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Meet the Dream Team:
Your Oro Event Crew

We’re thrilled to introduce the amazing event crew that brings Oro Dance Competition to life! This team works hard to make sure every moment of the competition is seamless and memorable.
From backstage coordinators and tech experts to the friendly faces you’ll see at check-in, each team member plays an essential role in ensuring our events run smoothly. Their dedication and enthusiasm are the magic behind every incredible performance and golden moment.
Scroll through to meet the hardworking crew who make Oro an extraordinary experience for dancers and audiences alike. They truly are the backbone of our events!

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Name: William Akins

Position: Director

 

William Akins is a versatile entertainer, director, and coach based in the Northwest Indiana/Chicago area. With a focus on continuous learning, he studied vocal techniques with Dr. Matthew Latta and Dr. Lisa Miller, piano with Dr. Dan Miller, and choral conducting with Dr. Scott Buchannan.

An active Phi Mu Alpha alumnus, William is deeply involved in the Northwest Indiana community theater scene, performing with Ross Music Theatre and contributing to productions as part of the staff. His notable roles include "Les Misérables," "Phantom of the Opera," and "Cabaret." He currently serves as the music director at St. Matthias Parish in Crown Point.

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Name: Lindsey Graulich

Position: Emcee/Tabulation

 

Lindsey Graulich is a dedicated and passionate dancer with over 12 years of competitive dance experience, specializing in hip hop. Lindsey has trained young dancers in various styles, including tap, hip hop, jazz, and ballet. She has also performed at high-profile events such as the Miami Dolphins halftime show, Orange Bowl performances, and Florida Panthers ice hockey games.

 

In addition to her extensive dance experience, Lindsey has taken on significant event management roles within the industry. As a previous Backstage Manager and Emcee, she ensured the smooth operation of numerous dance competitions. She has coordinated with studios, managed the flow of events, organized and presented awards, and captured moments for social media.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Lindsey is passionate about dance and the arts. She enjoys sharing her love for dance with others and continuously seeks opportunities to grow and learn.

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Name: Jillian Levine

Position: Merchandise

 

Hi! I’m Jillian. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Sport Psychology at Florida State University, and I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I grew up dancing and now work as a dance choreographer and mental performance consultant, combining my love for movement with my passion for helping others perform at their best—mentally and physically. I’m excited to join the Oro Dance Competition team and can’t wait for this season!

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Name: Isa Byrum

Position: Backstage Manager​

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Isa Byrum is a passionate dancer and dance educator originally from Eugene, Oregon.  She began her dance journey at a young age, immersing herself in a wide range of  styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theater, hip hop, tap, and pointe.  She competed in national dance competitions for over 10 years, attending numerous  dance competitions, workshops, and conventions. Isa later relocated to Seattle to  pursue a degree in Visual Communications and Art History, while continuing to foster  her love for dance and the arts. In addition to her education, Isa has been an active part  of the dance community for the past four years, working with dance competitions and  continuing to build her expertise in choreography, performance, and dance education.  She has taught classes in various styles and age groups, sharing her passion and  knowledge with dancers of all levels. Her enthusiasm for both teaching and learning  continues to drive her forward in her dance career. Isa is thrilled to be working within the  dance competition circuit and looks forward to helping young dancers grow, express  themselves, and achieve their full potential.

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Name: Mandi Whiteley

Position: Backstage Manager

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With a lifetime passion for music, dance, acting and pageantry, Mandi Kay is a PNW native who relocated to Los Angeles to continue her love for the industry.  Mandi spent her early career as a traveling performer feeling at home being on the stage singing and dancing. Wanting to give back to the community she became a coach assisting youth and young adults advance their talents in vocal performance, stage presence and dance technique in all genres.  Her students have been featured on Nickelodeon, AGT, The Voice, HBO, NFL half-time show and dancing for Beyonce, Doja Cat, Becky G, Sabrina Carpenter and more. As well as multiple WA Miss USA and Miss America titleists.  With a dedication to the industry, she continues to teach, train, and coach those with a passion for the arts.

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Name: Brianna Whiteley

Position: Backstage Manager

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Briana has danced for various artists including Ciara, Becky G, Abbe Marie, Nickelodeon, Kids Bop and more. She was a competitive dancer in all styles for over 15 years and has done countless music videos and live performances. She has trained with people who work with Beyonce', Camila, Doja Cat, Karol G, and Sabrina Carpenter.

