, until a met a woman named Lili. She introduced me to my first Zumba class and it finally clicked for me. I was taking Zumba classes 6 days a week! I went from being the new girl hiding in the back of the class, to the front row diva with a Zumba family. I was licensed to teach in 2009 and I’ve been doing it ever since. I teach Zumba, Zumba Toning and I am also an AFAA certified group fitness instructor.
Dancing is my passion and fitness is my goal so come join me! Ditch the workout, join the party!
Orchid Dargahi
Zumba
Back in January of 2006, I finally made a resolution that stuck. Through a healthy diet and exercise, I lost almost 40 pounds, learned self-discipline, and gained a lot of self-confidence. Now as an instructor, I am very excited to teach and challenge students to push themselves through dance and fitness, all while having fun!
My fitness philosophy is pretty simple. It all comes down to the goals you set for yourself, and yourself ONLY. Don't become discouraged by the person running 9 mph on the treadmill or the ridiculously ripped guy at the neighboring machine. Allow yourself to be inspired but set realistic goals that are unique and important to you. Don't be afraid to push yourself and reach them!
Brenda Billoch
Zumba
Hola! I'm Brenda and I admit that I’m completely addicted to Zumba. Like so many other kids, I began dancing at a very young age… Salsa , Merengue, Bachata, Cha-Cha-Cha, Reggaeton. Coming from a place where dance has always been one of the most popular forms of expression, I really believe that music & dancing are unquestionably in my blood & genes.
I caught the “Zumba Fever” the very first time I attended a class (Thanks Lili!). Once addicted, I knew I wanted to teach. I’m so grateful CoMMotion has given me the opportunity to share with other people one of my biggest passions. Join me for one hour full of shaking, hip swinging, shoulder shimmying …You will SWEAT, smile, laugh and have a great time! You don't even have to know how to dance. Just follow my lead and keep moving! It's not how you look doing Zumba, it's all about how you FEEL! :)
Glynis Turner
Zumba
I began Zumba back in 2008, when the gym I was attending at the time began offering it. I've always liked to dance so it was the perfect exercise for me. I never got bored! I began to notice changes in my body, clothes getting loose. By changing my eating habits and doing zumba I have lost over 20lbs. It is also a great stress reducer! I decided to become an instructor in 2010. I love to have fun and share the zumba experience with students. It's not about perfection, it's about having fun and doing something good for yourself. Join me for class aka "Adult Playgroup", you won't be disappointed!
Guest Faculty
Julio Matos
Julio Agustin has performed on Broadway in the original companies of Fosse, Steel Pier, Never Gonna Dance, Bells Are Ringing (revival), and was featured opposite Bebe Neuwirth in Chicago, the musical. He appeared in the movies Center Stage and The Producers, the Movie. As a director, he has staged and choreographed productions of Lippa's The Wild Party, Whistle Down the Wind, Breath, Boom, and the world premiere of Out of Line. As a recent Shelfer Scholar for the College of Music at the Florida State University, Julio taught his Transition Workshop (www.TheTransitionWorkshop.com) to the students of the Musical Theatre Program. He is currently on faculty at The City College of New York, where he teaches Acting, Speech for the Stage, Acting the Classics, and Musical Theatre Workshop.
Derrick Evans
Derrick Alfonso Evans, originally from St.Thomas U.S.Virgin Islands, began dancing with the Ballet Theatre of the Virgin Islands. He continued his dance education at Western Michigan University where he was named a Presidential Scholar in Dance. Derrick's performance credits: Wellspring Dance Collaborative, Joel Hall Dancers, James Kelly Choreography Project, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago (rehearsal director), River North Chicago Dance Company, Cecilia Marta Dance Company, Michael Jackson HBO Special and History video, Monte Carlo Sporting Club, Sweet Charity (Big Daddy and dance captain), and numerous industrials, fashion shows, award shows and commercials (Intel, JC Penney, Swatch, Culligan). Derrick has also assisted on numerous projects including award shows, industrials (NIKE, Pathmark, Paul Mitchell), commercials (JC Penney, Heineken starring John Leguizamo), recording artists (Enrique Iglesias, Lou Bega) and musicals (off-Broadway HOLA nominated Four Guys Named Jose). Choreography credits include: 7th European Youth Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies, Motion Mania Dance Company, Shippensburg University Dance Team, Giordano Chicago Dance Company, River North Chicago Dance Company (one of four choreographers featured in River North's Emmy winning PBS Special), Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Ltd., Sweeney Todd, Chorus Line, and numerous industrials. Derrick has taught master classes throughout the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. He has been on faculty at St.Thomas School of Dance (U.S.V.I.), Broadway Dance Center, Stepsnyc, Monthey Dance Center (Switzerland), Virginia School of the Arts, West Virginia Dance Festival 2008, Mid-Atlantic Summer Dance Intensive (JMU/MMDC), Gus Giordano Dance Center and Western Michigan University (Assistant Professor). In 2006, Western Michigan University named Evans the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient. Evans continues to teach master classes and choreograph in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean.
Kesha Johnson
Kesha Johnson began dancing at Motion Mania Dance Center (MMDC) in Gaithersburg, MD under Artistic Director, Bonnie Slawson and an array of talented and inspiring teachers. She was a member of the youth companies and performed at various local, regional and out-of-state events. She then moved into the Professional Company and joined the faculty. Upon graduation from High School, she headed to Chicago to continue her dance education where she received her B.A. in dance from Columbia College Chicago in May 2008. Following graduation, she was offered a scholarship at the Giordano Dance School and was a member of Giordano 3 and then moved quickly to the Giordano 2 professional company. Teaching experience includes Motion Mania Dance Center, Commotion Dance Center (guest teacher), Giordano Dance School (certified Giordano Instructor); the Helen Peirce School of International Studies, Chicago, IL Science and Health Outreach Program Instructor and the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center, Chicago, IL, Homer Hans Bryant Director. Her extensive training includes study with the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre. Her credits and publications include an instructional jazz video produced in English and Spanish entitled, “Time to Dance.” Performance credits include the Bates Dance Festival/Young Peoples Workshop, Jazz and Tap Festival at Northern Virginia Community College, American College Dance Festival Association (ACDFA), Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre 2007 Summer Sizzler, cast member in two Debbie Allen Productions at the John F. Kennedy Center, Washington D.C., 1998 (Dreams) and 2000 (Pearl) and Washington Post Music & Dance Scholarship Finalist, Warner Theatre, Washington, D.C. Most recently performed on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - Allure of the Seas, September 2010 thru June 2011, as a Dancer Vocalist for “The Broadway Musical Chicago”, Directed by Scott Faris and a Dancer/Revenue Cast flyer for “Blue Planet,” Directed by Jeremy Plummer. In her spare time, she loves to sing and was a member of the George Mason University Choral Festival All State Honors Choir and performed at the Heritage Arts Music Festival, Montreal, Canada. Her style of teaching is fun and full of high energy. Her love and passion for dance allows her to teach a variety of styles of dance and work with any age group.