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| Providing Lesson For: Infants through Adults Beginners through Advanced Fitness , Professional Dance Training & Martial Arts Training. Visit Our Beautiful Studios Today! Location 81 Fairmount Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19123 Parking Great FREE street parking available in front of our studios. Public Transportation Northern Liberties location one block from Septa El Spring Garden Street Station and all Septa Spring Garden Street Buses. Events & Bookings Call 888.257.9991 or email info@livingartsdance.com to check availability for your event. Personal Training & Private Lessons Call today to schedule your private lesson or free Personal training consultation today. We have experts ready to work with you on your time. Don't see a class you want? Grab a few friends and we'll schedule your favorite class at a time which is convenient for you! Have the class at our studios or bring it to your church, home or facility. Known throughout the Philadelphia area as the most diverse affordable & Professional Dance, Fitness & Martial Arts Classes! |
Noelle Sullivan aka El Boogie is a South Philly native who developed an affinity for the art of
freestyle (break dance) at the early age of 8. By 12 years old Noelle was the first and only female
member of SPB (South Philly Breakers) a crew who competed and won in countless cyphers,
and nationally recognized dance competitions such as the famous Graffiti battle and the BOTY.
Noelle later attended Philadelphia High School for Creative And Performing Arts, where he met
and toured with Jill Scott and The Roots Crew as a backup dancer. For the past 15 years Noelle
has been teaching the fundamentals of Hip-hop and freestyle dance successfully to students on
all levels from beginners to advanced professional dancers. Living Arts Dance Studios is happy
to have Noelle's creative and fun Hip-Hop fitness and Break Dance.
freestyle (break dance) at the early age of 8. By 12 years old Noelle was the first and only female
member of SPB (South Philly Breakers) a crew who competed and won in countless cyphers,
and nationally recognized dance competitions such as the famous Graffiti battle and the BOTY.
Noelle later attended Philadelphia High School for Creative And Performing Arts, where he met
and toured with Jill Scott and The Roots Crew as a backup dancer. For the past 15 years Noelle
has been teaching the fundamentals of Hip-hop and freestyle dance successfully to students on
all levels from beginners to advanced professional dancers. Living Arts Dance Studios is happy
to have Noelle's creative and fun Hip-Hop fitness and Break Dance.
About Us
Our mission is to provide affordable professional performing arts and fitness programs for all. Exposing children to the arts is so
beneficial. Not only does it create cultured well-rounded individuals, but studies have shown a link between young children who learn
music and later go on to excel in math and science. Most importantly we want to give our youth an outlet of self-expression and a great
enriching diversion from the urban city life. Through dance, music, theater, and art we can began to teach young children self-
awareness, decision-making, managing feelings, handling stress, communication, group dynamics, and conflict resolution.
During the past 20 years, obesity among adults & children has risen significantly in the United States. The latest data from the National
Center for Health Statistics show that 30 percent of U.S. Adults 20 years of age and older (over 60 million people) are obese. The
percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. Among children and teens age 6–19, 16 percent
(over 9 million young people) are considered overweight. These increasing rates raise concern because of their implications for
Americans’ health.
At Living Arts Dance & Fitness Studios you can dance and burn the calories away! Keep yourself or your children physically fit as well
as culturally aware through the performing and martial arts. Dance is the most natural and fun work out on the planet. So we ask you,
"What better way is there to get in shape while having fun than Dance?"
beneficial. Not only does it create cultured well-rounded individuals, but studies have shown a link between young children who learn
music and later go on to excel in math and science. Most importantly we want to give our youth an outlet of self-expression and a great
enriching diversion from the urban city life. Through dance, music, theater, and art we can began to teach young children self-
awareness, decision-making, managing feelings, handling stress, communication, group dynamics, and conflict resolution.
During the past 20 years, obesity among adults & children has risen significantly in the United States. The latest data from the National
Center for Health Statistics show that 30 percent of U.S. Adults 20 years of age and older (over 60 million people) are obese. The
percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. Among children and teens age 6–19, 16 percent
(over 9 million young people) are considered overweight. These increasing rates raise concern because of their implications for
Americans’ health.
At Living Arts Dance & Fitness Studios you can dance and burn the calories away! Keep yourself or your children physically fit as well
as culturally aware through the performing and martial arts. Dance is the most natural and fun work out on the planet. So we ask you,
"What better way is there to get in shape while having fun than Dance?"