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Name: My’Eesha Knight 

Position: Backstage Manager

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My’Eesha Went to Frostburg State University and minored in dance. Lived in Los Angeles as a dancer for 7 years. Has danced in music videos, music festivals, Toyota Commercial, and in an independent film. Currently residing in Las Vegas where she continues to pursue dance, while also working as a personal trainer.

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Name: Sophie Maria Van Meerten

Position: Backstage Manager

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Ms. Van Meerten grew up in sunny Southern California. She has been involved in dance since the age of two and went on to have a professional career dancing in State Street Ballet and City Ballet of San Diego. Currently, she lives in eastern North Carolina and teaches ballet full time at Dance Theater of Jacksonville. She co-directs the schools annual production of “The Nutcracker” and she coaches dancers for Youth American Gran Prix. Most recently, Sophie has spent time on the road working with other Dance Competitions as backstage, tabulation and judging! Sophie is thrilled to be involved in the dance community and networking with talented young artists and their instructors.

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Name: DaeZhane Day

Position: MC/Tabulation

 

Movement artist DaeZhane Day emulates the blend between Seattle contemporary dance and Bay Area street hip hop. With a BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts DaeZhane shares her hybrid form in and around the Seattle area and beyond. DaeZhane has set work for Seattle Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet as well as performing in Intiman theatre's Black Nativity last December as Mary. They have studied with artists like Melecio Estrella, Charolette Boye-Christensen, and Keyes Wiley, Rubberlegz, and more. DaeZhane has taught in communities such as Pacific Northwest Ballet, Whim Whim Contemporary Dance Center, Summer Dance Lab, and is currently on faculty at eXit Space School of Dance. DaeZhane hopes that her love of community and dance will further her expertise in her admissions role at Cornish College of the Arts. You can find DaeZhane performing in Black Nativity again this December and catch her new group work premiering in February at Base Experimental Arts in Seattle, WA!

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Name: Jennifer Sanchez

Position: Event Runner

 

Jennifer Sanchez over the years has worked with independent films, web series, and photoshoots as a makeup artist on set upon receiving a certificate from Elegance International School of Makeup. She’s also a freelance photographer and attended the Los Angeles Recording/Film School for film and music production and is currently pursuing a degree in the medical field along with her work in the entertainment field.

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Name: Gloria Cea

Position: Event Runner

 

Gloria has dedicated 33 years to serving families and volunteering to support those in need. Her true passion, however, lies in the performing arts. She spent five years at a performing arts school in her youth, gaining experience both on stage and behind the scenes. Now, as part of the Oro Dance Competition team, she brings her dedication and expertise to ensure a seamless and inspiring experience for dancers on competition day.

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Name: Edmund Lozano

Position: Photographer

 

Edmund is a photographer and filmmaker from El Paso, TX. After graduating from New Mexico State University, he lived in Los Angeles, where he specialized in photography and cinematography, capturing life in the world of fashion and creating several narrative films within the L.A. region.  Now based in his hometown of El Paso, he captures life on the border through photography and film projects, while working as a photographer throughout the U.S.

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Name: Ron Huffstutter

Position: Videographer

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Graduate from Southern Oregon University's Film, Television, and  Convergent Media, and is head of Tunnel 13 Films. During his time in Southern Oregon he wrote, produced and directed several films including the award winning Horror Film Creeper and international short film Refuge which premiered in Dubai and Saudi Arabia and came back to the Southern Oregon Community featured in Ashland Film Festival alongside fellow filmmakers in the community. 

 

Now living and working in Los Angeles, CA, he has continued working with the Southern Oregon Filmmakers bringing new and exciting projects to the community including international touring film "Monsters Are Real" with actors and crew from Australia and United States.

Name: Angel Interiano

Position: Technical Director

 

Angel is the Technical Director of Oro Dance Competition with over 15 years of experience in Hollywood's film industry, working with major companies such as HBO, Warner Bros., Telemundo, NBC, HNI Productions. With over a decade of expertise in the dance industry, collaborating with top companies nationwide, Angel possesses extensive knowledge in lighting and technical production. He brings this wealth of experience to Oro Dance Competition, ensuring a high-quality technical experience for every event.

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