Jaquetta (Wilson) Colson began her studies as a dancer at the Duke Ellington School for the
Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. While attending Duke Ellington, Jaquetta was a foreign
exchange student and traveled to X’ian, China and Holland representing the United States as a
Youth Ambassador in the 1994 and 1995 International Arts Competitions. Jaquetta also won
several community service awards for her volunteer outreach work in the performing arts while in
high school, she was also a member of several local performance groups in the Washington, DC
area. From 1994-1996 Jaquetta Studied in New York, NY in intensive programs at the prestigious
Alvin Ailey Dance Theater School. In 1996, Jaquetta graduated from Duke Ellington with honors
and received the Presidential Merit and Achievement Full Scholarship to attend the University of the
Arts in Philadelphia, PA where she earned a B.F.A. in Dance Education. During her college career
she entered several Miss America Scholarship Pageants throughout Pennsylvania, where she won
many awards including talent awards, placed 1st runner up and won Miss Eastern PA 1997. After
graduation Jaquetta taught performing arts at many studios, recreation centers and institutions,
she also used her degree to teach early childhood education and Kindergarten for several years. In
2006, Jaquetta opened the Living Arts Dance & Fitness Studios and is determined to provide
affordable professional performing arts and fitness programs to all. Jaquetta is currently teaching
dance, physical fitness & yoga throughout the Philadelphia area and surrounding suburbs; she is
Director of Fitness at St. Mary's Hospital Wellness Center, Dance Professor at Girard College,
Guest Lecturer at Immaculata University, Personal Trainer, Choreographer, Fitness Model and full-
time proud mother of two.
Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. While attending Duke Ellington, Jaquetta was a foreign
exchange student and traveled to X’ian, China and Holland representing the United States as a
Youth Ambassador in the 1994 and 1995 International Arts Competitions. Jaquetta also won
several community service awards for her volunteer outreach work in the performing arts while in
high school, she was also a member of several local performance groups in the Washington, DC
area. From 1994-1996 Jaquetta Studied in New York, NY in intensive programs at the prestigious
Alvin Ailey Dance Theater School. In 1996, Jaquetta graduated from Duke Ellington with honors
and received the Presidential Merit and Achievement Full Scholarship to attend the University of the
Arts in Philadelphia, PA where she earned a B.F.A. in Dance Education. During her college career
she entered several Miss America Scholarship Pageants throughout Pennsylvania, where she won
many awards including talent awards, placed 1st runner up and won Miss Eastern PA 1997. After
graduation Jaquetta taught performing arts at many studios, recreation centers and institutions,
she also used her degree to teach early childhood education and Kindergarten for several years. In
2006, Jaquetta opened the Living Arts Dance & Fitness Studios and is determined to provide
affordable professional performing arts and fitness programs to all. Jaquetta is currently teaching
dance, physical fitness & yoga throughout the Philadelphia area and surrounding suburbs; she is
Director of Fitness at St. Mary's Hospital Wellness Center, Dance Professor at Girard College,
Guest Lecturer at Immaculata University, Personal Trainer, Choreographer, Fitness Model and full-
time proud mother of two.
Jaquetta Colson
Owner & Director
Owner & Director
Noelle Sullivan, Hi
Hip-Hop, Break Dance Instructor
Hip-Hop, Break Dance Instructor
STAFF
Jennifer Ferrell
Belly Dance, Zumba,
Creative Movement Insrtuctor
Belly Dance, Zumba,
Creative Movement Insrtuctor
Jennifer has practiced dance since the early age of three years old! Becoming entranced by the
celebration and expression of the body’s natural rhythms she arduously practiced traditional
Western dances, such as Jazz, Ballet, and Tap as well as learning the exotic style of Belly
Dance. Jennifer’s interest in combining kinesthetics alongside dance began through her
graduate studies where she researched how organic movements, like those found in dance,
open the body and mind for increased self-esteem and self-awareness. She has been bringing
her strong dance background into fitness centers around Philadelphia for over three years. Her
classes employ an interval of cardiovascular activity and isolations for extreme toning alongside
creative moves, which uses the body in a way that promotes overall health. With these unique
workouts Jennifer provides intense but fun workouts! We are so excited to have Jennifer with
Living Arts she will be teaching Belly dance, Zumba, Creative Movement, Tumbling & more!
celebration and expression of the body’s natural rhythms she arduously practiced traditional
Western dances, such as Jazz, Ballet, and Tap as well as learning the exotic style of Belly
Dance. Jennifer’s interest in combining kinesthetics alongside dance began through her
graduate studies where she researched how organic movements, like those found in dance,
open the body and mind for increased self-esteem and self-awareness. She has been bringing
her strong dance background into fitness centers around Philadelphia for over three years. Her
classes employ an interval of cardiovascular activity and isolations for extreme toning alongside
creative moves, which uses the body in a way that promotes overall health. With these unique
workouts Jennifer provides intense but fun workouts! We are so excited to have Jennifer with
Living Arts she will be teaching Belly dance, Zumba, Creative Movement, Tumbling & more!
Kareema Nelson
Jazz, Hip-Hop Instructor
Jazz, Hip-Hop Instructor
Kareema joined Living Arts Dance & Fitness Studios in 2006 as a student, became a student-
intern in 2007 and to 17. May 16, 2011 Kareema received her B.S.degree in Criminology at
Immaculata University with a minor in French language. While attending Immaculate Kareema
was president of the Immaculata dance team and a member of the Double S Hip-Hop dance
team. Kareema is currently continuing her studies to receive a master’s degree in Forensic
Science. Kareema is a vital asset and blessing to the Living Arts Dance Family she teaches
many classes, manages the studio, and substitutes any classes when needed.
intern in 2007 and to 17. May 16, 2011 Kareema received her B.S.degree in Criminology at
Immaculata University with a minor in French language. While attending Immaculate Kareema
was president of the Immaculata dance team and a member of the Double S Hip-Hop dance
team. Kareema is currently continuing her studies to receive a master’s degree in Forensic
Science. Kareema is a vital asset and blessing to the Living Arts Dance Family she teaches
many classes, manages the studio, and substitutes any classes when needed.
Kellie Martinez
Tap, Jazz,
Sub Instructor
Tap, Jazz,
Sub Instructor
Kellie Martinez has recently joined the Living Arts Dance Staff. Kelly is originally from Houston,
Texas where she received over 15 years of classical dance training in many styles such as Ballet,
Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap, Latin and Ballroom dance. We are very excited about Kellie Joining the Living
Arts Dance Family!
Texas where she received over 15 years of classical dance training in many styles such as Ballet,
Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap, Latin and Ballroom dance. We are very excited about Kellie Joining the Living
Arts Dance Family!
Melinda “Sensei Tache’” Banks, M.S. Melinda began studying the Martial Arts in North Jersey at
the age of seven. At the age of nine she joined the Unity Community Center in Camden, NJ
where she was introduced to a new instructor Grand Master Sensei Robert Dickerson whose
Universal Pasha Karate (UPK) school became her home away from home for many years to
come. In 1987 she began to compete in Martial Arts tournaments on a regular basis this
provided a venue for her to build a reputable name in the martial arts world as an unstoppable
force in all girls and young women’s fighting divisions. Melinda ended her karate tournament
career on a high note when she competed in the Gojuru World Championship Martial Arts
Exhibition in Poconos, Pa. where she was awarded the 1995 World Championship Title in the
Women’s Sparring Division. In August of 1991 Melinda celebrated a major accomplishment by
becoming Universal Pasha Karate’s first female Black Belt member, which is considered the”
first level of learning” in the way of the martial artist. Notably, in 2010 Melinda received a Master’s
of Science Degree in Community Economic Development from the University of Southern New
Hampshire a journey that would eventually lead her back home to Camden, NJ where she
currently resides. Melinda now instructs in her beloved Universal Pasha Karate School with
many of her classmates from the past as well as members who have recently joined.
Professionally, Melinda sits as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Unity Community
Center of South Jersey the home of the UPK system. She also develops and manages youth
development curriculum for several non-profits in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, tri-
state area.
the age of seven. At the age of nine she joined the Unity Community Center in Camden, NJ
where she was introduced to a new instructor Grand Master Sensei Robert Dickerson whose
Universal Pasha Karate (UPK) school became her home away from home for many years to
come. In 1987 she began to compete in Martial Arts tournaments on a regular basis this
provided a venue for her to build a reputable name in the martial arts world as an unstoppable
force in all girls and young women’s fighting divisions. Melinda ended her karate tournament
career on a high note when she competed in the Gojuru World Championship Martial Arts
Exhibition in Poconos, Pa. where she was awarded the 1995 World Championship Title in the
Women’s Sparring Division. In August of 1991 Melinda celebrated a major accomplishment by
becoming Universal Pasha Karate’s first female Black Belt member, which is considered the”
first level of learning” in the way of the martial artist. Notably, in 2010 Melinda received a Master’s
of Science Degree in Community Economic Development from the University of Southern New
Hampshire a journey that would eventually lead her back home to Camden, NJ where she
currently resides. Melinda now instructs in her beloved Universal Pasha Karate School with
many of her classmates from the past as well as members who have recently joined.
Professionally, Melinda sits as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Unity Community
Center of South Jersey the home of the UPK system. She also develops and manages youth
development curriculum for several non-profits in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, tri-
state area.
Melinda “Sensei Tache’” Banks
Martial Arts, Kick-Boxing,
Self-Defense Instructor
Martial Arts, Kick-Boxing,
Self-Defense Instructor
Asante' Stevenson joined Living Arts in 2008 at the age of 12 taking only Hip-Hop, her talent
and natural dance abilities instantly shined through. She has blossomed into a wonderful
dancer and is now a student teacher. Asante' is a Senior at the Arts Academy at Benjamin
Rush and will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania this Fall as a Fine Arts major.
Asante' enjoys teaching dance and inspiring younger children to love dance and just have fu.n
and natural dance abilities instantly shined through. She has blossomed into a wonderful
dancer and is now a student teacher. Asante' is a Senior at the Arts Academy at Benjamin
Rush and will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania this Fall as a Fine Arts major.
Asante' enjoys teaching dance and inspiring younger children to love dance and just have fu.n
Asante' Stevenson
Student Teacher
Student Teacher